Suspension Analysis based on Solidworks Modeling
Stress Analysis of the Front Suspension of a Formula Student Racing Car Using Solidworks Simulation Tools
Abstract— the paper covers a simulation of the front suspension system which obtained a better way to analyze the problem. With the help of theoretical study, the simulation was conducted by using composite elements mesh for the system, which leads to a more accurate solution comparing to the single solid mesh model.
Keywords—Suspension, Stress, Solidworks, Simulation, FEM. Introduction
A. Background
“The Formula SAE ® Series competitions challenge teams of university undergraduate and graduate students to conceive, design, fabricate and compete with small, formula style, autocross racing cars.”[1]
Swansea University has been involved with this competition for almost 13 years. And the main design of this year’s car is optimized by the previous car model – S12 to obtain a better performance. Therefore, the target of the simulations was based on the front suspension system of S12 model. And the analyzing process was provided with the illustration of simple components so that the advantages and optimization of the simulation approach can be presented.
B. Suspension System
The competition rules require the suspension system to ensure that the car should have good riding stability, appropriate vibration absorbing ability and competitive controlling level. Specifically, with the help of suspension system, the car should: (1) Keep stable when accelerating and braking; (2) Decrease the longitudinal incline of the main body; (3) Provide a proper camber angle when cornering; (4) Avoid movement interaction with compact connections between parts; (5) Has reliable load transfer between main body and the tires;(6) Be easy to assembly or maintain; (7) Has enough strength and working life to complete the race.
The suspension system can be divided into two main types: dependent and independent. Comparing to the dependent type, the independent suspension
Abstract— the paper covers a simulation of the front suspension system which obtained a better way to analyze the problem. With the help of theoretical study, the simulation was conducted by using composite elements mesh for the system, which leads to a more accurate solution comparing to the single solid mesh model.
Keywords—Suspension, Stress, Solidworks, Simulation, FEM. Introduction
A. Background
“The Formula SAE ® Series competitions challenge teams of university undergraduate and graduate students to conceive, design, fabricate and compete with small, formula style, autocross racing cars.”[1]
Swansea University has been involved with this competition for almost 13 years. And the main design of this year’s car is optimized by the previous car model – S12 to obtain a better performance. Therefore, the target of the simulations was based on the front suspension system of S12 model. And the analyzing process was provided with the illustration of simple components so that the advantages and optimization of the simulation approach can be presented.
B. Suspension System
The competition rules require the suspension system to ensure that the car should have good riding stability, appropriate vibration absorbing ability and competitive controlling level. Specifically, with the help of suspension system, the car should: (1) Keep stable when accelerating and braking; (2) Decrease the longitudinal incline of the main body; (3) Provide a proper camber angle when cornering; (4) Avoid movement interaction with compact connections between parts; (5) Has reliable load transfer between main body and the tires;(6) Be easy to assembly or maintain; (7) Has enough strength and working life to complete the race.
The suspension system can be divided into two main types: dependent and independent. Comparing to the dependent type, the independent suspension
References: SAE International community, Formula SAE Lincoln Event Guide, 2013 edtion. John C. Dixon. Suspension Geomytry and Computation. Wiley, PEP, SAE. The Open University, Great Britain..Tl.257.D59.2009 Bernd Heing and Metin Ersoy. Chasis Handbook. 3rd edtion. 978-3-8348-0994-0.2011..