Search Results

Advancements in high-strength-to-weight-ratio material development have provided the automotive industry with numerous possibilities for vehicle weight reduction. The application rate of these new materials will depend upon their economic feasibility as well as their material properties. For these materials to be cost effective, the weight interaction of lighter high strength components must be considered within the environment of the total vehicle. This paper presents an analytical technique for quantifying vehicle component weight interactions and specifying the resulting iterative weight reductions that can be achieved through high strength material substitution. The technique has been applied to a typical production full-size vehicle to obtain the hypothetical, component group-weight targets that could be achieved through substitution of high strength-to-weight-ratio materials.

More than 77 kg (170 lbs.) of high strength steels (70 parts) are used in the new Chrysler Omni and Horizon models. Nearly 50 percent of these high strength metals is dent resistant steel. Why these high strength steels are used and what components are in production, are reported in this paper. The production experiences with these materials for major components are discussed. The development and application of dent resistant steel for hood outer panels are also reported. The advantages of using these high strength materials are also discussed in this report.

Automotive materials conversion to aluminum is increasing from 35 kgs in the 70's to more than 60 kgs average in the 1983 U.S. vehicles. To control mass, aluminum intensive vehicles with 180 kgs of aluminum are already in production for greater luxury, roominess, performance, and fuel efficiency. Optimization of aluminum designs and processing is achieved through the total design concept of “Putting It All Together”. A total of 225 kgs improves performance and maximizes the benefits for upsized vehicles by using current production components, drive trains, power plants, and press plant equipment.