Research of tension change in the elements of a bus body frame during operation

Problem. Operation of buses is accompanied by tensions as a result of deformation of bus body frame elements. The quantitative indexes of such tensions, on the stage of planning, are determined by calculation methods with the use of modern facilities of the automatic planning. However, in the real terms of operations the expected sizes cannot fit the real terms of operation. Thus, there is a necessity of realization of experimental researches to determine the real tensions in bus body frame elements. Goal. The aim of the work is studying the change of tensions in of bus body frame elements in the real operation conditions. Methodolo-gy. The special device is worked out for experimental determination of deformation of bus body frame ele-ments. A mechanical device for measuring deformations tested the device. Then the capacity of device was confirmed in laboratory conditions. Travelling tests were conducted on a bus on the roads of high quality and with dints. Results. During travelling tests it was proved that bus body frame elements deform at speeds of thirty, fifty, seventy kilometers per hour on the roads of high quality. The results were obtained on the road with dints at the speed of twenty kilometers per hour. The value of deformation is also obtained at a zigzag motion and at the urgent braking. Originality. A new device is worked out for the research of deformation change in bus body frame elements. This research was for the first time made for a load carrying structure. It is proved that maximum deformation of the bus body frame will be at the urgent braking. Practical value. A new device and approved methodology of researches can be used for development of new designs of busses.