ABSTRACT
Several approaches were investigated in order to achieve the goal of producing a
lighter and safer vehicle. These approaches included studying of downsize the
vehicle (applied especially after 1973); and the replacement of conventional
structural materials with innovative materials, which gave similar or better
performance with less weight. Almost every part of the vehicle structure was
investigated by replacement with another one made from non-conventional material.
The main goal of this paper is to study the vehicle structural mechanics during crash
(frontal impact) and to search for the most suitable type of composite materials to
replace the conventional one in individual automotive structural parts to improve the
performance of the vehicle by decreasing the vehicle weight, increasing the power -
to - weight ratio and improve the energy absorption capacity.