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chassis design
deanwilson - 16/12/07 at 04:20 PM

hi there would like to design my own chassis for something but how would i go about desining one any help would be good thanks

NigeEss - 16/12/07 at 04:23 PM

What are you wanting at the end ?

3 wheels ? 4 ??
Front, mid or rear engine

There is far more to it than just "help".

Make some decisions first.

ATB

Nige

mark chandler - 16/12/07 at 04:42 PM

A chap called cymtriks wrote a thesis on this based upon the locost frame which gives some good pointers.

He has a few drawings on this site, you will need to google the dicuments.

Regards Mark

JB - 16/12/07 at 05:16 PM

Its quite easy if you think of the chassis as a big bracket to connect everything together.

Remember these basic principles.....

1) Every member should be in compression or tension NOT bending.

2) Always put loads (such as suspension mounts, engine mounts) into junctions of tubes NOT the middle of unsupported tubes.

3) Aim for good torsionaly ridgidity between the spring mounts.

4) Triangulate. Any open side of a box will ruin the torsional stiffness.

5) Build a wooden model and twist it in your hands. It will tell you so much. DO IT!!

6) Know where your major loads (ie suspension, engine) will go and your major components (engine, box, you ) will go before designing the chassis. Remember the chassis will connect these components together.

7) Visulise the finished car and work backwards....... not easy!

Loot at http://www.beardmorebros.co.uk/website%20pages/new_project_chassis_page1.htm

bonzoronnie - 16/12/07 at 07:30 PM

quote:
Originally posted by NigeEss
What are you wanting at the end ?

3 wheels ? 4 ??
Front, mid or rear engine

There is far more to it than just "help".

Make some decisions first.

ATB

Nige



Just to add to the above.

If it is a 7 type chassis you are looking for you will probably be trying to re-invent the wheel.

So many tried and tested designs already there. As a bonus they all have SVA,type approval.

Probably the most up to date " book " form chassis is that of the Haynes Roadster. Published by Haynes. Written by Chris Gibbs.

Ronnie

[Edited on 16/12/07 by bonzoronnie]

RK - 16/12/07 at 11:22 PM

Search: "Rorty" and get the Haynes book. OR save time and order one of the dozens out there that have already been done and don't cost much. You can always mod those if you are really ambitious. I would guess a LOT of designs don't get built.