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Abstract(s)
The usage of plastic parts and metals parts in automotive industries is causally related to the negative impact on the environment. The fact behind using plastic auto parts is that they give the same strength as metal parts in minimal weight. However, the plastic parts are nonbiodegradable, and the extraction of mineral ores lead to the polluted environment, physical landscape disturbances, and substantial harms. Thus, this research is to find an alternative solution for such kind of problems. To begin with, attempts were performed in order to analyze the feasibility and viability of using natural fiber composites for a semi-structural or small structural auto part. In this study, the part to be studied is an automotive bonnet. Two significant parts comprise the bonnet system, the skin and the supporting frame. The objective is to replace the plastic/metal bonnet skin with an NFRP (Natural Fiber Reinforced Plastic) so that the part can be sustainable and eco-friendly. The bonnet is one of the critical components in an automobile. They have to fulfill many pedestrian safety requirements in order to successfully be certified by the NCAP, apart from being an engine cover. This research is concerned about the bonnet of a new car called “Be”, which CEIIA is developing for a sustainable automotive future. Based on brief studies on the bonnet system, the NFRPs, and the safety requirements for the bonnet system, the use of sustainable materials and corresponding manufacturing process selection was carried out. Using the selected material, a composite laminate is manufactured using a suitable manufacturing process to produce a sustainable and eco-friendly composite. To answer many of the significant questions such as strength and the sustainability of the composite part, various mechanical testing and numerical simulations were performed and checked with the requirement matrix. Two kinds of the recycling process are carried out, and the composite was successfully recycled to prove its sustainability. This investigation has been performed as a “CEIIA - Product Development Project,” and as a master thesis for “Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto,” during February-October 2018.
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Keywords
Sustainability Bonnet NCAP Safety CEIIA Eco-friendly NFRPs Testing Composite recycling