use of aluminum body panels...?
03-29-2004, 12:40 AM
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use of aluminum body panels...?
to make it brief...i know the s2000 uses an aluminum hood...but is that the only place which aluminum is used on the exterior?
03-29-2004, 05:41 AM
#3
There are several reasons for not using aluminum elsewhere:
- Body panels made from aluminum cost roughly twice the price of steel.
- Aluminum is more prone to dings and dents, unless you increase the thickness enough (which will significantly increase cost, and negate any weight savings benefits).
- Body panels would have to be insulated from contact with steel to prevent galvanic corrosion. The hood doesn't have that problem because it is only in contact with steel at the hinges and front latch. These ponts are protected,preventing corrosion.
- Aluminum has twice the thermal expansion rate of steel. Therefore fastening aluminum body panels to steel would probably need to be done in a way to prevent fatigue due to the differences in thermal expension of the chassis and the body panel.
- Aluminum was chosen for the hood to reduce front-end weight, and give the car a 51/49 weight distribution. The hood inner and outer panels are relatively massive compared to the front fenders.
03-29-2004, 11:42 AM
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Originally posted by slalom44
There are several reasons for not using aluminum elsewhere:[LIST]
[*]Body panels made from aluminum cost roughly twice the price of steel.
There are several reasons for not using aluminum elsewhere:[LIST]
[*]Body panels made from aluminum cost roughly twice the price of steel.
exactly. this is one of the reasons why the nsx is so expensive.
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