Wood as a Technical Material for Structural Vehicle Components

The application of molded wood parts as an alternative, innovative and sustainable multi-material system (MMS) for structural, resource-efficient and sustainable components within the body shell is a new approach in light-weight constructions. In many of the cases where a structural application of FRP is being considered, they can principally be substituted by wood-based MMS. Although there are great challenges; wood has the potential to fulfill the demands of the present technical appliances and social requirements. Actual results offers the first systematic approach to use wood in structural applications. The main properties and demands, which correspond with those of the specific original structural components, could be met. So, as regarding performance and reproducibility, it is possible to apply a wood-based material in technical appliances. Furthermore, material models have been designed and concepts for the repair and recycling of the wood-based MMS were developed.