The following article is an edited transcript based on the plenary talk given by Alan I. Taub of General Motors Corp. on November 28, 2005, at the Materials Research Society Fall Meeting in Boston. Fuel economy requirements, emissions regulations, and the push for energy independence are key factors driving the auto industry to increase vehicle efficiency. The main avenues to efficiency improvement are powertrain enhancements and mass reduction. This presentation details how General Motors is developing advanced propulsion systems and using lightweight materials to achieve greater vehicle efficiency. Taub, who is executive director of General Motors Research and Development, outlines GM's strategy for advancing propulsion technology, from improvements in the internal-combustion engine to hybridization to full vehicle electrification. He then describes the company's efforts to use lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium alloys, high-strength steels, and composites to reduce vehicle weight. Also highlighted is GM's success in employing novel materials in the development of advanced vehicle and powertrain systems to achieve additional efficiencies. One example is the application of smart materials, which enable new features and functions by way of mechamatronic solutions (the integration of smart materials with mechanical systems and electronics). Key technical hurdles that must be overcome to increase the use of these materials by the automotive industry are also discussed.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Automotive materials: Technology trends and challenges in the 21st century


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    MRS Bulletin ; 31 , 4 ; 336-343


    Publication date :

    2006


    Size :

    8 Seiten, 10 Bilder



    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




    Automotive vehicle control challenges in the 21st century

    Powers, W.F. / Nicastri, P.R. | Tema Archive | 2000


    Automotive Materials: current status, technology trends and challenges

    Junior, D.M. / Gregolin, J.A.R. / de Faria, L.I.L. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2007


    Automotive Materials: current status, technology trends and challenges

    Munhoz, Dorival / Gregolin, José Angelo Rodrigues / de Faria, Leandro Innocentini Lopes et al. | SAE Technical Papers | 2007


    Automotive power source in 21st century

    Morita, K. | Tema Archive | 2003


    Automotive power source in 21st century

    Morita, Kenji | Online Contents | 2003