Design, evaluation methods and parameters of automotive lightweight

Abstract

Automotive lightweight is quite important and active demand, due to the requirements of automotive industry development, energy saving and emission reduction. This chapter illuminates the signification, the conception and comprehension, characterization parameters and execution methods about automotive lightweight and lightweight design. The physical and technical signification of parameters in the lightweight coefficient equation is explained also. A more direct parameter, lightweight exponent Li is suggested, and the physical and technique significations of those parameters in lightweight exponent Li equation are clarified for various conditions of lightweight. The execution approaches of automotive lightweight and the relationship of the performance of typical parts with the performance of materials are discussed. A life cycle analysis method is presented to evaluate the economy, selection and application of the lightweight materials and technologies. © Springer-Verlag 2013.