Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The main objective of this study is to propose a new design of go-kart chassis and to assess the ability to bear the front, rear and side impacts on this proposed design. Another goal of this study is to make this design with different materials and also to test them in different loading conditions. To determine the safest material for the proposed Go-Kart chassis design based on the results obtained. Methods/Statistical analysis: A new and lighter go-kart chassis model is proposed in this study. A 3D go-kart chassis was modelled and its Finite Element Analysis was carried out on Autodesk fusion 360 software. Global test standards were used to simulate the impact behavior on go-kart chassis. In addition, this Go-kart chassis design was also made from three different materials i.e., AISI-4130, Al-6061 and CFRP composite. These Go-kart chassis were tested under different loading conditions. A comparative study of the obtained results was also carried out. Findings: The results of simulations performed under different conditions, showed this design has demonstrated adequate resistance against deformation in front, back and side impact tests. In every situation, factor of safety was more than one. Therefore, it can be inferred that the proposed design was completely safe under testing conditions. Under different loading conditions, the design made up of CFRP composite was safest among all the materials used. However, detailed modelling and simulation studies are needed before testing it in real-life conditions. Novelty/Applications: Go-kart type of small vehicles are primarily used for recreational and racing purposes which are mainly powered by batteries as well as low capacity engines. The lower weight and better design of the chassis have the ability to improve their performance to a great extent.

Keywords: Gokart; Autodesk fusion 360; finite element analysis; chassis; impact behaviour