Evobus, the bus division of DaimlerChrysler, and Alcan Mass Transportation Systems, the business unit for mass transport applications of Alcan group of companies, have developed a new hybrid design concept for the CITO midibus. The hybrid design concept combines composites components with large scale aluminum extrusions. Due to this modular concept considerable savings in the overall production have been achieved. The hybrid design concept requires the use of new joining technologies: Alcan corner bolt systems as well as elastic bonding have been used as structural joints. In order to achieve the required stiffness of this bus structure as well as in order to optimize the production processes, an expert team (consisting of engineers from Alcan Mass Transportation Systems as well as from SIKA Industry) evaluated and tested a wide range of elastic bonding applications. Special modeling techniques have been developed to take into account the proper stiffness of the elastic joints. Stringent static test loads as well as a challenging endurance test program have proven that the hybrid structure meets all structural requirements. The close cooperation between all development partners has resulted in a very competitive product for the segment of midi-busses in the public transportation market. New standards have been achieved with respect to driving comfort and lightweight design.
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