Quote:
Originally Posted by Hope Springs Hauler
I'm not sure why he would do that when he has the choice. Theoretically, it is not as strong because the 2 pieces can flex separately. Think about it like lumber, if you can afford the 4x4, get it rather than sandwiching a couple of 2x4s instead.
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Well, with wood it is likely different to some extent. For a given type of wood, two 2x4s screwed/nailed together are stronger than one 4x4 alone and will warp, twist, and bend less.
I'm not a metalurgy kinda guy and not a chassis builder by a long shot, but the use of twin frame rails, double rail cage hoops, etc is widely practiced. They could have just used larger or thicker tubing, but the effort needed to work that into shape, the cost, and the weight are probably big factors. It's likely why we don't see monster truck frames built with 4" OD .750 tubing. Once upon a time I tried to understand the physics and mathmatics involved with building a TF Dragster chassis so I could grasp why they build them like they do and why some work better than others. It got deep in a hurry so i gave up and said 'it just does and I'm glad for it'. A non-solid frame that can handle that kind of power, flex as a chassis, AND break apart in an accident to save the pilot is an engineering wonder. Definitely one group of engineers that will be allowed to live under my clemency program.