Design a Space Frame Chassis for Light Weight Automobiles for Improved Safety and Reliability

Abstract

The objective of this research is to design a spaceframe chassis for light weight automobiles possessing unladen weight of ≤ 550Kg to replace the conventional monocoque type chassis frame. The maximum stress and maximum deflection that the chassis can resist without fracturing are important criteria. In this thesis, the existing monocoque chassis was considered and analyzed under static loading, frontal impact, side impact, rear impact, front rollover and side rollover loading conditions by using Finite Element Analysis method. Then, taking the test results as a reference, a spaceframe chassis was designed for the same size vehicle. The critical evaluation standard points stated in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS), U.S.A standard, were used as guideline to see the performance of the existing and the new chassis frames. The test results show that a space frame chassis has better stress resisting capacity and reliability than the conventional monocoque chassis frame under all impacts.