Title: Static analysis of commercial vehicle frames: A hybrid - finite element and analytical - method

Authors: H.J. Beermann

Addresses: Institut fur Fahrzeugtechnik, Technical University of Braunschwek, West Germany

Abstract: Vertical as well as horizontal and torsional static and dynamic loads act on chassis frames. The torsional behaviour of most commercial vehicle frames is dominated by warping torsions, because warping is inhibited in the joints where the cross-members are attached to the side-members. This paper presents a hybrid method of analysis, which combines finite element idealization of the joint areas with analytically derived beam elements for the cross-member and sidemember sections. The beam element includes warping torsion force displacement relationships. The flexibility of the joints is included together with the compatibility of their displacements. The method gives close agreement with experimental results.

Keywords: vehicle frames; structural analysis; warping torsion; finite element analysis; FEA; nodal substructures; flexible joints; crossjection deformation; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1984.061087

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1984 Vol.5 No.1/2, pp.26 - 52

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

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