Sound design in plastics technology: Aiming at integration of acoustic performance in plastic components

摘要

Decreasing the mass of a vehicle plays an important part in reducing CO_2 emissions. The use of lightweight materials provides environmental advantages together with fuel savings- a significant economic aspect in view of the increasing cost of fuel. The use of plastics as a substitute for steel is a useful instrument for hitting the targets of cost and weight reduction as well as fuel savings in automotive engineering. In today's vehicles, the material fraction of plastics amounts to 20%. Around 60% by weight of the plastics are used to enhance comfort and safety, the remaining 40% contribute to the reduction of weight, fuel consumption and CO_2 emissions [1]. Due to their high rigidity and the versatility in how plastics and fiberreinforced materials can be joined, innovative solutions are possible, such as, for example, the integration of different performances.