Concepção, projeto e otimização de uma estrutura para aplicação em veículo de uso misto

Abstract

This research is a part of a major project witch comprises the design and building of a functional all terrain vehicle prototype. This type of vehicle is found between the pure off-road vehicles (jeeps) and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). It will also try to combine performance and comfort on and off-road. The main goal is to reach the design of a ladder frame structure using a modern methodology. This method consists of the latest optimization and simulation techniques. The research will also achieve a structure with performance, using the economical viability of a small production. This study represents a contribution to the national small business that can use it to explore markets where bigger industries cannot reach. Initially, parameters were obtained from a structure analysis. This structure belongs to a vehicle that fits the interest category. In the analysis, parameters such as: chassis geometry, torsion and bending stiffness were obtained. These were used to feed the numeric models. The models were built with a commercial software based on the finite element method. The so validated models were simplified and again used as the first step in an automated numerical optimization procedure. After optimization procedures, the design configuration was achieved. The new structure is 75% stiffer (torsion stiffness) than the original model. It is also 5 kg heavier. The new configuration presents also a simpler geometry. It will be easier to be built and can make mass production more efficient. These results allow the research to be continued. First future step will be to build and test the new structure.