Summary of Results

The results of this simple test turned out well for both upper chassis designs. The V7 chassis is slightly stiffer in torsion than the V7.1 but is softer in bending. When compared to the FT Graphite chassis both are significantly stiffer in bending. The V7 chassis is also slightly stiffer in torsion with the V7.1 marginally softer. The table below provides a comparison of the results using the FT graphite chassis as a benchmark. A number greater than 100 means that property is stiffer, less than 100 softer.

Additional tests were conducted to look at the effect of disconnecting various chassis components on the bending and torsional stiffness. Some interesting results were identified which could lead to future design improvements.

Test Setup

The test setup was quite simple as can be seen from the photos. A piece of 1/4"x1/4" hardwood extending out about 7" was mounted to the front of the chassis. This acted as a pointer. The rear of the chassis was rigidly clamped to a desk with 2 'C' clamps. To provide a means of measuring the deflections a 1/2"x1/2" piece of hardwood with a scale on the end was clamped to the desk an aligned with the pointer.

The loads were applied using a high tech fish scale. To apply a bending load the scale was hooked on a screw at the front of the transmission case and pulled down. A 10 lb load was used for the bending test. The scale was attached to a screw through the upper-outer shock tower hole and the scale was pulled horizontally to a 7 lb load for the torsion test.