FE MODELING OF A COMPOSITE MONOCOQUE FORMULA SAE RACECAR CHASSIS

The goal of this project was to build a full chassis model of VTM16 for use in predicting the torsional stiffness of our Formula SAE vehicle. The chassis is comprised of a sandwich-structure monocoque with CFRP skins and an aluminum honeycomb core in the front and a rear steel spaceframe. Steel suspension components and a representative engine were added to the model so its results could be compared to physical testing done with the vehicle. The model was created in a short period of 2 months to meet the tight deadlines imposed by the Formula SAE competition and resulted in ~5% difference from the measured torsional stiffness of the vehicle. The model and standards developed during this project will be useful in the design of future vehicles within our program and should allow for stiffer, lighter chassis.