FSAE Tubular Frame Torsional Stiffness to Weight Research
Location
CSU 203
Start Date
18-4-2016 11:05 AM
End Date
18-4-2016 12:05 PM
Student's Major
Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Gary Mead
Mentor's Department
Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
The research project consists of designing, testing and building a Formula SAE Tubular frame. The frame is the structure that supports the main components. The team’s goal was to reduce the weight 10% when compared to the previous year’s car while maintaining a torsional stiffness between 1,200-1,300 lb-ft/deg. Torsional stiffness is the resistance to twisting forces. Having low stiffness cause an unpredictable car. The previous year’s finished chassis was 91 lbs. The team started off by examining the 2016 FSAE rules. The rules denote certain criteria such as tube sizing, templates, and general building requirements. Following the rules the team designed a frame using CAD (Computer Aided Design). When designing the chassis each tube needed to have a purpose and either be in compression or tension to ensure no excess weight. With the design in CAD, the team was then able to work with the other systems to see where changes needed to be made. The rear section of the car was redesigned to incorporate the engine as a semi stressed member which stiffened the frame without the adding weight. The frame was simulated using FEA (Finite Element Analysis) software to find critical and noncritical tubes as well as general trends. Once finalized, the team started building. The frame weighs 71lbs and the team is positive that the goal can be met for torsional rigidity. Once the Frame is complete it can be torsionally tested to compare its simulated to actual stiffness as well as the weight.
FSAE Tubular Frame Torsional Stiffness to Weight Research
CSU 203
The research project consists of designing, testing and building a Formula SAE Tubular frame. The frame is the structure that supports the main components. The team’s goal was to reduce the weight 10% when compared to the previous year’s car while maintaining a torsional stiffness between 1,200-1,300 lb-ft/deg. Torsional stiffness is the resistance to twisting forces. Having low stiffness cause an unpredictable car. The previous year’s finished chassis was 91 lbs. The team started off by examining the 2016 FSAE rules. The rules denote certain criteria such as tube sizing, templates, and general building requirements. Following the rules the team designed a frame using CAD (Computer Aided Design). When designing the chassis each tube needed to have a purpose and either be in compression or tension to ensure no excess weight. With the design in CAD, the team was then able to work with the other systems to see where changes needed to be made. The rear section of the car was redesigned to incorporate the engine as a semi stressed member which stiffened the frame without the adding weight. The frame was simulated using FEA (Finite Element Analysis) software to find critical and noncritical tubes as well as general trends. Once finalized, the team started building. The frame weighs 71lbs and the team is positive that the goal can be met for torsional rigidity. Once the Frame is complete it can be torsionally tested to compare its simulated to actual stiffness as well as the weight.
Recommended Citation
Jaspers, Joe and Steven Thuening. "FSAE Tubular Frame Torsional Stiffness to Weight Research." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 18, 2016.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2016/oral-session-06/2
