Use of Aluminum in Automotive Applications

[Rob]

Since the frame of the 2006 Z06 will be made out of aluminum instead of steel, I found some interesting reading regarding the use of aluminum in automotive applications:

http://www.autoaluminum.org/downloads/corpub.pdf

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/030528.htm

http://www.aec.org/extrusion/autodesign.html

What was the impetus for changing to aluminum? With federal government standards on fuel efficiency tightening, automakers have been forced to respond by looking for alternatives to the heavier materials that had traditionally been used. The industry found that by using aluminum and other lightweight alternatives, cars improve in fuel efficiency. In fact, for every 10 percent drop in weight, a car's fuel efficiency increases by about 7 percent.

At present, aluminum accounts for about 7 percent of a car's weight -- about 250 pounds per average vehicle. This is more than double the amount used in automobiles when National Geographic ran its 1978 article.

What makes aluminum so appealing to auto manufacturers? Mostly, properties. Aluminum retains desired characteristics that lends itself nicely to usage in automobiles. It does not rust and does not corrode easily. When alloyed with other metals, aluminum develops extremely high strength properties. Enough strength, in fact, for use in heavy-duty bridges, and semi-trailers.

Aluminum Foam

http://www.engineeringnet.co.uk/Octf.../aluminium.htm

[photovette]

I guess when I drive I'll have to switch from bottles to cans.