CarBEN Model -- 1/24th scale model and 3D computer model for EV

[NeilBlanchard]

I actually found a shareware program that says it can convert about 400+ different 3D formats! I had no idea that there are that many different file types! Holy sheewow... I need to register it to actually do the conversion, but it *might* be possible to get my SketchUp model in Caedium after all?

Here's some more images of the revised model -- the "shoulders" are lowered, all the windows are revised (and the lights) and the purple figure is about my size (6'-4") and is positioned about where the driver would be.

[Bicycle Bob]

It's getting better all the time.
- The Beatles

[NeilBlanchard]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I did reduce the lower front part of the glass in this iteration, and yes it probably could be reduced a bit more. I am going to also start modeling the critical inner bits, like the articulated front wheel skirts and the floor and firewall, so those may make other changes necessary. And if I have to raise up the driver a bit, then the lower windshield can be reduced (because the sight lines to the ground are limited by the hood).

I'm also thinking that the windshield wiper would probably sit idle straight up the middle of the windshield.

[NeilBlanchard]

I made a 1/24th scale (aka 1/2" = 1'-0") wooden model first, and then traced photos of it in DataCAD. Then I did orthographic projection from 5 views to make 15 section profiles; separated by 1 foot in Z-height. Then I used the ruled surface tool to connect as much as possible, and then I exported this to SketchUp, using a DWG file. Then, in SketchUp, I built the rest of the surface.

I then revised it several times and simplified the number of polygons, and ended up with a decent looking model, if I say so myself. I've written an entry in my blog, describing the design, and I've included photos of the model, the DataCAD drawing I did, and image captures -- and an animation from SketchUp. Here's my blog entry (updated periodically):

CarBEN Concept EV: An Open Source Project - Vox

And here's the YouTube URL where the animation video is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7jbqgCvx8U

My main idea is to have it be as low aerodynamic drag as possible. So, the wheels are fully enclosed, and in order to keep the width of the front as narrow as possible, this will require having the front wheel skirts be articulated -- i.e. when steering sharply, they will move with the steering. At highway speeds though, there will be enough space around the wheels to allow the wheels to move without having to move the skirts. The skirts will not move with the suspension, as this would be too much unsprung weight, and it would create more problems then it solves.

My hope is to do some CFD testing on a computer, but so far, I have not found a way to get the SketchUp model into a CFD program. They require a "solid" type model; as opposed to a surface model that SketchUp creates. My blog entry goes into how I hope to build it (similar to a monocoque airplane,); though composite construction would lend itself well, too, I think.

I'm hoping to eventually use a supercapacitor for regenerative braking (like the Carnegie Mellon "Charge Car" project). And I'm hoping to use regenerative shock absorbers, like the ones that were just announced from a company called Levant Power: Shocks that can save fuel, charge batteries and propel vehicles down the road? — Autoblog Green

If and when I get the rolling chassis built, I'm sure I'll be looking for lots of input on the battery pack and the drive system. I'd appreciate any and all comments you may have on the overall concept, as well.

[NeilBlanchard]

Oh, and the revised frontal area is 24.979 sq ft (2.321 sq m), and I plan on using video mirrors located in the edge of the roof, just behind the widest point (so near the 'C' 3rd pillar).

[Rokeby]

Neil,

When I saw pix of the South African Joule electric car, I couldn't help but
think of your CarBEN.

It looks like they settled for an only "good enough" design. Slackers!





Electric Car Manufacturer | Optimal Energy

[gone-ot]

...gotta love that name however: "JOULE"

...the little version could be named the "micro-JOULE" while the HUMMER replacement could be called the "MACRO-JOULE" (wink,wink)!

[NeilBlanchard]

You're right, the Joule has a lot of similarities to the CarBEN design. BTW, here's an undated animation video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dnaBTAWnOc

[Rokeby]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

...gotta love that name however: "JOULE"

A ballsy design for a family car...
approved by the National Automotive Design Syndicate

Would that make it the "family joules?"

Go NADS!!!

[NeilBlanchard]

I bought the Hucho book from Amazon -- it should be here by Tuesday! I'm going to be reading about enclosed wheel wells and strakes, and anything else that applies to the CarBEN design.