tubular steel

[Fogerty]

Hi everyone. I have been reading over all of the bumper posts and have explored Killer32's site and I was just wondering how strong tubular steel is. I was talking to some friends of mine and they all felt that the tubular steel folded in and lost its overall power much quicker than square or solid steel. Is this true? I'm looking for a bumper that can withstand some relatively harsh conditions, so longevity is key.
Thanks in advance
--Fogerty

[reddog]

As a matter of physics a tube is stronger than a square or rectangle. This does not take into account wall thickness and type of material. I am in the market for putting together a rectangler bumper but it will be a while before I have the time to lay it out and put it together.

Do a search on bumpers in the tech section - there is plenty to look at. I think Brad (bchesley) and Tad (tadsal) are putting something together - looks like it should be great.

Kerry

[ December 05, 2002, 02:51 PM: Message edited by: reddog ]

[dnixon]

Tubes are stronger aslong as they AREN'T dented.. tubes aren't very good when it comes to impacts. Tubes will fail easier if dented and then put under loads. i don't think bumpers would really matter because they are just there to take the impact instead of the body. The only thing I think that is going to make a stronger bumper would be wall thickness. this is just my opinion on the subject I really don't have any first hand knowledge on the craft of making bumpers..

[kidatforty]

Hey Fogerty, think about it: If you put a piece of railroad iron on for a bumper, you would have one that would withstand any bending except in the most extreme circumstances. This is great in theory but imagine what would happen to the mounts and what the mounts are attached to: your frame. It takes a bit of logic and engineering. Round tubing is the strongest and if it is the proper thickness and triangulated properly it should provide the strength you would require and crush when needed to save your vehicle's integrity. If done properly, a bumper constructed from other shapes of steel could accomodate with same results. Draw it on paper first and always remember: triangulation. Gussets are also important in the right places. If you can, take a digital photo and take it over to paintbrush. You can do a zillion renditions of the overall look you would like to achieve. It's a fun project!

[Fogerty]

Thanks for the great info guys, I really appreciate it. I forgot that the crushing of the tube would lessen the impact that I would actually feel. It's like the new crumbling hoods and trunks that absorb the excess force rather than transfering it directly to the passengers. I think im going to go with Killer32's bumbers and brushguards, they look really good and appear to be great quality.