The target for the body structure of the new Audi A4 was to economically create a body structure that allows a weight reduction of about 10 % compared to the predecessor in spite of stricter demands with respect to global and local rigidity, passive safety, design and appeal quality. The result is a lightweight steel body shell that makes an important contribution to savings in energy and materials, both during production and while the vehicle is in service. The body structure of the new Audi A4 represents an integrated, harmonious and robust design with respect to all function demands that need to be satisfied. In this paper the following issues are described: vibration comfort and acoustics, passive safety. Furthermore materials and joining techniques are discussed, i.e. resistance spot welding, bonding, MAG welding, plasma soldering, laser beam welding. Another priority was to optimise the production processes. The focus was on reducing tooling operations and increasing the level of material utilisation. This was achieved by systematically optimising the blanks and by employing dual-purpose tools.
Body. Body shell, materials and production
Automobiltechnische Zeitschrift - ATZ ; 109 , Sh: The New Audi A4 ; 166-171
2007
6 Seiten, 4 Bilder
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Deutsch