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Mercedes-Benz has developed new
Concept CAR inspired from the box fish
The
boxfish : Great rigidity and low weight - a growth
principle designed by nature Despite its boxy, cube-shaped body, tropical fish is in factis
outstandingly streamlined and therefore represents an
aerodynamic ideal. With an accurately constructed model of the
boxfish the engineers in Stuttgart were able to achieve a wind drag coefficient of just
0.06 in the wind
tunnel.
The boxfish, the aerodynamic model for the concept car, is also a prime example of rigidity and light weight . Its skin consists of numerous hexagonal, bony plates which provide maximum
strength with minimal weight and effectively protect the animal from
injury.
DaimlerChrysler
researchers examined this bionic structure and transferred this principle to the
Mercedes-Benz bionic car study with the help of a special calculation process. The process is
based on the principles of bone formation and for instance allows up to 40
percent more rigidity to be achieved in the external door panelling than would
be possible with conventional designs. If the entire bodyshell is
calculated according to this bionic principle, the total weight is reduced by
around one third with undiminished strength and crash safety. Now here is the CAR :
DaimlerChrysler is using a new concept vehicle to
examine the great potential of bionics for automobile development, and has
achieved outstanding results for fuel consumption and emissions with a
combination of pioneering diesel engine technology and innovative emission
control methods. The Mercedes-Benz bionic car study will have its world premiere
at this year's DaimlerChrysler Innovation Symposium in Washington.
To
realise the Mercedes-Benz bionic car, the engineers at the Mercedes-Benz
Technology Centre and the DaimlerChrysler Research department have for the first
time looked for a specific example in nature which not only approximates to the
idea of an aerodynamic, safe, comfortable and environmentally compatible car in
terms of details, but as a formal and structural whole. The example arrived at
was the boxfish.
In order to use this great potential for automobile
development purposes, specialists at DaimlerChrysler first created a 1:4 car
model whose shape was substantially based on the boxfish. During tests in the
wind tunnel, a drag coefficient of 0.095 - a previously unprecedented value in
automotive engineering - was measured for this clay model. It corresponds to the
values achieved with highly streamlined shapes (Cd 0.09) and other
aerodynamically ideal forms.
DaimlerChrysler utilised the findings from
this research during the development of the Mercedes-Benz bionic car, a fully
functioning and roadworthy compact car with a length of 4.24 metres and space
for four occupants plus luggage. With a Cd value of just 0.19, this concept
vehicle is among the most aerodynamically efficient in this size category.
20 percent lower fuel consumption and up to 80 percent lower nitrogen
oxide emissions
In addition to superb aerodynamics and a lightweight
construction concept derived from nature, the 103 kW/140-hp diesel engine and
innovative SCR technology (Selective Catalytic Reduction) greatly contribute to
fuel economy and a further reduction in exhaust emissions. In the EU driving
cycle the concept car has a fuel consumption of 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres -
20 less than a comparable series-production car. In accordance with the US
measuring method (FTP 75) the range is around 70 miles per US gallon (combined),
which is about 30 percent more than for a standard-production car. At a constant
speed of 90 km/h the direct-injection diesel unit consumes only 2.8 litres per
100 kilometres- corresponding to a range of 84 miles per gallon in the US test
cycle.
DaimlerChrysler is currently testing its SCR technology
worldwide. By this means, and with the additional operating fluid "AdBlue", the
nitrogen oxide emissions of the direct-injection diesel engine can be reduced by
up to 80 percent. The aim of these trials is to avoid the fuel consumption
disadvantages by optimising the in-engine combustion processes. This is where
Mercedes-Benz car engineers are benefiting from the experience gained by their
colleagues in the commercial vehicle sector, where SCR technology is already in
successful use. DaimlerChrysler also intends to use the great potential of this
process for diesel passenger cars in future, and will initially be offering SCR
technology in the USA when the trials have been completed.
"AdBlue" is
an aqueous urea solution which is sprayed into the exhaust system in precisely
metered quantities, depending on the engine operating status. This converts the
nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water. The reservoir for this service
fluid is located in the spare wheel recess of the concept car, and its capacity
is sufficient for a mileage corresponding to the service interval for a current
Mercedes diesel model. The Mercedes-Benz bionic car study is also equipped with
a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter.
Great rigidity and low
weight - a growth principle designed by nature
The boxfish, the
aerodynamic model for the concept car, is also a prime example of rigidity and
light weight. Its skin consists of numerous hexagonal, bony plates which provide
maximum strength with minimal weight and effectively protect the animal from
injury.
DaimlerChrysler researchers examined this bionic structure and
transferred this principle to the Mercedes-Benz bionic car study with the help
of a special calculation process. The process is based on the principles of bone
formation and for instance allows up to 40 percent more rigidity to be achieved
in the external door panelling than would be possible with conventional designs.
If the entire bodyshell is calculated according to this bionic principle, the
total weight is reduced by around one third with undiminished strength and crash
safety.