Monocoque structure

Fig. 27.7. A 1994 Lotus Elan, with a GFRP body (but still mounted on a steel chassis - which does not give anything like the weight saving expected with an all-GFRP monocoque structure). (Reproduced with the kind permission of Group Lotus Ltd.)...

Monocoque structure fabricated by molding wood veneer with glue to shape under pressure was successfully used as early as 1916 in the LWF Model V complete molded fuselage and probably most famously in the monocoque fuselage... 

Of course it did not happen like that. The beginnings of an integral steel structure were first seen in the early twenties with the Lancia Lambda over the next fifteen years or so widespread use was made of unitized steel monocoque structures, notably by Citroen and Opel. The huge post-war growth in automobile production was based almost entirely on unitized designs, and in recent years new technology has helped to make this system virtually unassailable for volume production. 

Monsanto s house of the future (Fig. 4.37) located in Disney Land, FL was built during 1957 of practically all glass fiber-TS polyester RP other plastics also used and reinforced concrete (foundation). MIT professors designed it. View (a) shows the four U-shaped monocoque structural cantilever beams each 16 ft from the square center foundation. View (b) shows load bearing requirements of the cantilever beams. View (c) is a sectional view of the house. 

Monocoque structure Plastics provides an easy means to producing monocoque constructions such as has been done in different applications that include aircraft fuselage, automotive body, motor truck, railroad car, and houses. Its construction is one in which the outer covering skin carries all or a major part of the stresses. The structure can integrate its body and chassis such as in aircraft and automobiles. 

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