crossmembers
Frame's lateral supports
Crossmembers are structural components that run perpendicular to the main frame or chassis, connecting parallel rails or beams.
In vehicles, crossmembers provide rigidity to the frame and support components like the engine, transmission, or suspension: The mechanic found rust eating through two of the crossmembers.
The term appears in construction and engineering wherever lateral bracing ties a frame together.
Structural support base
- subframeSupporting frame beneath another
- axleShaft for wheel rotation
- suspensionTemporary halt or exclusion
- unibodyIntegrated structural shell
body-on-frame · cradle · undercarriage · monocoque · drivetrain · rails · mounting · rigidity
Structural support member
- girderMain structural support beam
- trussLoad-bearing beam arrangement
- joistHorizontal structural beam
- braceDevice providing structural stability
strut · stringer · purlin · rafter · stanchion · lintel · cantilever · spandrel
Refreshingly keen or stimulating
- strengtheningIncreasing power or solidity
- stiffeningBecoming less pliable
- shoringTemporary structural support
- buttressingSupporting from the side
anchoring · underpinning · bolstering · stabilization · rigidity · torsional · load-bearing · support
chassis
Structural support base
- subframeSupporting frame beneath another
- axleShaft for wheel rotation
- suspensionTemporary halt or exclusion
unibody · body-on-frame · cradle · undercarriage · monocoque · drivetrain · rails · mounting · rigidity · torsion
beam
Structural support member
brace · strut · stringer · purlin · rafter · stanchion · lintel · cantilever · spandrel · corbel
bracing
Refreshingly keen or stimulating
- strengtheningIncreasing power or solidity
- stiffeningBecoming less pliable
- shoringTemporary structural support
buttressing · anchoring · underpinning · bolstering · stabilization · rigidity · torsional · load-bearing · support