The Principle of Use of a Space Frame in the Z06 Corvette

   A tubular space frame is the center piece of the design and construction of the Z06 Corvette, and following is a look at the principle behind a space frame.

  A space frame or space structure is a truss like, lightweight rigid structure constructed from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern. A space frame usually utilizes a multidirectional span, and is often used to accomplish long spans with few supports. A space frame derives its strength from the inherent rigidity of the triangular frame, flexing loads, bending moments, are transmitted as tension and compression loads along the length of each strut. Most often their geometry is based on platonic solids. The simplest form is a horizontal slab of interlocking square pyramids built from aluminium or steel tubular struts. In many ways this looks like the horizontal jib of a tower crane repeated many times to make it wider. A stronger purer form is composed of interlocking tetrahedral pyramids in which all the struts have unit length. More technically this is referred to as an isotropic vector matrix or in a single unit width an octet truss. More complex variations change the lengths of the struts to curve the overall structure or may incorporate other geometrical shapes.

  Space frames were independently developed by Alexander Graham Bell around 1900 and Buck Fuller in the 1950s. Bell's interest was primarily in using them to make rigid frames for nautical and aeronautical engineering although few if any were realised. Buck Fuller's focus was architectural structures and has had more lasting influence.

  A tubular space frame is also widely used in the production of modern motorcycles and automobiles, and NASCAR race cars are exclusively built from space frame construction, but monocoque car bodies have been more common since the 1950s.