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Unread 02-08-2014, 21:22
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Vespasian Vespasian is offline
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AKA: Elliot Dowd
FRC #1511 (Rolling Thunder)
Team Role: CAD
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Rookie Year: 2012
Location: Rochester
Posts: 22
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Re: Team 1511 Prototype Drivebase CAD

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Line View Post
It appears that the only thing holding the chassis 'square' are the 2 bolts at each junction between the side modules and the front crossbar. This will not be strong enough, and you will want gusseting. You will probably also want support across the middle of your chassis - that's why so many teams use a solid belly pan. It stiffens up the platform significantly.
One thing I forgot to add is that the outer four plates (the big ones) are made of steel. This was a design decision that we wanted to try out. Though I think you are correct in saying that we will want gusseting.

We are also planning on having bumpers that are entirely connected (one piece), and that are reinforced with aluminum. I don't know if anyone else has had good results with bumpers that also serve to reinforce their structure, or if that is just not a good idea.