Frame simulation SolidWorks 2010

[G.Arce]

Hi all,

firstly, even though I do not post regularly, I must admit that your discussions are helping me a lot when understanding concepts and ideas about FSAE.

I've tried to search in this forum, I've read many topics related to my problem, but I can't really find what I am looking for.

My problem is that I am trying to simulate our frame as accurately as possible, so that we can have the approx. value of the torsional stiffness of the frame (and then, we will obtain more data). However I have some doubts on how to do this. Last year we fixed the rear suspension points and applied two loads in the front suspension to create a Moment. With basic calculations the torsional rigidity can be obtain.

However, I believe that there must me a more accurate why to do this, and that's why I need your help.

Thanks in advance!

[BMH]

There is a very good SAE paper out there called "Design, Analysis and Testing of a Formula SAE Car Chassis" (SAE Paper number 2002-01-3300). It has pretty good info in it, and I definitely recommend you reading it. You can probably find it online for free somewhere if you search hard enough... Otherwise just see about getting it straight from SAE.

[billywight]

http://fsae.com/eve/forums/a/t...=333109251#333109251 (http://fsae.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/125607348/m/831104251?r=333109251#333109251)

See the 9th post.

[G.Arce]

Thanks very much for your help! I will read what you advice, thanks http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[DOA]

The previously mentioned paper does cover the basics very well (see http://rileydynamics.com/m-eng%20web/sec3.htm).
However, what you may find is that it is more usefull to follow a process that you are capable of modelling. I mention this as I have had to alter the measurement procedure in order to analyse any new frame designs in a way that I can reproduce in real life using previous chassis. If you look at the solidworks tutorial videos on youtube, the method they advocate is very similar to what I have used except that I have applied the restraints at the shock mounting points rather than modelling a frame to represent the wishbones.
Of course its all open to interpretation though http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif.