Abstract
Composites have proved their usefulness in the automotive industry during recent years. Many automobile companies use them in different parts to reduce weight without hampering strength. In a composite material, Lay-up sequence and orientation highly affects the properties of the laminate. Therefore, it is important to perform design optimization on a component to achieve high strength in minimum weight. This paper deals with the optimization of lay-up for composite Racing Seat using finite element analysis. Different lay-up sequences for laminates including, cross-ply [0/90]n, angle-ply [±α]n, and [0/90/±α]n are analysed. The lay-up sequence, orientation and ply number are optimized using composite material carbon fibre/Epoxy. Driver’s ergonomics and impact sustainability are considered constraints for weight optimization. Driver’s ergonomics were based on 95th percentile male and 5th percentile female rule. Force analysis is performed on the seat according to SFI 39.2 to evaluate the strength requirement. Finite element analysis of composite racing seat is performed via commercial finite element code ANSYS and using the capabilities of ANSYS Composite PrepPost (ACP) to form desired composite lay-up. A finite element code is based on classical lamination theory; including Puck’s failure criterion for first-ply failure. The seat is divided into three portions with a different number of layers considering the values and specific nature of acting forces; which resulted in different thicknesses in different regions. The optimization results show that for all the angles of Angle-ply laminate considered, Angle-ply laminates with an angle of 45⁰ provides a more optimum design. The minimum weight obtained is 10.15 kg.
Highlights
INTRODUCTION‘Light-weight’ is the prime requirement of any racing car as it directly affects the speed of the vehicle
Composites have proved their usefulness in the automotive industry during recent years
Many researchers have studied the high-speed impact analysis and improved the seat structure to minimise the risk of injury[8,9] The main objective of this paper is to analyse and arrive at the optimal design for a Racing seat using composite material which can be constructed with minimum weight to sustain intended impact loads thereby offering protection and comfort to the driver
Summary
‘Light-weight’ is the prime requirement of any racing car as it directly affects the speed of the vehicle. In any racing car, ‘Racing Seat’ is a critical component since any damages to it can directly harm the driver apart from affecting the driver’s comfort It needs to be designed optimally so that it can sustain the external impacts while offering needed comfort to the driver. Many researchers have studied the high-speed impact analysis and improved the seat structure to minimise the risk of injury[8,9] The main objective of this paper is to analyse and arrive at the optimal design for a Racing seat using composite material which can be constructed with minimum weight to sustain intended impact loads thereby offering protection and comfort to the driver. The optimization process is performed using commercial finite element code ANSYS where parameters like the lay-up sequence, orientation and ply number have been considered while designing the plies. Design Optimization of Composite Lay-up Sequence and Orientation to Achieve Minimum Weight for Racing Seat. The first-ply failure approach is checked using the Puck’s failure criteria
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