Example:
Refer to the sample truck frame cross sections in Table E. Truck frame yield strength is I I 0,000 psi (758 MPa) with
the following dimensions at the front axle location: 3/8 in. (9.52 mm) thick, 1.50 in. (38.1 mm) top flange, 3 in. (76.2
mm) bottom flange, 10.25 in. (260 mm) deep. To find the frame section modulus:
1. Use a channel with 1.50 (38.1 mm) flanges since I.50 in. (38.1 mm) is the smaller flange width.
2. From Table E, 3/8 in. (9.52 mm) thickness:
• W (width) = 1.50 in. (38.1 mm)
• D (depth) = 10.0 in. (254 mm)
• Section Modulus = 10.2 in
3
(167 cm
3
)
3. From Table E, 3/8 in. (9.52 mm) thickness
• W = 1.50 in. (38.1 mm),
• D = 11.0 in. (279 mm)
• Section Modulus = I I.9 in.
3
(195 cm
3
)
4. Interpolate between the two values:
• 10 in.(254mm) deep channel = 10.2 in.
3
(167cm
3
)
• 11 in.(279mm) deep channel = 11.9 in.
3
(195cm
3
)
• 10.5 in.(267 mm) deep channel
5. Now interpolate between a 10.0 in. (254 mm) deep channel and a 10.5 in. (267 mm) deep channel to get the
section modulus of a 10.25 in. (260 mm) deep channel.
• 10.0 in. (254 mm) deep channel = 10.2 in.
3
(167cm
3
)
• 10.5 in. (267 mm) deep channel = 11.0 in.
3
(181cm
3
)
• 10.25 in. (260 mm) deep channel
Frame Section Modulus at the front axle location is 10.6 in.
3
(174 cm
3
). This is greater
than the 7.5 in.
3
(123 in.
3
) required so the truck frame is strong enough at this location.