Analysis of Automobile Chassis Design
Student’s Details:
Soham Joshi - 1032240193
Guide
Prof. Chetan K. Patil
2024-25
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune
Introduction
• Definition: The chassis is the foundational framework of an automobile that supports
all the vehicle's components, including the engine, transmission, suspension, and
body. It serves as the skeleton of the vehicle.
• It provides structural integrity, ensuring the vehicle can withstand various loads and
forces.
• The chassis must maintain rigidity while offering some flexibility to absorb shocks and
vibrations.
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Types of Chassis
1. Ladder Frame Chassis:
• Resembles a ladder with two longitudinal beams and several lateral
supports. It was traditionally used in trucks and SUVs due to its strength
and ability to handle heavy loads.
Figure 2 : Ladder Chassis of THAR
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Continued…
2. Monocoque Chassis
• The vehicle's body and chassis are integrated into a single
unit. Most modern cars use this design, where the load is
distributed across the entire body structure.
Continued…
3. Tubular Chassis
• Built using tubular steel or aluminum, forming a space frame that
provides strength while minimizing weight. Often used in performance
and racing vehicles
Loading on the Chassis
The chassis of a vehicle experiences different types of loads, which affect its
design and structural integrity. These loads occur during normal driving
conditions, acceleration, braking, cornering, and impacts.
Types of Loads:
1)Static Loads:
• These are constant loads acting on the chassis when the vehicle is
stationary. Examples include the weight of the engine, passengers, and
cargo.
• The chassis must be able to support this weight without permanent
deformation or failure.
Continued…
2) Dynamic Loads:
• Description: These occur when the vehicle is in motion, including
acceleration, braking, and cornering.
• Examples: During braking, the front of the vehicle experiences higher
loading due to weight transfer. In cornering, lateral forces act on the
chassis, especially on suspension mounting points.
3) Impact Loads:
• Description: These occur during sudden events like collisions or when
driving over rough terrain.
• Examples: Hitting a pothole or curb causes a high-impact load on the
chassis, especially near the suspension.
Management of these loads
• Distribution of Forces: The chassis distributes loads across its framework
to ensure that no single area is overstressed.
• Load-Bearing Members: Key components like cross members, beams,
and suspension mounts are designed to withstand and distribute these
forces.
• Flexibility vs. Rigidity: The chassis needs to be rigid enough to prevent
excessive deformation but flexible enough to absorb shocks from the
road
Stress and Strains in Chassis
1. Normal Stress
• Occurs when a load is applied perpendicular to a surface, causing the
material to either stretch (tensile stress) or compress (compressive
stress).
• Example: During hard braking, the car's center of gravity shifts forward.
This causes the front section of the chassis to experience compressive
stress (squeezing force), while the rear section experiences tensile
stress (stretching force).
Continued…
2. Shear Force
• Arises when a force is applied parallel to a surface, causing layers of the
material to slide past one another.
• Example: When the car takes a sharp turn, lateral (sideways) forces act on
the chassis due to the centrifugal force. In this scenario, parts of the
chassis, particularly near the suspension and joints, experience shear
stress
Continued…
3. Strain
• Strain refers to the deformation of the chassis materials as they
undergo stress. Strain can either stretch (tensile strain) or compress
(compressive strain) the material.
• Example: While driving on uneven roads or encountering potholes,
the chassis experiences dynamic loads that cause parts of the frame
to deform temporarily. The areas near the suspension experience
tensile strain as the frame stretches to absorb the impact, and
compressive strain occurs as parts of the frame compress under the
weight of the vehicle.
Material Selection
Importance of Material Selection
• The choice of materials significantly affects the vehicle's performance,
safety, weight, and cost.
• Materials must be selected based on their ability to withstand various
stresses and strains while meeting design and safety standards.
• Common Material used in Chassis design :
➢ Steel
➢ Carbon Fiber
➢ Aluminium
➢ Composite Materials
Key Considerations for Material
Selection
• Weight: Lightweight materials (like aluminum and carbon fiber) improve
fuel efficiency and performance.
• Cost: Cost-effective materials (like steel) are preferred for mass
production but may not provide the same performance as premium
materials.
• Strength and Durability: Materials must withstand dynamic loads,
impacts, and environmental factors without failure.
• Corrosion Resistance: Materials should resist rust and degradation,
especially in harsh weather conditions.
• Manufacturability: Materials should be compatible with manufacturing
processes to ensure efficient production.
Thank You
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