NMG Lunchtime Webinar Series: Focus on Vehicles

Watch the on demand webinar with the focus on Natural Materials in Vehicles.

 

 

 

The focus of this month's webinar was on Vehicles

We heard from:

Paul Erich Krassnitzer

University Assistant, University of Graz

Biobased materials in automotive vehicles: An environmental perspective

• Biobased materials have the potential to substitute conventionally used materials in automotive engineering.
• Using a life cycle assessment, we evaluated the environmental performance of engineered wood as a structural component in electric vehicles, highlighting its ability to reduce impacts across production, use, and end-of-life phases. The findings showcase how innovative material choices can drive more sustainable solutions in industrial applications.

Dr. Takuya Nishimura

Specially appointed Professor/ Project General Manager, Shizuoka University/ TOYOTA AUTO BODY CO., LTD.

Development of Automobiles Utilizing Forest Resources

• In Japan, we are promoting the development of automotive materials using locally sourced wood and manufacturing components with these materials.
• The project culminates in completing a vehicle that actually drives on public roads. Through this initiative, we explore how forest resources can contribute to the automotive industry.

Shpend Gerguri

Associate Professor in Engineering Design, Oxford Brookes University

Bamboo Bike Revival

• One of the notable projects he has led is the development of a bamboo mountain bike, and the talk will outline some of the challenges and opportunities of using natural materials, such as design constraints, material properties, sustainability and inherent damping properties.
• One of the latest projects he was involved with was the design, build and test a human-powered craft for the English Channel crossing world record attempt, which featured as a documentary on the Global Cycling Network + channel.