Abstract
Keywords: chassis development, topology optimization, solar powered vehicle, lightweight structure, manufacturability
Space frame optimization can be complex and time consuming if done with traditional analytical methods. Optimization using 3D finite element analysis in an iterative design cycle provides a solution, but often leads to results that are not conform to production constraints. For the design of the tubular space frame of a solar powered vehicle, a topology optimization in 2D surfaces was used to develop the 3D frame. This allowed significant gains in modeling and processing time and insured conformity of the results with the production constraints of a tubular space frame. The shortened development time allowed more design cycles to be spent on the entire vehicle design, leading to a highly improved design. The described method can be applied to any type of tubular space frame optimization.