Automotive Composites: March 2010

The Journey

First thing first, I would like to show my gratitude to Jenna Eason, who's enlightening blog has inspired me to create my own. Jenna graduated from the Master's program here at NC State's College of Textiles in 2009, her research was on the history and future trends of automotive textile design (http://automotivetextiledesign.blogspot.com/). So, I just wanted to thank Jenna for giving me the idea to create this blog, which I hope will be used to inspire further gradutate students to follow in our footsteps and carry on this tradition.

I have always been fascinated with complexity and engineering of automobiles and how they work. Since I was young, I have always been drawn to cars,the design, attention to detail and a passion for driving. An extensive amount of processes must work in perfect synergy in order for an automobile to be an efficient driving machine.

Everyday research is progressing the technology in automobiles, making them faster, more user friendly, more cost and energy efficient. My research is in light weight composite materials to be used in automobiles. The aim of my research is to investigate processes and materials which could be cost efficient means of creating strong three-dimensional structural components.

I have three key purposes for this blog:

1. An educational source focusing on textile-related materials that are or could be utilized by the automotive industry. When using the term "textiles" in the automotive field, one may only envision seat cloths or headliners, when I would like to use this blog as an eye opener to the world of functional technical textiles. Materials such as woven carbon fiber composites have been floating around in the industry for years, however, the spectrum is open to so many more possibilities. I would like to open the blog to the entire spectrum, from eco-friendly biocomposites, to exotic three-dimensional nonwovens, the sky is the limit. I anticipate that this focus will shed light on the promising relationship that the textiles industry will have in the future of automobiles.

2. This will be a journal I will use to document my process through my thesis research. I have always found it easier to comprehend a situation if I have the opportunity to write out my thoughts. I hope to use this blog as a creative expression of my research while having the opportunity to present my experiences through my journey. I would appreciate any suggestions, advice, and ideas.

3. Finally, I would like to utilize this blog as a guide to any other graduate students through their research. I hope this will help inspire others and even answer any questions about the process. I have always been one to say, do what makes you happy and don't let anything stand in your way. So when the opportunity comes knocking to give you the chance to do something you love, don't think twice and always give it 100%.

First order of business, to find a specific thesis topic...

"Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goal. Prepare yourself in every way you can by increasing your knowledge and adding to your experience, so that you can make the most of the opportunity when it occurs."

-Mario Andretti

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

It's raining concepts!

Automotive news has recently been riddled with concepts and production teasers. For example the Zenvo ST1, Ford Focus RS500 (which will not be sold in the US...don't get me started), the new Hennessey Venom GT (with a 1200 hp option I might add), Koenigsegg Agera, and even McLaren has come out with a MP4-12C. All of these vehicles are very fast, expensive and full of carbon fiber (the McLaren actually has a carbon fiber monocell chassis configuration) which only very few of us will actually see in real life and even fewer will have the chance to drive. What is the purpose for cars like these you ask? To evoke emotion.
Designers and manufacturers of these types of cars want to bring the passion back to driving. Sure, your car can get you from point A to point B and has XM radio and GPS (yada yada), but have you ever turned your radio off, opened your windows and just listened to the road? Press down on the gas just a bit more than you are use to and just feel the car come to life. The synergy of an automobile and driver is unparalleled. This feeling is where designers build their art.
These exotic bullets are actually an amazing (and costly) source of research and development. 50 years ago, nobody thought that a woven fabric could out perform steel car bodies and now thanks to concept car testing and racing advancements, carbon fiber is a household name. A more recent development is from 2008 with BMW's GINA concept which is covered in a fabric (polyurethane coated Spandex) which is

translucent, stretchable and water resistant. Click here to see more about this car and watch the video about the design. The skin is one piece which you have to see to believe. Designers such as these are a true inspiration and really help people think outside of the box, innovating the way we think. We may never actually see a production version of this type of car but it definitely provokes an motivational emotion within me. You may never grace the driver's seat of one of these exotic masterpieces but in a few years you may see yourself driving an affordable car fully equipped with a carbon fiber chassis....maybe.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Spring is in the air

I have recently returned from a vacation to visit family down in Miami, Florida. Vacations are not only healthy downtime but can be used to open your eyes to different cultures, their influences and to spark some inspiration. During short walks through Miami, I was able to catch a few cars that before I had only read about. For example, this twin-turbo V6 Nissan GT-R and this 5.7L V12 Ferrari 575M Maranello (in a tight parking spot I might add). I must admit, leaving Miami was difficult; however, hacing dinner outside while a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is parked yards away can inspire any gear head.

Returning, I find myself relieved that midterms are finally over and I can begin to gather my focus on my material research. Last week, Professor Powell, Jenna Eason and myself were able to meet with Sean Coleman, an NC State graduate student who was named the winner of the 2010 Shell Eco-Marathon Americas (SEMA)

Urban Concept Car Competition. Utilizing Sean's excellent design capabilities, we are looking forward to creating a strong collaboration in order to further his "green" concept. Implementing our resources here at the College of Textiles, we are aiming to aid Sean with any material research and development needed to bring his designs to life.