Structural Characteristics of Aluminum Body Sheet

Dent resistance and flutter are considerations in gauge selection in autobody applications. The influence of each of these factors is discussed and test data are presented.

Data from dent tests are utilized to develop relative thicknesses of aluminum and steel for equal dent performance. Comparisons are made with other published data. Vibration tests and analysis indicate that flutter should not be an important factor in determining the relative thickness of aluminum and steel for body sheet applications.