Optimization of Go-kart chassis for its structural performance

• Main Authors: Paul, Renjan Jose, Dilip, V. P., Shajan, Kevin, Gopikrishnan, A., Mangalathu, Georgekutty S., Abraham, Biju Cherian, Kuriakose, Soni, Paul, Brijesh
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alloy steels; Carbon content; Chromium molybdenum steels; Corrosion fatigue; Corrosion resistance; Corrosion resistant steels; Deformation analysis; Design; Design analysis; Design factors; Design optimization; Design standards; Finite element method; High strength alloys; Impact analysis; Impact resistance; Low carbon steel; Machinability; Machining; Metal fatigue; Performance evaluation; Recreational vehicles; Regulations; Safety factors; Safety standards; Structural analysis; Tensile strength; Yield strength; Yield stress
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0227418

This paper aims to create a chassis that is both safe and comfortable for the driver, while also meeting the required technical specifications. We will consider three different materials and evaluate their suitability for the purpose, ultimately choosing the best material for the chassis. The three materials that have been considered for the chassis are AISI 1018, AISI 1020, and AISI 4130. AISI 1018 is low-carbon steel with good weldability, machinability, and relatively low cost. Its yield strength is 370 MPa, and its tensile strength is 440 MPa. AISI 1020 is a low-carbon steel that is also well suited for welding and machining, but it contains a little more carbon than AISI 1018. Its yield strength is 350 MPa, and its tensile strength is 420 MPa. Chromium-molybdenum alloy steel AISI 4130 has high strength, hardness, and resistance to corrosion and fatigue. A go-kart chassis can be made from any of the three materials, but each has pros and cons of its own. Various elements, including design requirements, availability, cost, and performance, will influence the material choice. To endure the stresses encountered while operating the kart, the material should be strong, rigid, and impact-resistant. Three Go-kart chassis are designed based on SAE regulations and Driver Ergonomics. Structural analysis of the three designed models with AISI 1018 material will involve testing their performance under different types of impact scenarios such as front, side, and rear impacts. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software will be used to simulate these impact scenarios and evaluate the strength, deformation, and safety factors of each model. After the analysis, an iteration of design models will be conducted to improve any weak areas or areas with excessive weight. This process will help refine the models and ensure they meet the required safety standards and regulations. The analysis will help us understand which material performs best and which design is optimal for creating a stable and flexible chassis for a go-kart. The final design will be based on thorough analysis and optimization to ensure maximum performance and safety. Finally, the three models will be compared based on their weight and strength to determine the superior design. The design with the highest strength-to-weight ratio will be considered the best. This design will offer the optimal balance between strength and weight, providing maximum performance while meeting the required safety standards.