Technical Paper
FutureSteelVehicle Design Methodology: Detail Design Concept using 3G Optimization
2012-04-16
2012-01-1345
As worldwide demand for affordable, safe and low greenhouse gas emission vehicles surged, WorldAutoSteel launched the FutureSteelVehicle program (FSV) aimed at helping automakers optimize body structures through advanced steel design concepts suitable for both conventional and electrified powertrains. The objective was to develop detailed design concepts and fully optimize a radically different body structure vehicle in production in 2015-2020 timeframe utilizing the latest grades of advanced and ultra-high strength steels. FSV achieved 35 percent mass reduction [approaching aluminum body structure mass with similar performance], at no additional cost over a conventional steel body while achieving simulated crash test performance enabling a 5-star safety rating. This was accomplished with a portfolio of 34 standard and advanced steel grades and 17 steel manufacturing technologies together with a state-of-the-future design methodology.
