Automotive body

Automotive body designs are frequently categorized according to the number of doors, the arrangement of seats, and the roof structure. Automobile roofs are conventionally supported by pillars on each side of the body. Convertible models with retractable fabric tops rely on the pillar at the side of the windshield for upper body strength, as convertible mechanisms and glass areas are essentially nonstructural. Glass areas have been increased for improved visibility and for aesthetic reasons.

Automotive bodies are generally formed out of sheet steel. Elements are added to the alloy to improve its ability to be formed into deeper depressions without wrinkling or tearing in manufacturing presses. Steel is used because of its general availability, low cost, and good workability. For certain applications, however, other materials, such as aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, are used because of their special properties. Polyamide, polyester, polystyrene, polypropylene, and ethylene plastics have been formulated for greater toughness and resistance to brittle deformation. This material has been designed successfully for some body panels. Tooling for plastic components generally costs less and requires less time to develop than that for steel components and therefore may be changed by designers at a lower cost. To protect bodies from corrosive elements and to maintain their strength and appearance, special priming and painting processes are used. Bodies are first dipped in cleaning baths to remove oil and other foreign matter. They then go through a succession of dip and spray cycles. Enamel and acrylic lacquer are both in common use.

Electrodeposition of the sprayed paint, a process in which the paint spray is given an electrostatic charge and then attracted to the surface by a high voltage, helps assure that an even coat is applied and that hard-to-reach areas are covered.

Ovens with conveyor lines are used to speed the drying process in the factory. Galvanized steel with a protective zinc coating and corrosion-resistant steel are used in body areas that are more likely to corrode.

II. Look through the text again and answer the following questions:

1. How are automotive body designs categorized?

2. Why are automotive bodies generally formed out of steel?

3. What kind of material has been formulated for some body panels?

4. What is used to protect bodies from corrosive elements?

5. What kind of steel is used in body areas that are more likely to corrode?

III. Match the words with their definitions and make up your own sentences with these words:

body	a) a structure covering or forming the top of a vehicle;
retractable	b) a tall upright piece of metal used as a support;
roof	c) the main part of a vehicle;
pillar	d) that can be moved or pulled;
to depress	e) a material made from glass fibers used for keeping heat in making cars;
fiberglass	f) to press or push smth. down;
tough	g) to prepare wood or metal for painting by covering it with a substance;
resistance	h) to keep smth. in existence at the same level;
to prime	i) not easily cut or broken;
to maintain	j) a force that stops the progress of smth.;

IV. Find the information about new materials for the automotive body. While looking for information you are free to use the internet sites given below as well as any other online resources.

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IV. Find the information about new alternative automobiles. While looking for information you are free to use the internet sites given below as well as any other online resources.	\|	Make a short report in front of the class.

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