Fender Design - Wheel Arch Challenge
Software Used
CATIA V5
Introduction
Wheel arch comes with some standard specifications. When viewed from the front or top side of the vehicle, if the tyre is protruding outside the fender, that would lead to more chipping while driving and compromises pedestrian as well as the vehicle safety. Taking these factors into consideration, the wheel/tyre has to be positioned inside the tyre.
There are different regulations in this regard based on different regions. This case study has been done according to European regulations.
As explained in the diagram below, the minimum clearance ‘L’ recommended at all the 5 points on the wheel arch shown here should be 10mm, the points being SB,SA,SC,SD,SE.
Fig 1- Reference diagram with Top (above) and Side view
If the curvature clearance is not matching the standards then the model needs to be modified accordingly.
Analysis
The part file was opened using CATIA V5 and the aforementioned points were plotted on the wheel arch after taking the required measurements from the Wheel centre.
Fig 2- Reference points plotted on the wheel arch from the wheel centre
The clearance value \'L\' was measured and found to be as follows-
|
Section |
Required Clearance (mm) |
Measured Clearance 'L' (mm) |
Remarks |
|
SB |
10 |
10 |
Pass |
|
SA |
10 |
9.949 |
Fail |
|
SC |
10 |
0.123 |
Fail |
|
SD |
10 |
2.922 |
Fail. Tyre protruding outside the wheel arch |
|
SE |
10 |
6.015 |
Fail. Tyre protruding outside the wheel arch |
Fig 3- Top view showing the clearance values with the tyre profile outlined in red
Inference
Barring one section (SB), all others fail to achieve the minimum gap requirement of 10mm according to the European regulations. In addition to this, there is also protrusion of the wheel outside the wheel arch, which is not recommended. Therefore the model needs to be modified accordingly.