Structural Headliners-Their Development, Acoustical and Physical Performance, Modular Capabilities and Economics

This paper covers the development of different species of structural headliners, such as fiberglass, styrene, polyester fiber, thermoformable polyurethane foam and foam composites. The recent development emphasis of the structural headliner is focused on the acoustical performance being equal to the in-vehicle test results of non-structural headliners being utilized in conjunction with roof bows in North America.

The critical criteria in the development of the structural headliner is the physical performance with regard to both roof deflection and the ability to function as a modular headliner.