DEVELOPMENT OF DESIGN ANALYSIS METHODS FOR NEW MATERIALS

In the field of vehicle construction polymers and composites have some mechanical characteristics which are significantly different from those of familiar metallic materials. Consequently, design analysts may have less confidence in these newer materials and in their own ability to design with them. Thus, material selection may be confined to familiar materials, or components may be overdesigned, or failures may occur in service due to faulty design. Furthermore, available statistics on the various materials classes are often presented to favour a particular bias, and this complicates the assessment of relative merits and adds to the confusion. Essentially, the design analyst requires relevant and credible design data, together with valid calculation methods for predicting and optimising component performance. These methods may involve design formulae or design charts, and the growing use of computer-aided design provides an opportunity for polymers and composites to be handled on an equal basis with other materials. This paper examines these factors in the motor vehicle context, identifies present and future needs, surveys the current state of the art, and indicates some relevant recent and ongoing research work. (TRRL)

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  • Corporate Authors:

    Inderscience Enterprises Limited

    World Trade Center Building, 110 Avenue Louis Casai
    Geneva,   Switzerland 
  • Authors:
    • LOCKETT, F J
  • Publication Date: 1985-3

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00396800
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
  • Report/Paper Numbers: HS-038 882
  • Files: ITRD, TRIS
  • Created Date: Jan 31 1986 12:00AM