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Low-Density Steels: Complex Metallurgy for Automotive Applications

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Abstract

The current aim in the development of third-generation steels for lightweighting automotive applications is to increase strength keeping at least the same formability as current steel concepts. In this philosophy, an optimal concept would be one that brings, in addition, a lower density. For this purpose, low-density steels have been designed with important aluminum additions obtaining density reductions of 8–10% or higher in comparison with low-carbon steels. At the levels required for lightweighting, aluminum introduces complex phenomena in steels. Here, some of the effects of aluminum in phase stability, CALPHAD-type modeling, and microstructure development are described, the latter in relation with mechanical properties. Finally, the potential of two families of lightweight steels for automotive applications is assessed by comparison with a steel currently present in automotive structures.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank some colleagues from ArcelorMittal Maizières that helped in this investigation: first of all, X. Garat for performing several treatments and for discussion. L. Chapuis and P. Barges for performing the electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and TEM characterization, respectively. K. Zhu for useful discussion on the EBSD analysis. T. Iung, Group Leader, is also acknowledged for constant support. The work done in the section, “Incorporating Aluminum in Fe-C Thermodynamic Calculations” was done in the frame of the project “Precipitation in High Manganese Steels” financed by the Research Fund for Coal and Steel of the European Union (Grant Agreement no.RFSR-CT-2010-00018). Finally, J.L. Thirion, General Manager of ArcelorMittal Global R&D, is acknowledged for the permission to publish this article.

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Author notes

  1. A. Etienne

    Present address: Groupe de Physique des Matériaux, UMR CNRS 6634, Université et INSA de Rouen, Avenue de l’Université, BP 12, 76801, Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray Cedex, France

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Automotive Products, ArcelorMittal Maizières Research, Voie Romaine, BP 30320, 57283, Maizières-lès-Metz, France

    I. Zuazo, M. Soler & A. Perlade

  2. Institute for Materials Applications in Mechanical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Augustinerbach 4, 52062, Aachen, Germany

    B. Hallstedt

  3. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044, Stockholm, Sweden

    B. Lindahl & M. Selleby

  4. MATEIS Laboratory, INSA Lyon, University of Lyon, Bâtiment St. Exupéry, 25 av. Jean Capelle, 69621, Villeurbanne Cedex, France

    A. Etienne, V. Massardier-Jourdan, S. Cazottes & X. Kleber

  5. ArcelorMittal Global R&D Montataire, Route de Saint-Leu, BP 30109, Montataire, France

    D. Hasenpouth

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  1. I. Zuazo
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to I. Zuazo.

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Zuazo, I., Hallstedt, B., Lindahl, B. et al. Low-Density Steels: Complex Metallurgy for Automotive Applications. JOM 66, 1747–1758 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-014-1084-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-014-1084-y

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