Roll Cage

Basics

Contents
Definition Roll Cage Structure (Overview) Description of Elements of Roll Cage Bracing Material Roll Cage Padding Pictures

Definition

Roll Cage is basically a frame that is used to protect the vehicle and provide the base to vehicles strength. A roll cage is a specially engineered and constructed frame built in the passenger compartment of a vehicle to protect its occupants from being injured in an accident, particularly in the event of a roll-over. (Wikipedia) The purpose of the roll cage is to provide a minimal space surrounding the driver and to support all subsystems. The cage must be designed and fabricated to prevent any failure of the cages integrity. It should be large enough for accommodating hefty & tallest member participating in a team in driving position. (Rule Book)

Elements of Roll Cage

1. Primary Members
Secondary Members
1. Rear Roll Hoop (RRH) 2. Rear Hoop Overhead (RHO) 3. Front Bracing Member (FBM) 4.Lateral Cross Member (LCM) 5. Front Lateral Cross Member (FLC)

1. Lateral Diagonal Bracing (LDB)

2.Lower Frame Side (LFS) 3.Side Impact Member (SIM) 4. Under Seat Member (USM) 5. Other cross members

Rear Roll Hoop (RRH)

It is simply the back side of the vehicle. A panel behind the back of the
driver.

It support the rear side of the vehicle It is a vertical member. (20 degree allowance)

RRH Specifications

The RRH is made up of a maximum of four sections: two LCs at highest and
lowest points and two continuous, no break vertical members .

This may be one continuous hoop/tube. The drivers seat may not intrude
into the plane(s) of the RRH.

The RRH must be a minimum of 73.6 cm (29 in.) wide at 68.6 cm (27 in.)
above the drivers seat (H-point of driver).

Lateral Diagonal Bracing (LDB)

Lateral diagonal
bracing member is the member joining the 2 vertical members of the RRH (Rear Roll Hoop)

LDB Specifications
The top and bottom intersections of the LDB members and the RRH vertical
members shall begin at a point along the vertical portion of the RRH within 12.7 cm (5 in.) vertically of point BR or BL and extend diagonally to a point no farther than 12.7 cm (5 in.) above point AR or AL respectively.

The angle between LDB members and RRH vertical members must be
greater than or equal to 20 degree

Roll Hoop Overhead (RHO)

It is basically the top member of the vehicle or the head of the vehicle. It forms the points CL and CR and should be less than 12 away from seat
bottom when the seat back is in vertical position.

RHO Specifications
Points CR and CL must be at least 30.5 cm (12 in.) forward of a point in the
vehicles elevation view, defined by the intersection of the RHO member and a vertical line rising from the after end of the seat bottom.

This point on the seat is defined by the seat bottom intersection with a 10.1
cm (4 in.) radius circle which touches the seat bottom and the seat back.

Lower Frame Side members (LFS)

These are the members or the edges that support the bottom of the vehicle
and are connected to RRH through points AL and AR.

It basically connects the front and back of the vehicle from the lower side of
the vehicle.

Side Impact Members (SIM)

The two Side Impact Members define a horizontal mid-plane within the roll
cage. These members are joined to the RRH at points S and extend horizontally to points SF forward of the drivers toes

SIM Specifications

The SIM must be between 20.3 cm (8 in.) and 35.6 cm (14 in.) (as measured
vertically) above the area of the seat in contact with the driver

Under Seat Member (USM)

The two LFS members must be joined by the Under Seat Members. The
USM must pass directly below the driver.

Front Bracing members (FBM)

Front bracing member is the front part or face of the roll cage. Front bracing members (continuous, with no break) must join RHO, SIM and
LFS

The FBM must be continuous tubes. The angle between the FBMUP and the vertical must be less than or equal
to 45 degrees.

Lateral Space Dimensions (acc. Rule Book)

The minimum space is based on clearance between the driver and straight
edge applied to any two points on the roll cage: 1. The drivers helmet to be 152 mm (6 in.) clearance to the top of roll cage. 2. The drivers shoulders, torso, hips, thighs, knees, arms elbows, and hands, shall have a minimum of 76 mm (3 in.) of clearance from the envelope created by the structure of the car.

Materials for Roll Cage Tubing

Mild Steel Tubing: Choice for Race Cars

Reason: Its durability and its lightweight

Chromoly Steel Tubing:

More stronger than mild steel tube. All welds must be heat treated

Material to be used in BAJA SAE

Circular steel tubing with an outside diameter of 25mm (1 in.) and a wall
thickness of 3 mm (0.120 in.) and a carbon content of at least 0.18%.

Roll Cage Padding

Any portion of the roll cage, which would be contacted by the driver, must
be covered by a resilient foam material such as Polyethylene (pipe insulation) with a minimum thickness of 1.2 cm (0.5 in.).

All sharp edges which might endanger the driver, crew, officials and safety staff must be eliminated by shielding and/or padding.

What More..???????

Here are some images of ROLL CAGE