Structural analysis techniques developed since the introduction of digital computers now allow the analysis of any three-dimensional, elastic structure made up from straight uniform beams and flat panels. A motor car underbody is not composed of these elements but by breaking it down into a large number of small elements, the complex components from which an underbody is assembled may be approximated to by these types of elements. In this paper we report the results of an analysis of a Ford Classic underbody and compare these with the results obtained from experimental tests made on an actual underbody removed from the production line.
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