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The advance of SMC hood and decklid applications requires in-depth consideration of the sub-structure for weight optimization and structural efficiency. This report is directed to the analysis of an existing hood structure. Available automotive SMC parts provide constructive means for study because of their ease of dissection. The focus is on changes in deflection response during uncoupling of the two-piece bonded construction based on standard industry tests. These results are, in turn, correlated with computer modeling projections. The issue of high-speed impact fracture response is also addressed.

The Multi-Materials Organizing Committee of the Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., sponsored a deck lid design competition between steel, aluminum and fiberglas composites. The design input is ultimately to serve as a basis for developing manufactured part cost which will be compared in a follow-on report by Pioneer Engineering. The design envelope and performance criteria were tailored to a present production Oldsmobile Omega deck lid.