This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Viking XX-Solar Race Vehicle-Western Washington University
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
Viking XX is an advanced composite, monocoque chassis, two person solar powered vehicle, that was fabricated with a quasi-isotropic base laminate with selective directional reinforcements. The structure is a combination of flat, flat wrapped structure and compound curved panels made from Kevlar and graphite.
The energy that is produced by the solar array is stored in a silver-zinc battery, which in turn powers a brushless, rare-earth, permanent magnet, d.c. motor that is located on the main drive wheel in the center of the drivers' pod. Two wheels mounted in the battery pod counter steer one another so that the car has a very tight turning radius.
The terrestial grade solar cells were encapsulated in a Tefzel (a fluoropolymer filler), EVA encapsulant, silicon cell, EVA/-fiberglass scrim, Tedlar sandwich which gives durability, increased cooling and an improvement in power due to the lower refraction provided by the cover material. Once encapsulated, the cells were adhered to a fiberglass/foam sandwich substrate through a foam sandwich spacer intended to allow air movement for cell cooling and to prevent shorting through to the graphite structure.
Authors
Topic
Citation
Kitto, K., Kutz, J., and Kimes, K., "Viking XX-Solar Race Vehicle-Western Washington University," SAE Technical Paper 901510, 1990, https://doi.org/10.4271/901510.Also In
References
- Seal M. R. Kutz J. “Advanced Composite Monocoque Chassis for a Limited Production Sports Car” Proceedings from 2nd Annual ASM/EDS Advanced Composites Conference and Exposition Nov. 1986
- Ambur G. A. Trantina G. G. “Predicting Failure in Thermoplastic Composites” Machine Design . April 20 1989
- Kyle, C. “Factors Effecting the Performance of a Solar Powered Racer Car” SAE 880728 - International Congress and Exposition . Feb. 29 Mar. 4 1988
- Reinhart T. J. ASM International COMPOSITES . Volume 1 Engineering Materials Handbook Metals Park 1987
- Scibor-Rylski A. J. ROAD VEHICLE AERODYNAMICS 2nd Pentech London 1984