Textile structures for load-bearing applications in automobiles

Various textile reinforcement structures are available for use in automobiles as composites. These structures can be realized using a wide range of textile technologies. One major focus of current developments is therefore load-bearing applications for structure elements. Their low weight in combination with very good impact behaviour in the event of a crash makes them an interesting alternative to conventional materials such as steel and aluminium. This chapter gives an overview of current production technologies for these kinds of textile structures, of joining and assembling techniques, and describes typical applications that are already in use.