Listed below are all documents and RMI.org site pages related to this topic.
12 Items
http://www.rmi.org/RFGraph-Primary_energy_intensity_US_manufacturing
Industry has a huge variety of subsectors that differ markedly in energy consumption and intensity (energy used per $ of shipment).
http://www.rmi.org/RFGraph-US_industrial_energy_intensity_vs_shipments
This chart depicts the 2010 primary energy intensities of U.S. industry by subsector versus shipments.
http://www.rmi.org/RFGraph-Power_to_accelerate_0_60_in_9_seconds
Every 10% decrease in an auto’s weight can raise fuel economy by roughly 6%.
http://www.rmi.org/RFGraph-Steel_use_for_automaking
The shift from steel to carbon fiber in the transportation sector reduces steel production. With the rapid adoption of lightweight vehicles, RMI estimates that, in 2050, the auto industry will require one-fifth the steel used in 2010.
http://www.rmi.org/RFGraph-efficiency_gain_low_rolling_resistance_tires
Losses due to rolling resistance are higher for heavier vehicles than for autos. In a Class 8 tractor trailer at 65 mph, 13% of fuel is lost to rolling resistance. Wide base single tires save about half of that today, more with next-generation tires.
http://www.rmi.org/RFGraph-Energy_use_for_steel_sector
Projected reduction in U.S. steel demand will reduce the energy required by the industrial sector by 111 trillion BTU/y in 2050.
http://www.rmi.org/RFGraph-Projected_energy_to_manufacture_CFRP
Energy to manufacture the required carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) used in the transportation sector is 45–120 TBTU/y by 2050. Future reductions in energy intensity and the use of recycled materials could further reduce this.
http://www.rmi.org/RFGraph-delivered_energy_intensity_car_manufacturing
Carbon fiber production is more energy intensive than steel production (by mass). However, because revolutionary autos will require less body mass, there are significant opportunities for energy reduction in the auto manufacturing industry.
http://www.rmi.org/RFGraph-carbonfiber_vs_steel_manufacturing
Automotive manufacturing costs can be cut by 80% with carbon fiber-based autos vs. steel-based ones due to greatly reduced tooling and simpler assembly and joining. However, such cost savings are currently overshadowed with carbon fiber material prices upwards of $16/lb.
http://www.rmi.org/RFGraph-advanced_composite_hypercar_class_autobodies
The Hypercar (shown) achieved 53% curb-mass reduction without compromising safety. Its 14-part structure was much simpler than its typical 100–200 part counterparts made of steel and aluminum. A paper by Oak Ridge National Laboratory drafted a concept of a composite intensive body-in-white with 18 parts. Its concept had over a 60% mass reduction, also with uncompromised safety.