This textbook is a step-by-step introduction to nanocomposite materials using methods familiar to materials science students and engineers. It covers all nanoparticle types, including flakes, nanotubes, and nanoparticulates. It provides the basics for composites with reinforcements ranging from microns to nanometers.

Lightness, efficiency, durability and economic as well as ecological viability are key attributes required from materials today. In the transport industry, the performance needs are felt exceptionally strongly. This handbook and ready reference covers the use of structural materials throughout this industry, particularly for the road, air and rail sectors. A strong focus is placed on the latest developments in materials engineering. The authors present new insights and trends, providing firsthand information from the perspective of universities, Fraunhofer and independent research institutes, aerospace and automotive companies and suppliers. Arranged into parts to aid the readers in finding the information relevant to their needs: * Metals * Polymers * Composites * Cellular Materials * Modeling and Simulation * Higher Level Trends

Composites are now extensively used in applications where outstanding mechanical properties are necessary in combination with weight savings, due to their highly tunable microstructure and mechanical properties. These properties present great potential for part integration, which results in lower manufacturing costs and faster time to market. Composites also have a high level of styling flexibility in terms of deep drawn panel, which goes beyond what can be achieved with metal stampings. The so-called multifunctional or smart composites provide significant benefits to the vehicles as compared to the traditional materials that only have monotonic properties. CAE Design and Failure Analysis of Automotive Composites focuses on the latest use of CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) methods in design and failure analysis of composite materials and structures, beginning with a brief introduction to the design and failure analysis of composite materials, and then presenting some recent, innovative CAE design examples of composite structures by engineers from major CAE developers and automobile OEMs and suppliers. This title brings together 12 SAE technical papers, carefully selected by the editors covering three main areas of expertise: • Design and Failure Analysis of Composites: Static Loading • Design and Failure Analysis of Composites: Dynamic and Impact Loading • Design and Failure Analysis of Composites: Blast Loading

The development of new materials that are technically and economically viable is no small endeavor. The risks, costs, and time involved in research are usually so high that only governments or private consortia can bear them. And so it has been with the trajectory of carbon fiber reinforced composites, which are capable of providing the lightweighting needed for fuel efficiency, and the mechanical strength required for safety. After a long development cycle, this material is now being widely used by the military, in commercial aircraft, and in the automotive industry. Automotive Carbon Fiber Composites: From Evolution to Implementation, written by Dr. Jackie Rehkopf, senior researcher at Plasan Carbon Composites, gives a high-level summary on carbon reinforced fiber composites specific to the automotive industry in today’s market and its vision for the next 5 to 10 years. It begins with a comprehensive and easy-to-read overview of how composites started to be investigated as a possible alternative to metals, mostly driven by military demands, going on to cover: Fiber and resin types for automotive applications Composite constructions Manufacturing processes Machining and joining Reclaiming and recycling of these materials, among other topics. The title approaches the future with the realistic optimism of those who work with the challenges of creating new solutions to problems that will stay with us for some time to come: the need to conserve energy and make transportation ever more affordable without the loss of safety. Carbon fiber reinforced composites have demonstrated real value in positively addressing these issues. Automotive Carbon Fiber Composites: From Evolution to Implementation is an excellent guide for those involved in technical material strategy and research, as well as those who need to understand the basics of this subject to support better business decisions.

Vehicle lightweighting represents one of several design approaches that automotive and heavy truck manufacturers are currently evaluating to improve fuel economy, lower emissions, and improve freight efficiency (tons-miles per gallon of fuel). With changes in fuel efficiency and environmental regulations in the area of transportation, the next decade will likely see considerable vehicle lightweighting throughout the ground transportation industry. Greater use of carbon fiber composites and light metals is a key component of that strategy. This paper examines the competition between candidate materials for lightweighting of heavy vehicles and passenger cars. A 53-component, 25 % mass reduction, body-in-white cost analysis is presented for each material class, highlighting the potential cost penalty for each kilogram of mass reduction and then comparing the various material options. Lastly, as the cost of carbon fiber is a major component of the elevated cost of carbon fiber composites, a brief look at the factors that influence that cost is presented.

This book covers the basic principle and challenges of structural health monitoring system for natural fibre and the hybrid composites structural materials in industrial applications, such as building, automotive, aerospace and wind turbine. Structural health monitoring (SHM) has become crucial in evaluating the performance of structural application in recent trends, especially since it is in line with the high-tech strategy of Industry 4.0. It is a system that is operated in real time or in an online situation. Hence, it also has advantages for damage detection, damage localisation, damage assessment and life prediction compared to the non-destructive test (NDT) which is conducted offline. The book covers the monitoring of the composite materials in terms of structural properties and damage evaluation through modelling and prediction of failure in composite. It includes recent examples and real-world engineering application to illustrate the understanding of the current technology application. The book benefits lecturers, students, researchers, engineers and industrialist who are working in the civil, aerospace and wind turbine industries.

Biocomposite and Synthetic Composites for Automotive Applications provides a detailed review of advanced macro and nanocomposite materials and structures, and discusses their use in the transport industry, specifically for automotive applications. This book covers materials selection, properties and performance, design solutions, and manufacturing techniques. A broad range of different material classes are reviewed with emphasis on advanced materials and new research pathways where composites can be derived from agricultural waste in the future, as well as the development and performance of hybrid composites. The book is an essential reference resource for those researching materials development and industrial design engineers who need a detailed understanding of materials usage in transport structures. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis of composite products in automotive applications is also discussed, and the effect of different fiber orientation on crash performance. Synthetic/natural fiber composites for aircraft engine fire-designated zones are linked to automotive applications. Additional chapters include the application and use of magnesium composites compared to biocomposites in the automotive industry; autonomous inspection and repair of aircraft composite structures via vortex robot technology and its application in automotive applications; composites in a three-wheeler (tuk tuk); and thermal properties of composites in automotive applications. Covers advanced macro and nanocomposites used in automotive structures Emphasizes materials selection, properties and performance, design solutions, and manufacturing techniques Features case studies of successful applications of biocomposites in automotive structures