Vins and SmartCAE, a winning combination

Vins Motors, thanks to the expert support of SmartCAE, has obtained better performances, higher quality and lower cost in the realization of the composite structures of the Vins Duecinquanta.

Vins relied on Smartcae for structural calculations in the preparation of the plybook, a fundamental aspect to conceive a lamination sequence easily repeatable. A choice that immediately proved successful and competitive thanks to the collaboration of Simone and Francesco that our CEO, Vincenzo Mattia, knows since 2012.

Simulazione della prova di rigidezza torsionale della monoscocca in carbonio mediante FEM
Simulation of the torsional stiffness test of the carbon monocoque by FEM

The contribution of SmartCAE in this case was also fundamental to identify new constructive solutions in order to optimize the cost/benefit. A relationship that Vins know well since all the key components of the motorcycle are realized entirely in company, working of the composites and motor included.

Mappa del Failure Index sul forcellone in fibra di carbonio
Map of the Failure Index on carbon fibre swingarm

“Thanks to SmartCAE we managed to reduce the cost of the raw material by 40%, without sacrificing performance.”

On the basis of the preliminary FEM analysis of the prototype, the improvement actions to redesign the rolling of the monocoque were identified, of the front fork and swingarm with the aim of removing weight and rationalizing rolling.

Modello FEM del forcellone in fibra di carbonio
          FEM model of carbon fibre swingarm
“The first version of the monocoque weighed 16.1kg of which as much as 11kg only in the front node. Now the monocoque weighs only 9.5kg, 41% less than the prototype. To realize each monocoque finished we went from the 8 days required for the prototype version to the 4 days of the production version, with a net saving of 50%.”
Simulazione del drappeggio delle pelli di carbonio sulla monoscocca
Simulation of the draping of carbon skins on the monocoque

During the project, not only the laminations are being questioned, but also the geometries. The metal front knot has been redesigned to be lightened and to increase its resistance, verified by element analysis.

Modello FEM e mappa degli stress sul nodo anteriore
FEM model and map of stress on the front node

The result of this evolutionary process from the initial prototype led to the following mechanical performances:

  • Reduction of overall component weight = 41%
  • Increase torsional stiffness monocoque = 47%
  • Increase flexural stiffness rear swingarm = 10%
Mappa di Reserve Factors delle pelli di fibra di carbonio

Map of Reserve Factors of Carbon Fiber Skins