Main Hoop

[Defianz Racing]

Hi!

We are a first time team from India in the Formula Student event.

While bending the steel to shape up our main hoop we had to use a number of small dies in succession rather than a single die due to its unavailability. Our query is that would a few minor undulations be permissible in the otherwise smooth shape of the hoops.

Thanks in eager anticipation!

Defianz Racing
Delhi College of Engineering
New Delhi - India.

[Defianz Racing]

Hi!

We are a first time team from India in the Formula Student event.

While bending the steel to shape up our main hoop we had to use a number of small dies in succession rather than a single die due to its unavailability. Our query is that would a few minor undulations be permissible in the otherwise smooth shape of the hoops.

Thanks in eager anticipation!

Defianz Racing
Delhi College of Engineering
New Delhi - India.

[Charlie]

I don't reccomend it, but if it's your only option--

Our 2000 car's main roll hoop wasn't the prettiest bend either. We decided for safety reasons it needed to be covered with padding http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Thankfully our fabrications skills are many times more professional than that now, but there is a solution.

-Charlie Ping
Auburn University FSAE 1999-present

[Richard Lewis]

One other option, take a look at the photo's section at Wollongong's main hoop. You could do it that way to get away with the small dies. It looks pretty sharp in my opinion.

-------------------------
UVIC Formula SAE Team
http://members.shaw.ca/drax77/UVICFSAEcar.jpg
http://uvic.fsae.ca

[James Waltman]

3.3.4.1
(D) The minimum radius of any bend, measured at the tube centerline, must not be less than three times the tube diameter. The bends shall be smooth and continuous with no evidence of crimping or wall failure.


It is tough to tell from the pictures but it seems like Wollongong's hoop has some tight radius bends – close to the three times tube diameter. I assume that they are legal but they are close. Be careful what you copy.


James Waltman
waltmaj@cc.wwu.edu
http://dot.etec.wwu.edu/fsae/
Formula SAE
Vehicle Research Institute at
Western Washington University