Assistance to Navistar in developing a new lightweight truck bumper that can save gasoline without compromising safety is being performed by a materials process team headed by Gail Ludtka of Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Materials Science and Technology Division. Characterizing and analyzing data developed using her innovative testing method, Ludtka worked with ORNL colleague Don Erdman to help establish the material requirements needed for this bumper to be 40 percent lighter than conventional chrome plated bumpers while maintaining the same fatigue performance required under highway operating conditions. The lighter weight improves the truck's fuel efficiency while providing the same durability, protection and crash benefits of standard materials bumpers. The ORNL work is funded the DOE Office of Vehicle Technologies' Reduction Materials program.
Menu