Optimizing Formula Student Car Chassis to Enhance Torsional Stiffness for Improved Vehicle Handling Performance

This research aims to optimize the chassis of a Formula Student car, by applying different design configurations to reach superior torsional stiffness. In Formula Student cars, teams face difficulties to balance between chassis weight and torsional stiffness during the design phase. Torsional stiffness plays a crucial role in determining a vehicle's stability, cornering ability, and competitive advantage. The research starts with a thorough analysis of the literature review, emphasizing vehicle dynamics, torsional stiffness, and chassis design in relation to Formula Student Competition. Building on this understanding, the research evaluated the torsional stiffness of different chassis designs using finite element analysis (FEA) techniques. Parameters such as frame geometry and strategic bracing techniques were examined to identify optimal configurations, with carefully considering the weight of the chassis along with its manufacturability. Enhanced vehicle's handling performance had resulted by increasing the torsional stiffness 110.8% through applying different chassis design configurations cumulatively.