What is a space frame in a car?

What is a space frame in a car?

Definition of space frame : a usually open three-dimensional framework of struts and braces (as in buildings and racing cars) which defines a structure and distributes its weight evenly in all directions — compare monocoque, unibody.

What cars use space frames?

Chevrolet, Ferrari and Jaguar, among others, make extensive use of aluminum frames to save weight; Audi has built more than 150,000 cars with aluminum space frames.

How do space frames work?

space frame, Three-dimensional truss based on the rigidity of the triangle and composed of linear elements subject only to compression or tension. A space frame forms a very strong, thick, flexible structural fabric that can be used horizontally or bent to a variety of shapes.

How long can a space frame span?

Space deck Single span designs can provide large clear spans of up to 22 m, while two-way span designs can provide up to 33 m.

Can you weld your own car frame?

All vehicle frames must be in “good condition,” i.e., no cracks or sags. Frame rail flanges, unless otherwise noted by the manufacturer, cannot be cracked, bent, notched, or have holes drilled in. Welding may only be done to the frame of the vehicle.

How do you stiffen a car frame?

This is getting extreme, and it’s no simple task, but seam welding can be very effective. It involves adding spot or stitch welds (never a complete solid weld) along the joins of various parts of the car’s chassis, particularly around the suspension mounting areas, to drastically stiffen the chassis.

What is a space structure called?

In architecture and structural engineering, a space frame or space structure (3D truss) is a rigid, lightweight, truss-like structure constructed from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern. Space frames can be used to span large areas with few interior supports.

How far can space frame span?

This system is capable of achieving spans of up to 80m. Space Frame This option requires the assembly of small structural components in tension and compression. These are connected at preformed nodes and by inclined bracing.

What is a space frame chassis?

A Spaceframe Chassis is an assortment of interlocking struts and braces arranged in triangular or pyramid like patterns to make a complete frame. Spaceframes have been used in the construction industry but the technology have been used in the automotive industry as car chassis as early as the 1930’s.

What are car frames made of?

Typically the material used to construct vehicle chassis and frames is carbon steel; or aluminum alloys to achieve a more light-weight construction. In the case of a separate chassis, the frame is made up of structural elements called the rails or beams.

What is an example of a space frame chassis?

Spaceframe Chassis. The Spaceframe chassis uses numerous cut and shaped pieces of structural metal tubing (usually steel) joined together to form a strong framework. The diagram SF1 below from Ron Champion’s book “Build Your Own Sports Car For As Little As £250”, shows an example of a space frame chassis.

What is a space frame system?

Space Frame System. In architecture and structural engineering, a space frame or space structure is a truss-like, lightweight rigid structure constructed from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern. Space frames can be used to span large areas with few interior supports.

What types of services can be easily accommodated in the space frame?

The different types of services like lightning and Air conditioning can be easily accommodated in the space in the space frame structure. Space frame structures are three-dimensional structures which have different types of members and connections.

Why are space frame structures light in weight?

The space frame structures are light in weight because the material which is used in the space frame structure is distributed especially in such a way that the total load transfer mechanism is primarily axial, compression or tension.