Topological Optimisation Of The Motor And Its Mount As A Stressed Member

The concept of the motor and differential being used as a stressed member in a chassis can have several benefits for optimising the strength-to-weight ratio while maintaining the elusive weight balance of the car

- writes Raunak Dhoot.

The integration of rear-mounted motors and differentials as stressed members in electric race car chassis represents a groundbreaking evolution in EV engineering. The entirety of the rear bulkhead housing the powertrain makes it not only modular but also hot-swappable under most scenarios, this means lesser downtime for repairs as assemblies can be swapped out without opening them up completely, meaning part changes will have fewer components that need to be manually replaced, mitigating human error during the swap over operation.

Form Follows Function

Since the early 1900's the ICE has been used as a stressed member, bringing significant changes to chassis stability, weight, and overall performance. All the subassemblies are then bolted onto these stressed member engines or motors, centralising the weight-mitigating body roll as well. This has the added benefit of making the rear section of the body extremely slender. It leads to the possibility of shaping the body in a teardrop shape, minimising the drag coefficient of the car itself.

Shedding Those Extra Kilos