A wide variety of materials are used in automotive parts, and most of them are mechanical components. Steels are most widely used for the power train and automotive body construction, and the materials and their processing have been steadily improved. The use of aluminium alloys and polymeric materials have been contributed to the reduction in fuel consumption rates due to the lightweight nature. This book reviews research on material and automotive technologies, as well as how materials work for technological innovations, with particular emphasis placed on the relation between materials science and the performance of automobiles.

The automotive industry is under constant pressure to design vehicles capable of meeting increasingly demanding challenges such as improved fuel economy, enhanced safety and effective emission control. Drawing on the knowledge of leading experts, Advanced materials in automotive engineering explores the development, potential and impact of using such materials.Beginning with a comprehensive introduction to advanced materials for vehicle lightweighting and automotive applications, Advanced materials in automotive engineering goes on to consider nanostructured steel for automotive body structures, aluminium sheet and high pressure die-cast aluminium alloys for automotive applications, magnesium alloys for lightweight powertrains and automotive bodies, and polymer and composite moulding technologies. The final chapters then consider a range of design and manufacturing issues that need to be addressed when working with advanced materials, including the design of advanced automotive body structures and closures, technologies for reducing noise, vibration and harshness, joining systems, and the recycling of automotive materials.With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Advanced materials in automotive engineering is an invaluable guide for all those involved in the engineering, design or analysis of motor vehicle bodies and components, as well as all students of automotive design and engineering. Explores the development, potential and impact of using advanced materials for improved fuel economy, enhanced safety and effective mission control in the automotive industry Provides a comprehensive introduction to advanced materials for vehicle lightweighting and automotive applications Covers a range of design ideas and manufacturing issues that arise when working with advanced materials, including technologies for reducing noise, vibration and harshness, and the recycling of automotive materials

Passenger vehicles are central to Western society, and contribute to a significant part of our greenhouse gas emissions. In order to reduce emissions, the automotive industry as a whole is working to reduce mass in passenger vehicles in order to reduce energy consumption. One way to reduce mass is to introduce lightweight materials in the body of the vehicle. This research aims to explore the relationship between product and production system when introducing new materials. Besides a theoretical review and an industry-centered technological mapping, four case studies have been conducted during the course of this licentiate thesis. Two case studies were conducted with engineering design students working as development teams, one case study with the author as the developer and finally one case study in an industrial environment at a product owning company with in-house production. The goal of the case studies has been to increase the collective knowledge of how product development decisions affect production development decisions, and vice versa, when developing passenger vehicles in new materials. In the following analysis of case study outcomes, a number of factors important for introducing new materials are discussed. The relationship between product and production is investigated, both in terms of how the production system affects the product and how the product affects the production system. The outcome from this analysis is a mapping of important factors for automotive industry companies to understand and identify when looking at introducing new materials in existing production systems. Finally, a suggestion for future research efforts is presented.

Automotive Innovation: The Science and Engineering behind Cutting-Edge Automotive Technology provides a survey of innovative automotive technologies in the auto industry. Automobiles are rapidly changing, and this text explores these trends. IC engines, transmissions, and chassis are being improved, and there are advances in digital control, manufacturing, and materials. New vehicles demonstrate improved performance, safety and efficiency factors; electric vehicles represent a green energy alternative, while sensor technologies and computer processors redefine the nature of driving. The text explores these changes, the engineering and science behind them, and directions for the future.

Research into the manufacture of lightweight automobiles is driven by the need to reduce fuel consumption to preserve dwindling hydrocarbon resources without compromising other attributes such as safety, performance, recyclability and cost. Materials, design and manufacturing for lightweight vehicles will make it easier for engineers to not only learn about the materials being considered for lightweight automobiles, but also to compare their characteristics and properties.Part one discusses materials for lightweight automotive structures with chapters on advanced steels for lightweight automotive structures, aluminium alloys, magnesium alloys for lightweight powertrains and automotive structures, thermoplastics and thermoplastic matrix composites and thermoset matrix composites for lightweight automotive structures. Part two reviews manufacturing and design of lightweight automotive structures covering topics such as manufacturing processes for light alloys, joining for lightweight vehicles, recycling and lifecycle issues and crashworthiness design for lightweight vehicles.With its distinguished editor and renowned team of contributors, Materials, design and manufacturing for lightweight vehicles is a standard reference for practicing engineers involved in the design and material selection for motor vehicle bodies and components as well as material scientists, environmental scientists, policy makers, car companies and automotive component manufacturers. Provides a comprehensive analysis of the materials being used for the manufacture of lightweight vehicles whilst comparing characteristics and properties Examines crashworthiness design issues for lightweight vehicles and further emphasises the development of lightweight vehicles without compromising safety considerations and performance Explores the manufacturing process for light alloys including metal forming processes for automotive applications

Passenger vehicles are central to Western society, and contribute to a significant part of our greenhouse gas emissions. In order to reduce emissions, the automotive industry as a whole is working to reduce mass in passenger vehicles in order to reduce energy consumption. One way to reduce mass is to introduce lightweight materials in the body of the vehicle. This research aims to explore the relationship between product and production system when introducing new materials. Besides a theoretical review and an industry-centered technological mapping, four case studies have been conducted during the course of this licentiate thesis. Two case studies were conducted with engineering design students working as development teams, one case study with the author as the developer and finally one case study in an industrial environment at a product owning company with in-house production. The goal of the case studies has been to increase the collective knowledge of how product development decisions affect production development decisions, and vice versa, when developing passenger vehicles in new materials. In the following analysis of case study outcomes, a number of factors important for introducing new materials are discussed. The relationship between product and production is investigated, both in terms of how the production system affects the product and how the product affects the production system. The outcome from this analysis is a mapping of important factors for automotive industry companies to understand and identify when looking at introducing new materials in existing production systems. Finally, a suggestion for future research efforts is presented.

Encyclopedia of Renewable and Sustainable Materials, Five Volume Set provides a comprehensive overview, covering research and development on all aspects of renewable, recyclable and sustainable materials. The use of renewable and sustainable materials in building construction, the automotive sector, energy, textiles and others can create markets for agricultural products and additional revenue streams for farmers, as well as significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, manufacturing energy requirements, manufacturing costs and waste. This book provides researchers, students and professionals in materials science and engineering with tactics and information as they face increasingly complex challenges around the development, selection and use of construction and manufacturing materials. Covers a broad range of topics not available elsewhere in one resource Arranged thematically for ease of navigation Discusses key features on processing, use, application and the environmental benefits of renewable and sustainable materials Contains a special focus on sustainability that will lead to the reduction of carbon emissions and enhance protection of the natural environment with regard to sustainable materials