the edge of symmetry was applied, as well as fixing the runners and inlet of the plenum. A pressure load of -10 psi was applied as shown below. A thickness of 0.2 inches was applied to the whole shell surface. As seen below the mesh where the runners meet the plenum contains some sharp angles and less than ideal elements, since this area is not likely to be the main area of concern this mesh was considered to be appropriate. It can be seen that the maximum deflection is 0.075 inches in the center of the large flat surface on the plenum. The displacement between the unloaded and loaded model shown on the right is to scale. Looking at the von misses stress it can be seen that the largest area of stress is the two inside runners. To be sure that the stress is not due to a stress concentration factor the number of elements in that area were increased. As it can be seen the stress remains fairly close to the same and the change in stress along the elements is less than 200 psi. With a stress of 2000 psi and a tensile strength of 6962 psi, a thickness of 0.2 inches provides a factor of safety of 3.
the edge of symmetry was applied, as well as fixing the runners and inlet of the plenum. A pressure load of -10 psi was applied as shown below. A thickness of 0.2 inches was applied to the whole shell surface. As seen below the mesh where the runners meet the plenum contains some sharp angles and less than ideal elements, since this area is not likely to be the main area of concern this mesh was considered to be appropriate. It can be seen that the maximum deflection is 0.075 inches in the center of the large flat surface on the plenum. The displacement between the unloaded and loaded model shown on the right is to scale. Looking at the von misses stress it can be seen that the largest area of stress is the two inside runners. To be sure that the stress is not due to a stress concentration factor the number of elements in that area were increased. As it can be seen the stress remains fairly close to the same and the change in stress along the elements is less than 200 psi. With a stress of 2000 psi and a tensile strength of 6962 psi, a thickness of 0.2 inches provides a factor of safety of 3.
2010_FSAE_Final_Repot.docx