Pegaso Solo's bonded frame
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• Pegaso is extending the application of composite materials in its advanced "Solo" technology demonstrator tractive unit.
The futuristic tractor was displayed at the Amsterdam Show a year ago with composite chassis rails bolted together with conventional cross-members, but featuring normal metal components such as suspension hanger brackets and air tanks.
Now a new version is being developed that will have an allcomposite frame with "ring inserts" that will be used to provide extra strength in highstress areas such as the back of the frame and around the fifth wheel.
Pegaso's British-born technical director Jim Mason says: "After showing a composite frame with bolted components on it, the next step will be a totally bonded frame."
Two prototype bonded frames are expected to undergo testing soon.
They will be placed on special test rigs that will not only simulate the loads placed on the frame by components, but also a wide variety of road conditions. According to Mason the adoption of the all-bonded composite frame could provide weight savings of as much as 300kg compared with a conventional, ladder-type steel chassis.
More importantly the composite frame allows a complete rethink in chassis design.
In particular Mason reports that the ability to mould the composite material into an infinitely greater variety of shapes than steel gives commercial vehicle designers far more freedom. Possibilities include the integration of air reservoirs within the composite chassis in place of external tanks.
The chassis tests will provide a wide range of data, not least on suitable bonding agents, says Mason. The latest Solo demonstrator is also likely to feature an increased use of sophisticated electronics for control functions.
Solo Two featured a composite cab with plug-type coach doors and an allelectronic dash including a navigation display, but the Solo's driveline is based on the Spanish truck maker's existing 12-litre Troner engine.