Style versus economy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The stiff shell structure of the automobile typically accounts for 33% of the total weight. This means that the body of the automobile has a major effect on overall fuel economy. The main reason why automotive engineers still choose steel structures for body parts is cost. Higher-strength steels are growing in popularity, because they can reduce the weight and increase the structural strength of the body. The thickness of the steel parts is usually determined by the degree of stiffness required, but in about 20% of the parts, the key property is strength, to increase crash resistance. Therefore, designers tend to use higher-strength steels in crash-sensitive areas, such as bumper bars, side impact beams, rockers and B-pillar reinforcements.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)120-121
Number of pages2
JournalManufacturing Engineer
Volume77
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Information Systems
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Style versus economy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this