This thesis presents a numerical method of predicting both static and dynamic denting phenomena in automotive body panels. The finite element method is used as a predictive tool to assess panel performance prior to production of tooling. A custom software package has been developed to transform existing finite element forming models into ready-to-run finite element denting models, minimising the effort required to perform dent simulations. Over 50 multi-step finite element models were performed. Each of these models simulated the forming, springback and subsequent denting of either 1. 05mm thick AA5754, or0. 81mm, 0. 93mm or 1. 00mm thick AA6111 aluminum sheet. Experimental validation of dent predictions using this method has shown that the trends in both static and dynamic dent resistance have been captured quite well. These validation studies demonstrated the sensitivity of the results to various parameters such as panel thickness, pre-strain, curvature and thickness, as well as numerical formulation parameters. It has been determined that it is particularly important to use forming data within the denting models for accurate results to be obtained.

An examination of static and dynamic dent resistance of structural panel assemblies representing automotive hoods is described in this thesis. Fabricated panel assemblies incorporating typical components of real automotive parts were tested. The panel assemblies included an AA5754 inner panel using an array of teacup supports and an AA6111 closure panel joined with automotive mastic. The assemblies allowed for parametric assessment of numerous factors affecting dent resistance including: panel thickness, panel curvature, panel support configuration and dent site location. An extensive experimental program evaluated various panel combinations under both static and dynamic denting conditions. The measured results illustrate various trends of the different factors affecting dent resistance. The experimental database allows a qualitative assessment of dent resistance for full-scale automotive parts. The importance of support conditions is highlighted. The influence of mastic thickness is found to be a critical consideration. Numerical simulations of the dent test were undertaken using finite element techniques. The numerical predictions offer varying degrees of accuracy. The quantitative results are limited, due to numerical concerns, but the qualitative trends are generally well captured. As well, the relative importance of the various parametric factors is well represented in the numerical results. The interaction of the components at the teacup supports proved to critical to the predictive ability of the models. The method developed to model the interaction was somewhat limited by the available material models within the numerical code used, but offers promise for improved results in future simulations. The modelling method is readily transferred to full-scale automotive panels for assessment of dent resistance early in the design cycle.

Under investigation in this study was the effect of ASE certification of automotive technician training programs and other selected factors on ASE test outcome and job placement rate. This research ponders whether the time and money invested in certifying technician training programs is returning desired improvements in this automobile manufacturer's dealer service staff. The study focussed on technicians employed at Chrysler dealerships around the United States. The 2 samples totalling 387 males between the ages of 22 and 30 were drawn from 1,007 graduates of automotive technician training programs. Technicians that completed a formal training program beyond the high school level certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) were compared to others whose training was not certified by ASE. Comparisons were made on the basis of ASE Automobile Technician Test scores and on the length of time from training program completion to employment. This research sought to identify the significance of association between three main predictors - the status of training program ASE certification, work experience and year of training program completion - and the most desirable levels of ASE test outcome (at or above 90% on the ASE test) and job placement rate (immediately following completion of training). The logistic regression procedure in SAS was used to analyze categorical data in testing the statistical hypotheses. Resulting odds ratios provided indications of significant associations between ASE program certification, technician experience and year of program completion and each of the dependent variables, ASE test outcome and job placement rate. The findings indicated that ASE automotive training program certification status was a significant predictor of ASE test outcome and of job placement rate. Recommendations for further study suggest a look at how technician skill levels affect implementation of the Clean Air Act or dependency on foreign sources of fuel, how training program certification impacts desirable results in industries other than automotive, and how realignment of resources might enhance the performance of training programs already certified.

An experimental investigation into the form of the notchback wake topology, its temporal behaviour, and how this changes with the underlying geometry has been undertaken to further understanding of this flow regime pertaining to a popular automotive body type. Whilst this work has been performed at model scale on a simplified body a sufficiently complex design of backlight header and trailing pillar have been utilised. Thereby allowing the systematic study of the wake structure of a family of production representative geometries to be undertaken enabling the flow topology across bodies with parameters representative of vehicles produced from the 1960s to the present day to be investigated. Body force measurements showed both drag and rear lift to increase with backlight angle in a manner which was largely expected due to these designs being representative of older production notchback vehicles. Manufacturers knowledge and understanding of how drag changes with this parameter, combined with on going shape optimisation studies, have led to the shallower backlight angles common to modern designs. Detailed flow field measurements were subsequently used to determine the form and temporal behaviour of the flow topologies responsible for this force behaviour. Across the range of geometries tested, the in-notch structures were shown to undergo significant variation, both their time-averaged form and time-variant behaviour changing. Common to all configurations were the presence of a pair of strong trailing vortex structures which flanked the edges of the backlight and bootdeck. However, flow in the centre of the backlight underwent the greatest variation. This region was shown to develop from a largely attached form at shallower backlight angles before developing into an increasingly strong hairpin like structure. As backlight angle increased further the topology ultimately took a highly asymmetric form. With these changes of the flow topology also came changes of the temporal behaviour which revealed vortex shedding, flow structure oscillation and the switching of bi-stable structures as backlight angle increased. It is hoped that in thoroughly understanding the range of notchback flow topologies typically generated by production vehicles that this work will form the vital foundation upon which future investigations looking to reduced drag can be based.

This thesis is focused on lean thinking and its application on a real case of a logistic process in a manufacturing company. Firstly, the concept of lean thinking is described together with its history and relation to other management concepts. Key terms for lean thinking are defined, such as value and waste. Value stream mapping method and basic inventory management models are also described. Secondly, the real case part is focused on process optimization of procurement of cutting tool in a company that manufactures aluminum pistons mainly for automotive industry. The value stream was mapped and lead time calculated. Several data analyses were performed, such as ABC analysis, analysis of inventory costs and description of consignment stock option. Finally, several measurements for optimization of the cutting tool procurement process were recommended based on theoretical and practical research. The goal was to increase the process stability, flexibility and to reduce cost. The measurements include formalization of the whole process and implementing supplier evaluation system. The part includes detailed proposal of such system. The goal of this thesis was to verify a hypothesis that application of lean thinking tools can help with optimizing the cutting tool procurement process. The hypothesis was verified on theoretical level. The actual implementation of the measures will show the real benefits for the company.

The purpose of the submitted thesis "Automotive industry in the European area during the current world economy crisis and its perspectives" is an analysis of the position of automotive industry in the European room, including Russia and eastern Europe, and of its perspectives in times of emerging of new global automotive players. The automotive industry is considered within the passenger car segment. First part regards the determination of the world macro regions and the development of automotive industry, including its position at the present time after the impact of the world economy crisis. The second part shows the automotive industry in the European area and the third part shows the perspectives of the automotive industry in the future. The final part sums up the previous chapters with a particular example of French automaker Renault and his cooperation with Nissan and Dacia.

This thesis describes the influence of Foreign Direct Investment on the Polish car industry and main characteristics of its development. There are data concerning the amount of realized Foreign Direct Investment to Poland as well as the list of branches in which they are mostly allocated concerning the car industry. The thesis also describes the development of the Polish motorism including the characteristics of models produced there. The last part analyses the four biggest automobile companies on the Polish market, which are specialized in the production of private and commercial motor vehicles. There are also data about the quantity of production, export and sales of these vehicles.

The main goal of this thesis is to analyse market situation of Skoda Auto in the Czech republic during economic crisis, which began in autumn 2008. This thesis focuses on analysing situation in individual segments, where Skoda offers its products. Namely small cars segment, small MPVs, small SUVs, lower middle class and middle class. This thesis also features an analysis of used car market in the Czech republic, a research with experts, a SWOT analysis and a future forecast. The main source of data is a czech association of car importers and association of automotive industry. Conclusions are as follows : considerable fall of small cars and small MPVs segments, increase in sales in lower middle and middle class, loss of market share of Skoda in small cars and small MPVs segments, gain of market share in lower middle and middle class segments. One of the reasons is a higher ratio of private buyers in small cars and small MPVs segments. Private buyers are apparently more sensitive to economic crisis than firms. Situation in the rest of 2010 and in 2011 should be similar.

O presente trabalho destina-se a resumir o processo de desenvolvimento de automóveis, mostrando os vários itens que influenciam na velocidade deste desenvolvimento, e propor uma base de raciocínio para se diminuir o tempo total para o projeto. / The present volume is destined to summarize the development process of automobiles, showing the many items responsible for speed up this development, and make a proposal for a thinking basis to shorten development time.

O motor de combustão interna, embreagem, transmissão, diferencial, eixo Cardan, semi-eixos e rodas motrizes compõem o trem de potência de um veículo que, por diversas razões de refinamento e peso, oferecem baixa “resistência" aos ruídos decorrentes da irregularidade de rotação do motor. O presente trabalho reúne elementos para analisar os efeitos das flutuações de rotação (vibrações torcionais) presentes nos volantes de motores de quatro tempos, medidas em dinamômetro, no desenvolvimento de sistemas de embreagem. O uso de simulação matemática computacional permite amenizar ou eliminar os ruídos provenientes da transmissão no veículo protótipo, possibilitando assim ganhos significativos no tempo de desenvolvimento de discos de embreagem e/ou volantes de dupla massa. / The internal combustion engine, clutch, transmission, differential, propeller shaft, half shafts and driven wheels compose the powerline of a vehicle which, due to several reasons of refinement and weight, offer low noise "counter resistance" to engine irregularity. This report is a collection of elements to analyze the effects of the engine revolution irregularity (torsional vibration) present on flywheels of 4-stroke engines, as measured in dynamometer, in the development of clutch systems. The use of computer simulation allows to soften or to eliminate the noise deriving from the transmission of prototype vehicles with new powertrain combination (clutch discs and/or dual-mass-flywheels), bringing considerable development time gains.