Multiple ways to lighten a vehicle using aluminum
Weight reduction has now gained its place in the design or redesign process of ground transportation
vehicles. Based on the application of the vehicle, different approaches can be used to reduce the weight
where an optimization of the design can be combined with the use of lighter materials. In cases where steel
has been the base material for many years, the selection of replacement materials implies adding new
parameters that must be considered at the early design stages of a vehicle. This article intends to show,
using real life examples, how aluminum was successfully integrated into vehicles, with an outstanding
collaboration of experts from universities.
*Y. Archambault1
1.
1201, boul. Crémazie Est
Montréal (Québec)
H2M 0A6Alcoa Innovation