Are there ways to provide local reinforcement?
A- There are a number of engineering options available for reinforcing local areas along a hydroformed tube. To achieve the optimal result each situation needs to be studied prior to selecting an alternative; i. The tube thickness can be increased in high stress areas by positioning a short sleeve over the tube. The sleeve is positioned over the tube prior to bending and is locked into position during hydroforming. ii. In high stress areas structural foam can be placed inside the hydroform tube to improve structural and NVH performance. iii. A local patch can be applied to the high stress area to reinforce the tube against the failure. The patch can take the form of a welded metal stamping or an adhesive bonded material. iv. A tailor welded tube made up of varying thickness and strength materials can also be used to provide additional strength in highly stressed areas.
