Numerical and Experimental Modal Analysis of Wheels of Solaris 10 Solar Car and Parametric Design of Lightweight EV Wheel

Abstract

In this study, the natural frequencies of Solaris 10 Solar Car's 2018 and 2019-Model wheels were determined experimentally by the impact hammer test under free-free boundary conditions and the results were compared with the natural frequency results obtained using ANSYS FEA software. Comparing the numerical and experimental vibration analysis, a maximum percent error of 7.46% was observed. The 7th and upper mode frequencies of 2018 and 2019 wheel models were shown to be above 200 Hz and the experimental results were validated. After expressing the mode shapes in the ANSYS-Modal Analysis, a parametric study was performed for the 2019 wheel model using the ANSYS-Parametric Design. As a result of the parametric design, the mass of the 2019 wheel model was decreased by 6.5% while maximum equivalent von Mises stress was decreased by 2%. Thus, a lighter wheel design was obtained with ANSYS FEA software and maximum equivalent von Mises stress value was achieved to be below pre-defined limit of 120 (MPa).