Direct Front and Back Impact Analysis of Go-Kart Chassis Using ANSYS Workbench A Comparative Study Between Aluminium and Carbon Fiber Materials
Abstract / Objective This study aims to analyze the front and rear impact behavior of a go-kart chassis using ANSYS Workbench. Two materials—Aluminium and Carbon Fiber—are compared based on total deformation and equivalent stress results.
Introduction • Go-kart chassis must withstand impacts during operation. • Understanding stress distribution under frontal and rear collisions ensures safety and durability. • The objective is to perform static equivalent impact simulations to evaluate performance differences between materials.
Finite Element Method (FEM) • The FEM divides the chassis into discrete elements interconnected by nodes. • Each element follows equilibrium equations derived from elasticity theory. • The stiffness matrix [K] relates nodal displacements {u} to applied loads {F} through [K]{u}={F}.
Impact Mechanics • Direct impact refers to load application along the longitudinal axis of the chassis. • Static equivalent loads are applied to approximate dynamic impact forces. • The analysis assumes linear elastic material behavior and fixed boundary constraints.
Stress and Deformation Theory • Von-Mises Equivalent Stress: σ_eq = sqrt(0.5*((σ1−σ2)^2 + (σ2−σ3)^2 + (σ3−σ1)^2)) • Total Deformation: δ = sqrt(ux^2 + uy^2 + uz^2) • Lower deformation and stress indicate better impact resistance.
Geometry Modeling [Insert chassis geometry screenshot here] • 3D CAD model of the go-kart chassis created in SolidWorks and imported into ANSYS. • Simplifications: symmetry assumptions and exclusion of minor fillets. • Defined coordinate axes for load and support applications.
Meshing [Insert mesh screenshot here] • Tetrahedral meshing applied with size optimization for accuracy. • Mesh quality verified using skewness and aspect ratio metrics. • Refined mesh applied at impact zones and joints.
Boundary Conditions & Loading [Insert boundary condition schematic] • Named selections defined for front and back regions. • Fixed supports applied on opposite ends depending on impact direction. • Static load equivalent to impact force applied at designated faces.
Results: Aluminium and Carbon Fiber Placeholders for screenshots: • Aluminium – Front Impact: Deformation • Aluminium – Back Impact: Stress • Carbon Fiber – Front Impact: Deformation • Carbon Fiber – Back Impact: Stress Interpretation: • Aluminium shows greater deformation due to lower stiffness. • Carbon fiber exhibits higher stiffness with localized stresses.
Qualitative Discussion • Aluminium: Ductile, absorbs more impact energy, moderate stress. • Carbon Fiber: Lightweight, stiffer, brittle failure tendency. • Trade-off between weight reduction and energy absorption capability. • Ideal choice depends on performance priority—safety or efficiency.
Conclusions • Both materials perform within safe limits under combined impact conditions. • Carbon Fiber offers higher stiffness and weight advantage. • Aluminium provides better energy absorption under extreme conditions. • Future work: dynamic crash simulation, hybrid composite analysis.
References 1. ANSYS Mechanical APDL Theory Reference, ANSYS Inc. 2. J. Smith et al., 'Crash Analysis of Go-Kart Chassis,' Int. J. Mech. Eng., 2023. 3. R. D. Cook, 'Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis,' Wiley. 4. ASM Handbook: Composite Materials, 2015.