After more than 40 years of promise, the next decade will see an explosion in the use of composite materials.

Aerospace and general aviation have been using the technology for years and automotive and alternative energy markets are now on the cusp of broader implementation. Car manufacturers are already implementing and launching carbon fibre composite development programs and working with both domestic and foreign producers of carbon fibres and composites. With the significant weight savings associated with composites, it is essential for automotive engineers to become knowledgeable about this technology which may revolutionise the way carbon fibre is used in automobiles and ultimately be instrumental in meeting government mandates for fuel economy.

This course will provide an overview of different composite materials in terms of material types such as carbon, glass and natural fibres. The focus, however, will be on carbon fibre processes, typical applications, benefits and shortcomings and limitations. Participants will become familiar with different composites terminology, quality issues, costs and automotive market needs and will gain a holistic understanding of automotive carbon fibre applications.

Learning Objectives

By attending this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the benefits of composites technology in automotive weight savings applications
• Choose composites manufacturing processes that can influence quality
• Identify engineering modeling methodologies for composite material and structural performance
• Specify common methods for characterization of anisotropic composite materials
• Evaluate the latest developments in non-destructive test methods for composite materials and structures
• Identify and contrast damage and crush characteristics for composites vs. metals
• Identify assessment approaches to durability in composites
• Identify recent developments and applications of composites in the automotive industry
• Summarize the opportunities for weight savings with composites

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for OEM, Tier I and Tier II supplier automotive engineers who are involved in developing weight savings solutions through composite materials innovations and wish to have an awareness of composite material vehicle technology applications. Engineers in manufacturing, design, analysis, advanced engineering, cost reduction, test, and research will benefit from the comprehensive nature of the course.

Prerequisites

An engineering degree is highly recommended, but not required. This Academy does not cover many of the basic concepts and assumes that the attendee already understands such concepts (stress, strain, viscosity, heat transfer, materials properties, vibration, impact, etc). Individuals who are transitioning to application of composite materials in light weighting automotive platforms will find this Academy particularly helpful.