Weight Reduction of Automobile Using Glass-Mat Thermoplastic Composites in Spare-Wheel Well

Year 2020, , 7 - 11, 20.03.2020

Çiğdem Bilge , Tamer Aydıner Çağrı Akdeniz Ahmet Mert Soyer Levent Aksel

https://doi.org/10.26701/ems.573687

Abstract

The reduction of carbon dioxide emission and light weighting are the most important issues in automotive industry.  Lightweight, high strength, high corrosion resistance and easy manufacturing of composite materials have been used in automotive sector in recent years.
Glass-mat thermoplastic (GMT) materials are based on polypropylene and it stands out among the composite materials used in the automotive industry with existing long fiber and / or endless glass matt structure as reinforcing material providing high strength, performance impact, energy absorption and recyclability. The material used in this study utilizes GMTex reinforced composite structure with multi-layer glass fiber technology that is reinforced with woven and randomly laid fiber structures to enhance the superior properties of GMT.
The spare-wheel well (SWW) which includes many parts weighs about 10 kg and it is a potential area for weight reduction. This study has been based on the boundary conditions of the existing sheet material in this area, the current performance has been maintained with the GMT/GMTex material to provide approximately 2 kg weight reduction. The effects of orientations of GMTex reinforcement on crash performance have been verified by the rear impact virtual analyzes. Besides, the joining methods and some design criticalities during the integration of composite SWW part in BIW (Body in White) have been mentioned.

Keywords

GMT, GMTex, Spare-Wheel Well, Thermoplastics

Project Number

3160497

References

• [1] Zhao Liu, Jiahai Lu, Ping Zhu, 2016. Lightweight design of automotive composite bumper system using modified particle swarm optimizer, Available online 4 January
• [2] Yuxuan Li *, Zhongqin Lin, Aiqin Jiang and Guanlong Chen, 2004. Experimental study of glass-fiber mat thermoplastic material impact properties and lightweight automobile body analysis, Automobile Body Manufacturing Technology Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, PR China
• [3] (http://www.quadrantplastics.com)
• [4] Do-Hyoung Kim a, Hyun-Gyung Kim b, Hak-Sung Kim, 2015. Design optimization and manufacture of hybrid glass/carbon fiber reinforced composite bumper beam for automobile vehicle, Available online 19 June 2015
• [5] Marcia Kurcz, M., Baser, B., Dittmar, H., Sengbusch, J., Pfister, H., Quadrant Plastic Composites, AG
• [6] (http://www.compositesworld.com/articles/spare-wheel-well-functional-integration)
• [7] G. Belingardi, A.T. Beyene, Dang Jichuan, 2016. Energy absorbing capability of GMT, GMTex and GMT-UD composite panels for static and dynamic loading – Experimental and numerical, Available online 12 February 2016
• [8] https://www.a2mac1.com/Autoreverse/
• [9] (http://slideplayer.com/slide/2494611/)
• [10] (http://www.plasticomp.com/long-fiber-benefits/)
• [11] Aksel, L., Efendioğlu, Ş., Yeni, H., Bilge, Ç. 2016. Weight Reduction Study on BIW by Using Boron Alloyed Hot Stamping Solution of Front Frame Rail Instead Conventional HSS or AHSS Applications, International Conference on Advanced Technology & Sciences (ICAT’16)
• [12] Belingardi, C., PhD, Professor, Martorana, B., 2014. Recent Research Results in Composite Materials and Adhesive Applications For vehicle Lightweight, Volume 40, Number 2, 2014