Experiences of Automotive Light-weighting
Damian Harty, Technology Consultant
– Dynamics, Pro-Drive Automotive
Abstract
Automotive structures are characterised by simultaneous pressures to
both optimise and reduce
costs. For manufacturing industries to continue to be profitable, there
is also the need for high volume products to be robust in service,
since recalls and warranty costs can easily sink otherwise profitable
ventures.
By considering ground vehicle products from both road and motorsport,
the automotive philosophy of light weight through integration can be
illuminated and some common myths about current vehicle weight are
exploded on the way.