A Prediction-Model for an Improved Decision-making of Joining Technologies in the Early Stage of Automobile Body Development

Abstract

To date, the use of a wide variety of materials is a result of the increasingly complex multi-material design regarding the key challenge of stricter environmental regulations in the automotive sector while facing equivalent or even enhanced technical and economic benefits. Modern joining technologies additionally contribute to this challenge, whereby technologies for structural metal structures seem to be established. Examinations – which are very costly also in terms of time – are required to ensure the feasibility of a joining technology. However, historical data is not sufficiently available for multi-material design. Hence, this research presents a novel prediction-model for an improved decision-making of joining technologies, which interpolates potentials of still untested joining technologies in the early stage of lightweight engineering.