Vehicle weight reduction represents one of the key mechanisms by which automotive manufacturers will meet future vehicle emissions targets. This has led to an increased use of light weight materials such as aluminium alloys for bodies in white, suspension parts and equipments. The paper presents a technico-economical study concerning a cross beam made with an extrusion and two cast parts arc-welded together. The use of aluminium alloys in suspension parts offers 40 to 45 % weight reduction compared to steel. The combination of extrusion and casting makes it possible to integrate several functionalities and reduce the number of parts and connections. The two suspension arms are made by diecasting and are MIG arc-welded on each end of the extrusion (filler metal : 4043). This study is in progress and secondary weight savings are included in a global cost analysis. These gains are then taken into account in a global life cycle which is in favour of the use of aluminium as was shown in the Brite Euram program 'Low Weight Vehicle'.
Design of an aluminium alloy automotive rear axle
Gestaltung einer Fahrzeughinterachse aus Aluminiumstrangpreß- und -gußstücken
1997
3 Seiten, 11 Bilder, 2 Tabellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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