48
2
2.3.4 Automotive and Other Transportation
Vehicles
Composites are used in a variety of automotive components, such
as exterior body components (hood or door panels), underbody
components (radiator supports, bumper reinforcement beams, and
door frames), structural body components, chassis components,
rear leaf spring, drive shafts, road wheels, engine components, etc.
Manufacturers of automotives use composites extensively in order
to reduce the weight of the vehicle. Hyundai has developed a CFRP
chassis for their car called the Intrado shown in . Fig. 2.20. It has
been developed using the VARTM process. The reinforcement used
in development of this chassis is a carbon fibre braiding with a
closed-cell polyethylene foam as the core material. The matrix used
is an epoxy resin. The reduction in weight is 70% compared to a
steel chassis. CFRP have also been used in parts of the BMW 7
Series car to reduce its weight.
Low weight is the most desirable property of skybus coaches.
Composites are the materials that provide low-weight solutions
in load-bearing structures. . Figure 2.21 shows a composite air
train.
. Fig. 2.20 CFRP chassis of the Intrado by Hyundai [39]
. Fig. 2.21 Composite air train [40]
Chapter 2 · Advantages and Applications of Polymeric Composites
2
2.3.4 Automotive and Other Transportation
Vehicles
Composites are used in a variety of automotive components, such
as exterior body components (hood or door panels), underbody
components (radiator supports, bumper reinforcement beams, and
door frames), structural body components, chassis components,
rear leaf spring, drive shafts, road wheels, engine components, etc.
Manufacturers of automotives use composites extensively in order
to reduce the weight of the vehicle. Hyundai has developed a CFRP
chassis for their car called the Intrado shown in . Fig. 2.20. It has
been developed using the VARTM process. The reinforcement used
in development of this chassis is a carbon fibre braiding with a
closed-cell polyethylene foam as the core material. The matrix used
is an epoxy resin. The reduction in weight is 70% compared to a
steel chassis. CFRP have also been used in parts of the BMW 7
Series car to reduce its weight.
Low weight is the most desirable property of skybus coaches.
Composites are the materials that provide low-weight solutions
in load-bearing structures. . Figure 2.21 shows a composite air
train.
. Fig. 2.20 CFRP chassis of the Intrado by Hyundai [39]
. Fig. 2.21 Composite air train [40]
Chapter 2 · Advantages and Applications of Polymeric Composites