An approach to modeling the cost-strength-weight tradeoff in aluminum and magnesium extrusions for automotive applications

[摘要] (cont.) This capability was demonstrated on a representative system - a 1 m long, 70 or 75 mm wide, 6 or 8 mm thick Mg or Al tube - for three distinct loading conditions - axial loading as quantified by Euler buckling load, deflection from center load, and deflection from end load. Results show that in non-package constrained scenarios, cost and weight savings can be achieved by switching from Al to a larger diameter Mg extrusion of equivalent strength; however, when diameter is constrained, it is neither cost nor weight-effective unless some geometric, processing, or strength constraint is somewhat relaxed. In general, switching to Mg is favorable when specific strength rather than absolute strength is more important. While intrinsic characteristics of the model limit practical usefulness in some cases, it is nevertheless very helpful in studying relative differences between the strength, weight, and cost of extruded Mg and Al beams.

[发布机构] Massachusetts Institute of Technology