Divided‐Axle Undercarriages: A Grapho — Analytical Method of finding Stresses, evolved in Canada

THE most difficult problem in an analysis of a split axle type of undercarriage is the proper division of the moments which must be carried by the axle and radius rod. These moments are due to wheel overhang and braking torque. It has been found that most of the methods so far devised have resulted cither in a mass of very ponderous calculations based on strain‐energy or, owing to simplifying assumptions, in an erroneous answer. The correct and probably the easiest way is to resolve these external moments into and normal to the plane of the axle, radius rod, and hinge line (hereafter called the plane of the “vee structure”). In order to avoid finding the complicated and numerous equations of a line normal to this plane, and of lines in this plane normal and parallel to the hinge line, as well as equations of the resultant loads and moments required for resolution, the method of rabattément has been developed.