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“Spotlight on Design” features video interviews and case studies, focusing on technology breakthroughs, hands-on testimonials, and the importance of fundamentals. Viewers are virtually taken to industry labs and research centers to learn how design engineers solve real-life problems. These challenges include enhancing product performance, reducing costs, improving quality and safety, while decreasing environmental impact, and achieving regulatory compliance. In the episode “Additive Manufacturing: 3D Printing in the Automotive Industry” (20:00), engineers from Fiat Chrysler Corporation (FCA) explain the importance of using 3D printing to test multiple design scenarios and develop solutions that can be quickly evaluated on test tracks. And Local Motors shows how it builds a vehicle from the ground up with a 3D printer, and without a traditional assembly line.

In “The Impact of Additive Manufacturing in Automotive Applications”, a professor from Kettering University explains why additive manufacturing will be a game changer for car makers, and how process control is one of the biggest challenges ahead. An engineer at Local Motors in Arizona shows how the company builds its cars using a large-scale 3D printer, including how a variety of materials is being evaluated for optimal performance in this type of application. The episode highlights: The expected positive impact of AM on smaller car makers and suppliers The key difference between small 3D printers and large-scale ones The need to find the best possible material combination so vehicles that are #D-printed are as safe as traditional ones Also Available in DVD Format To subscribe to a full-season of Spotlight on Design, please contact SAE Corporate Sales: CustomerSales@sae.org or 1-888-875-3976.

Abstract Based on the characteristics of high strength and modulus of carbon fiber-reinforced composite (CFRP), in this article, the CFRP material was used to replace the steel material of the automobile’s B-pillar inner and outer plates, and the three-stage optimization design of the lamination structure was carried out. Firstly, this article used the principle of equal stiffness replacement to determine the thickness of the carbon fiber B-pillar inner and outer plates, and the structural design of the replaced B-pillar was also carried out. Secondly, on the basis of the vehicle collision model, the B-pillar subsystem model was extracted, and the material replacement and collision simulation were carried out.

Abstract On contrast to the qualitative approach used in the majority of researches, an evaluation quantitative approach is introduced not only to depict the plain individual effect of the influence of the high-pressure torsion (HPT) processing conditions on the microstructural and Hv-values of the ultra-hard nanostructured AA6061-15%SiCp composite but also to detect its possible parameters functional interaction and nonlinear trends involved. Experimental data were used to establish many adequate and significant empirical models to detect and to evaluate the mutual functional interrelationships between the Hv-values of the composite, each of HPT processing pressure, and number of revolutions. For each group of interrelated parameters, the preferred selected developed model has been exploited to generate the relevant contours and response surface graphs.

Abstract With increased consumer demand for fuel efficient vehicles as well as more stringent greenhouse gas regulations and/or Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards from governments around the globe, the automotive industry, including the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and suppliers, is working diligently to innovate in all areas of vehicle design. In addition to improving aerodynamics, enhancing internal combustion engines and transmission technologies, and developing alternative fuel vehicles, mass reduction has been identified as an important strategy in future vehicle development. In this article, the development, analysis, and experiment of multi-cornered structures are presented. To achieve mass reduction, two non-traditional multi-cornered structures, with twelve- and sixteen-cornered cross-sections, were developed separately by using computer simulations.

Abstract The current investigation studies the microstructure and high-temperature hot corrosion behavior of plasma-sprayed coatings. The composition of Fe17Cr2Ni0.18C and fly ash cenosphere powder is maintained in the 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% ratio by weight percent, respectively. Both powder mixtures were thoroughly blended correspondingly and coated on T22 boiler steel tubings. Thermocyclic hot corrosion studies were examined in a liquid salt condition of Na2SO4—60% V2O5 for 17 cycles of 51 h at 600°C on bare and coated steels. Thermogravimetric practice was used to establish the kinetics of hot corrosion of uncoated and coated steels. As-coated samples are studied for microstructure and microhardness. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray mapping characterization techniques have been utilized for structural analysis of the as-coated and hot-corroded samples.

Abstract The high quality of the machined parts in a short time is a research challenge for enhancing these parts’ operating performance. Optimizing the machining operations and adequately selecting the cutting parameters can solve this challenge. Thus, this work proposes an optimization approach of the machining process parameters of epoxy hybrid nanocomposites reinforced by multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). Cutting speed (V), feed rate (F), insert nose radius, and depth of cut (D) were the machining parameters. The roundness error and surface roughness (Ra) were selected as process response control parameters. The optimization techniques such as response surface method (RSM) and grey relation analysis (GRA) with the variance of analysis (ANOVA) were involved. Forty experimental runs were performed. The RSM optimization and ANOVA results showed that the insert nose radius and F are the most significant factors that affect the Ra.

Abstract Sustainable practices are taking precedence across many industries, as evident from their shift towards the use of environmentally responsible materials, such as natural fiber-reinforced acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (NF-AESO). However, due to the lower reactivity of AESO, the curing reaction usually requires higher temperatures and longer curing time (e.g., 150°C for 6-12 h), thus making the entire process unsustainable. In this study, we demonstrate the potential power of photons towards manufacturing NF-AESO composites in a sustainable manner at room temperature (RT) within 10 min. Two photoinitiators, i.e., the 2,2-dimethoxy phenylacetophenone (DMPA) and 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone (HCPK), were evaluated and compared with the thermal initiator, i.e., tert-butyl perbenzoate (TBPB). Based on the mechanical performance of the AESOs, the photoinitiation system for NF-AESO was optimized.

Earlier publications have demonstrated that pad and disc properties change during storage and also during the SAE J2522 Brake Effectiveness Test Procedure. The current investigation was undertaken to find out how the properties change under milder braking conditions, using the SAE J2707 Wear Test Procedure. A copper-free formulation was selected for the investigation and tested on an inertia dynamometer using a front caliper designed for a passenger car. The pad dynamic modulus changed up or down throughout the test, depending on the test conditions. The pad dynamic modulus, the pad natural frequencies and the disc natural frequencies all decreased by the end of the test. Under high-speed, high-deceleration and high-temperature braking conditions, the pad surface region permanently expands, which results in reduced dynamic modulus and also leads to reduced pad thickness loss as compared with pad weight loss.

The goal of the study was to investigate the effect of different amounts of the CuO nanoparticles used as additive in the coolant on the power and efficiency of the analyzed SI engine. The temperature gradients in the engine body and its components were obtained using the elaborated model of the heat exchange in engine cooled with different fluids. The simplified model of combustion was used to estimate the temperature and power values generated during the combustion process in the engine under given load and speed values. The efficiency of the engine was estimated using the model taking into account various resistances generated during the operation of a given type of engine. The obtained changes in the engine power and efficiency resulted from the changed composition of the engine coolant were presented.

One approach of reducing weight of vehicles is using composite materials, and short glass fiber reinforced polypropylene is one of most popular composite materials. To more accurately predict durability performance of structures made of this kind of composite material, static and fatigue performance of coupons and components made of a short glass fiber reinforced polypropylene has been physically studied. CAE simulations have been conducted accordingly. This paper described details of CAE model setup, procedures, analysis results and correlations to test results for static, fiber orientation flow and fatigue of coupons and a battery tray component. The material configurations include fiber orientations (0, 20 and 90 degrees), and mean stress effect (R = -1.0, -0.5, -0.2, 0.1 and 0.4). The battery tray component samples experience block cycle loading with loading ratio of R = -0.3 and 0.3. The CAE predictions have reasonable correlations to the test results.

We recently developed a novel diesel emissions control device, Electrostatic Screen Battery for Emissions Control (ESBEC), where diesel exhaust particles are collected onto metal screens using electrostatic principle. This paper focuses on further development of this technology: design and integration of a particle charger and testing of ESBEC with diesel exhaust. Two units - 0.038 and 0.152 m (1.5 and 6 inches) in diameter - were fabricated using 3D printing. Both units feature cylinder-shaped housing integrating the electrical charger and up to seven pairs of metal screens, which collect airborne particles. In the small-scale version, particles are charged by ions emitted from a carbon fiber brush, while in the large-scale version, this is done by using two tungsten wires traversing the cross-section of ESBEC in a crisscross pattern.

The aim of this analysis was to model the effect of adding stiffening ribs in structural aluminum components by friction stir processing (FSP) Nano material into the aluminum matrix. These stiffening ribs could dampen, redirect, or otherwise alter the transmission of energy waves created from automotive, ballistic, or blast shocks to improve noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) and structural integrity (reduced joint stress) response. Since the ribs are not created by geometry changes they can be space efficient and deflect blast / ballistic energy better than geometry ribbing, resulting in a lighter weight solution. The blast and ballistic performance of different FSP rib patterns in AL 5182 and AL 7075 were simulated and compared to the performance of an equivalent weight of RHA plate FSP helps to increase localized strength and stiffness of the base metal, while achieving light weighting of the base metal.

With the rapidly developing automotive industry and stricter environmental protection laws and regulations, lightweight materials, advanced manufacturing processes and structural optimization methods are widely used in body design. Therefore, in order to evaluate and improve the pedestrian protection during a collision, this paper presents an impact simulation modeling and structural optimization method for a sport utility vehicle engine hood made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Head injury criterion (HIC) was used to evaluate the performance of the hood in this regard. The inner panel and the outer panel of CFRP hood were discretized by shell elements in LS_DYNA. The Mat54-55 card was used to define the mechanical properties of the CFRP hood. In order to reduce the computational costs, just the parts contacted with the hood were modeled. The simulations were done in the prescribed 30 impact points.

Composites technology for the automotive market continues to advance rapidly. Increasing knowledge of composite design, simulation tools, new materials and process equipment are all contributing to make composites better performing and more affordable for mass-produced vehicles. In particular, the high pressure resin transfer molding (HP-RTM) and related liquid compression molding (LCM) processes are enabling manufacturers to produce complex composite parts at shorter and shorter cycle times. This paper describes the development of an epoxy carbon fiber roof frame targeted for future vehicle production. Several composite processes were considered for the roof frame. The case illustrates that when the (product) design, material and process are considered together, a high-performing, cost-efficient part can be produced.

The Composite Hybrid Automotive Suspension System Innovative Structures (CHASSIS) is a project to develop structural commercial vehicle suspension components in high volume utilising hybrid materials and joining techniques to offer a viable lightweight production alternative to steel. Three components are in scope for the project:- Front Subframe Front Lower Control Arm (FLCA) Rear Deadbeam Axle

This paper discusses a technology for reducing the gas flow noise generated from the noise of the vehicle, especially the exhaust system. The primary function of the heat protector is thermal shutdown. However, due to the increase in engine power, downsizing of engines, and the rise of consumer's eye level, solutions about noise are now emphasized. To meet these needs, a new concept of heat protector manufacturing technology is required. A key component of this technology is the manufacturing technology of three-ply composite board which can absorb sound from the existing sound insulation aluminum heat protector. For this purpose, mold technology for punching aluminum sheet, optimization technique for punching effect, specific pattern design for high-strength/high-forming, sound absorbing material selection and composite sheet molding technology, and noise vibration reduction mounting technology for plate joining were developed.

The most common and lethal weapons against military vehicles are the improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In an explosion, critical cabin’s penetrations and high accelerations can cause serious injuries and death of military personnel. This investigation uses single and multi-fidelity Bayesian optimization (BO) to design sandwich composite armors for blast mitigation. BO is an efficient methodology to solve optimization problems that involve black-box functions. The black-box function of this work is the finite element (FE) simulation of the armor subjected to blast. The main two components of BO are the surrogate model of the black-box function and the acquisition function that guides the optimization. In this investigation, the surrogate models are Gaussian Process (GP) regression models and the acquisition function is the multi-objective expected improvement (MEI) function. Information from low and high fidelity FE models is used to train the GP surrogates.

The ever-growing concern to reduce the impact of transportation systems on environment has pushed automotive industry towards fuel-efficient and sustainable solutions. While several approaches have been used to improve fuel efficiency, the light-weighting of automobile components has proven broadly effective. A substantial effort is devoted to lightweighting body-in-white which contributes ~35% of total weight of vehicle. Closure systems, however, have been often overlooked. Closure systems are extremely important as they account for ~ 50% of structural mass and have a very diverse range of requirements, including crash safety, durability, strength, fit, finish, NVH, and weather sealing. To this end, a carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite door is being designed for an OEM’s mid-size SUV, that enables 42.5% weight reduction. In this work, several novel composite door assembly designs were developed by using an integrated design, analysis and optimization approach.

There is a crucial need for Electromagnetic interference shielding in many of the applications in this digital world with low cost and high efficient shielding materials. Electrically conducting heterocyclic polymer polypyrrole has found its application as EMI shielding materials due to its conducting property. Electrically conducting polypyrrole (PPy) coated on coconut fibres (coir) with different morphology, were prepared through in-situ chemical polymerization of PPy using a strong oxidizing agent like ammonium persulfate. The synthesized PPy on coconut fibre were characterized using UV- Visible spectrophotometer (UV-VIS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) which confirmed the product formation. The morphology was done using Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM). Thermal studies were performed by Thermo Gravimetric analysis (TGA). The AC conductivity of the obtained material was calculated successfully.