Page 650 - Automotive Engineering Powertrain Chassis System and Vehicle Body

CHAP TER 18.2 Materials for consideration and use in automotive body structures

Breather To vacuum
Non-perforated
film
Bagging Glass tow
film
Dry Resin
fibres films

Mould Sealant tape
surface
(a)

Weight/cost comparison
160
Steel
140
Al.
120
GRP
100
Carbon PP
80 SPRINT
60 SPRINT CBS
40
20
0
Weight (kg) Labour est. Material cost
(b)
Fig. 18.2-17 (a) and (b) Nature of SPRINT material and comparative costs. (Courtesy of SP Systems.)

and the physical and mechanical properties tradi- but these will require more radical changes to both
tionally used for engineering design. manufacturing and disposal (recycling) procedures.
2. Existing investment in automotive facilities and fa- 4. From evidence to date aluminium is the most likely
miliar design and manufacturing procedures associ- contender (demonstrated by the Audi A8/A2
ated with sheet steel will favour its continuing use as spaceframe architecture) to replace steel, and
the predominant high volume material, and high recycling procedures are in place to absorb most
strength and zinc-coated variants will allow medium- scrap and ensure that up to 50 per cent of the
term lightweight and durability targets to be met.
original cost can be recovered. Improved pricing
3. Down weighting the body structure beyond 30 per stability regarding the initial cost of aluminium
cent will increasingly call for alternative materials strip is required.

Fig. 18.2-18 Ultima body and component structure.

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