Title: Load transfers evaluation in competition go-kart

Authors: Riccardo Baudille, Marco E. Biancolini, Luigi Reccia

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Politecnico 1, 00133, Rome, Italy. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Politecnico 1, 00133, Rome, Italy. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Politecnico 1, 00133, Rome, Italy

Abstract: The evaluation of the vertical loads on kart tyres is examined in this paper. A detailed finite element model has been developed to perform static analysis, considering five conditions: longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, vertical acceleration and two vertical displacements, that represent the lift of front wheels hubs caused by the steering kinematics. The solutions obtained have been combined to obtain the vertical loads values in generic driving situations. After the analysis of trimmed vehicle conditions, the evolution of vertical loads in a complete lap has been examined. Feeding the model with actual steering and acceleration data, it|s possible to highlight and optimise critical areas.

Keywords: FEM; finite element method; chassis; go-karts; torsional stiffness; vertical loads; kart tyres; modelling; acceleration; steering kinematics; load transfers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVSMT.2007.016235

International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing, 2007 Vol.2 No.3, pp.208 - 226

Published online: 11 Dec 2007 *

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