Functions of Automobile Chassis Components
Welcome to Explore Automotive, in this blog we learn about different functions of automobile chassis components.
As we say Definition of chassis so let us know about it ,the name ‘Chassis’ is a French term that was initially used to denote the frame or main structure of the vehicle. The chassis frames includes all the major units that are necessary to propel the vehicle, guide its motion, stop it and allow it to run smoothly over uneven surfaces.
Automobile chassis is the main mounting member for all the components including the body. And it is also known as the carrying unit.
Functions of Chassis
The functions of the chassis includes
1) Chassis carries the weight of the vehicle and its passengers, and goods in case of cargo vehicles
2) Withstanding the engine and transmission torque and thrust stresses, as well as accelerating and braking torque,
3) Withstanding the centrifugal force while taking a turn and
4) Withstanding the bending load and twisting due to the rise and fall of the front and rear axles.
Different components of automobile chassis system
Here are some major components of automobile and their functions listed below:
1) Frame
Chassis frame is the basic frame work of an automobile which supporting all the parts of the automobile attached to it. Chassis frame is made up of the material that is drop forged steel.
Different types of loads applied on the Chassis Frame
(i) Stationary loads, it means that the loads of permanent attachment like all the parts of the chassis, body of the vehicle.
(ii) The loads which are caused by sudden accidents, head on collusions etc.
(iii) The loads which are caused by irregular and overloading of the vehicle
(iv) Short duration loads, the load comes on the vehicle while turning, braking.
(v) Momentary loads, this type of loads applied on the vehicle while quick acceleration, sudden braking etc.
(vi) The loads that are applied while crossing the roads of irregular and uneven surfaces
2) Radiator
The main function of the radiator is to cool down the water that received from the engine.
The radiator has three main parts which are as follows:
(i) Upper tank, (ii) Lower tank and (iii) Tubes.
Hot water which is present in the upper tank, which comes from the engine, flows downwards through the tubes. And that time, the heat contained in the hot water is conducted to the copper fins which are provided around the tubes. An overflow pipe, connected to the upper tank that permits excess water or steam to escape.
There are three types of radiators:
(i) Gilled tube radiator,
(ii) Tubular radiator and
(iii) Honey comb or cellular radiator
Gilled tube radiator: This type of radiator is the oldest type of radiator and it is still in use. In this radiator, water flows from inside the tubes. And each tube having a large number of annular rings or fins which are pressed firmly over its outside surface.
Tubular radiator: The one slightly difference in a gilled tubes radiator and a tubular that is in this case there are no separate fins for individual tubes. The radiator having vertical tubes which passes through thin fine copper sheets which runs in horizontal manner.
Honey comb or cellular radiator: This type of cellular radiator consists of a large number of individual air cells which are surrounded by the water. In this type, the clogging of any passage or area affects only small amount of parts of the cooling surface. It means that in the tubular radiator, if one tube becomes clogged, the cooling effect of the entire tube is lost.
3) Engine
An engine is the complex unit in which different components are assembled together, and fuel is burned by the engine to produce power or energy. The main function of engine is to converts chemical energy (heat energy) into mechanical energy, which is then utilised for the movement of vehicle.
When the fuel is burned inside the engine, it is called an Internal Combustion (IC) engine, and when the fuel is burned externally and the produced steam is used for the movement of machine that is called as an External Combustion (EC) engine. This is the main difference between IC engine and EC engine.
In an IC engine, the reciprocating motion of the piston inside the cylinder is converted into the rotary motion of the crankshaft and the produced the power which is then transmitted to move the vehicle.
In case of a rotary engine or Wankel engine, the rotor rotates and completes the process of combustion and produces the power that generated power helps to the movement of vehicle.
4) Clutch
Clutch is a mechanism placed between the flywheel and gearbox which enables the rotary motion of one shaft to be transmitted, when desired. The axes of both the driving shaft and driven shaft are coincident to each other.
Functions of clutch
Main function of clutch is that to disconnect the engine power from the gear box as per required, under the following conditions:
(i) To start the engine and warm up the engine;
(ii) To engage first and second gear to start the vehicle from standstill condition;
(iii) To facilitate while changing the gear as per requirement; and
(iv) To disconnect the transmission line from the engine to stop the vehicle after application of the brakes.
(b) To allow the engine to take up the load gradually without any sudden shock or jerk occur.
5) Gearbox
We require different gear ratios in the gear box or transmission system to enable the vehicle to move at different speeds according to the road conditions.
At the time of starting the vehicle, the maximum amount of torque is available on the flywheel, for that condition low gear ratio is selected for the movement of the vehicle.
Functions of a gear box
(i) To provide variations in the leverage or torque ratio between the engine and the road wheels as per required based on the road condition.
(ii) The transmission also provides a neutral position so that the engine and the road wheels are disconnected even with the clutch is in the engaged position.
(iii) It provides a function to reverse the vehicle by selecting the reverse gear.
6) Universal Joint and Propeller shaft
Universal joints:
One or two universal joints are used in the vehicle basically depending upon the type of rear axle drive used in that particular vehicle.
The universal joints serves in the up and down movements of the rear axle when the vehicle is in running condition.
Propeller Shaft:
Propeller shaft is a shaft which transmits the power from an engine to the wheels of the vehicle. Propeller shaft is a hollow tubular shaft which consists of following parts.
(i) Shaft:Shaft mainly carries torsional stresses which produced due to twisting. It is usually made of tubular cross section.
(ii) Slip joint: Depending on the type of drive, one slip joint may be there in the shaft. This joint works for adjusting the length of the propeller shaft when demanded by the rear axle movements.
7) Final Drive
Final drive is functioning for the power transfer from propeller shaft to rear (or front if automobile is front wheel driven) axles and then to the wheels.
Final drive that turns the propeller shaft motion at right angle to drive the rear axle. The final drive is composition of a bevel gear that also called as a pinion and crown wheel.
The bevel pinion is connected with the propeller shaft. And the pinion is in mesh with the crown wheel which is a part of differential. Final drive gives fixed speed reduction.
And because of the crown wheel has more number of teeth and connected to the rear axles and bevel pinion has less number of teeth. For the final reduction in speed, two types of gears can be used.
One of them may be use of bevel gears and another may be worm and worm wheel. Worm and worm wheel combination provides a large reduction without employing larger gears and it is strong also.
Slip Joint: The rear axle housing with the wheel and differential is attached to the frame of an automobile through the springs.
As the vehicle moves over uneven surface road condition, this time whole assembly moves up and down due to expansion and compression of the springs. This phenomenon changes the length of propeller shaft because it is connected to differential and gear box.
And this is main function of a Slip joint that allows for the change in length of propeller shaft. When the spring is compressed propeller shaft shortens and when the spring is expanded, propeller shaft returns to its original length.
8) Differential
When a vehicle such as a car or truck takes a turn, at that time the outer wheel turns faster than the inner wheel. So, there is a relative movement takes place between the inner and the outer wheel.
The function of the differential is that to permit the relative movement between the inner and outer wheels when vehicle initiates to take a turn.
The torque transmitted to each of the rear wheel is equal in this case, although their speed is different. The differential is made up of a system of gears that connects the propeller shaft and the rear axles.
Differential is a part that is placed in the inner axle housing assembly. This assembly consisting of differential, rear axles, wheels and bearings.
There are three types of differential which are as follows:
(a) Conventional type differential,
(b) Non-slip or self locking type differential, and
(c) Double reduction type differential.
Conventional Type:Conventional type differential delivers same torque to each rear wheel. If any one of the wheels of a vehicle that slips due to any reason the wheel does not rotate and vehicle does not move.
Non-slip or Self Locking Type: Non-slip or self locking type differential overcomes the drawback which comes in conventional type differential. Its construction is similar to that of conventional type differential. But one thing that separates is that, two sets of clutch plates are provided additionally in this type. Also, the ends of planetary shafts are leaves as loose condition with notches are provided on the differential cage.
9) Half Axle
Rear axle functions that transmits the power from differential to the wheels so that the vehicle can move. Rear axle is not a single piece but it is in two half parts which are connected by means of the differential.
Each part of the rear axle is divided into two half that is called the half shaft. Outer end of the rear axle, each half axle carries the wheel while inner end is connected to sun gear of the differential. In vehicles which employ rear wheel drive, rear wheels are the driving wheels.
However, in front wheel drive vehicles, front wheels are the driving wheels. Rear axles and the differential both are completely enclosed in a housing to protect them from the dust, dirt, water and any possible damage.
Functions of Rear Axle
(i) The main function of rear axle is that to transmit the power from differential to the wheels.
(ii) And also supports to carry the weight of an automobile.
10) Wheels and Tyres
Wheel
The wheel is an important component which gives primary suspension to the vehicle. Wheels of a vehicle are mounted on a hub and consist of parts like rim, tyre and tube.
The wheels provide support the weight of the vehicle and also protect it from road shocks. All the four wheels of the vehicle must resist the braking stresses and withstand the side thrust. A wheel must be light in weight and easily removable at the time of maintenance.
Functions of the wheel
(i) To grip the road surface.
(ii) To balance dynamically it means when the vehicle is in motion and statically means when the vehicle is at rest condition.
(iii) To withstand the weight of the vehicle.
(iv) To absorb road shocks.
Tyre
The tyreis mounted on the wheel rim that carries the vehicle load and provides a cushioning effect to the whole structure. Tyre helps to produce minimum noise, while the wheel take turns on the road.
Tyres also resist the tendency for the vehicle to oversteer. Tyres should have good grip while accelerating and braking the vehicle on both dry and wet roads.
Functions of Tyre
(i) To transmit the power from the engine through gear box, propeller shaft and rear axle to the ground with which the vehicle moves.
(ii) The treads made on the tyres grip the road for better traction.
(iii) To carry the load of the vehicle.
(iv) To absorb minor road shocks.
(v) To reduce vibration to some extent.
11) Suspension System
Suspension denotes that the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle body to its wheels.
The suspension system gives a dual purpose that contributing to the vehicle’s road holding or handling and braking for the safety and also gives driving comfort, and keeping the vehicle occupants comfortable and well isolated from the road noise, bumps and vibrations that occurs while riding.
Functions of suspension system
The functions of a suspension system are given as follows:
(i) Suspension system provides safeguard to the occupants against road shocks and provide riding comfort to the passenger.
(ii) Suspension system isolate the structure of the vehicle from the shock loading and vibration due to irregularities of the road surface without impairing its stability.
(iii) Suspension system helps to provide the proper height to the body structure of the vehicle as well as to bear the torque and braking reactions.
(iv) To minimise the effects of stresses produced by the road shocks on the mechanism of the motor vehicle and provide a cushioning effect.
(v) To keep the body perfectly in level while travelling over rough uneven ground, i.e., the up and down movement of the wheels should be relative to the body.
12) Electrical or Electronic System
In current scenario, all the vehicles run with the help of electrical and electronic system, and because of that, this system plays an important role in the functioning of an automobile.
Electrical and Electronic systems consists the sub systems which are as follows:
(i) Starting system: For the starting of an engine, the starting motor placed which is driven by means of the current taken from the battery.
(ii) Ignition system: The function of the ignition system is that it produces a spark by using spark plug which is placed in the engine combustion chamber at the end of the compression stroke.
(iii) Generating or charging system: The function of the charging system in an automobile is to generate, regulate and supply the electrical energy to charge the battery.
(iv) Lighting system: This system consists of various types of lighting used during the vehicle in running condition, such as head lights, tail lights, left and right indicators, parking light, cabin light, panel board lights, fog lights, brake lights, reversing light, etc.
(v) Electric and electronic system also provides connections for other accessories.
13) Steering System
The steering system permits that the driver can easily control the car on a straight road and turns right or left as per requirement. The steering mechanism includes that a steering wheel, which the driver controls, a steering gear, which converts rotary motion of steering wheel in to straight line motion and steering linkages.
In latest cars, the manually operated steering system is assisted by the power such as hydraulic or electric means and is called that power steering. The electric power utilised from the battery or hydraulic power is used.
Functions of a Steering System
(i) This system is used to turn the vehicle as per the will of the driver.
(ii) It converts the rotary motion of the steering wheel into angular displacement of the front wheel.
(iii) It multiplies the effort of the driver to ease operation.
(iv) It absorbs road shocks and prevents them from reaching the driver.
(v) It provides directional stability to the vehicle when moving in a straight (ahead) direction.
(vi) It provides perfect steering condition, i.e., perfect rolling motion of the wheels at all times.
(vii) It facilitates straight ahead recovery after completion of turn.
(viii) It controls the wear and tear of the tyre.
14) Braking System
In Automobiles brakes function as very important role in slowing down the vehicle and stopping of the vehicle as and when required by the driver.
Mainly there are two types of brakes are, (i) Internal expanding (ii) External contracting type. Different types of brakes are used which are available in the market in different vehicles as per the requirement.
According to application, there are different types of brakes which are as follows:
Mechanical brakes,
Hydraulic air brakes,
Vacuum brakes,
Functions of Brakes
(i) To travel smoothly and safely even in heavy flow of traffic by controlling the movement of the vehicle.
(ii) To slow down or to stop the vehicle as and when required.
(iii) To control the vehicle when the vehicle is rolling down on a slope road down ward.
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