Materials

3M, Chesapeake Energy team to develop cheaper, lighter CNG tanks 3M and Chesapeake Energy Corp. are collaborating to design, manufacture, and market a portfolio of compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks for use in various transportation sectors in the U.S. The companies note that currently the fuel tank on a CNG vehicle is its most expensive single component but claim that the new CNG tanks stemming from their partnership will reduce costs and increase performance. Read full story

TMD Friction air disc brake material meets requirements for aftermarket linings TMD Friction’s premium air disc brake pad friction material, Textar T3070, has met the FMVSS 121 dynamometer requirements of TMC’s Recommended Practice #628 – “Aftermarket Brake Lining Qualification.” Compatibility issues arising from different brake designs on front and rear axles were a major reason TMD developed and certified a disc brake pad formulated to replicate the performance of drum lining material. Read full story

JSP develops composite door-panel prototype A new concept for a 100% plastic prototype door panel has the potential to provide a weight reduction of up to 40% compared to conventional steel door panels but with equivalent performance (static strength), according to two JSP engineers who will present details of the prototype at the SAE 2012 World Congress in Detroit. Read full story

Laser R&D at German university helps carbon fiber make the cut University of Stuttgart Institute researches new processes for laser cutting of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs). Read full story

Rollout of airless, flat-proof tire prototypes Bridgestone and Yokohama unveil non-pneumatic concept tires. Read full story