3D Printing of automobile spoilers using MCDM techniques

The ultimate objective is to evaluate the efficacy of three-dimensional printers (3DP) for manufacturing a rear spoiler for radio-controlled (RC) racing cars. This research work focuses on the development of a multicritaeria decision making (MCDM) model for selecting a 3DP. The selection process includes multiple adverse criteria such as maximum print volume (E1), speed of operation (E2), minimum thickness (E3), extruder capacity (E4), printer cost (E5) and filament material cost (E6). To reduce this adverse nature of the assessment criteria, the preference selection index (PSI) method is anticipated as an MCDM technique for selecting the most suitable 3DP. In this work, ten alternative printers, Lulzbot TAZ 5 (A1), Ultimaker 2 (A2), Zortrax (A3), Wanhao duplicator 4 (A4), Airwolf 3D AW3D HD2X (A5), Flash forge creator X(A6), Makerbot replicator original (A7), Delta non-turbo WASP 2040(A8), Artifex duo 2 (A9), UP plus 2 (A10)are considered for the assessment process. From the suggested PSI models, the Wanhao duplicator 4 (A4) has emerged as a suitable 3DP for RC car application.

One-Way Fluid Structure Interaction of a Go-Kart Spoiler Using CFD Analysis

The spoiler on a go-kart is required to prevent the vehicle becoming airborne at speeds of 80 km/h or more. An optimal spoiler design balances this safety aspect with speed and fuel economy. This paper reports the results of a project to improve the aerodynamic aspects of a go-kart spoiler design using CFD Analysis. We investigated the design of a rear spoiler with three proposed angles (θ1 = 9.5°, θ2 = 19.5°, θ3 = 29.5°). The drag force produced by each of the three designs is compared. Different computational results are discussed such as the air flow velocity, pressure and the applied forces in terms of CFD analysis using one-way fluid structure interaction (one-way FSI) to determine the spoiler stress, strain and drag coefficient. The findings of this paper have implications for the leisure and tourism industries, and may be applicable to other recreational vehicles’ spoilers.