As advances in materials science continue to shape the future of car design, some of the most exciting developments are the creation of new materials that are designed to give a car its flexibility and durability. Some of these innovations include self-healing polymers, aluminum and composite materials, and a colour-swapping e-ink paint.
Composite materials provide strength and rigidity
Composite materials are a class of engineering materials used for applications that require high strength and rigidity. They can provide better mechanical properties than metals. Some composites are used to replace metals and alloys.
Modern composites often consist of two main components. The first is the matrix, which acts as a binder and provides compressional strength to the composite. It may also act as a filler.
The second component is called the dispersed phase. This is sometimes referred to as the reinforcement. In a cross section, the thickness dx intersects area A1 of the matrix and area A2 of the dispersed phase. Depending on the size and shape of the particles, the packing density of the matrix can be calculated.
Aluminum is used in automobiles, trucks, buses, and light rail vehicles
Aluminum is a strong, lightweight material with high impact resistance and corrosion resistance. Its properties make it a great choice for use in automobiles, trucks, buses, and light rail vehicles.
The demand for lightweight products is increasing, in part due to strict CO2 emission laws around the world. As a result, aluminum is becoming the primary material for many vehicle manufacturers.
In North America, the usage of aluminum in the automotive industry is growing, according to a survey by Ducker Worldwide. This material is used to reduce the weight of a vehicle, which results in fuel savings.
As the industry continues to adopt aluminum, the global market is expected to grow. The primary factor driving growth is the increased emphasis on fuel economy.
Connected vehicles are being equipped with 5G receivers to create an in-vehicle hotspot
The automotive industry is advancing towards a fully connected world. Connected vehicles communicate with their surroundings to mitigate the risk of imminent crashes. They utilize dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) and cellular vehicle-to-everything communication.
To achieve this, there are several standards that must be adopted. These include 5G, cooperative perception, and a hybrid architecture. However, there are some challenges and issues that may arise.
The integration of SDN can improve resource utilization in a vehicular network. It can also solve the problem of packet loss rate. Similarly, edge computing can be utilized to mitigate redundant transmission.
The DSRC-cellular hybrid architecture is expected to be cost effective. It enables in-vehicle connectivity, phone-as-a-key, and phone-as-a-smartphone.
Hyundai Elevate concept car combines wheels with legs
Elevate, a concept car from Hyundai, combines wheels and legs to create a mobility vehicle capable of navigating the wildest terrain. The design is reminiscent of a walking gondola. It is a futuristic car that looks like a relic from the “Star Wars” era, but it’s also a very practical car for the future.
Aside from being able to walk, it’s also capable of climbing and driving over objects that traditional cars cannot. This is thanks to its four robotic legs, each with five degrees of motion.
According to Hyundai, the Elevate combines the best features of a car, a walker and a scooter to create a new type of mobility machine. Rather than being restricted to a fixed space, it can traverse any terrain, and it can even drive over debris from a flood or fallen building.
Self-healing polymers
Advances in materials science are playing a pivotal role in the future of automobile design. They are shaping the shape of future cars and determine their viability. Materials scientists have specialized training in advanced metals, ceramics and plastics. Their research efforts identify needs and design materials that can fulfill those needs.
The automobile industry is driven by several factors including a desire for fuel economy, lower emissions, and intense competition among aluminum companies. In addition, these companies are faced with legislative constraints to reduce CO2 emissions. This has led to increasing environmental concerns.
These concerns are being met with innovative materials, especially in the form of self-healing polymeric materials. Using this technology, cars can be rehabilitated before they fail. These materials have been demonstrated to exhibit dynamic adaptation to changing conditions.
Colour-swapping e-ink ‘paint’
Using advanced materials science, engineers have been developing innovative car design and technology. These advancements will make driving more convenient, safer, and more environmentally friendly.
The Cadillac InterSpace concept aims to reimagine the driving experience. It has fully autonomous capability and a range of Augmented Reality engagements. Inside, the interior is futuristic and features elaborate designs. It also has windows that adjust light levels.
Another example of materials science and futuristic design is the BMW iX Flow concept. This car is billed as the world’s first color-changing vehicle. In its prototype form, the car changes colour between gray and white.
However, the real-world car is still a few years off. Although the technology is impressive, it’s still too early to tell whether it will be practical.