Lightweight Automotive Materials for Increased Fuel Efficiency and Delivery Advanced Modeling & Simulation Capabilities to U.S. Manufacturers (LAMP) Program Objective: The objective of this program is to develop and validate cost-effective, high-strength materials technologies that could significantly reduce vehicle weight without compromising cost, performance, safety, or recyclability. The target is to have the automotive industry adopt technology, inserting lightweighting materials into production vehicles within three years. The program shall focus on improved manufacturability and functionality, lowered costs for the deployment of new lightweighting materials, and introducing sustainability considerations into the design process. Additionally, advanced modeling and simulation tools are being developed to reduce the time and costs needed to introduce new lightweight materials into the transportation sector.
Front fork of the BMW X5
Technical Objectives:
- A group of existing part designs will be considered for replacement in titanium with vehicle manufacturer BMW
- Perform cost justification based on expected material and processing cost models
- Material selection will be undertaken with focus on low-cost grades that meet functional requirements at lower mass
Business Objectives:
- ATW is developing lower-cost grades and processing techniques to make titanium available to alternative markets
- OKUMA is advancing machine control through incorporation of physics-based models
- BMW will integrate vehicle components to reduce mass and energy consumption
Industry Partners:
- Clemson University
- BMW
- OKUMA America Corporation
- American Titanium Works (ATW)
- Ontonix
- Decision Incite, Inc.
- Dassault Systemes Simulia Corporation
To view the Executive Summary of this report go to Automotive Component Manufacture in Titanium at the LAMP website and click the “Download Executive Report” link.
NCMS Project Manager: Steve Hale (734) 995-2195
