Status and prospect of automobile lightweight technology

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-8484.2025.01.002

Abstract

Abstract:

With the rapid advancement of China's automobile industry and the swift increase in car ownership, the challenges posed by energy crisis, environmental pollution and traffic safety have become increasingly pronounced. Automobile lightweight technology is one of the most effective solutions to these issues. This paper reviews the current research status of automobile lightweight technology, and explores its future development prospects. Three primary approaches to achieving automotive lightweighting are identified: the utilization of lightweight materials, structural design optimization and advanced manufacturing processes. Lightweight materials mainly encompass ultra-high strength steel, aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy and other metallic materials, as well as polymer materials, composite materials, and other non-metallic materials. Structural design optimization involves topology optimization, shape optimization, size optimization and multidisciplinary design optimization for both whole vehicles and individual components. Advanced manufacturing processes include welding, riveting, similar/dissimilar material joining techniques and integrated die casting and other material forming technologies. The progression of lightweight technology is of great significance to the sustainable development of China's automobile transportation industry.

Key words: eautomobile, lightweight technology, lightweight material, structural design optimization, advanced manufacturing process

CLC Number:

U465
U466

XU Shiwei, JI Zhikang, XIAO Peijie, YUAN Quan, YUAN Qiuqi, LIU Yu, LI Junhong, LI Kewei, LI Jianyu, ZENG Zhuoran, XIAO Zhi, HE Cong. Status and prospect of automobile lightweight technology[J]. Journal of Automotive Safety and Energy, 2025, 16(1): 16-31.

Figures/Tables 15

References 69

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材料	密度 (g·cm^-3)	位移 mm	η %	质量 kg	单价 (CNY·kg^-1)	总价 CNY
45 steel	7.89	7.26	35.32	13.785	6	82.71
6061-T6 Al合金	2.70	11.20	56.76	4.717	38	179.26
40%LECT/ PA66	1.54	23.25	95.92	2.691	32.8	88.25

材料	密度 (g·cm^-3)	位移 mm	η %	质量 kg	单价 (CNY·kg^-1)	总价 CNY
45 steel	7.89	7.26	35.32	13.785	6	82.71
6061-T6 Al合金	2.70	11.20	56.76	4.717	38	179.26
40%LECT/ PA66	1.54	23.25	95.92	2.691	32.8	88.25

拓扑优化 (topology optimization)	在给定的而设计空间内找到最优的材料分布
形貌优化 (topography optimization)	在钣金件上找到最佳的强筋位置和形状
尺寸优化 (size optimization)	找出板壳结构上的每个区域或单元的最佳厚度
自由尺寸优化 (free size optimization)	尺寸和参数优化，如优化梁的截面尺寸等
形状优化 (shape optimization)	直接基于有限元网格优化产品的位置和几何形状
自由形状优化 (free shape optimization)	自动确认选定区域的最佳结构形状

拓扑优化 (topology optimization)	在给定的而设计空间内找到最优的材料分布
形貌优化 (topography optimization)	在钣金件上找到最佳的强筋位置和形状
尺寸优化 (size optimization)	找出板壳结构上的每个区域或单元的最佳厚度
自由尺寸优化 (free size optimization)	尺寸和参数优化，如优化梁的截面尺寸等
形状优化 (shape optimization)	直接基于有限元网格优化产品的位置和几何形状
自由形状优化 (free shape optimization)	自动确认选定区域的最佳结构形状