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Mechanical engineering

Design and Simulation of Monocoque Composite Chassis for Electric Motor Vehicles

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang in Malang, Indonesia, have designed and simulated a monocoque composite chassis for electric motor vehicles. The study aimed to create a more efficient and safer chassis that could replace the conventional ladder frame. The researchers employed finite element analysis using Ansys Composite Pre-Post (ACP) to simulate the behavior of the chassis under various loads. The results showed that the monocoque composite chassis design offered a better combination of strength, stiffness, and mass efficiency compared to the ladder frame.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to design and simulate a monocoque composite chassis as an alternative to the conventional ladder frame for electric motor vehicles.
  • The researchers used finite element analysis using Ansys Composite Pre-Post (ACP) to define ply details, orientation, and laminate thickness.
  • The materials used were Epoxy Unidirectional Carbon Fiber, Epoxy Carbon Woven, and PVC Foam as the core.
  • The simulation results indicated that the chassis experienced a maximum deformation of 0.8933 mm, a maximum principal stress of 34.53 MPa, and a maximum principal elastic strain of 0.001028 mm/mm.
  • The composite failure criterion value was 0.2666.
  • The study concluded that the monocoque composite chassis design provides a better combination of strength, stiffness, and mass efficiency compared to the ladder frame and has strong potential for application in the development of prototype electric motor vehicles.
  • The researchers involved in the study were Daryono Daryono, Bima Fatureza Yusvana, and Ali Saifullah.

Statistics:

  • Maximum deformation: 0.8933 mm
  • Maximum principal stress: 34.53 MPa
  • Maximum principal elastic strain: 0.001028 mm/mm
  • Composite failure criterion value: 0.2666

Sources:

  • Rekayasa Mesin, "Simulation of Monocoque Chassis Structure of Electric Vehicles Based on Composite Materials", 2025, 16(2): 927-941.
  • Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, "Monocoque Composite Chassis Design for Electric Motor Vehicles", Journal of Engineering, 2025, p 3597.

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