Theoretical Study of Solar Car Based on Finite Element

Abstract

This paper is concerned with an optimization design for the solar car body under a single load is carried out by using finite element optimization design (FEOD) model. Topology optimization and sizing optimization are explored to find out an optimal manufacturing feasible design from multiple optimized designs of material reinforcement of the solar car body for rigidity improvement. The application of these methods demonstrates that through innovative utilization of the topology optimization technique, an optimal manufacturing feasible design can be obtained. The relationship between the rigidity improvement and different configuration of material reinforcement is also investigated. It is concluded that through appropriate application of FEOD methods, the overall rigidity of the solar car body framework can be improved substantially in a cost effective manner and provides more convincing evidence for optimization design of the solar car body. The results demonstrate that the optimized solar car body is safer and lighter.