M. Tech. Mechanical Engineering / In order to increase the vehicle crashworthiness and decrease the weight of the vehicle in today’s automotive industries, composite materials have been replacing the conventional high strength steel material. The main advantage of composite material is the very high weight to strength ratio that will result in lighter automobiles, which will improve fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. In this research, the optimal orientation of fiber within the matrix was explored. It was found that different orientation of the fiber in the different matrix resulted in different mechanical properties and energy absorption rate.

Thesis (M.Eng.). / Written for the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering. Title from title page of PDF (viewed 2008/03/12). Includes bibliographical references.