-
ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
Definition (What it is?) ABS is an amorphous thermoplastic terpolymer made from three monomers: acrylonitrile, 1,3-butadiene, and styrene. Industrially, it is produced by grafti...
-
Abuse testing
Definition Abuse testing is the deliberate application of conditions that are outside a product’s specified operating or handling limits—such as foreseeable misuse, mishandling,...
-
Air cooling strategies
Definition (what it is) Air cooling strategies are thermal management approaches that remove heat from components or systems by transferring it to air, primarily through convect...
-
Anti-reflection film
Definition (What it is?) Anti-reflection film (AR film) is a thin, engineered optical coating or laminated polymer film designed to reduce surface reflectance and increase trans...
-
Antiviral surfaces
Definition (What it is?) Antiviral surfaces are engineered materials, surface treatments, or coatings designed to inactivate or substantially reduce the viability of viruses tha...
-
Assembly protection
Definition Assembly protection is the collection of design features, materials, and manufacturing processes used to prevent damage, contamination, degradation, or failure of ass...
-
Autoclave consolidation
Definition (what it is) Autoclave consolidation is a composite manufacturing process in which fiber-reinforced laminates—most commonly prepregs—are compacted and cured inside a ...
-
Automotive solutions
Definition (what it is?) Automotive solutions refers to integrated sets of materials, components, subsystems, design concepts, manufacturing processes, and engineering services ...
-
Autonomous driving
Definition (what it is?) Autonomous driving is the capability of a road vehicle to perform part or all of the dynamic driving task (DDT)—perception, decision-making, and control...
-
Battery casing
Definition (what it is) A battery casing (also: battery housing, battery enclosure, battery pack case) is the structural outer enclosure that contains and protects electrochemic...
-
Battery cell
Definition (What it is?) A battery cell is the smallest standalone electrochemical unit that converts chemical energy into electrical energy via redox (reduction–oxidation) reac...
-
Battery cooling lines
Definition (what it is) Battery cooling lines are the fluid-conveyance components—rigid tubes, flexible hoses, or integrated channels—of an electric or hybrid vehicle’s battery ...
-
Battery electric vehicle (BEV)
Definition (what it is) A battery electric vehicle (BEV) is a vehicle propelled solely by one or more electric traction motors using electrical energy stored in an on‑board rech...
-
Battery enclosure
Definition (what it is) A battery enclosure is the protective, structural housing that contains a battery system and its ancillary components. It typically holds cells or module...
-
Battery energy density
Definition (what it is) Battery energy density is the amount of electrical energy a battery can store per unit mass (gravimetric energy density, typically Wh/kg) or per unit vol...
-
Battery fire
Definition (What it is?) A battery fire is an uncontrolled combustion or high‑heat thermal event involving an electrochemical battery (cell, module, or pack). It typically resul...
-
Battery fire testing
Definition (what it is) Battery fire testing is a set of standardized experimental procedures used to evaluate how batteries—typically lithium-ion cells, modules, packs, and com...
-
Battery housing
Definition (what it is) A battery housing (also called a battery enclosure, battery pack casing, or battery case) is the structural assembly that contains and protects a battery...
-
Battery pack
Definition A battery pack is an assembly of multiple rechargeable cells integrated with electrical interconnects, mechanical housing, thermal management, protection devices, and...
-
Battery tray
Definition (what it is) A battery tray is the structural base and enclosure component that houses, supports, and protects a traction battery pack in an electrified vehicle (batt...
-
Bio-based fillers
Definition (what it is) Bio-based fillers are particulate, fibrous, or plate-like additives derived wholly or predominantly from renewable biological resources—such as wood, pla...
-
Body panels
Definition (what it is) Body panels are the shaped exterior (and associated inner) components that form a vehicle’s visible “skin” and many close‑out surfaces. They attach to th...
-
Bumpers
Definition (what it is?) A bumper is a protective assembly mounted at the front and rear of a vehicle to absorb or mitigate impact forces in low- to moderate-speed collisions, r...
-
Burner test
Definition (what it is) A burner test is a standardized fire exposure in which a controlled flame from a specified burner is applied to a material specimen, component, or assemb...
-
Bus bars
Definition (what it is) A bus bar (also written busbar) is a rigid or semi‑rigid metallic conductor used as a common node to collect, carry, and distribute electrical power betw...
-
C-rate
Definition (what it is) C-rate expresses how fast a rechargeable battery is charged or discharged relative to its nominal capacity. It is the applied current normalized by capac...
-
Cabin experience
Definition (What it is?) Cabin experience is the overall quality of a vehicle’s interior environment as perceived by occupants. It spans physical and digital attributes that sha...
-
Cable routing optimization
Definition (What it is?) Cable routing optimization is the systematic design and arrangement of electrical cables and high-voltage (HV) harnesses within a vehicle to minimize ma...
-
Carbon fiber
Definition (what it is) Carbon fiber is a high-strength, high-stiffness filament made predominantly of carbon atoms (>90%) arranged in turbostratic, graphite-like microstruct...
-
CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric)
Definition (what it is) CASE is an industry framework describing four converging trends that are reshaping road vehicles and mobility services: connectivity, automated driving, ...
-
Cell-to-pack technology
Cell-to-pack (CTP) technology Definition (What it is?) Cell-to-pack (CTP), also written C2P, is an electric-vehicle battery architecture in which individual cells are integrated...
-
Center consoles
Definition (what it is) In automobiles, a center console is the assembly located in the central area of the front interior, typically starting at the lower instrument panel and ...
-
Charge–discharge cycles
Definition (what it is) A charge–discharge cycle is one complete sequence in which a rechargeable energy‑storage device (typically a battery, but also supercapacitors and flow b...
-
Circular economy
Definition (what it is) A circular economy is a systems-based economic model that seeks to decouple value creation from the consumption of finite resources by: Designing out was...
-
Clean mobility solutions
Definition (what it is?) Clean mobility solutions are transport technologies, energy pathways, service models and policies that deliver passenger and freight movement with low o...
-
Closed-loop recycling
Definition: Closed-loop recycling is a materials management system in which production scrap or end‑of‑life products are collected, reprocessed, and fed back into the same produ...
-
Cold plates
Definition (what it is) A cold plate is a liquid-cooled heat exchanger: a thermally conductive metal plate with internal flow passages (channels, fins, or embedded tubes) throug...
-
Compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
Definition (what it is) CAGR is the constant annualized rate of growth that turns a beginning value into an ending value over a specified multi‑year period, assuming reinvestmen...
-
Conduction cooling
Definition (what it is) Conduction cooling is a thermal management approach in which heat is removed primarily by thermal conduction through solid materials in direct contact. H...
-
Connected car
Definition (what it is) A connected car is a road vehicle with embedded or aftermarket communication hardware and software that enables bidirectional data exchange with external...
-
Continuous fiber reinforcement
Definition (what it is) A reinforcement architecture for composite materials in which load‑bearing fibers run in uninterrupted lengths across a part or along its principal load ...
-
Convection cooling
Definition (what it is) Convection cooling is the removal of heat from a solid surface by the motion of a surrounding fluid (gas or liquid). Heat is carried away by a combinatio...
-
Coolant flow optimization
Definition (What it is?) Coolant flow optimization is the systematic design, analysis, and control of liquid-cooling circuits so that coolant distribution, velocity, and pressur...
-
Cooling circuits
Definition (what it is?) A cooling circuit is a closed-loop thermal management subsystem that circulates a heat-transfer fluid to carry heat away from components and deliver it ...
-
Cooling tubes
Definition Cooling tubes are hollow conduits that route a coolant or refrigerant to remove heat from components by convection through the fluid and conduction through the tube w...
-
Crashworthiness
Definition (what it is) Crashworthiness is the ability of a vehicle or structural system to protect its occupants—and maintain the integrity of critical systems—during and after...
-
Crosslink density
Definition (what it is) Crosslink density is the number of permanent network junctions (crosslinks) per unit volume or mass in a polymer network. It quantifies how tightly polym...
-
Crush tests
Definition (What it is?) Crush tests are mechanical tests in which a material, component, or assembly is subjected to controlled compressive loading—quasi-static or dynamic—unti...
-
Cycle time reduction
Definition (what it is) Cycle time reduction is the systematic shortening of the time required to complete one full, repeatable cycle of work for a unit (part, assembly, batch, ...
-
Cylindrical cell
Definition: A cylindrical cell is a single electrochemical energy-storage unit packaged in a rigid, round metal can with a fixed diameter and length. It is a standardized batter...
-
Delamination resistance
Definition Delamination resistance is the ability of a laminated or layered material system (for example, fiber‑reinforced composites, adhesive‑bonded joints, films, coatings, o...
-
Dielectric fluids
Definition (what it is) A dielectric fluid is a liquid electrical insulator formulated to have high dielectric strength and very low electrical conductivity so it can withstand ...
-
Dielectric strength
Definition (what it is) The maximum electric field an insulating (dielectric) material can withstand without electrical breakdown (transition from insulator to conductor). It is...
-
Display covers
Definition (What it is?) A display cover is the protective, user-facing layer mounted over an electronic visual display in a vehicle, typically part of an infotainment, instrume...
-
Door panels
Definition (what it is) A door panel is the interior trim assembly that covers the inner side of a vehicle door. It forms the occupant-facing surface of the door, concealing the...
-
Drapability
Definition (what it is) Drapability is the ability of a flexible sheet material—such as a textile, composite reinforcement (dry fabric, prepreg, or organosheet), paper/film, or ...
-
Drop tests
Definition (what it is) A drop test is a controlled method of applying impact or shock by releasing a component, assembly, product, package, or material specimen from a specifie...
-
Dynamic seals
Definition Dynamic seals are sealing elements used between components that move relative to each other—most commonly in rotary, reciprocating, or oscillatory motion—to control t...
-
Electric vehicle (EV)
Definition (what it is) An electric vehicle (EV) is a road vehicle propelled wholly or primarily by one or more electric traction motors using electrical energy as the main sour...
-
Electrical connectors
Definition (what it is) An electrical connector is an electromechanical interface that joins electrical conductors to establish a continuous circuit. Connectors may be separable...
-
Electrolytes
Definition (what it is) An electrolyte is a substance or medium that conducts ions while remaining essentially insulating to electrons. It provides the ionic pathway between ele...
-
End-of-life recycling
Definition (what it is) End-of-life (EoL) recycling is the set of technical, logistical, and regulatory processes by which products that have reached the end of their service li...
-
End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive
Definition (what it is) The End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive is European Union legislation—Directive 2000/53/EC—that sets rules for the design, collection, treatment, reuse,...
-
EPDM rubber
Definition (What it is?) Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber is a family of synthetic elastomers based on terpolymers of ethylene, propylene, and a non-conjugated die...
-
EU CO₂ emissions targets
Definition (what it is) Legally binding, fleet‑average limits on tailpipe carbon‑dioxide emissions from new passenger cars (M1) and new light commercial vehicles/vans (N1) regis...
-
Expanded lightweight core
Definition (what it is) An expanded lightweight core is a low-density structural core material created by introducing a controlled cellular architecture—by foaming, honeycomb ex...
-
Exterior trims
Definition (what it is) Exterior trims are non-structural or lightly structural components attached to the outside of a vehicle body to finish edges and openings, cover joints, ...
-
Extrusion
Definition (what it is) Extrusion is a manufacturing process in which a material is forced through a shaped die to produce a long product with a constant cross-sectional profile...
-
Fire containment
Definition Fire containment is the engineering practice of confining ignition, flames, heat, smoke, hot gases, pressure, and ejecta to a defined compartment so that an event doe...
-
Fire propagation
Definition (what it is) Fire propagation is the spatial and temporal spread of combustion from an ignition source to adjacent fuels, materials, components, or compartments. It e...
-
Flame breakthrough resistance
Definition (what it is) The ability of a material, component, or assembly to prevent a flame from penetrating through its thickness and igniting or sustaining flaming on the une...
-
Flame retardant additives
Definition (what it is) Flame retardant additives are chemical substances incorporated into combustible materials—such as polymers, textiles, foams, coatings, adhesives, and com...
-
Flame-smoke-toxicity (FST) requirements
Definition Flame-smoke-toxicity (FST) requirements are technical and regulatory criteria that set acceptable limits for how materials, components, and assemblies behave in fire....
-
Flammability V-rating (UL94)
Flammability V‑rating (UL 94) Definition (what it is) The UL 94 flammability V‑rating is a set of vertical burn classifications (V‑0, V‑1, V‑2) defined by Underwriters Laborator...
-
Fleet emissions targets
Definition (what it is) Regulatory limits on the average greenhouse gas (GHG) or pollutant emissions of a vehicle manufacturer’s new-vehicle fleet sold in a given jurisdiction o...
-
Fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV)
Definition (what it is) An FCEV is an electric vehicle that generates electricity onboard using a hydrogen fuel cell stack to power one or more electric traction motors. Hydroge...
-
Glass fiber (GF)
Definition (what it is) Glass fiber is a reinforcing material made by drawing molten glass into fine continuous or chopped filaments that are bundled into strands, rovings, mats...
-
Global R&D network
Global R&D network Definition (what it is) A global R&D network is an organizational operating model in which a company’s research, engineering, and validation activitie...
-
Global supply chain
Definition (what it is) A global supply chain is the end‑to‑end, internationally distributed network of organizations, people, assets and information systems that plan, source, ...
-
Glycol/H₂O coolant mixture
Glycol/H2O coolant mixture Definition (what it is) A liquid heat‑transfer and antifreeze medium composed of a glycol (typically ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) blended with...
-
Green transformation
Definition (what it is) Green transformation is the systematic transition of organizations, value chains, sectors, and economies toward low‑carbon, resource‑efficient, and circu...
-
Haptic feedback
Definition (what it is) Haptic feedback is the use of tactile and kinesthetic cues—such as vibrations, forces, motions, or surface effects—delivered through a physical interface...
-
Head-Up Display (HUD)
Definition (What it is?) A head-up display (HUD) is a transparent or semi-transparent display system that projects critical driving and vehicle information into the driver’s for...
-
Headlamp housings
Definition (what it is) A headlamp housing is the structural and protective enclosure that forms the rear and side “bowl” of a vehicle’s headlamp assembly. It provides the inter...
-
Heat dissipation
Definition (what it is) Heat dissipation is the transfer of thermal energy from a heat-generating region (a component, subsystem, or system) to its surroundings so that temperat...
-
Heat insulation
Definition (what it is) Heat insulation is the use of materials, component designs, and assembly practices that reduce unwanted heat transfer between regions at different temper...
-
Heat shielding
Definition (what it is) Heat shielding refers to components, layers, or assemblies that reduce heat transfer from high‑temperature sources to temperature‑sensitive parts, occupa...
-
Heating circuits
Definition (what it is) A heating circuit is an electrical or fluid-based network that generates, transports, and regulates heat for a defined load or set of loads. It converts ...
-
High-dielectric-strength insulation
Definition (what it is) High-dielectric-strength insulation is an insulating material or complete insulation system engineered to withstand high electric field intensity without...
-
High-performance displays
Definition (What it is?) High-performance displays are automotive-grade visual interfaces designed to deliver high brightness, wide color gamut, fast response, high resolution, ...
-
High-speed charging safety tests
Definition (What it is?) High-speed charging safety tests are a suite of laboratory and system-level evaluations applied to electric vehicles (EVs), traction batteries, battery ...
-
High-temperature resistance
Definition (what it is) High-temperature resistance is the ability of a material or component to maintain its required mechanical, dimensional, electrical, and chemical performa...
-
High-voltage bus
Definition A high-voltage bus is the conductive network or common power rail that distributes electrical power at elevated voltage within a device, vehicle, or installation. It ...
-
High-voltage connectors
Definition (what it is) A high-voltage (HV) connector is an electromechanical interface that safely joins and disconnects conductors in circuits operating above conventional low...
-
High-voltage wiring
Definition (what it is) High-voltage wiring is the system of conductors, insulation, shielding, connectors, terminations, and protective elements engineered to carry and distrib...
-
High-volume production
Definition (what it is) High-volume production is the large-scale, highly repeatable manufacture of standardized, identical or closely similar products, typically in quantities ...
-
Hot-spot management
Definition (what it is) Hot-spot management is the prediction, detection, mitigation, and control of localized regions of elevated temperature (“hot spots”) within components an...
-
HV junction box
High-voltage junction box (HVJB) Definition (what it is) A high-voltage junction box is an enclosed electrical assembly used in battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug‑in hybrid ...
-
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
Definition A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a road vehicle that combines a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) with one or more electric traction motors and an onboa...
-
Hydrogen vehicle (HV)
Definition (what it is) A hydrogen vehicle is a vehicle that uses hydrogen as an onboard energy carrier for propulsion. The most common type is the fuel cell electric vehicle (F...
-
Immersion cooling
Definition (what it is) Immersion cooling is a thermal‑management method in which heat‑generating components—such as battery cells, power electronics, motors, servers, or e‑axle...
-
Impact-resistant laminates
Definition (what it is) Impact-resistant laminates are engineered, multilayer sheet structures designed to absorb, dissipate, and withstand sudden mechanical loads (e.g., stone ...
-
In-mold decoration
Definition (what it is): In-mold decoration is a plastics processing technique in which a pre-printed and often pre-formed decorative film (appliqué) is placed inside an injecti...
-
In-mold labeling (IML)
Definition: In-mold labeling (IML) is a pre-decoration and functionalization process in which a pre-printed label or film is placed inside a mold cavity before injection molding...
-
Instrument panels
Definition (what it is) In automotive contexts, an instrument panel (IP)—often called the dashboard or dash—is the cross‑car assembly ahead of the driver and front passenger tha...
-
Insulation resistance
Definition (what it is) Insulation resistance (IR) is the electrical resistance measured across an insulating material or between conductive parts separated by insulation when a...
-
Intelligent interior cabin
Definition (What it is?) An intelligent interior cabin is the integrated set of vehicle interior systems that embed sensors, connectivity, edge computing, and actuators to perce...
-
Interior trims
Definition (what it is?) Interior trims are the visible and tactile finishing components of a vehicle’s passenger compartment. They cover, decorate, and locally protect the inte...
-
Internal combustion engine (ICE)
Definition (what it is) An internal combustion engine is a heat engine in which fuel is burned with an oxidizer (typically air) inside the working chambers of the engine. The ho...
-
Jet flame exposure
Definition (what it is) Jet flame exposure is a fire loading condition or test scenario in which a material, component, subassembly, or structure is subjected to the intense, hi...
-
KAITEKI philosophy
Definition (What it is?) KAITEKI philosophy is a corporate sustainability and innovation framework developed by Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation (now Mitsubishi Chemical...
-
LED lighting lenses
Definition (What it is?) An LED lighting lens in automotive applications is an optical component, typically a molded transparent element, placed over one or more light‑emitting ...
-
Lifecycle analysis (LCA)
Definition (what it is): Lifecycle analysis (also called life cycle assessment, LCA) is a standardized method for quantifying the potential environmental impacts of a product, p...
-
Lifecycle cost reduction
Definition (what it is) Lifecycle cost reduction (LCCR) is the systematic minimization of the total cost of owning, operating, supporting, and retiring a product, asset, or syst...
-
Lightweight engineering
Definition (what it is?) Lightweight engineering is the systematic design and optimization of components, assemblies, and systems to minimize mass while meeting or improving all...
-
Liquid cooling
Definition Liquid cooling is a thermal management method in which a liquid coolant circulates through channels, jackets, cold plates, or immersion baths to absorb heat from comp...
-
Liquid cooling plates
Definition A liquid cooling plate (also called a cold plate, liquid cold plate, or cooling plate) is a flat, thermally conductive component with internal fluid passages or embed...
-
Lithium-ion battery (Li-ion)
Definition A lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable electrochemical energy storage device in which lithium ions shuttle reversibly between two host electrodes through a nonaqueou...
-
Low VOC emissions
Definition (what it is) Low VOC emissions refers to the reduced release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from materials, products, assemblies, or manufacturing processes int...
-
Manufacturing automation
Definition (what it is) Manufacturing automation is the application of machines, robotics, control systems, and software to execute manufacturing tasks with minimal direct human...
-
Masking solutions
Definition (What it is?) Masking solutions are temporary protective materials, components, and application methods used to shield selected areas of a part from subsequent proces...
-
Mass production
Definition (What it is?) Mass production is the high-volume manufacture of standardized, interchangeable parts and finished products using repeatable processes, specialized tool...
-
Melt flow index (MFI)
Definition (what it is) Melt flow index (MFI), also called melt flow rate (MFR), is a standardized measure of the mass of a thermoplastic polymer that flows through a specified ...
-
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV)
Definition: A mild hybrid electric vehicle is a vehicle with a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) assisted by a relatively small electric motor and battery. The elect...
-
Mobility applications
Definition (what it is) In advanced materials and engineering, mobility applications are the uses of materials, components, and subsystems that enable the propulsion, energy sto...
-
Mobility solutions
Definition: Mobility solutions are integrated systems of vehicles, infrastructure, digital platforms, materials, and services that enable the movement of people and goods with a...
-
Multi-axial fabrics
Definition (what it is) Multi-axial fabrics are engineered textile reinforcements made by stacking two or more layers of unidirectional (UD) fibers at defined angles (for exampl...
-
Nail penetration tests
Definition (what it is) A nail penetration test is a destructive safety test in which a sharp, electrically conductive metal probe (commonly a steel “nail”) is driven into a cha...
-
Near-net-shape manufacturing
Definition (what it is) Near-net-shape manufacturing is a family of production approaches that create a part whose geometry is very close to its final (“net”) form, so only mini...
-
Next-generation vehicles
Definition (what it is) Next-generation vehicles (NGVs) are road vehicles across passenger, commercial, and special-purpose segments that combine electrified propulsion (battery...
-
No thermal propagation (NO TP) batteries
Definition (what it is) No thermal propagation (NO TP) batteries are battery systems engineered so that a thermal runaway event initiated in one cell does not propagate to adjac...
-
Noise and vibration reduction
Definition (what it is) Noise and vibration reduction is the multidisciplinary practice of lowering unwanted sound (airborne) and mechanical oscillations (structure-borne) gener...
-
Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)
Definition (what it is) NVH is the discipline concerned with the generation, transmission, perception, measurement, analysis, and control of noise and vibration in vehicles and ...
-
Non-woven composites
Definition (what it is) Non-woven composites (often written nonwoven composites) are composite materials in which at least one constituent is a nonwoven fiber web—i.e., a sheet ...
-
Organofleece
Definition (what it is) A fiber‑reinforced thermoplastic semi‑finished product in which a nonwoven (fleece) reinforcement is combined with a melt‑processable polymer matrix. The...
-
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
Definition (what it is?) An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a company that designs, engineers, and manufactures complete products or components that are used as origina...
-
Out-of-autoclave curing (OoA)
Definition (what it is) Out-of-autoclave curing is a family of composite manufacturing processes that consolidate and cure fiber‑reinforced polymer laminates without using a hig...
-
Overcurrent protection
Definition (what it is) Overcurrent protection is a safety function and the set of devices, circuits, and control strategies that automatically detect and limit or interrupt ele...
-
Parts consolidation
Definition (what it is) Parts consolidation is the deliberate design and manufacturing practice of reducing the number of discrete components in a product or assembly by integra...
-
Penetration tests
Definition Penetration tests are controlled evaluations of how difficult it is to pierce, breach, or otherwise compromise a target. The term is used in two principal domains: Me...
-
Performance optimization
Definition (what it is) Performance optimization is the systematic, iterative process of improving how well a system, component, or process meets defined, quantitative objective...
-
Phase change cooling
Definition Phase change cooling is a thermal management approach that removes, transports, or temporarily stores heat by exploiting the latent heat absorbed or released when a m...
-
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
Definition (what it is) A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a hybrid electric vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine (ICE) with one or more electric tractio...
-
Pouch cell
Definition: A pouch cell is a rechargeable electrochemical cell packaged in a flexible, heat‑sealed multilayer laminate pouch instead of a rigid cylindrical or prismatic metal c...
-
Prepreg
Definition (what it is) Prepreg (short for pre-impregnated) is a semi-finished composite material made of continuous fibers (e.g., carbon, glass, aramid, basalt) in the form of ...
-
Prismatic cell
Definition A prismatic cell is a rechargeable electrochemical cell packaged in a flat, rectangular (rectangular-prism) enclosure. It is most commonly a lithium‑ion cell but the ...
-
Range anxiety
Definition (what it is) Range anxiety is the apprehension or stress that a vehicle will not have enough remaining energy—battery charge or fuel—to reach its destination or the n...
-
Recyclability
Definition (what it is) Recyclability is the ability of a material, component, or product to be collected, identified, safely dismantled, separated, processed, and reintroduced ...
-
Recycled carbon fiber (rCF)
Definition (what it is) Recycled carbon fiber (rCF) is carbon fiber recovered from post‑industrial scrap (e.g., prepreg offcuts, trim waste, out‑of‑spec parts) or post‑consumer/...
-
Refrigerant cooling
Definition (What it is?) Refrigerant cooling is a thermal management method that uses a closed-loop vapor-compression refrigeration cycle to absorb heat from a component, space,...
-
Rheological performance
Definition (What it is?) Rheological performance is the practically relevant, measurable description of how a material flows and deforms under applied stress, strain, or strain ...
-
Rocket test
Definition: A context-dependent term with two established meanings: Rocket engine or motor ground test: Controlled operation of a rocket engine, motor, or stage on a fixed test ...
-
Roof components
Definition (what it is) Roof components are the structural and closure elements that form the upper enclosure of a vehicle body-in-white (BIW) and its finished interior/exterior...
-
Sandwich structures
Definition (what it is) A sandwich structure is a layered construction in which two thin, stiff face sheets (skins) are bonded to a relatively thick, lightweight core. The core ...
-
Scrap reduction
Definition (what it is) Scrap reduction is the systematic practice of minimizing the amount of material and product discarded during manufacturing because it cannot be sold as p...
-
Scratch protection
Definition (What it is?) Scratch protection is the set of design strategies, materials, coatings, films, and process controls used to prevent or reduce surface scratching, marri...
-
Scratch-resistant surfaces
Definition (what it is) Scratch-resistant surfaces are materials, finishes, or applied coatings engineered to reduce the initiation, depth, and visibility of scratches, marring,...
-
Separator film
Definition (what it is) A separator film is a thin, porous, electrically insulating membrane placed between the positive and negative electrodes of an electrochemical cell, most...
-
Serial manufacturing
Definition (what it is) Serial manufacturing (also called serial production or series production) is an industrial production mode in which a defined series of identical or near...
-
Shear thinning
Definition (what it is) Shear thinning is a non-Newtonian flow behavior in which a material’s apparent viscosity decreases as the applied shear rate (or shear stress) increases....
-
Shielded cables
Definition Shielded cables are electrical cables in which one or more insulated conductors are surrounded by a conductive layer (the shield), such as a metallic braid, foil, spi...
-
Silicone rubber
Definition (what it is) Silicone rubber is a family of elastomeric polymers whose backbone is composed of siloxane (–Si–O–Si–) linkages with organic side groups (commonly methyl...
-
Stabilizers and antioxidants
Definition (what it is) Stabilizers and antioxidants are additive classes used in polymers, elastomers, lubricants, fuels, coatings, and adhesives to slow or prevent degradation...
-
State of charge (SoC)
Definition (what it is) State of charge (SoC) is a dimensionless measure of how much charge remains in a rechargeable battery relative to its maximum available (usable) charge a...
-
State of health (SoH)
Definition (what it is) State of health (SoH) is a dimensionless metric, typically expressed as a percentage, that describes the current condition of a rechargeable battery (cel...
-
Static seals
Definition: A static seal is a sealing element placed between two components that do not move relative to each other once assembled. When clamped, bolted, or pressed into place,...
-
Stiffness
Definition (what it is) Stiffness is the resistance of a material, component, or structure to elastic (recoverable) deformation under load. Quantitatively, stiffness is the slop...
-
Strength-to-weight ratio
Definition The strength-to-weight ratio is the load-carrying capability of a material or structure normalized by its weight-related quantity. In materials science it is most rig...
-
Structural composites
Definition (what it is) Structural composites are engineered, multi‑constituent materials designed to carry significant mechanical loads in primary or secondary structures. They...
-
Surface protection
Definition Surface protection is the collective term for treatments, coatings, films, and engineered layers applied to a substrate to prevent or slow degradation from mechanical...
-
Sustainability targets
Definition (what it is) Sustainability targets are quantifiable, time‑bound objectives that organizations set to reduce negative environmental and social impacts and increase po...
-
Tail lamp lenses
Definition (what it is) A tail lamp lens is the outer, light-transmitting cover of a vehicle’s rear lighting assembly (often called the rear combination lamp). It encloses and o...
-
Technology readiness level (TRL)
Definition (what it is) Technology readiness level (TRL) is a standardized scale, originally developed by NASA and now widely adopted across government and industry, for estimat...
-
Temperature gradient control
Definition (what it is) Temperature gradient control is the deliberate design and regulation of spatial temperature differences (the temperature gradient, typically expressed in...
-
Temporary protective films
Definition (what it is) Temporary protective films are thin, removable polymer films or peelable coatings applied to surfaces to protect them from mechanical damage, contaminati...
-
Thermal conductivity
Definition Thermal conductivity is an intrinsic material property that quantifies how effectively heat is conducted through a substance due to a temperature gradient. It is comm...
-
Thermal cycling durability
Definition (what it is) Thermal cycling durability is the ability of a material, component, or assembly to maintain structural integrity and functional performance when repeated...
-
Thermal diffusion
Definition (what it is) Thermal diffusion is used in three closely related ways; the intended meaning depends on context: Heat diffusion (most common in heat transfer): The spre...
-
Thermal event
Definition (what it is) A thermal event is any abnormal or unintended temperature-related incident in a component, material, system, or environment that produces significant hea...
-
Thermal runaway
Definition (what it is) Thermal runaway is a self-accelerating overheating process in which the rate of heat generation within a system exceeds its ability to dissipate heat. Th...
-
Thermal runaway mitigation
Definition (What it is?) Thermal runaway mitigation is the integrated set of design features, materials, components, and control strategies used to prevent, delay, localize, or ...
-
Thermal runaway propagation (TRP)
Definition (what it is) Thermal runaway propagation (TRP) is the spread of thermal runaway from an initiating electrochemical cell to adjacent cells within a multi‑cell battery ...
-
Thermal shock
Definition (what it is) Thermal shock is the mechanical and microstructural damage that occurs when a material, component, or assembly experiences a rapid temperature change. Th...
-
Thermal spacers
Definition (what it is) A thermal spacer is an interposed component or layer that creates a controlled separation between parts to interrupt or reduce heat transfer. It does thi...
-
Tier 1 supplier
Definition (What it is?) A Tier 1 supplier is a company that supplies products or services directly to an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or final assembler, without an in...
-
Tier 2 supplier
Definition (What it is?) A Tier 2 supplier is a company that provides materials, parts, subcomponents, sub‑assemblies, or specialized processes to a Tier 1 supplier, which integ...
-
Tooling optimization
Definition (what it is) Tooling optimization is the systematic design, selection, validation, and continuous improvement of production tooling—dies, molds, fixtures, cutting too...
-
Touch-sensitive surfaces
Definition (What it is?) Touch-sensitive surfaces are functional surfaces that detect and respond to user contact or proximity (tap, swipe, slide, press) without mechanically ac...
-
Towpregs
Definition (what it is) Towpregs are continuous fiber tows (filament bundles) that have been pre-impregnated with a polymer matrix to a controlled resin content and distribution...
-
Transparent glazing
Definition (what it is) Transparent glazing refers to the clear, light‑transmitting panes integrated into a vehicle’s openings and closures to provide driver visibility, dayligh...
-
Transport protection
Definition (what it is) Transport protection refers to temporary protective systems, components, and procedures applied to products, parts, subassemblies, or complete equipment ...
-
UL2596
UL 2596 Definition (what it is) UL 2596 is a UL Standards & Engagement test method that defines laboratory procedures for evaluating the thermal and mechanical performance o...
-
UN38.3
Definition (what it is) UN38.3 is Section 38.3 of the United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria (ST/SG/AC.10/11). It specifies the standardized safety tests that lithium metal...
-
Unidirectional fiber layers
Definition (what it is) Unidirectional (UD) fiber layers are composite reinforcement plies in which essentially all continuous fibers are aligned parallel in a single, predomina...
-
Voltage limiting devices
Definition (what it is) A voltage limiting device (VLD) is a protective component or circuit that restricts the voltage at its terminals to a predetermined safe level when expos...
-
Wire harness
Definition (What it is?) A wire harness (also called wiring harness, cable harness, wiring assembly, or wire/cable loom) is an organized assembly of electrical conductors, termi...
-
Woven fiber fabrics
Definition (What it is?) Woven fiber fabrics are planar reinforcements made by interlacing two orthogonal sets of continuous filaments (warp and weft) in a repeated pattern. The...
-
xEV (electrified vehicle)
Definition (what it is?) xEV is an umbrella term for any vehicle that uses electric propulsion wholly or partially. The “x” stands for the many variants, including battery elect...
-
Zero-emission vehicle
Definition (what it is) A zero-emission vehicle is a motor vehicle that produces no tailpipe emissions of regulated air pollutants or greenhouse gases during operation. In most ...