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The future use of structural composite materials in the automotive industry

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Joe Carruthers

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Abstract

The automotive industry's use of structural composite materials began in the 1950s. Since those early days, it has been demonstrated that composites are lightweight, fatigue resistant and easily moulded to shape - in other words, a seemingly attractive alternative to metals. However, there has been no widespread switch from metals to composites in the automotive sector. This is because there are a number of technical issues relating to the use of composite materials that still need to be resolved including accurate material characterisation, manufacturing and joining. This paper reports the findings of a recent European initiative that examined the future use of composite materials in the automotive sector. The principal technical challenges that must be overcome in ten key areas relating to composite usage are reviewed. Furthermore, recommendations for future research priorities to overcome these challenges are presented. Copyright © 2007 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Mangino E, Carruthers J, Pitarresi G

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: International Journal of Vehicle Design

Year: 2007

Volume: 44

Issue: 3-4

Pages: 211-232

Print publication date: 01/01/2007

ISSN (print): 0143-3369

ISSN (electronic): 1741-5314

Publisher: Inderscience

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJVD.2007.013640

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2007.013640

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