[Kartbuilding] Chassis Design

[Stephen Burke]

Hi Craig,

Thanks for your email. It sounds like a very interesting project you have 
there! I wish I had the time to look into such areas.

Reading your email brings something to mind. Take a look at the following 
kart:
http://www.kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/OtherPeoplesKarts/OscarForand/
A fellow kartbuilder sent in those photos of a space frame type kart 
chassis. I know he had some extra things to do to allow the top portion of 
the chassis to flex.

Take a read of the following PDF:
http://www.kartbuilding.net/The_NatSKA_Guide_to_Karts_and_Karting/Pages-1-10-11-12-13-Chassis-Design.pdf
I suggest you try and get your hands on that complete book where it 
explains chassis design, and the types of chassis available.

I also advise you to "nail down" your project. Specifically, you need to 
decide on the following:
Are you dealing with suspension in Karts (if so, this can change the 
chassis design a lot).
Are you having a live rear axle? With both rear wheels attached to the 
Axle (i.e. not using a differential)?

As for advise regarding how to approach the kart chassis design in 
SolidWorks, take a look at the following solidworks blog of mine:
http://solidworks.burkesys.com/2009/08/3dvia-tv-solidworks-official-youtube-channel/
There is a youtube video there from SolidWorks on how to design a chassis 
in SolidWorks using a "Weldments" method in a Part. I suggest you copy 
what is done in the video.
If it is a very simple chassis you are building, then you can make the 
seperate parts and assemble them together.

I would be most interested in receiving a copy of your Project and 
findings! It would make a great read, and perhaps answer some of the 
questions regarding types of chassis in the back of my mind.

If you have any specific questions, just drop us an email. By the way, I'm 
based in Ireland.

Best of luck,
-steve



On Mon, 19 Oct 2009, Craig Couldrey wrote:

>
>
> Hello, my name is Craig Couldrey, I am a student at the University of Derby in my last year studying Mechanical Engineering.
> For my final year project I am designing two kart chassis, a conventional space-frame type and a non-conventional type and comparing both for torsional stiffness, weight gains, and testing both using Solidworks simulations.
> I have downloaded the Solidworks file's and the chassis looks very good and will help me with dimensions etc.
> Have you got any advice for me for when I start building my chassis'?
> You have built the chassis up of various separate parts, each tube? and then assembled?
> I would also like to thank you for the wealth of information on your site and blog. Also, are you based in the UK?
>
>
> Many thanks
> Craig Couldrey
> _________________________________________________________________