| SCOFRAME | This project is closed |
| Design and Development of Structural Thermoplastic Composite Bus Chassis |
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Context Current bus construction is dominated by conventional chassis and body systems, with steel being used as the main chassis construction material. Although this gives flexibility for low volume manufacture, it carries a weight penalty which limits fuel efficiency and the creation of zero-emission vehicles. Work on thermoplastic composites has been applied to high volume, low performance products, and this technology has so far required large investments in equipment and tooling. Current technology is inappropriate to lower volume sectors and higher performance applications. Aims To develop and apply the technology to the construction of mid-sized buses To achieve a reduction of bodyweight by over 40% compared with steel bodied vehicles for the same mechanical integrity To integrate the design and parts to reduce component count, reduce costs and increase reliability To lower the barriers to the commercial viability of zero-emission vehicles Method Design a thermoplastic composite structure to meet distributed and local loads Develop and apply low cost thermoplastic composite processing technology for large complex parts Develop the joining technology for mounting the body, steering, drivetrain and suspension Assess the structural and crash performance of the developed parts Benefits The dissemination of improved thermoplastic composite processing technology. Further opportunities for weight saving in zero-emission (electric) vehicles Participants PERA Technology HIL Technologies plc Robert Wright & Sons (Coachworks) Ltd Advanced Composites Group Ltd PPG Industries (UK) Ltd University of Newcastle upon Tyne |
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