[Diy_efi] OT: tubular steel/space frame stress calcs

[Allyn]

    im working on a tubular steel space frame based concept for a twin
engine vw scirocco. im good mechanically, but need some assistance finding
info for stress calculations, selection of tubular steel size/thickness,
design of frame, etc. im sure someone on this list has tackled a similar
problem in their past. if so, could you please point me in the right general
direction? basically if i can find a good source of raw data/formulas, i can
take it from there. i've been looking for something like an excel
spreadsheet to calculate max tensile/buckling stresses for given sizes (with
no luck). i'll cook one up once i gather some formulas for the task.

current intentions:
- mild structural steel (for ease of welding). possible switch to 4130 if
the benefit is great enough.
- frame design will be on computer hopefully. any good suggestions for
software for space frame design purposes? i dont really need a super-fea
program, as i only need to do simple wire-frame analysis.

thanks in advance for your time/input
Allyn Malventano, ETC(SS), USN

87 Rieger Scirocco GTO 2.0 16v (daily driver, 180k, rocco #6)
86 Kamei Twin 16V Turbo Scirocco GTX ('it has begun', rocco #7)
87 Jetta 8v Wolfsburg 2dr (wifes daily driver, 285k, 0 rattles)


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