BMW invents carbon wheelsIn the next two years, BMW can start mass production cars equipped with innovative ultra-light wheels, completely made of carbon fiber. Progress in development, told the Auto Express’s chief engineer for lightweight materials Franz Shtorkenmayer, adding that BMW is also working on hybrid carboxylic metal disks, as well as a number of other carbon fiber components.
Active work with carbon fiber BMW started in on the background of the start of production of the new i-series, where the material is used in large quantities. Shtorkenmayera Department proposed a number of innovations: spoked wheels of metal and carbon-fiber rim that lighter than conventional alloy by 25%, and a fully carbon, which can save as much as 35%, significantly reducing unsprung weight and reducing the rotational inertia of the wheels.
Furthermore, invented and successfully tested fully carbon fiber steering wheel (formerly of this material only did the outer part, leaving a metal frame), as well as lightweight and durable carboxylic plastic composite, which is made from scraps of carbon remaining in cutting out parts for i-series . Of such a mixture can do many different components of a vehicle: skeletons of seats, the internal structure of the instrument panel, and so on, it successfully replaces magnesium, aluminum, and in some cases even steel.
Franz Shtorkenmayer told that BMW confident in the strength and safety of the new parts and the use of waste products makes them enough budget for the mass market. According to the BMW, but the company expects the European Union regulatory approval to start introducing new products. Officials react faster, we can not wait to look into the future tempting!
Superlight wheels will become a reality in two years
No comments:
Post a Comment