Monocoque Workflow Plan
- Identify Monocoque Design Goals
- General - What do we want from our new monocoque?
- What will be the MAIN focus (other than structural compliance)?
- Adaptability?
- Simplicity?
- Manufacturability?
- Aerodynamics?
- Ergonomics?
- Cost?
- In the end all will be considered, but what will take precedence over everything?
- Make mounting to the monocoque easier (flatter/straighter panels)
- Outer/inner main hoop?
- Do we design for EV/IC compatibility?
- Design a full monocoque?
- Two year design cycle or one year?
- What are the changes to car’s components to take into account?
- Accumulator is a big one, design will change a lot based on new accumulator
- Suspension Geometry would definitely change
- Aerodynamics
- Cover front shocks
- Can we move shocks forward? (problems with cross section)
- Much easier to package shock forward of the pedal box
- Provide space for removable aerodynamic devices
- Streamline the form
- Suspension
- Are there any major desired design changes?
- Electrical
- Are there any major desired design changes?
- Ergonomics
- Are there any major desired design changes?
- Manufacturing
- Reduce Panel Count
- Reduce Weight
- Play more with variance of ply count and core height/type
- De-mouldable geometry
- Overall
- Full monocoque will be hell without a reliable carbon/autoclave sponsor
- I am working on a list of composite companies in minnesota we could reach out for sponsorships
- Can we do it in 1 year? 2 years seems very doable, but 1 is very enticing
- Identify Geometric Restrictions
- Minimum Wheelbase Length
- Percy Model
- Tire Exclusion Zone
- Rollover Protection Envelope
- Cockpit Entrance Template
- Internal Cross Section Template
- Side Impact Zone
- Identify Component Space Claims
- PowerTrain
- Accumulator & Cover
- Drivetrain?
- I don’t really know
- Ergonomics & Driver
- Driver
- Seat
- Pedal Box
- Steering System & Wheel
- Headrest
- Design/Structural Requirements (Rules)
- Main Hoop + Bracing
- Front Hoop (no bracing required)
- Design Initial Model
- Test the Monocoque on current car setup
- Identify any obvious concerns
- Identify areas of change (ie. suspension setup, aero mounting, ergo setup, roll hoop)
- Suspension Setup & Mounting
- Aero Mounting
- Ergo Setup
- Roll Hoops Locations/Geometry
- Powertrain Setup
- Begin Monocoque Analysis
- CFD Simulations
- Analyze the model’s aerodynamic impact
- Identify possible areas of change and improvement
- Could be changes to the monocoque or the aero package
- FEA/FEM Analysis
- Start heavy and stiff - Ensure initial rigid and stiff setup
- Identify Areas susceptible to failure and ones far from it
- Make the model more anisotropic - focus the strength in the directions and cases it requires it most
Testing
Geometric Limitations
Relevant Literature