Some aspects of the structural analysis and design of commercial vehicles

Rational analysis and design techniques are applied to various structural problems associated with commercial vehicles. The underlying motive for this work is the increase in structural efficiency in order to improve operating economics. The design of the longitudinal members of a vehicle is firstly considered from the point of view of optimum cross-sectional shape. Other weight saving features are then explored. Since the design is dependent on the allowable stresses in tension and compression, these values are derived from a series of experiments in which the dynamic strains in a semi-trailer are recorded. A fundamental examination of vehicle torsion is undertaken, leading to a consideration of the influence of the several torsional loading cases on cross member design. [Continues.]