TESTING OF THE TORSIONAL STIFFNESS OF THE PASSENGER CAR FRAME AND ITS VALIDATION BY MEANS OF FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the conducted tests of torsional stiffness of the VOSCO S106 passenger car, as well as the validation process of these tests by means of numerical analyses using the FEM finite element method. The most important element of the vehicle structure is the part of the spatial frame or the safety cage. Engine, brake system, fuel system and steering system, suspension as well as body and parts, their mounting nodes, hinges, locks, etc. are attached to the frame. The frame must therefore have adequate strength to protect the driver in the event of a tipover or impact. The frame is usually made of steel pipes with the prescribed dimensions and strength according to regulations. The torsional stiffness of the vehicle chassis has a significant influence on its driveability and therefore is an important parameter to measure. In this article, the torsional stiffness of the vehicle frame is calculated experimentally, which was then verified by finite element analysis (FEM) using the Altair HyperWorks program.