Possibilities and constraints for lightweight in exhaust systems

Abstract

In recent years the automotive industry has been using an increasing number of high powered engines with fewer cylinders, with the goal to reduce weight and fuel consumption and hence to achieve lower CO2 emissions. Following, an overview about the currently existing methods and products within the exhaust development is given which follow automotive lightweight trend. Continuous innovations in new materials, structural design and manufacturing process as well as mastering the integration of the components and modules within the system with a thorough understanding and optimization of the system behavior is enabling the reduction of weight in exhaust system. Another possibility to reduce the weight is the use of additional components such as valves. In the following, a discussion about the different types of valves is presented. These valves can be implemented within the exhaust system in order to bring a constraint in the system and consequently additional acoustic damping. Due to engine downsizing, many premium vehicles lost their class-representing sound signature. An active system can be used in order to enhance the sound according to the customer demands. In addition to that, an active system can help reducing muffler volume.