New Higher Performance Strut Braces

[xhypno]

For my physics class I had to design a loadbearing structure, that provides more support then the current structure. I chose to design a new sturt tower brace for the GA.

The Brace design uses 5 parobolic conics to increase the loadbearing flex of the brace by over 26% more then tradition straight bars.

I am in the process of building the first ones (front and rear) to test on my car. I am also looking for a few people to test them for me, when I reach the point were they work exceptionally well on my car. The cost would be just the price of the supplies for the testers, about 65 dollars US and the shipping to them.

I am also trying to find out if there would be enough interest in these braces, to mass produce them. So if you are interested in them let me know. The retail price would be around 180 dollars US for a set of front and rear.

I am also working on lower frame braces that bolt to the under side of the frame of the car. At there current point, these braces when used with the upper strut braces would provide a increase of 68% in the strength, roll, and flex of teh chasis.

Let me know if you are interested in either of these. They are targeted around road racing, and drivability. Put they will also provide a stronger frame to control the car on the drag strip.

[SikMindz]

Damn man...I just bought a set of TNL ones. *sigh* But if you still need someone to test them eventually I'd be more than willing to help out.

[Watch4MyBu]

count me in

[Tonyyank]

What the above said !!

[snwman]

willing to help out. will pay shipping from you to me if that helps.

[2002GT]

intrested...

[xhypno]

wow, I am glad to see there is alot of support for the projects. The first one is almost complete, (the one that is going in my car), and then I will post pics of it.

This Idea is completly original, all current strut braces are straight bars or angled with supports. The project was parabolic conics used in load bearing bridges, and swe had to come up with our own design. I saw the potential and my teacher allowed me to design the strut brace for my car, just as long as the math is correct for the ammount of preasure based force put on every aspect of the brace.

Now, to talk a little about my design. It is 1/8 inch thick brackets, attached to the top of the struts. They are half moon shaped ( parabola), facing the outer edge of the car. There are then two transposing inverse parabolas weld together at there vertices. These parabolas are directing their focus, (the point of directed force placed on the structure), directly at the top third of the struts. There are then two transposed parabolas directing their focuses at the front bumper, and the center of the car. The rear is just oposite, the focuses directed at the rear bumper and the center of the car.

In theory this will create a harmonic patern of load bearing parabolas (the strongest structure shape known to man), through out the car. The use of the front and rear braces should then in theory provide extreme support for flex, roll, and strength. But it should also supprt the lateral acceleration of the vechile, less wheel spin and rock, because of the all around strengthed frame and body.

I will post diagrams soon, and pics after that.

[cavingman]

ditto on what everyone else said :)

[luniz]

I can test them out!

[Gimli]

I'm volunteering for cold-weather testing of your STB :D

[2kramairGT]

Interested in testing as well. Sounds like a great class, they let you make STBs!

[TurbodreamsGT]

im willing to test it ! in this nice fluctuating weather here in Ct.

[GhostGT]

i would be happy to test them out as well

[dahvaio]

If you need another tester.... I am all game...

Thanks,
David

[xhypno]

Ok, thanks for the support everyone. The project is being pushed back for about a week, my welder decided to go on vacation. I sent it off for repair this afternoon, I should have it back either friday or saturday.

[AaronGTR]

I'm starting to road race my car. I've actually thought several times about making some kind of lower frame braces. If you can make them and they work and they're light, I'll buy some.:)

[xhypno]

make yes, light i don't know, depends on the $$$ involved and the metals avaliable.