Predicting Performance of Lightweight Construction Materials

The first International VDI-Conference “Simulation in Automotive Lightweight Engineering” on May 09 and 10, 2012 in Wiesbaden addresses the subject calculating lightweight construction materials

Optimal components for lightweight construction. The international VDI Convention addresses simulation of material performance. (Source: VDI/Thomas Ernsting)

Lightweight construction materials pose a particular challenge for calculations engineers and developers in the automotive industry. Which data is needed for current and future simulations? Can the performance of hybrid structures be accurately determined? Can close-to realistic construction models be predicted? Experts provide answers to these and other questions during the 1st International VDI-Conference “Simulation in Automotive Lightweight Engineering” on May 09 and 10, 2012 in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Experts from Lamborghini present the “Automobil Lamborghini Carbon Fiber Strategy“. Composite Consultant Dr. Alastair Johnson, a former staff member at the DLR German Aerospace Center, provides insight into interdisciplinary crash behavior simulations and trials of lightweight construction materials in aviation.

Representatives of BMW, Daimler and Opel discuss how the performance of fiber reinforced synthetics can be incorporated in calculations, and which conclusions can be drawn from building components and their behavior during crash simulations. Experts from the Ford Research Center demonstrate how ultra-strong steel as well as magna for aluminum- and magnesium castings such as materials, construction components and construction material data may be understood in simulations.

BMW and Suisse Technology Partners broach the subject of how fatigue strength can be forecast for notched CFRP and welded Steel- and aluminum components.

In conclusion, the conference will provide a platform for spokespersons of the University of Leicester and the Polytec UK, to discuss this specialized field.

Further information, registration and program at www.vdi.de/simulationlightweight or via VDI Wissensforum Kundenzentrum, P.O. Box 10 11 39, 40002 Duesseldorf, E-mail: wissensforum@vdi.de, Telephone: +49 (0) 211 62 14-201, Fax: -154.

About the VDI
The VDI (Association of German Engineers) has its seat in Duesseldorf and represents the engineering and technology branch. It is the largest technical-scientific association in Germany with almost 150,000 members and is both a developer and disseminator of technological expertise.
Thanks to the vast network of experts and the know-how of the VDI, engineers and specialists and leading executives in the field of technology may choose from 1,000 further training courses each year. The hosting organisation, the VDI Wissensforum (expert forum) offers seminars, technology forums, training courses, symposia and congresses in all relevant branches. The focus is always on latest developments in technological expertise.

Your contact in the press department:
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Fax: +49 211 6214-154
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