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Fe-Mn-Al-C steel alloys have been previously studied for their potential as an alternative steel alloy for Rolled Homogeneous Armor (RHA). Prior examination of the material system has shown promise in this capacity due to the high strength and reduced density of Mn steels as compared to RHA. The prior tested materials were both wrought and cast versions but were all less than an inch in thickness. The alloy is once again being examined, but this time in thicker wrought plate. The aim of the current body of work is to develop a Military Specification (MIL-SPEC) for this new class of ballistically capable material. For industry and communities interested in such material development, the purpose of this paper, then, is to provide a summary of the processing parameters, the prior ballistic and dynamic material testing, cutting and welding approaches, and the extent of progress on industrial sized thick plate development.

A comparative benchmarking study of the dimensional door quality 14 vehicles from Ford, General Motors, Daimler-Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Volvo, and Renault was conducted. Various aspects of the door design, manufacturing, assembly and hanging system were studied. This paper focuses on the dimensional quality of the doors and relates it to the final vehicle quality in terms of gaps and flush as well as customer satisfaction as established by J. D. Power Initial Quality Survey (IQS). For confidentiality reasons, all vehicles in the study are referred to by a coded designation.

This paper discusses the results of a door benchmark study performed on 14 vehicles. The major focus is on the selection of datums or reference points and its impact on the product quality of the door system. The results indicate that there can be a relationship between datum utilization and quality metrics at any stage in the production process. Specific examples show the impact of various strategies on product performance.