No abstract

When designing an ultra energy-efficient vehicles it is extremely important to ensure the lightweight vehicle's structure. The compromise between the fulfilment of functional and strength requirements can be achieved by using a spatial shell or frame design. The paper presents a comparison of these two concepts of the supporting structure of such a vehicle, at the same time analysing the pros and cons of each of them. The method of optimizing the structure of both load carrying structures was proposed, as well as technical, technological and functional details related to these concepts were analysed. For the purposes of optimization, the method of topological optimization was used, modifying the assumptions for each of these concepts and iteratively adapting to the specific technology of making the vehicle's body. The numerical simulations were carried out for a previously selected outside vehicle's surface, optimized in order to minimize the aerodynamical resistance forces.