Contents: Main characteristics ⇓ Deformation zone ⇓ Cabin ⇓ Radiator frame panel ⇓ Front bumper reinforcement ⇓
Fig. 8.1. Mazda 3 car body frame: 1 – body frame; 2 – front bumper reinforcement; 3 – casing panel
Main characteristics
The body frame is designed to increase rigidity and reduce impact on the body, thereby increasing safety. Crumple zone, H-shaped design (triple H-shaped construction), absorbs the impact energy and prevents injury to passengers. The steel bumper reinforcement also serves to increase safety. The use of a polymer casing panel improves repairability.
Deformation zone
To reduce damage to the passenger compartment, front and rear frames are designed to deform upon impact and effectively absorb/dissipate collision energy.
In moderate frontal collisions, the impact is dispersed to the front side frames and front suspension components in the area of the bumper reinforcement.
Fig. 8.2. Body deformation zones: 1 – collision energy; 2 – front bumper reinforcement; 3 – front side frame; 4 – front cross member; 5 – caisson; 6 – lateral longitudinal beam; 7 – Front B-frame
If a collision occurs close to the passenger compartment, the impact energy is dissipated by the side beams and front B-frames through the torsion box, reducing the impact on the passenger compartment.
Cabin
Fig. 8.3. Vehicle cabin: 1 – roof reinforcement; 2 – central pillar; 3 – lateral longitudinal beam; 4 – cross member No.2; 5 – cross member No.3; 6 – front door impact-resistant beam; 7 – rear door impact bar; 8 – collision energy
The floor, side frame and roof form three rigid, H-shaped frames (triple H-shaped construction), which resist the impact force in the event of a side collision. Handling stability is improved by preventing body twisting.
Radiator frame panel
Fig. 8.4. Radiator frame panel
The radiator frame panel is made of durable fiberglass polymer.
Front bumper reinforcement
Fig. 8.5. Front bumper reinforcement
A large cross-section profile is used to increase strength. The frame and connection area have a deformable design. In case of minor collisions, the impact is absorbed and dissipated, reducing the force of impact on the frame and other elements.