Brake reaction bars that do not that have chassis fittings that shear is unwise in a dangerous impact. The brake reaction bar goal is to steady the front end when braking, not to become a
structural feature that transfers impact forces to occupants.
Struggling with this theory on how a small tube structurally pinned at each end can transfer impact forces to occupants.
That's easy to answer. They should NOT transfer impact in a happy world. Their lower fittings should shear or they can crack where they are pleated and bent,
top and bottom or both.
That is the minor thing that must be understood. I realize it is counter-intuitive. Most make their own and they unwittingly be made
added to so they are too strong and then prevent the frame from absorbing impact forces and transfer them down the line to the cockpit.
That is what seems to
be happening with the CXs. They are apparently transferring frontal impact forces to the driver. But Morgan trad and Aero frames bend and pleat at the
bulkhead, a happy result for occupants.
Brake reaction bars are smart and well-chosen if minor precautions are taken to assure their lower fittings will shear or the bars themselves will crack
in extremis.
Physics is fascinating. It is all in the small details, As we have a chassis frame that performs well, even miraculously, for us why make these bars "structural"? Do
we want them to negate the frame's known safety feature. The "small tubes" have hopefully we weakened enough by flattening and sharply bending their edges, top
and bottom. But no one has tested that. Best to add some redundancy with the weak shear bolts customarily supplied from the best sources?
BTW, have you ever examined the very thin flimsy fringe on the bottom of the chassis' hefty vertical section. Are you aware that if this thin thingie it is broken or cracked,
the hefty frame above will follow suit? One does not have to look important enough to change physics.
gomog
