Intensive use of aluminium in car body construction

The developments in materials over the last decade have been considerable within the automotive industry, being one of the leaders in innovative product applications. Sustainable product development of an automotive structure requires a balanced approach towards technological, economical and ecological aspects. The introduction of new materials and processes is dependent on satisfying different factors. Competitive and legislative pressures, creating the need for change, affect these factors considerably. The process, direction and speed of change are often reactive. Current paper shows the application of aluminium alloys, for the use in the bottom structure of a car to face the problem for the weight of the entire bottom structure under static load conditions, including stiffness, strength and buckling constraints. In addition to minimized mass and materials' price, the assessment of an environmental impact of materials-candidates during the entire life cycle of the structure is considered.