Monocoque
A monocoque is a fully enclosed structural chassis where the loads are supported by the skin. This could be done by either folding a sheet material (such as aluminum sandwich or sheet metal) or manufacturing components with molding a material (such as CFRP or GFRP).Generally this design is seen as more challenging compared to a tube frame, but can have considerable performance benefits if done properly.
A monocoque chassis should be worked towards in increments and is not recommended to have as a chassis without proper validation or manufacturing resources. A general practice is to start with a tube frame design which meets FSAE rules and design requirements of the team, and then to add shear panels for the body. Once a team as proper experience and understanding of the chassis, they can attempt a monocoque.
Contents
Design
Manufacturing
Separate page on Composite manufacturing
Analysis
Longitudinal Torsion
Consider the monocoque as a cylinder with with cutouts.
Vertical Bending
Lateral Bending
Localized Bending
Fatigue
Need to add reference for images: Design, Analysis and Testing of a Formula SAE Car Chassis, William B. Riley and Albert R. George
Simulation
Throw it in ansys acp. Hit send
