[VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #187 - Monocoque construction

[waymark1@xxxxxxxx]

"Monocoque" is "unitary construction" with no separate frame.
"Semi-monocoque" is a body that provides part of the strength and most of
the stiffness, like old Volkswagen Beetles. The body is rigidly bolted,
or even welded, to the frame. This is the way AS and most other AS-like
aluminum trailers are constructed. AS is the standard by which others are
judged. Some have been superior to AS in some ways; most have been
inferior to AS.
Separate body and frame construction has all the strength in the
underframe. The body is fastened to the frame with flexible joints,
usually cushions, that reduce noise transmission from the chassis (frame
and running gear) into the body. Our Chevy van is separate body and frame
construction. Pre-1996 Chevy/GMC vans were unit body
(unibody/unitary/monocoque) construction. The front and rear suspensions
were on subframes that were bolted to the body, with no frame rails
running under the body from the front to the rear subframes. Some
vehicles have had separate body and frame construction with relatively
flimsy frames and a stiff, strong body, muddling the distinction between
semi-monocoque and separate body and frame construction.
Al