Chassis material selection, lighter grades of MS

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding lighter alternatives to mild steel AISI 1018 for car chassis construction, emphasizing the need for materials that maintain torsional rigidity while being cost-effective and readily available in southern India. Suggestions include considering chrome-moly steel, which may meet the criteria despite concerns about its classification. Additionally, using larger diameter tubes with thinner walls is proposed as a potential method to reduce weight while enhancing rigidity. Participants are encouraged to share specific grades and heat treatment processes that align with these requirements. The conversation highlights the challenge of adhering to mild steel specifications while seeking improvements in chassis design.
CorvetteAB
Messages
17
Reaction score
0
Hey folks,

My team currently uses mild steel aisi 1018 for their car chassis. While it is OK, we are looking for lighter alternatives. Problem is that we have to use mild steel ONLY. So I was wondering if any of you could give me a good alternative for 1018 that is lighter, has greater torsional rigidity and is cheap and easily available. Please mention the grade, and any heat treatment processes followed.
For information, we are based in India. South India basically. So anywhere near southern parts of India would be a great suggestion.

Thanks in advance.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
A lot of chassis are built from Chome-moly steel.. don't know if that qualifies in your rule book...

Sometimes using a larger diameter tube with thinner walls can decrease weight while increasing rigidity... just a thought.
 

Thread 'Race car suspension Class'

Posted June 2024 - 15 years after starting this class. I have learned a whole lot. To get to the short course on making your stock car, late model, hobby stock E-mod handle, look at the index below. Read all posts on Roll Center, Jacking effect and Why does car drive straight to the wall when I gas it? Also read You really have two race cars. This will cover 90% of problems you have. Simply put, the car pushes going in and is loose coming out. You do not have enuff downforce on the right...
View full post »

Thread 'Cantilever help'

I'm trying to decide what size and type of galvanized steel I need for 2 cantilever extensions. The cantilever is 5 ft. The space between the two cantilever arms is a 17 ft Gap the center 7 ft of the 17 ft Gap we'll need to Bear approximately 17,000 lb spread evenly from the front of the cantilever to the back of the cantilever over 5 ft. I will put support beams across these cantilever arms to support the load evenly
View full post »
Thread 'What's the most likely cause for this carbon seal crack?'

Thread 'What's the most likely cause for this carbon seal crack?'

We have a molded carbon graphite seal that is used in an inline axial piston, variable displacement hydraulic pump. One of our customers reported that, when using the “A” parts in the past, they only needed to replace them due to normal wear. However, after switching to our parts, the replacement cycle seems to be much shorter due to “broken” or “cracked” failures. This issue was identified after hydraulic fluid leakage was observed. According to their records, the same problem has occurred...
View full post »

Similar threads

Material selection for food grade application
Replies
8
Views
2K
Reusability of nuts and tapped holes + Choosing the right material
Replies
3
Views
2K
What is the Theory of Elasticity?
Replies
35
Views
28K
Kerbal Space Program - Rocket Design Basics
Replies
2
Views
9K
Programs Nano-Bio-Physics? Phd or Md? warning, very long and complicated
Replies
10
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top