Quote:
Originally Posted by Anthony
I think too many people put too much emphasis on frame design, when I think for the most part, assuming the frame is of sufficient strength, it doesn't matter what type of frame it is, tubular, square, space frame, etc. I think of far greater importance is suspension design and settings, the take off points for the control arms, camber settings and change rate with travel, spring rate, tire pressure, etc. I just don;t think the frame has that much of an impact on how the car handles.
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The frame matters most in how it holds said suspension components. A tubular chassis is typically the low end of the spectrum with regard to stiffness. It doesn't really matter if your suspension is 100% kinematically correct if the chassis is so weak it flexes out of shape with the suspension loads. I can immediately tell a tremendous difference between the original 0.090" wall chassis and our 0.130" wall chassis. The flex of the original chassis winds up the frame as you go into a corner and it then unloads as you leave. When you are driving on the edge it is quite unnerving.
That is why all F1 chassis are made from carbon fiber--very light and very stiff (so their suspensions move as they intend them to.
David
