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This paper has as main objective to analyze numerically and experimentally, the torsional stiffness of the chassis of an automobile prototype designed to carry two people and a small load on urban roads and highways. The knowledge of the structural rigidity of the chassis is important because it influences the dynamic behavior of the vehicle. The same should have a good relationship between mass and stiffness, as a result reduce of the mass. In numerical analysis, the stiffness of the chassis was obtained through of Finite Element Method (FEM), where the numerical model was formulated using shell elements. Seeking to improve the method of predicting the structural rigidity of the chassis prototype, was performed an experimental procedure, in which was applied to the chassis, the same loading conditions and fixings used in numerical analysis, so one can compare the results obtained in the experimental analysis with the result of numerical analysis.

The aim of this work is to design and analyze the structure of a chassis of a sports car. The chassis structure is fundamental in design efficiency, for in it are fixed mechanical parts that make up the steering system, suspension, and traction, among others. The chassis geometry was designed in SolidWorks 3D CAD program and the numerical analysis was performed using the Finite Element Method (FEM) with FEMAP program. The chassis was designed using average surfaces in order to use the formulation of shell elements on analysis with finite element method. Using this methodology was possible to realize static and dynamic analysis to check how the structure will behave when subjected to static and dynamic loads during travel the vehicle. The analysis allows to estimate the magnitude and the form that loads acted on the chassis frame. Thus, one can determine the points of least resistance and alter the geometry to eliminate critical points.