Publication Date
4-23-2021
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
First Advisor
Pohlman, Nicholas A.||Schroeder, David J.
Degree Name
B.S. (Bachelor of Science)
Legacy Department
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
The NIU Supermileage Team develops ultra-energy efficient gas and electric vehicles. In the past, the team has created their vehicle using an aluminum tubing frame and carbon fiber shell. The carbon fiber shell is not load bearing and only acts as an aerodynamic shape for the vehicle, allowing it to slice through the air efficiently by minimizing drag due to air resistance and turbulence in the form of eddy currents. The primary goal is to develop a monocoque chassis for the Supermileage Team. A monocoque chassis is a body type in which the vehicle is composed of a singular, unibody structure. Rather than having an aluminum tubing frame as the structure and carbon fiber shell as the aerodynamic geometry, the carbon fiber composite structure functions as both the load bearing structure as well the aerodynamic structure. This allows for optimization in weight, aerodynamics, and rolling resistance. The Supermileage Team requires a carbon fiber monocoque vehicle redesign that improves overall energy efficiency.
Recommended Citation
Durham, Todd E.; Bangert, Lauren M.; and McCoy, Matthew L., "Carbon Fiber Monocoque Chassis Redesign" (2021). Honors Capstones. 264.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/studentengagement-honorscapstones/264
Durham Honors Capstone Final Report Senior Design Team 1.pdf (2.049Mb)
Honors Capstone Submission Durham.pdf (296 kB)
Honors Capstone Submission Durham.pdf (296.8Kb)
Extent
55 pages
Language
eng
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.
Media Type
Text
