FoES Formula SAE-A space frame chassis design

Abstract

The formula SAE-A (Society of Automotive Engineers - Australasia) competition is a purpose built competition for engineering students to apply their design and team working skills against each other in an engineering contest. Each team is responsible for the design of their vehicle and the smooth integration of the various components. The design of a chassis for a formula SAE-A race car must contain all necessary com- ponents to support the car and the driver. It must also comply with the formula SAE-A 2004 rules. In order to produce a competitive vehicle with optimum chassis performance, many areas need to be studied and tested. This project carried out all of the necessary background research required to sustain an accurate database of design criteria. This design criteria then allowed the design process and methodology to be derived and to allow for smooth construction of an efficient and effective spaceframe chassis. Once construction of the chassis was completed, analyses were conducted to investigate the effects of working loads on the chassis. Finite element analysis was used to simulate the conditions of various load combinations. This analysis was verified by conducting similar physical tests on the chassis which ensured that the results were accurate. The results established that the deflections would be very minimal under working loads of the vehicle. During the development and construction of the formula SAE-A racer, some areas for improvement were recognised and future recommendations were suggested.