Engineers tested whether AHSS could effect an 30% reduction of weight in the BIW structure of a mass market sedan.
“We are very encouraged by the results of our study with EDAG,” said David Paratore, NanoSteel president and CEO. “The findings demonstrate that our alloys will address customer requirements across a significant proportion of structural parts. As we work to conclude our production trials, this assessment provides a blueprint for identifying specific opportunities for parts conversion.”
In conducting this evaluation, EDAG used the same methodology as the existing NHTSA Light Weight Vehicle BIW design, which was the the result of a redesign of a 2011 Honda Accord that in simulation met North American performance and safety targets while optimizing for weight savings.
When applying NanoSteel’s AHSS to the NHTSA Light Weight Vehicle design, EDAG calibrated material gauges and design parameters to ensure the vehicle met crashworthiness criteria, as well as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) requirements. The results showed a 30% (100 kg/220 lb) weight reduction in BIW versus the baseline 2011 Honda Accord and a 10.5% (27 kg/60 lb) weight reduction from the NHTSA Light Weight Vehicle design.
NanoSteel’s three classes of AHSS were used to replace crush zone parts that require high energy absorption, deep draw parts with significant complexity and structural parts such as B-pillars and cross-members where strength is paramount to protect the passenger.
“Once commercially available, NanoSteel’s AHSS will provide unique mechanical properties to automotive OEMs offering attractive options for design and material choices to reduce structural weight,” said Harry Singh, EDAG’s executive program manager on the study.