Application of Light-weighting Technologies
Ben Scott-Geddes,
Operations Director, Caparo Vehicle
Technologies Limited
Abstract
Throughout the development of the Mercedes McLaren SLR the design and
materials use concept effectively changed from the original concept of
the vehicle. The original concept followed a traditional system for
aircraft and performance and racing cars whereby the design was a
‘stiffness limited’ design. When the behaviour and requirements of the
vehicle structure were fully understood, following a very thorough
crash program, the design concept followed a much more ‘strength
limited’ design to provide the best performance for the whole
structure.
The SLR as an example, also used very different materials combined to
provide the most efficient structure, (Carbon composite, Aluminium
castings and forging and steel pressing and fabrications), for the
tasks imposed. The parallel development of these materials,
manufacturing processes and the ultimate development of the overall
vehicle proved a considerable challenge for car designers and
technology suppliers.
These examples show that there are many areas of materials properties
and performance criteria which need to be developed to truly allow
advanced composites to give their best and most efficient performance
in future mainstream production vehicles. The full acceptance of
advanced materials will also rely on sympathetic design philosophies
being developed for future road vehicles. This presentation will
discuss these points and others, sharing our experience working to
allow the best overall solutions for future supply of materials in the
transport industry.