Selection of Electric Vehicle Chassis Material Using Multi-Criteria DecisionMaking Techniques

Abstract

In this study, analyzes were made on the 3-wheeled L2E class electric vehicle chassis structure in software environment according to different material types. The optimum material combination was determined by examining with multi-criteria decision making methods, taking into account the analyzes made and different criteria. Theory and Method:The study focused on the choice of chassis material for the chassis design of a 3wheeled L2E class electric. Safety, cost, weldability and machinability factors for St52, Ck45 and C4140 steels were comparatively analyzed using the Technique for Order Preference By Similarity (TOPSIS) and VIKOR, multi-criteria decision making methods (MCDM). As a result of the analyses, with which specified factors and materials the horizontal elements, vertical elements and ribs that make up the chassis will be the most suitable and efficient has been determined. Results:With the analysis results obtained in the software environment; the construction of the chassis horizontal profiles from C4140 tempered steel and the other chassis elements from St52 general structural steel turned out to be the most ideal option with both multi-criteria decision making methods. As the second ideal optimization option, it was concluded from the analyses that while the horizontal profiles and ribs could be made of C4140 tempered steel, all vertical profiles could be made of St52 general structural steel. Conclusion:In this study, analyzes were carried out in software environment on a 3-wheeled L2E class electric vehicle chassis structure and solutions were presented accordingly. In this context, this study will shed light on future studies. It will contribute to the creation of a wide and increasingly deep literature on this subject both with the new studies planned after this study and the studies that different researchers will carry out with different vehicle types and innovative materials. Moreover, an information infrastructure supported by scientific studies will be provided to chassis manufacturers and vehicle producing companies.