Page 532 - Automotive Engineering Powertrain Chassis System and Vehicle Body

Terminology and overview of vehicle structure types C HAPTER 16.1

Fig. 16.1-25 The ultralight steel auto body (ULSAB) (courtesy of the ULSAB consortium).

If properly constructed, the integral body is well capable for modern integral car bodies are approximately 8000–
of carrying torsion, bending and other loads. Because the 10 000 N m/deg. for ‘everyday’ sedans and higher (around
structure comprises the outer surface of the body, it is 12 000–15 000 N m/deg. or more) for luxury vehicles.
much stiffer than most other vehicle structure types, for Ideally the in-plane stiffness of the individual panels
the reasons given above. Typical values of torsion stiffness or surfaces must be used.

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