Style versus economy

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1998

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.

Identifier

0032094310 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Manufacturing Engineer

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1049/me:19980307

ISSN

09569944

First Page

120

Last Page

121

Issue

3

Volume

77

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