Fibre Reinforced Plastic Concepts for Structural Chassis Parts

Kurzfassung

Abstract Fibre reinforced plastics (FRP) have a high potential for reducing masses of automotive parts, but are seldom used for structural parts in the chassis. If the whole chassis concept is adapted to the new material, then a high weight saving potential can be gained and new body concepts can result. DLR Institute of Vehicle Concepts designed and dimensioned a highly stressed structural part in FRP. A topology optimisation of a defined working space with the estimated loads was performed. The results were analysed and fibre reinforced part concepts derived, detailed and evaluated. Especially by the use of the new FRP material system in the chassis area, a weight saving of more than 30% compared to the steel reference was realised. With the help of those concepts it is shown, that there is also a great weight saving potential in the field of chassis design, if the design fits with the material properties. The existing concepts still have to be detailed further, simulated and validated to gain the full lightweight potential.