Quels matériaux pour quelle l'automobile ?

Renault, Direction de la Recherche, Rueil Malmaison

Abstract

Car industry is a significant market for materials and the challenge is essential for the car manufacturer who has to choice between a high number of materials. This « hyperchoice » needs a comparison with answers which take into account numerous parameters different from the only intrinsic materials properties. Especially the search of the best interaction between material and process to manufacture a part or a component will be related to specifications of the foreseen cars. Then the most fitted material will be the one which squares at minimum with specifications for all properties. This ideal material don't exist and the result is a competition between materials. In this competition metallic materials ars submitted to a progressive evolution that allows them to keep a preponderant position. On the other hand the so called new materials take place in a breaking down process, more compatible today with small series.