[BellyDoc]

These are totally separate from the tearing in the crumple zones up above, although it's the same continuous piece of sheet metal. I'd suspect that its the same force showing up on the opposite edge of the metal part.

They're not likely to connect, because the flat spot on top of the wheel well (where all the stuff is bolted down) can flex up and down small amounts for a much longer time and not crack. Tears will therefore not proceed through this surface. Both the upper crumple zone tear and the lower wheel well tear are vertical surfaces and unable to flex in the up/down direction. I believe the cracks would, at worst, proceed till they reach the flat region, and then stop.

 

[BellyDoc]

Bellydoc... you of all people have to agree with me with the appendix bursting, fender well cracking analogy...

It made my little heart go pitter patter.

 

[BellyDoc]

Can I experiment on your rig with reinforcements?

I'd like to just weld the thing shut and then weld a piece of .125 plate over it and see what happens.

I would, of course, be expecting you to try to break it.