Structural Analysis & Damage Repair Flashcards

When measuring a unibody vehicle for structural damage, which point on the body is used as the reference for all dimensional measurements?

Answer: The closest undamaged datum point

Datum points are established undamaged reference points used to verify correct dimensional measurements.

A vehicle pulled in for repair shows a buckle in the rocker panel and a misaligned door. This indicates damage in which structural area?

Answer: The lower body / side structure

Rocker panel buckling and door misalignment indicate collapsed or shifted lower side structure.

What term describes the condition where the centerline of the vehicle is bent into a banana-like shape?

Answer: Sidesway

Sidesway damage bends the structure sideways off the centerline.

Which gauge is hung from reference points beneath a unibody to visually check for vertical and horizontal misalignment?

Answer: Centering (self-centering) gauges

Self-centering gauges hang under the body and reveal misalignment by their visual relationship.

Before pulling on a damaged unibody, why must the vehicle be properly anchored?

Answer: To prevent the whole vehicle from moving instead of straightening

Anchoring holds the vehicle so pulling force straightens the structure rather than dragging the car.

Kink damage in high-strength steel structural members should generally be:

Answer: Sectioned or the part replaced

Kinks in high-strength steel are usually replaced or sectioned because the metal cannot be safely restraightened.

A 'bend' versus a 'kink' in a structural rail differs primarily in:

Answer: The sharpness of the radius of deformation

A bend has a gradual radius and may be straightened, while a kink has a sharp, abrupt radius requiring replacement.