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Case Study: Feasibility of Magnesium for a Light-Weight Automotive Seat Frame Application
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English
Abstract
The seating system in an automobile is one of the larger contributors to the overall vehicle mass, typically 10% to 15%. Consequently, OEM's and their seat system suppliers are focusing on seating system mass reductions. Johnson Controls, Inc., (JCI) is one such supplier that is committed to developing light-weight seat technology through alternative materials and enhanced designs.
Over the last ten years JCI has developed light-weight seat concepts using carbon fiber, plastics, aluminum and magnesium materials as alternatives to steel. The project under study in this paper considers magnesium as a substitute for steel to achieve a lightweight seat for 1997 model year production.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine whether defined project objectives can be attained using magnesium as an appropriate material for a 1997, light-weight automotive seat project.
Problem Statement
This research project assesses the feasibility of using magnesium, rather than steel, for a 1997, light-weight automotive seat frame application. The following questions will be addressed:
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1)
Can a steel seat frame be designed to meet the light weight seat system mass, cost and performance objectives?
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2)
Can a magnesium seat frame be designed to meet the light weight seat system mass, cost and performance objectives?
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3)
What are the business risks and benefits in developing magnesium as an alternative light weight seat frame material?
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4)
Should magnesium be selected as a frame material for the 1997, light weight seat program?
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Citation
Bartlett, T., "Case Study: Feasibility of Magnesium for a Light-Weight Automotive Seat Frame Application," SAE Technical Paper 950423, 1995, https://doi.org/10.4271/950423.Also In
References
- Colasanti 1994 Design and development of a lightweight seat frame using magnesium extrusions and stampings SAE: Attributes of magnesium for automobile design , 940406
- Dierks Kuhn Etling 1994 Enhanced mechanical properties of die cast AM series magnesium; through part design, die design and process control SAE: Attributes of magnesium for automobile design , 940410
- Fantette Szczesniak 1994 High ductility magnesium seat back structure SAE: Attributes of magnesium for automobile design , 940404
- Hays Baik Schachner Thoma 1993 Properties and structure of magnesium alloys die cast by Spartan Aluminum Products, Inc. and other die casters Johnson Controls, Inc., Central Research
- Hays Baik Thoma 1993 Properties and structure of die cast, thixomolded, and extruded magnesium alloy test specimens Johnson Controls. Inc., Central Research
- Miller William 1992 A design guide and property data base for magnesium die casting alloys GM Research Report , MR-1098
- “Magnesium for manufacturing, lighten up.” 1992 Economist 86 87
- “Will CAFE regs rev up mag”? 1991 Purchasing 32
- Plumb Stephen 1993 Materials smorgasbord highlights '94 Ward's Auto World 51