Multi-parametric Study of the Effect of Materials Substitution on Life Cycle Energy Use and Waste Generation of Passenger Car Structures

Aluminum and fiber reinforced plastics have been put forward as alternatives for steel to reduce passenger car weight and save energy during use. Often-reported drawbacks are increased energy for production and reduced recyclability, and hence, increased waste generation. This study considers the merits of the alternatives by making a multi-parametric comparison of the life cycle energy use and waste generation of three lightweight alternatives to today's all-steel car structure. The 'development level', captured as the percentage of high strength steel in today's car structure, is identified as an important new variable in the analysis of automotive life cycle energy use.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1361920911000678
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13619209
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Tempelman, E
• Publication Date: 2011-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 479-485
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment
  • Volume: 16
  • Issue Number: 7
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 1361-9209
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13619209

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aluminum; Automotive materials; Energy conservation; Fiber reinforced plastics; Life cycle analysis; Lightweight materials; Vehicle weight
• Subject Areas: Materials; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01351635
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Sep 14 2011 11:12AM