Design of the Body and Structure for a Practical and Highly Efficient Solar-Electric Sports Car
The design of the exterior body shape and structure of a solar-electric sports car which competed in the 2019 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC) Cruiser Class is explored. A low-drag and low-lift aerodynamic shape with a coefficient of lift near zero and drag area of 0.16 m2 is developed as a primary focus around the constraints of a solar array, occupant space, and aesthetics. The maximally sized 5 m2 rearward tilted solar array capable of generating an expected event average power of 885 W influences the size and shape of the roof. The space for which two occupants are seated in the vehicle is developed to achieve a reclined occupant position that minimizes the vehicle frontal area. A carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and foam composite sandwich monocoque make up the structure of the vehicle at a mass of 59.53 kg. Factors of practicality and their compromises are also explored.
- Record URL:
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Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01487191
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Supplemental Notes:
- Abstract reprinted with permission of SAE International.
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Authors:
- McGregor, Duncan
- Samsons, Andris
- Millar, Matthew
- Pudney, Peter
- Curlis, Simon
- Watkins, Simon
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Conference:
- Automotive Technical Papers
- Location: Warrendale Pennsylvania
- Date: 2022-1-1
- Publication Date: 2022-5-13
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Web
- Features: References;
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Serial:
- SAE Technical Paper
- Publisher: Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
- ISSN: 0148-7191
- EISSN: 2688-3627
- Serial URL: http://papers.sae.org/
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Aerodynamics; Composite materials; Design methods; Drag; Electric vehicles; Polymers; Race cars; Solar energy; Vehicle bodies; Vehicle design
- Subject Areas: Highways; Vehicles and Equipment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01847730
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: SAE International
- Report/Paper Numbers: 2022-01-5038
- Files: TRIS, SAE
- Created Date: May 31 2022 3:53PM