Advanced High-Strength Steel Technologies Optimize Vehicle Structures

TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
Advanced High-Strength Steel Technologies Optimize Vehicle StructuresDETROIT (Aug. 22, 2007) - Chrysler, Daimler and the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) jointly announced the success of a new project aimed at improving vehicle safety and fuel economy while reducing overall vehicle weight. The project is expected to propel vehicle development forward. By taking a holistic approach to sheet metal structures (body-in-white) and applying new engineering computer-modeling technology to generate efficient energy and load management, the latest advanced high-strength steels are used to achieve lighter weight objectives and improved occupant protection. At the center of the development is "Topology Optimization," a new computer-aided engineering (CAE) modeling tool. This software program determines the areas of highest strain in the body-in-white stage. Once the high strain areas are identified, the software determines the optimal location of the critical load paths to meet predetermined requirements for safety, stiffness and durability.  These optimized load paths are then analyzed with respect to new advanced high-strength steel materials. The result is a superior structure that meets or exceeds future safety and performance standards. Also, overall vehicle weight is reduced by up to 13 percent compared to vehicles using conventional high-strength steels and design methods. This result is a design with both enhanced fuel economy and improved structure. "We utilized spatial relationships and put the material and strength where it best serves the structure. Through this joint project, we introduced Chrysler and Daimler to new steel materials that achieve significant mass savings and satisfy tough vehicle requirements," says Ron Krupitzer, vice president of AISI's Automotive Applications Committee.(Source: AISI)