Development of automotive and aerospace alloys based on light metals

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Light alloys (Mg, Al) are of strategic importance in transport applications (automotive, aerospace) for weight reduction leading to reduced greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions, fuel economy and improved performance. The growing CO2 emissions from the transportation sector currently contribute 25% of Canada's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the government has targeted a 45-65%reduction in GHGs by 2050. The automotive industry has long-term goals in vehicle-weight reduction for fuel economy, performance and reduced emissions, which need to be balanced with cost targets and reliability. Magnesium and aluminum offer attractive weight-reduction opportunities. The current interest in light alloys is diversified. Automakers wish to push the limits of Mg and Al alloys to be able to achieve weight reduction in strategic engine and body applications. Aircraft manufacturers aim at the potential use of magnesium in the long term for airframeand cabin components to improve the performance, load capacity and fuel economy of the carriers. In the field of aluminum, the research needs for the automotive industry are more specific. New alloys with improved high-temperature performance are needed for use in the diesel engine. This requires the development Al alloys with improved creep and elevated temperature strength. In this research program, creep resistance of Mg will be improved to meet the requiremnts of the automotive engine; a systematic program will be undertaken to develop Mg wrought alloys with improved room temperature formability for automotive body applications; and ignition resistance of Mg will be improved for aerospace applications which would lead to policy changes in the use of Mg alloys for aircraft cabin applications. At the same time novel Al alloys which can withstand the diesel engine-block service conditions will be developed.