Analisis Komparatif Karakteristik Mekanik Sasis Tubular dan Hollow Aluminium Kendaraan Hemat Energi Menggunakan FEA

Abstract

This study evaluates and compares the mechanical performance of two distinct cross-sectional geometries for a prototype energy-efficient vehicle chassis specifically designed for the Kontes Mobil Hemat Energi (KMHE) using a comparative numerical approach based on Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Both the circular tubular space frame and the rectangular hollow frame models were constructed purely from Aluminum 6061 and maintained under strict identical dimensional and ergonomic boundaries (apple-to-apple) to isolate the structural influence of the cross-section shape. Utilizing ANSYS software, a static structural simulation was conducted by applying a total combined load of 735.5 N representing the driver and engine weights. The evaluation parameters focused on total deformation, equivalent stress, and the Factor of Safety (FoS). The simulation results indicate that the hollow frame configuration exhibits superior structural performance, recording a lower maximum deformation of 1.31 mm and a reduced peak equivalent stress of 29.499 MPa compared to the tubular design. Furthermore, the hollow frame provides an improved minimum Factor of Safety of 2.80, demonstrating enhanced load distribution and structural integrity. Consequently, the rectangular hollow profile proves to be a more stable and reliable choice for lightweight vehicle chassis development.