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Developing lightweight, stiff and crash-resistant vehicle body structures requires a balance between part geometry and material properties. High strength materials suitable for crash resistance impose geometry limitations on depth of draw, radii and wall angles that reduce geometric efficiency. The introduction of 3rd generation Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS) can potentially change the relationship between strength and geometry and enable simultaneous improvements in both. This paper will demonstrate applicability of 3rd generation AHSS with higher strength and ductility to replace the 780 MPa Dual Phase steel in a sill reinforcement on the current Jeep Cherokee. The focus will be on formability, beginning with virtual simulation and continuing through a demonstration run on the current production stamping tools and press.

The elevated strength of advanced high strength steels (AHSS) leads to enormous challenges for the sheet metal processing, one of which is hole punching operation. The total tonnage must be estimated at each trimming stage to ensure successful cutting and protect the press machine. This paper presents the effects of hole punch configurations on the punching force with the consideration of punch shape, cutting clearance and material grade. The hole punching experiments were performed with DP590, DP980, DP1180 and one mild steel as a reference. The punching force coefficient is defined and presents a negative correlation with the material strength based on the experimental data. Surface quality was examined to analyze the damage accumulation during the punching process. The cutting mechanisms with various punch shapes were revealed through an extensive finite element simulation study.

Due to magnesium alloy's poor weldability, other joining techniques such as laser assisted self-piercing rivet (LSPR) are used for joining magnesium alloys. This research investigates the fatigue performance of LSPR for magnesium alloys including AZ31 and AM60. Tensile-shear and coach peel specimens for AZ31 and AM60 were fabricated and tested for understanding joint fatigue performance. A structural stress - life (S-N) method was used to develop the fatigue parameters from load-life test results. In order to validate this approach, test results from multijoint specimens were compared with the predicted fatigue results of these specimens using the structural stress method. The fatigue results predicted using the structural stress method correlate well with the test results.

In Aluminum Alloy, AA, sheet metal forming, the through thickness cracking at the edge of cut out is one of the major fracture modes. In order to prevent the edge cracking in production forming process, practical edge stretch limit criteria are needed for virtual forming prediction and early stamping trial evaluations. This paper proposes new methods for determining the edge stretching limit of the sheet coupons, with and without pre-stretching, based on the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique. A numbers of sets of notch-shaped smaller coupons with three different pre-stretching conditions (near 5%, 10% and fractured) are cut from the prestretched large specimens. Then the notch-shaped smaller coupons are stretched by uniaxial tension up to through edge cracking observed. A dual-camera 3D-DIC system is utilized to measure both coupon face strain and thickness strain in the notch area at the same time.

A turbocharger is currently widely used to boost performance of an internal combustion engine. Generally, a turbocharger consists of a compressor which typically is driven by an exhaust turbine. The compressor will influence how the low frequency engine pulsation propagates in the intake system. The compressor will also produce broad-band flow induced sound due to the turbulence flow and high frequency narrowband tonal sound which is associated with rotating blade pressures. In this paper, a practical simulation procedure based on a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach is developed to predict the flow induced sound of a turbocharger compressor. In the CFD model of turbocharger compressor, the unsteady, moving wheel, detached eddy simulation (DES) approach are utilized. In this manner, both the broad-band and narrow-band flow induced sound are directly resolved in the CFD computation.

Rapid Compression Machines (RCM) offer the ability to easily change the compression ratio and the pressure/mixture composition/temperature to gather ignition delay data at various engine relevant conditions. Therefore, RCMs with optical access to the combustion chamber can provide an effective way to analyze macroscopic spray characteristics needed to understand the spray injection process and for spray model development, validation and calibration at conditions that are suitable for engines. Fuel surrogates can help control fuel parameters, develop models for spray and combustion, and perform laser diagnostics with known fluorescence characteristics. This study quantifies and evaluates the macroscopic spray characteristics of multicomponent gasoline surrogates in comparison to their gasoline counterparts, under gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine conditions.

The charge air cooler (CAC), which is placed between the compressor and the engine intake manifold (IM), is an important component in a turbocharged engine. It is essential to capture the temperature change, the pressure drop or the acoustical wave behavior of the charge air cooler in the one-dimensional(1D) simulation model for the predictive accuracy of engine performance and intake noise. In this paper, the emphasis is on the acoustic modeling of an intake manifold and charge air cooler assembly for the low frequency engine intake order noise. In this assembly, the core of the charge air cooler is embedded in the plenum of the intake manifold. The modeling and correlation process is comprised of three steps. First, the charge air cooler core is removed from the intake manifold and put into a rectangular box matching its envelope with a single air inlet and outlet, thereby simplifying the complex shape of the manifold with the different runner components.

The trend to simultaneously improve fuel economy and engine performance has led to industry growth of turbocharged engines and as a result, the need to address their undesirable airborne noise attributes. This presents some unique engineering challenges as higher customer expectations for Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH), and other vehicle-level attributes increase over time. Turbocharged engines possess higher frequency noise content compared to naturally aspirated engines. Therefore, as an outcome, whoosh noise in the Air Induction System (AIS) during tip in conditions is an undesirable attribute that requires high frequency attenuation enablers. The traditional method for attenuation of this type of noise has been to use resonators which adds cost, weight and requires packaging space that is often at a premium in the under-hood environment.

Vehicle weight reduction is a significant challenge for the modern automotive industry. In recent years, the amount of vehicular components constructed from aluminum alloy has increased due to its light weighting capabilities. Automotive manufacturing processes, predominantly those utilizing various stamping applications, require a thorough understanding of aluminum fracture predictions methods, in order to accurately simulate the process using Finite Element Method (FEM) software or use it in automotive engineering manufacture. This paper presents the strain distribution of A5182 aluminum samples after punch impact under various conditions by Digital Image Correlation (DIC) system, its software also measured the complete strain history, in addition to sample curvature after it was impacted; therefore obtaining the data required to determine the amount of side-wall-curl (Aluminum sheet springback) present after formation.

This paper describes static and fatigue behavior of resistance spot welds with the stack-up of conventional mild and advanced high strength steels, with and without adhesive, based on a set of lap shear and coach peel coupon tests. The coupons were fabricated following specified spot welding and adhesive schedules. The effects of similar and dissimilar steel grade sheet combinations in the joint configuration have been taken into account. Tensile strength of the steels used for the coupons, both as-received and after baked, and cross-section microstructure photographs are included. The spot weld SN relations between this study and the study by Auto/Steel Partnership are compared and discussed.

Light-weight solutions for stamped steel components that exhibit the same or similar appearance properties for purposes of authentic feel and perception to customers will play a critical role as the progress towards reaching maximum fuel efficiency for large vehicles continues. This paper outlines the potential uses for laminated steel in large stamped steel bumper applications that would normally be stamped with thick sheet metal in order to meet vehicle level functional objectives. The paper presents the investigation of the one-for-one drop-in capabilities of the laminate steel material to existing stamping dies, special processing considerations while manufacturing, vehicle level performance comparisons, and class “A” coating options and process needs. Most of all, it will highlight the significant vehicle weight saving benefits and opportunities as compared to current production stamped steel bumpers.

Cast aluminum alloys are used for cylinder heads in internal combustion engines to meet low weight and high strength (lightweight) design requirements. In the combustion chamber, the alloy experiences harsh operating conditions; i.e., temperature variation, constrained thermal expansion, chemical reaction, corrosion, oxidation, and chemical deposition. Under these conditions, thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) damage arises in the form of mechanical damage, environmental (oxidation) damage, and creep damage. In the present work, several important properties that influence the TMF life of the cylinder head have been identified through TMF and finite element analysis (FEA). The results show that improving the strength at high temperatures helps improve TMF life on the exhaust side of the head. On the other hand, improving strength and ductility extend TMF life at low temperature on the intake side.

Downsized turbocharged gasoline direct injection (TGDI) engines with high specific power and torque can enable reduced fuel consumption in passenger vehicles while maintaining or even improving on the performance of larger naturally aspirated engines. However, high specific torque levels, especially at low speeds, can lead to abnormal combustion phenomena such as knock or Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI). LSPI, in particular, can limit further downsizing due to resulting and potentially damaging mega-knock events. Herein, we characterize the impacts of lubricant and fuel composition on LSPI frequency in a TGDI engine while specifically exploring the correlation between fuel composition, particulate emissions, and LSPI events. Our research shows that: (1) oil composition has a strong impact on LSPI frequency and that LSPI frequency can be reduced through a carefully focused approach to lubricant formulation.

Two popular critical plane models developed by Fatemi-Socie and Smith-Watson-Topper were derived from the experimental observations of the nucleation and growth of cracks during loading. The Fatemi-Socie critical plane model is applicable for the life prediction of materials for which the dominant failure mechanism is shear crack nucleation and growth, while the Smith-Watson-Topper model, for materials that fail predominantly by crack growth on planes perpendicular to the planes of maximum tensile strain or stress. The two critical plane models have been validated primarily by in-phase and 90° out-of-phase loading, and few, on the complex, non-proportional loading paths. A successful critical plane model should be able to predict both the fatigue life and the dominant failure planes. However, some experimental studies indicate the 304 stainless steel has the two possible failure modes, shear and tensile failure dominant, depending on the loading mode and stress and strain states.

This paper describes a simplified CAE simulation for the calculation of peak strut force in a damped tailgate system. Tailgate systems in the past included a torsion rod for lift assist, but did not include damping in the opening/drop direction. Newer tailgate systems include a strut to provide damping during drop and possibly lift assist. These tailgates may also be designed to experience a free-fall for a few degrees after being unlatched and before the strut engages. When the latch is released, the tailgate accelerates as it falls freely and then encounters a rapidly increasing damping force as the strut engages. The deceleration of the gate depends upon the damping force, yet the damping force depends upon the deceleration of the tailgate, making a precise calculation of the damping force difficult. Damping characteristics of the strut depend on the volume, the viscosity of oil and its flow restrictions across the piston. These parameters are not known early in the design process.

As CAFE requirements increase, automotive OEMs are pursuing innovative methods to lightweight their Body In Whites (BIWs). Within FCA US, this lightweighting research and development activity often occurs through Decoupled Innovation projects. A Decoupled Innovation team comprised of engineers from the BIW Structures Group, in collaboration with Tier 1 supplier Magna Exteriors, sought to re-design a loadbearing component on the BIW that would offer significant weight savings when the current steel component was replaced with a carbon fiber composite. This paper describes the design, development, physical validation and partnership that resulted in a composite Rear Package Shelf Assembly solution for a high-volume production vehicle. As the CAFE requirements loom closer and closer, these innovation-driven engineering activities are imperative to the successful lightweighting of FCA US vehicles.

With the impending development of GF-6, the newest generation of engine oil, a new standardized oil oxidation and piston deposit test was developed using Chrysler 3.6 L Pentastar engine. The performance requirements and approval for passenger car light duty gasoline engine oil categories are set by the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval committee (ILSAC) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) using standardized testing protocols developed under the guidance of ASTM, the American Society for Testing and Materials. This paper describes the development of a new ASTM Chrysler oxidation and deposit test that will be used to evaluate lubricants performance for oil thickening and viscosity increase, and piston deposits.

This paper describes a laboratory-based test system and procedure for determining the durability of RTV sealant with fretting movement. A test machine is described in which shear and tensile stress-generating displacements at room temperature and temperature of 100°C are produced to load an RTV seal. The test system utilizes an air pressurized hollow cylinder with a cap sealed by RTV sealant on a reciprocating test rig. An external air leakage monitoring system detects the health of the tested RTV seal. When air leakage occurs, the seal is determined to have failed. RTV sealant used in the test was fully cured at room temperature and then aged with engine oil. In the experiments, a total of 6 displacements were used to generate cycle/amplitude graphs for both shear and tensile modes. Failures were determined to be caused by the loss of adhesion in tensile mode, and by crack nucleation due to the special step design in shear mode.

Dimensional problems for punched holes on a sheet metal stamping part include being undersized and oversized. Some important relationships among tools and products, such as the effect of conical punch tip angle, are not fully understood. To study this effect, sheets of AA6016 aluminum and BH210 steel were punched by punches with different conical tip angles. The test method and test results are presented. The piercing force and withdrawing force when using conical punches were also studied. The results indicate that the oversize issue for a punched hole in a stamped panel is largely due to the combination of the conical tip effect and the stretching-release effect.

Every passing year automotive engineers are challenged to attain higher fuel economy and improved emission targets. One widely used approach is to use Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (CEGR) to meet these objectives. Apart from reducing emissions and improving fuel economy, CEGR also plays a significant role in knock mitigation in spark ignited gasoline engines. Generally, CEGR is introduced into the intake manifold in SI gasoline engine. Even though the benefits of using CEGR are significant, they can be easily negated by the uneven CEGR flow distribution between the cylinders, which can result in combustion instability. This paper describes the application of co-simulation between one and three dimensional tools to accurately predict the distribution of CEGR to the cylinders and the effect of its distribution on engine performance.