Community/Open Source Chassis Project

[artdutra04]

Originally Posted by CraigHickman

Bumpers. I've had bad experiences with kitbot frames without bumpers. If bumpers are mandatory again in 2k9, then the kitbot is a viable options for rookies. I have a feeling they will be, so more power to the rookie teams. I also believe that teams can learn more about material selection and strength of design if they must design their own chassis. If you can correctly design a FIRST chassis that doesn't bend once, chances are you've learned enough to do build your own car chassis (not nearly advanced as automakers, duh).

I strongly disagree about the car frame; making sure something doesn't bend is only one of many considerations they make. How about dealing with corrosion from road salt? Strong temperature differences (as hot as +120F or as cold as -40F?) in a chassis connected to dissimilar metals? Designing it for maximum possible recycleability of components? Designing it to purposely bend certain ways under certain types of accidents? Designing it to maximize efficiency of the manufacturing process? Or have the least wasted space in shipping containers or trains when making the frames in Mexico and shipping them to America to mate with the engine built in Europe?

FIRST is but a foundation, a way of getting your feet wet. But by no means does graduating the program make you an engineer. That's what college and a lot of hard work is for.