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dc.contributor.advisorStorm, C.P.
dc.contributor.advisorJanse van Rensburg, J.J.
dc.contributor.authorFourie, Izak Johannes
dc.date.accessioned2014-07-30T07:42:05Z
dc.date.available2014-07-30T07:42:05Z
dc.date.issued2014
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10394/10954
dc.descriptionMIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014en_US
dc.description.abstractThe Formula SAE is a student based competition organised by SAE International where engineering students from a university design, develop and test a formula-style race car prototype to compete against other universities. The competition car needs to satisfy the competition rules set out by the organisers. The competition strives to stimulate original, creative problem solving together with innovative engineering design practices. In any race environment, the primary goal is always to be as competitive as possible. Due to the competitive nature of motor sport, vehicle components need to withstand various and severe stresses. The components of a race car vehicle are responsible for the vehicle’s handling characteristics and reliability. The chassis is a crucial and integral component of a Formula SAE competition car, primarily responsible for the vehicle’s performance characteristics. The chassis is the structural component that accommodates all the other components. A Formula SAE chassis is a structure that requires high torsional stiffness, low weight as well as the necessary strength properties. In this study, multiple Formula SAE chassis were designed and developed using computer aided design software. Each concept’s torsional stiffness, weight and strength properties were tested using finite element analysis software. The different concepts consisted of different design techniques and applications. All the concepts were analysed and assessed, leading to the identification of an acceptable prototype. The prototype was manufactured for experimental tests. The designed chassis complied with the Formula SAE rules and regulations. The weight, torsional stiffness and strength characteristics of the designed chassis frame were also favourable compared to accepted standards for Formula SAE chassis frames. The manufactured chassis was prepared for experimental tests in order to validate the simulation results produced by the finite element analysis. The torsional stiffness, weight and strength were experimentally determined and the results were compared with the corresponding simulations results. The comparison of the experimental and simulated results enabled the validation of the finite element analysis software. The study draws conclusions about the use of computer aided design and finite element analysis software as a design tool for the development of a Formula SAE chassis. Closure about the study is provided with general conclusions, recommendations and research possibilities for future studies.en_US
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.subjectChassisen_US
dc.subjectComputer aided designen_US
dc.subjectFinite element analysisen_US
dc.subjectFormula SAEen_US
dc.subjectMotorsporten_US
dc.subjectSolidWorksen_US
dc.subjectSpace frameen_US
dc.subjectStructuresen_US
dc.subjectTorsional stiffnessen_US
dc.subjectVehicle designen_US
dc.titleThe design and development of a vehicle chassis for a Formula SAE competition caren
dc.typeThesisen_US
dc.description.thesistypeMastersen_US
dc.contributor.researchID10706003 - Storm, Christoffel Philippus (Supervisor)


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