Re: torsion bar

["jtrealty@xxxx " <jtrealty@xxxx>]

A quick primer on spings. There are three main types, coil, leaf, and 
torsion. They can be made of any material that has the proper
"modulas 
of elasticity" which is a fancy way of saying that if you bend it a 
certain amount it will return to it's former shape. Exceeding a limit 
permanently deforms it. A coil spring is usually round coils. A leaf 
spring is usually flat bars arranged in a stack of varying lengths
and 
a torsion bar is usually a round bar. In applications using torsion 
bars the bar is a specially prepared bar with one end being anchored 
(kept from rotating) and the other preloaded by previous rotation and 
then supporting the load. In the case of the Delorean doors the rear 
end is anchored in a bracket over the rear window and the other end
is 
in the hinge that rotates with the door. When you close the door you 
are twisting the bar that extends from the front hinge to the rear 
anchor. A torsion bar is among the most highly stressed of springs
and 
contains an ENORMOUS amount of stored energy.(There is no way to know 
if the torsion bar is under load just by looking at it which makes it 
so dangerous.) Also if the surface of the bar was to be scratched 
stress would concentrate on the area and propagate into a stress 
fracture causing failure ie: it will break. Adjusting the doors 
consists of changing the preload of the torsion bar. Even with the 
doors open there is STILL an considerable amount of energy preloaded 
into the torsion bar.
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757



--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxx, "Thomas B" <tjb229@xxxx> wrote:
> I am a little embarrassed to ask this: How does the torsion bar 
work 
> in the door of the Delorean anyway?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Tom (tjb229@xxxx)