Light Truck Frame Joint Stiffness Study Phase 1 Final Report

JOINT STIFFNESS TOOLBOX
Notes:
* Modify the input values (yellow) based on
your design criteria. There are two columns
in which in to input and evaluate data, case 1
and case 2. The calculated stiffness will be
displayed in red.
* Design variables are listed in order of
influence on stiffness.
Illustration Key:
A = Side Rail
B = Crossmember
Design Rules:
* Make the crossmember diameter as
large as possible.
* Make the crossmember as thick as
possible.
* Thickness and diameter of the
crossmember should be increased
together if possible.
* Click on the animation to the left of the
variables and loading conditions to see an
animation of respective shape variable or
loading condition.
* The mass calculation is based on 150 mm
extension of joint members from the side rail
to crossmember interface. (The crossmember
is 150mm from the joint interface to the end of
the crossmember). This caluclation is to serve
as a reference, not the absolute value.
* The password to unprotect cells in this
spreadsheet is: steel.
Joint Observations:
* The crossmember is the most
important part of this joint. The thickness
of the crossmember is 3X more sensitive
than the thickness of the side rail.
* The maximum stress is in the
crossmember at the connection to the
inner side rail for all 3 Stiffness Cases.
* The outer weld (the crossmember to
outer side rail) could be a partial weld
because this section of the joint has low
stress.
Figure 33: Joint 1 Joint Stiffness Toolbox Spreadsheet
Joint Observations, Notes and Design Rules
Report: A/SP-005-1 Light Truck Frame Joint Stiffness Study 60