The Research Safety Vehicle (RSV) program encompasses safety, economy, resource conservation, and emissions relative to automobiles apropriate for the U.S. economy in the latter 1980's. The Calspan/Chrysler approach is based upon derivation of the RSV from a current advanced state-of-the-art production automobile. Adoption of a base vehicle approach provides a framework for introducing incremental changes in vehicle design consistent with program goals and typical automotive production constraints.
Characteristics of candidate materials, from the standpoints of availability, vehicle weight, and potential recovery, have played an important role in shaping the RSV designed. Resources entered into design considerations at several levels:
Base vehicle characteristics with respect to general layout—engine/driveline, occupant packaging, and cargo capacity—are reviewed briefly. Base vehicle packaging efficiency is demonstrated; run-flat tires, proposed for the RSV, would further increase this efficiency.
Two general alternative paths with respect to materials conservation are inspected— design for long lifc versus design for recovery and reuse of primary materials. Anticipated continuous changes in vehicle design (in response to requirements for increased fuel economy) and introduction of nonpetroleum propelled vehicles in the latter part of the century appear to favor a recycling strategy. Problems attendant to recycling are considered after the magnitude of automotive materials demands is reviewed.
The magnitude of passenger car demand for major materials is generated from estimates of car production and composition. These are compared to projected overall demands and reserves to establish the necessity for conservation. Estimates of the resource content of obsolete vehicles indicate the potential for recycling. Some of the problems associated with efficient recycling are pointed out and the results of a shredding experiment, are described.
Finally, the design related material changes that convert the base vehicle to the RSV are identified and related to recycling efficiency.