Space Frame Aerobody Interface

Overview

Vision

Background Information

MSXII's aerobody will me modular in that it will be made up of a number of separate panels and structurally supported by a spaceframe chassis. In doing so, we minimize the repercussions of a bad layup since a poor outcome would only effect a small portion of the car and could easily be redone. By contrast, about 80% - 90% of MSXI was done in a single layup which yielded unsatisfactory results. Other benefits of this design include smaller molds, the potential for spare panels and the potential for easy access to the car's "internal organs" if there is need for servicing or rework. 

Goal

In order to make the the car as serviceable as possible we want to be able to take off the aerobody panels easily. This will require designing a custom interface/fastening system to be able to join a carbon fibre panel to members in the steel space frame. Overall, the goal is to design a custom fastening solution that will secure the aerobody panels strongly in place but allow the car to be stripped of most of it's shell in under 30 minutes to allow access to critical assemblies such as the suspension, steering and electrical enclosures. 

For design ideation purposes, assume that the panels will be flat and that chassis members are 1" OD steel tubes. 

Project Requirements

Rayce Regulations

These are requirements driven by the Rayce regulations. 

• Carefully look through regulations for WSC/ASC and find out if anything applies to this project.
• Begin by going through section 7.1 of the 2017 FSGP Regulations

Internal Requirements

These are requirements driven by Midnight Sun. 

• Panels should not be able to come loose due to vibrations under any circumstances
• Fastening system must be able to be released from the exterior of the car
• Fastening system should be streamline to reduce any aerodynamic interference and turbulence
• One unit of the system (i.e. both the aerobody and space frame components) should weigh less than 100g
• Must less than 30 seconds to release the fastening mechanism
• Releasing the fastening mechanism must use at most a single tool 

Soft Requirements

Some items to consider

• Ease of manufacturing
• Weight
• Costs (material, method of manufacturing, etc.)

Ideas and Prototypes

• Come up with at least three designs and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each. Include sketches and screenshots of CAD models where applicable.