Innovative Tactical Vehicle Structures Utilizing Advanced Composite Materials

The proposed effort will develop a lightweight composite frame for Military vehicles. The goal is to exhibit equal or better performance than current lightweight steel frames, but with reduced weight. Fiber Materials Inc. (FMI) will research and selectthe most suitable PMC for use in a vehicle frame. This study will demonstrate, using analytical and physical measurement techniques, the feasibility of PMC maintaining structural integrity under operating conditions, and reduced weight compared tolightweight steel. Issues related with joining PMC members in vehicle frames will be of primary concern. The vehicle frame to be developed is a Light Strike Vehicle. Two frame categories will be investigated under the proposed Phase I effort. The firstutilizes tubular, space-frame fabrication. The second is a unibody or monocoque design. The immediate benefit of this technology is a reduction in weight of military vehicle frames. This will improve performance while increasing fuel economy. The methodsused to design and fabricate a PMC Light Strike Vehicle frame will also be applicable to larger military and commercial vehicles.