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- Larry
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- #76
I mis-spoke, I should have said:I really hope you're not an engineer. A bash plate is more or less a beam. For simplicity let's model it as a cantilevered beam with distributed loading.
The deflection is equal to (q*L^4)/(8*E*I)
q = distributed load [N/unit length]
L = length
Now this is where it gets important:
E = Young's Modulus a material property.
I = the moment of inertia of the cross section
SO - it absolutely matters how "strong" the material is. E is of the same order as the force and the geometry of the cross section (which is why as you mentioned they add ribs)
Another important material property for how "strong" it is, is the yield strength. If a piece exceeds the yield strength it is then plastically deforming, meaning it won't bounce back to it's original shape.
Steels have a much higher E and yield strength than aluminum (~2x) . So an equally "strong" plate of aluminum would have to have a larger (or different shaped) cross section. However, Aluminum is roughly 1/3rd of the density of steel so you even though the volume is more there are still weight savings to be had.
It's a fun trade study when you factor in strength, material cost, and weight.
"it doesnt matter how TOUGH a material is"
Thats my whole point, it doesnt matter if you can shoot it with a gun and it survives, if its floppy, or even semi-rigid, it wont protect your transfer case.
IMO this is the wrong application for this material.
And I struggle to see any application for it in off road hobby, unless its for racing off road.
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