Title: Application of composite materials at Fiat Auto: the case of rear lids

Authors: V. Nepote, E. Canepari, R. Cane

Addresses: Fiat Auto, -DT -FC Central Laboratories, Torino, Italy. ' Fiat Auto, -DT -FC Central Laboratories, Torino, Italy. ' Fiat Auto, -DT -FC Central Laboratories, Torino, Italy

Abstract: Research in aerodynamics has brought forth a dramatic change in car body shape, with special impact on rear lids of two-volume bodies. The shape, in fact, has become very much deep drawn and often the application of spoilers is required. This has created new opportunities for the use of plastics, quickly exploited by Fiat for the rear lids of two models: the Uno Turbo Bz (with integral spoiler) and the new model Tipo, whose rear lid shape is so deep-drawn as to reach the upper feasibility limit for metal sheet solutions. In this paper the two rear lid designs are described. Moreover, a survey is made on the reasons which have led to selection of the type of plastics and to the particular design accomplishment using a |double-shell| instead of a |single-shell| solution.

Keywords: composite materials; double-shell construction; plastics; thermosetting plastics; Fiat Auto; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1990.061604

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1990 Vol.11 No.1, pp.18 - 26

Published online: 26 May 2014 *

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