The use of aluminium and aluminium alloys in automobiles improves fuel economy and reduces environmental emissions. The present consumption of the metal in passenger vehicles is 120-140 kg and is expected to rise further. Aluminium-intensive vehicles have >300 kg of the metal. Castings account for over 75 % of the metal consumed in automobiles. There is considerable scope for growth of applications of aluminium in closure panels, engine blocks, body structures, chassis and suspension components. Life cycle studies demonstrate conclusively the environmental advantages of aluminium over conventional materials used in automobiles. Recycling of aluminium scrap from packaging and transportation sectors has made excellent progress. The main limitation in the use of aluminium is the cost factor, with the primary metal accounting for - 40 % of the total cost and the rest by mechanical and thermal processing operations. Innovations in all these areas are required to bring down the costs. A review of the alloys used for various automotive applications is made in this paper and the areas that require further research and development are enumerated. The use of metal matrix composites and aluminium foam is briefly discussed. Various steps involved in recycling of auto scrap are explained and the need for 'closed-loop' recycling stressed. A brief review of the important projects in progress to ensure the enhanced use of aluminium in automobile industry is presented.


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    Title :

    Aluminium for automotive applications


    Additional title:

    Anwendung von Aluminium im Automobilbau


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2004


    Size :

    17 Seiten, 3 Bilder, 6 Tabellen, 41 Quellen



    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




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