From Design to Manufacture of a Carbon Fiber Monocoque for a Three-Wheeler Vehicle Prototype

Abstract

This paper describes the design process of the monocoque for IDRAkronos, a three-wheeler hydrogen prototype focused on fuel efficiency, made to compete at the Shell Eco-Marathon event. The vehicle takes advantage of the lightweight and high mechanical performance of carbon fiber to achieve minimal mass and optimized fuel consumption. Based on previous experiences and background knowledge, the authors describe their work toward a design that integrates aerodynamic performance, style, structural resistance and stiffness. A portrayal of the objectives, load cases, simulations and production process—that lead to a final vehicle winner of the Design Award and 1st place general at the 2016 competition—is presented and discussed.