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Types of Chassis: With Definition, Components, and Functions

Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

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The chassis frame of a vehicle serves as its structural backbone, defining its strength, durability, and
overall performance. It's the hidden framework that supports everything from the engine and
suspension to the body and cargo, making it a critical element in the design and functionality of
automobiles. Different types of chassis frames cater to different vehicle types and their intended
purposes, ranging from the rugged ladder frame of off-road trucks to the space-efficient
monocoque chassis found in compact cars.

This blog intends to clear all doubts related to different types of Chassis in vehicles. This topic in
mechanical engineering is important for your upcoming examinations like SSC JE ME and RRB JE
Mechanical Engineering.

What is Chassis?

Fig 1: Chassis

The term 'Chassis,' of French origin, initially referred to the frame or primary structure of a vehicle.
Today, it signifies the entire vehicle, excluding the body, for heavy vehicles with distinct bodies. The
chassis serves as the vehicle's foundational element, housing essential components responsible for
propulsion, steering, braking, and ensuring a smooth ride, even on uneven terrains. Often referred
to as the 'carrying unit,' it serves as the platform for mounting all vehicle components, including the
body.

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Types of Chassis
The various types of chassis in automobiles according to the fitting of engine:

Ladder Frame:

Fig 2: Ladder frame

The ladder frame chassis is characterised by its ladder-like appearance and is particularly suited as a
foundation for mounting car engines and various components. Typically constructed from
symmetrical steel beams, it features reinforced sections with additional joints and cross members.
This type of chassis is commonly employed in SUVs due to its robustness and load-bearing capacity.

Monocoque Chassis:

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Fig 3: Monocoque chassis
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The monocoque chassis seamlessly integrates with the car's body, incorporating the outer body to
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safeguard the cabin from collisions. Constructed from reinforced composite steel, the chassis serves
as the structural framework for the vehicle's body. The primary requirement for this chassis material
is strength to support the vehicle's weight effectively.

Backbone Chassis:

Fig 4: Backbone Chassis

The backbone chassis resembles a single central skeleton that runs through the car, connecting its
front and rear ends. Sometimes referred to as a single chassis, it does have a few drawbacks, notably
its relatively higher cost.

Tubular Space Frame:

Fig 5: Tubular Space Frame

The tubular space frame chassis consists of steel pipes that shape the car directly according to the
desired design. The strength of this chassis depends on the quality of the welded joints. Known for
its durability, it is a popular choice in racing cars due to its reliability.

Aluminium Space Frame:

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Fig 6: Aluminium Space frame

Similar in concept to the monocoque, the aluminium space frame chassis employs lightweight
aluminium instead of steel plates. This choice results in a chassis with reduced weight compared to
traditional monocoque designs.
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Components of Chassis

Fig 7: Components of chassis

The various components of the Chassis in the vehicle are:

Clutch
Transmission
Universal joint
Real Axle
Springs
Shock Absorbers
Stabilizer bar
Steering System
Braking System
Wheels and Tires

1. Clutch:

The clutch is the first component within the car chassis, responsible for connecting and
disconnecting the engine's power to the transmission smoothly. The clutch comprises two rotating
metal parts, the flywheel and pressure plate, with a clutch lining in between. Automatic clutches, on
the other hand, operate based on fluid pressure force, eliminating the need for manual clutch
operation.

2. Transmission:

The transmission is a vital component in the car chassis, primarily tasked with manipulating engine
output. By adjusting gear ratios, the transmission can control the rotational speed of the vehicle's
wheels.
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3. Universal
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Universal joints are essential Analytics
between the transmission and the car's rear axle. These

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joints compensate for the unequal height between the axle (which is under the suspension) and the
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transmission (located on the car body). Universal joints are designed to transmit torsional moments
from various directions and angles.

4. Axle:

An axle is a vital component within a vehicle's chassis, serving as a crucial link between the wheels. It
plays a fundamental role in supporting the weight of the vehicle and facilitating its movement.
There are two primary types of axles: rear axles and front axles. Rear axles are typically located at
the back of most vehicles and are responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the rear
wheels, a configuration commonly found in rear-wheel-drive and many four-wheel-drive vehicles.
This arrangement offers stability and a robust platform for heavy loads and towing. Front axles,
conversely, are situated at the vehicle's front, crucial for steering and controlling the direction of the
front wheels. These axles enable the wheels to pivot left and right, making them essential in front-
wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations.

5. Suspension System

The suspension system chassis is the framework of a vehicle that supports and connects the
suspension components, allowing for smooth ride quality and handling by absorbing shocks and
vibrations. The suspension system consists of two important components: the Springs and the
Shock Absorbers.

Springs are integral parts of the suspension system within the car chassis. Their primary function is
to dampen road vibrations and provide a cushioning effect when the vehicle encounters potholes
and uneven terrain. Springs are typically constructed from flexible steel, often featuring a coiled or
leaf spring design. Coil springs are favoured for their damping capabilities and are commonly used
in vehicles with independent suspension systems. In contrast, leaf springs, with their superior
strength, are preferred for vehicles with heavier loads.

Shock absorbers differ from springs in that they do not resist incoming pressure. Instead, they
absorb shocks generated when springs compress. This occurs when the vehicle encounters potholes
or irregularities in the road. The flexible nature of springs, combined with the vehicle's weight, can
lead to substantial shocks. Shock absorbers play a crucial role in mitigating these shocks by utilising
a liquid mechanism to absorb and dissipate impact forces.

7. Stabilizer Bar:

Stabilizer bars are components unique to vehicles equipped with independent suspension systems.
Their purpose is to prevent excessive lateral separation between the left and right wheels.
Independent suspension systems can produce significant rolling effects, as one wheel may lose
contact with the road. Stabilizer bars consist of a swing bar and stabilizer link. The swing bar
connects the left and right suspension systems, while the stabilizer link connects the swing bar's end
to the shock absorber.

8. Steering System :
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The steering system is an essential part of the car chassis, responsible for aiding the driver in
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hydraulic
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and electric. Hydraulic power steering utilises hydraulic pressure from a pump to assist in turning
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the steering rack. In contrast, electric power steering employs a motor directly connected to the
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steering rack for steering assistance.

9. Braking System:

The braking system is tasked with significantly reducing the car's speed. It achieves this by
converting the rotational energy of the wheels into heat energy through friction. The braking system
consists of components made from materials such as iron and asbestos that rub against each other,
causing the wheels to slow down. Two common brake systems are drum brakes and disc brakes,
each offering distinct braking characteristics.

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Functions of Chassis
The various functions of chassis are:

The chassis ensures the vehicle's structural rigidity.

It distributes the weight of the engine, transmission, passengers, and components.
Chassis materials need to possess high strength.
Helps maintain the car's shape and prevents deformation.
It plays a vital role in vehicle safety.
Chassis design impacts vehicle stability and handling.
Different types of chassis suit various vehicle applications.
Regular chassis inspection is crucial for safety and performance.
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