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

This book provides readers with a solid understanding of the principles of automobile body structural design, illustrating the effect of changing design parameters on the behavior of automobile body structural elements. Emphasizing simple models of the behavior of body structural systems rather than complex mathematical models, the book looks at the best way to shape a structural element to achieve a desired function, why structures behave in certain ways, and how to improve performance. This second edition of Fundamentals of Automobile Body Structure Design contains many new sections including: the treatment of crashworthiness conditions of static roof crush and the small overlap rigid barrier torsion stiffness requirements material selection illustrations of body architecture Each chapter now includes a clear flow down of requirements following the systems engineering methodology. Illustrations have been updated and expanded and a fresh modern format has been adapted enhancing the readability of the book.

The auto industry is facing tough competition and severe economic constraints. Their products need to be designed "right the first time" with the right combinations of features that not only satisfy the customers but continually please and delight them by providing increased functionality, comfort, convenience, safety, and craftsmanship. Based on t

Automotive Steels: Design, Metallurgy, Processing and Applications explores the design, processing, metallurgy, and applications of automotive steels. While some sheet steels are produced routinely in high volume today, there have been significant advances in the use of steel in the automotive industry. This book presents these metallurgical and application aspects in a way that is not available in the current literature. The editors have assembled an international team of experts who discuss recent developments and future prospects for automotive steels, compiling essential reading for both academic and industrial metallurgists, automotive design engineers, and postgraduate students attending courses on the metallurgy of automotive materials. - Presents recent developments on the design, metallurgy, processing, and applications of automotive steels - Discusses automotive steels that are currently in the early stages of research, such as low-density and high modulus steels that are driving future development - Covers traditional steels, advanced high strength steels, elevated Mn steels and ferrous composite materials

Account of how and why cars kill, and why the automobile manufacturers have failed to make cars safe.