Optimasi Jarak dan Sudut Pemasangan Twinshock pada Kendaraan Roda Tiga Disabilitas untuk Meningkatkan Kinerja Struktur Menggunakan Metode FEA

Abstract

Safe and independent mobility is a critical need for people with disabilities. Three-wheeled vehicles modified from conventional vehicle frames offer an economical and practical mobility solution. However, the addition of a differential axle and changes in the twin-shock rear suspension configuration may affect load distribution, stress concentration, deformation, and frame safety. This study aims to optimize the spacing and mounting angle of twin shocks to improve the structural performance of a three-wheeled vehicle frame for people with disabilities using Finite Element Analysis. A Design by Research approach was applied with numerical evaluation using Finite Element Analysis. The frame adopts a structural steel backbone chassis configuration. Two model variations were analyzed: Model V1 with a 20° twin-shock angle and initial mounting position, and Model V2 with a 30° twin-shock angle and a 30 mm rearward mounting shift. Static loads of 60 kg for the driver, 60 kg for the passenger, and 50 kg for rear cargo were applied. Based on mesh convergence, a 10 mm tetrahedral mesh was selected as the primary mesh. The results show that Model V1 produced a maximum von Mises stress of 148.17 MPa, total deformation of 0.86054 mm, and safety factor of 1.68. Model V2 produced a maximum von Mises stress of 121.02 MPa, total deformation of 0.37277 mm, and safety factor of 2.2967. Compared with Model V1, Model V2 reduced stress by 18.32% and deformation by 56.68%, while increasing the safety factor by 36.71%. Therefore, Model V2 provides better stiffness, load distribution, and structural safety.