Development of lightweight front side member through hydroforming technology

Abstract

In order to improve fuel efficiency and to reduce emissions, reduction in vehicle weight is a major concern. Reduction in vehicle weight is a necessity in the automobile industry to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. New technologies, such as hydroforming and hot-press forming, have been applied to high strength steel, contributing to reduction in vehicle weight. Our team, in cooperation with an automobile manufacturer, have developed Body in White (BIW) manufacturing to provide vehicle weight reduction. Based upon this, we have developed a new front side member product. Before being put to use, the new front side member needs to be subjecting to testing. By using a high strength and thin plate, we were able to reduce vehicle weight while improving performance. Hydroforming Technology is popular among advanced automotive companies in Asia, the US and Europe as it enable reduction in vehicle weight, cost reduction, dimension precision, etc. This study investigates a front side member developed through hydroforming technology. © Springer-Verlag 2013.