This volume provides theoretical as well as practical reviews of novel polymer applications for automotive exteriors, covering materials selection, simulation, prototyping, and manufacturing. In addition to the overviews provided by five in-depth chapters, the book concludes with 19 case studies related to design, production, and performance. Topical fields include structures and body panels; front modules, crash elements and safety concepts; roof modules and hardtops; acoustics and aerodynamics; and glazing.

From the Preface: “...Case studies illustrate current polymer applications in the exterior of passenger cars and commercial vehicles `made in Germany and Europe'. They describe component-specific and vehicle-specific solutions, providing a sweeping insight into current developments in the polymer processing industry, novel production methods and the property profiles of advanced polymers...”

Target Audience: Designers, engineers, market analysts, students, and every other reader concerned with the use of plastics in the automotive industry.

Table of Contents:

Introduction to the Application of Plastics in Vehicle Design

Automotive Concepts and Lightweight Design

Material Concepts and Process Technologies

Modelling and Rapid Prototyping

Joining

Case Studies — Design, Production, Performance

Appendix

Index