Mass Reduction Potential Utilizing the Latest Exposed AHSS in Automotive Exterior Panels

摘要

This study examines the potential gauge reduction for exposed vehicle exterior panels including door outer panel and roof panel by adopting the latest advanced high strength steels (AHSS). The dent resistance performance is a primary concern for exposed sheets on vehicles and is analyzed in this study. Several traditional bake hardening steel grades were applied on exterior panels together with mild steel. Two of AK Steel's latest AHSS grades, NEXMET 440EX and NEXMET 490EX are compared to these more traditional grades for potential lightweighting of these panels. A dent resistance virtual test was conducted using CAE software ABAQUS at critical locations on multiple exterior panels. The minimum gauge to maintain the dent resistance is obtained for these grades at all critical locations. The gauge reduction potential offered by the NEXMET grades is evaluated based on the dent resistance results. This study gives guidance for vehicle lightweighting.