To save a considerable amount of weight in commercial vehicles, then one have to change metal parts over into plastic parts: thanks to the large-scale differences in density, this is where the greatest potential lies. Plastics are lightweight materials in themselves due to their density. With a density of 1.9 g/cm³, SMC is the heaviest plastic used at MAN Truck & Bus AG. The high-performance polyamides, which can also be used as replacements for metals, have densities ranging from 1.3 g/cm³ to 1.7 g/cm³. Aluminum, the lightest metal that is normally used, has a density of 2.7 g/cm³. Magnesium, which has a density of 1.8 g/cm³, is not currently of any real importance in the construction of commercial vehicles. In the cab of the TG family, this process has been completed to the highest degree possible - this means that, in future, plastics will be cannibalised by other plastics. There may also be one or more body components made from fiber-reinforced plastic which can be adaptively attached to the bodyshell structure, as is already the case with the MAN high-roof vehicles. Potential candidates include the doors and the system earner which, as a double-shell sheet metal part, supports the instrument panel and all its 'innards'. This 200 kilogram preassembly unit is bonded to the bodyshell. The load-bearing bodyshell should continue to be made from sheet steel as a few question marks remain in terms of detecting damage and performing repairs on CFRP structures.
Lightweight design of commercial vehicles by using plastics
Nutzfahrzeugleichtbau durch Einsatz von Kunststoffen
2014
13 Seiten, Bilder
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
Plastics-based lightweight construction in commercial vehicles
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2013
|Plastics based lightweight construction in commercial vehicles
Kraftfahrwesen | 2013
|Plastics-based lightweight construction in commercial vehicles
Tema Archiv | 2013
|Development of reinforced plastics in commercial vehicles
Engineering Index Backfile | 1955
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