Automotive frames of stainless steel

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Advanced Materials and Processes

OSTI ID:367271

Emmons, J B ^[1]; Douthett, J ^[2]

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1. Autokinetics Inc., Rochester Hills, MI (United States)
2. Armco Inc., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)

A lightweight, stainless steel vehicle modular frame that meets the requirements of the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) is being jointly developed by Armco and Autokinetics. Reaching the long-term goal of the program known as the Supercar will require technology that is capable of significantly reducing mass, while holding the cost of the finished vehicle to current levels. The structure should reduce mass by at least 50%, and must be high in performance, practical to manufacture, and conceptually simple compared to current practice. Another key PNGV goal is the development of a manufacturing infrastructure to attain cost and production levels consistent with auto industry norms. A third goal is to spin off as much of the resulting advanced technology as possible to conventional vehicles, enabling them to benefit from advances in mass reduction, aerodynamics, and materials technologies. All of these benefits can be realized with the stainless steel modular frame.

• OSTI ID: 367271
• Journal Information: Advanced Materials and Processes, Journal Name: Advanced Materials and Processes Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 150; ISSN AMAPEX; ISSN 0882-7958
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
AUTOMOBILES
CASTING
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
DESIGN
FABRICATION
JOINT VENTURES
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS
MODULAR STRUCTURES
NOISE
RECYCLING
SAFETY
SERVICE LIFE
STAINLESS STEELS
WELDING