Title: Kinematic simulations and design of a steering upright for a single seater electric car

Authors: Shubham Ganju; Kelly Ann Dennis Furtado; Fanil Harshad Birawat; Nagesh Shenoy; Subash Acharya

Addresses: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India ' Department of Mechatronics, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India ' Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India ' Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India ' Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India

Abstract: This work discusses a systematic approach for design and analysis of a steering upright based on suspension hardpoint analysis. The steps followed would ensure anticipated performance of a vehicle in terms of ride comfort and handling. The suspension hardpoints were determined using LOTUS™ Shark suspension analysis software based on kinematic simulations. The geometric model of the upright was then created in accordance with the hardpoints obtained. Static structural analysis was performed on the preliminary upright design and design modifications were done to reduce the weight. Further, a suitable material was selected for the upright based on a comparison of values of stress, deformation, safety factor and mass for different upright materials. In addition, fatigue analysis was performed to compute the life of the upright. The manufactured uprights were assembled with other suspension assembly components and were tested under different on road conditions to observe for any failure.

Keywords: steering upright; suspension hardpoints; kinematic simulations; wheel alignment angles; finite element analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVNV.2024.138093

International Journal of Vehicle Noise and Vibration, 2024 Vol.20 No.1, pp.27 - 48

Received: 20 Apr 2023
Accepted: 04 Oct 2023
Published online: 29 Apr 2024 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article