Study of Weight Reduction and Performance Control by CFRP Local Modifying Technology 2018-01-0159

The goals of this study were to use carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin (CFRP), which has good specific strength and specific stiffness, to tailor the properties of aluminum (AL) in the needed locations, and then study how this contributes to the reduction of part weights and vehicle vibration while enhancing vehicle dynamics. Differing linear expansion and electric potentials are issues for integrating CFRP and AL, so technology was established for joining dissimilar materials using adhesive. This technology was used to optimize the CFRP local reinforcement locations, using the wheel part as an example, and was found to have a weight reduction value of 4 kg per vehicle. In addition, natural frequency control was investigated as a method of reducing vibration, and properties were found enabling a change of the natural frequencies at a weight of 600 g less per wheel than that of aluminum. Furthermore, the results of vehicle dynamics tests confirmed that the CFRP reinforced wheel part enhances vehicle performance compared to the base wheel, with good responsiveness in the steering stability area and good yaw damping in the ride comfort area.

This technology provided effects when applied to just the wheel part, so use of CFRP reinforcement throughout the vehicle can be expected to further reduce weight and enhance performance. In addition, this CFRP local reinforcement technology can support already created mass production dies without the need for die modification, so broad commonality can also be expected.