Optimization of rear low-speed crash structures for a Solar Electric Vehicle

Abstract

A Solar Electric Vehicle is a vehicle that receives a significant amount of its total energy consumption through sunlight gathered using solar arrays. The main objective of this thesis was to determine how the design of the rear low-speed crash structures should be different for a Solar Electric Vehicle, compared to conventional cars. This is done by creating a general optimization tool that can be used for the conceptual design of the rear low-speed crash structures of passenger cars. Next to the structural performance during three low-speed load cases, the manufacturing cost and intrusion distance are also taken into account. It was found that for a Solar Electric Vehicle the intrusion distance should be reduced in order to increase the size of the solar arrays (and therefore their yield) without damaging them during low-speed rear impact, even though this comes with a weight penalty.