Abstract
Formula Student represents the main motorsport activity for future professionals during their academic preparation. There is intensive migration from the prototypes with an internal combustion engine to electrical vehicles. The challenge of electric vehicles is the weight of the batteries which has to be compensated. The Topological Optimization process represents a method of removing volume and mass of the component (elements of mesh) with the aid of the discretization allowed by the finite element method (FEM) until a mass or stress constraint is attained. The results come in a complex shape, the material being kept only in the stressstrain directions. The manufacturing process is usually as complex, being employed high complexity technologies such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM). Improved strength-to-weight ratio materials are to be considered to obtain the most performant design of a specific component. The present paper presents the topological optimization process of the steering knuckle for the Formula Student electric vehicle of ART-TU Team of Technical University of Cluj-Napoca. It means that the part is simulated and optimized through Ansys Static Structural and there is done post-processing of the component along with Data Validation. The conclusions consist of the viability of the Topological Optimization process when designing complex components for performance automotive.
Highlights
A Topological Optimization procedure is a means of optimizing the structure of a component to achieve the most favorable strength-to-weight ratio
The topological optimization process is done through the Ansys Topological Optimization module and it is post-processed with Ansys SpaceClaim
The Topological Optimization process enables the organic design which is mainly focused on the strength-toweight improving ratio of the component and the 3D printing CAD model, which is the final aim of this paper
Summary
A Topological Optimization procedure is a means of optimizing the structure of a component to achieve the most favorable strength-to-weight ratio. The method consists of the discretization of the CAD model and removing by iterations elements that are redundant into the structural strength of the part. The constraints consist of the mass, volume, or stress limit which is imposed on the optimized design. The methodology for the paper is the complete parametrization and enabling the topdown design methods in CATIA V5. There are carried out FEM static simulations, including analytical calculus of loads, materials assignment. The topological optimization process is done through the Ansys Topological Optimization module and it is post-processed with Ansys SpaceClaim.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
