Shaft Design for Electric Go-kart

Krzysztof Mateja,Kamil Zenowicz

doi:10.31648/ts.6821

Abstract

This article presents the results of work related to the design, analysis, and manufacturing of the shaft for an electric go-kart. Works considered the stiffness of the shaft for various conditions affecting the vehicle while driving. In the previous stage of the project, the electric motor and gear transmission were selected. The main goal of this case study was to design the shaft for 10 kW electric go-kart. The rear driving axle of the go-kart is not equipped with a differential. The equal rotational speed of two rear wheels causes that occurs skidding and greater forces acting on the vehicle and driver when cornering. We were considering two types of the shaft – full and drilled. The first one provides greater stiffness, the second one is “softer”. The analysis allowed for the selection of a more appropriate shaft, and then for its manufacture and assembly in the vehicle.

Highlights

Electric motorsport is becoming more popular and displacing traditional internal combustion engines
The produced shaft was used as the drive shaft for the prototype of an electric go-kart (Fig. 4)
The first load case showed the possibility of using a shaft with a diameter of 17 mm for both analyzed elements

Summary

Introduction

Electric motorsport is becoming more popular and displacing traditional internal combustion engines. Electric motors used in drive systems need a different design of some components. The electric drive generates greater torque, higher efficiency, and weight is less than an internal combustion. Designed components have to take into account all these restrictions and often they are different in shape, dimensions, material. Shafts transfer the torque from the motor to the wheels. Go-karts do not have a differential which causes that wheels have this same rotational speed. This kind of power transmission contributes to faster wear of tires and components of the driveline. The steering knuckle of the go-kart lifts the outer wheel slightly upwards during a turn. Force of inertia tilts the go-kart so that it passes the turn on three wheels – two front and one rear (The Axle 2016)

Methods

Results

Conclusion