Constructing bus structures with stainless steel

Outokumpu and collaborators show a possible weight reduction of up to 35% by using high-strength stainless steel in place of carbon steel.

The weight of a typical bus could be reduced by up to 35% - more than 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs.) - by using high-strength stainless steel to replace tubular bus-frame elements traditionally manufactured in carbon steel. That is the conclusion of a first-of-its-kind project carried out by stainless-steel manufacturer Outokumpu, together with CAD/CAE solution specialist FCMS, the Munich University of Applied Sciences and RotherCONSULT.

Corrosion-resistant stainless steel could offer sustainability combined with reduced maintenance time and costs. In addition, high-strength stainless steel grades have become commercially available that offer significant weight savings. The aim of this project was to examine what that could mean in terms of lower weight and reduced material costs.