Practical-Theoretical Analisys of Chassis Torsion by Finite Element Analysis

The structural calculation of a complete light truck frame using the Finite Element Method requires the knowledge of the torsional stiffness of the cargo box, cab and front end of the vehicle. This paper presents a practical way to obtain the necessary data, avoiding the mathematical modeling of the whole vehicle, to reduce time and machine requirements.

Lab measurements of the torsional stiffness are performed, in the frame alone and with each of the body components, allowing the definition of a mathematical model for the whole vehicle.