Question, at the risk of it being dumb.

"Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey" (dingersghost) 09/18/2014 at 19:26 • Filed to: None

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Since I have no clue as to their purpose, what are the ridges for on truck roofs?

Like the ones above.

I know the Ford trucks have them, but I'm not sure about the others.

Why are they there?

(not my picture btw)

McMike > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 09/18/2014 at 19:28

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Strength. Panels that big need a little help.

Frosted > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 09/18/2014 at 19:28

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I'm gonna guess maybe for aerodynamic reasons.

PatBateman > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 09/18/2014 at 19:28

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Testosterone boosters, mainly.

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > McMike 09/18/2014 at 19:29

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Oh, so it's basically to add more material, but not more area?

OkCars- 22k Crossroads > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 09/18/2014 at 19:29

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I think they are to make the roof rigid.

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > Frosted 09/18/2014 at 19:30

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I thought that too.

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > PatBateman 09/18/2014 at 19:30

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To add more to a bro-lift?

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > OkCars- 22k Crossroads 09/18/2014 at 19:31

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That's what Mcmike said. It sounds right

Steve in Manhattan > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 09/18/2014 at 19:31

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My guess? Decorative.

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 09/18/2014 at 19:31

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It's not that it adds material, it's just that when you bend metal, it picks up strength around the bends. Work hardening, if I recall correctly.

PatBateman > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 09/18/2014 at 19:32

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It's that one little touch that makes bro lifts more bro.

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > Jeff-God-of-Biscuits 09/18/2014 at 19:34

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Ah 10-4. Thanks!

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > PatBateman 09/18/2014 at 19:35

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Totally bro. Hardcore.

Did I do that right?

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > Steve in Manhattan 09/18/2014 at 19:35

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Probably part of it. I don't know if It's just a Ford thing, or if they all have it

Jayhawk Jake > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 09/18/2014 at 19:43

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It adds stiffness because it breaks up the flat panel.

Compare a tin can to an aluminum can as an example

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > Jayhawk Jake 09/18/2014 at 19:47

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That's a good example. Bendify and add stiffness!

McMike > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 09/18/2014 at 20:04

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Take a look at every sheet metal panel on every car. You'll never see a panel more than a few square feet without a bend, groove, or some sort of strengthening rib in it.

I don't know the actual terminology for it, but a flat piece of sheet metal is one of most wiggliest things out there. Every van/suv roof has some sort of stamped shape in it to strengthen it up.

I'm sure design also comes into it, as well since it's necessary.

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > McMike 09/18/2014 at 20:23

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You know, I guess I've never thought about it. Obviously I've noticed ridges like that but never really put much thought into them.

T5Killer > McMike 09/18/2014 at 20:29

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Corrugation would be the term IIRC

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Jayhawk Jake 09/18/2014 at 20:31

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Another good example might be the side of a milk jug. Some of them have indentations to help hold the sides in place.

McMike > T5Killer 09/18/2014 at 20:48

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Just like cardboard!

Jayhawk Jake > McMike 09/18/2014 at 21:03

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You will see it, and they feel flimsy. See: my roof panel

Jayhawk Jake > BaconSandwich is tasty. 09/18/2014 at 21:04

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Indeed. We use the same sort of feature on airplane structure, although sometimes it's not enough

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Jayhawk Jake 09/18/2014 at 21:11

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Interesting. You work in the aircraft industry?

doodon2whls > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey 09/18/2014 at 21:55

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They are called pencil ribs, and they stiffen the sheet metal by providing 'out-of-plane' stucture. Large flat (or nearly flat) metal sheets tend to 'oil can' or vibrate like a drum head. Stamping these pencil ribs eliminates this tendency. Look at how deep the pencil ribs are on pickup truck bed floors.

In some cases, the outer most pencil ribs are depressions (rather than upset material) to manage water drainage. You don't want all of the water to drain on you when you open the door and the vehicle tilts slightly.

doodon2whls > McMike 09/18/2014 at 21:55

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pencil ribs