Summary
The most extensive materials substitution program in automotive history—from mild steel to high-strength steel —is currently well underway. The major technical issues affect almost all aspects of vehicle design and production, and this transition involves changing essential characteristics of the major car input material, sheet steel. This paper discusses the recent past, and future potential for high-strength, low-alloy steel applications in vehicles, including metallurgical changes responsible for changes in characteristics, material availability, and approximate relative cost. Implications of changed material properties and trade offs in the key sheet steel fabrication processes (forming and spot welding), as well as effects of HSLA steel use on vehicle design, particularly crush, mechanical durability, and rigidity, are also discussed. The major issues with respect to vehicle design are to delineate the materials which can be used in all components, and the associated weight reduction achieved in applications. At present, the primary factors deterring rapid implementation of HSLA steels are material availability and sheet metal forming.
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Magee, C.L., Davies, R.G. & Beardmore, P. Factors Influencing Automotive Application of High Strength Steels. JOM 32, 28–35 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03354579
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03354579