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Materials Selection and Design of Products with Low Environmental Impact
Author(s) -
Wegst U.G.K.,
Ashby M.F.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
advanced engineering materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.938
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1527-2648
pISSN - 1438-1656
DOI - 10.1002/1527-2648(20020605)4:6<378::aid-adem378>3.0.co;2-#
Subject(s) - materials science , selection (genetic algorithm) , environmental impact assessment , material selection , nanotechnology , biochemical engineering , engineering , composite material , computer science , biology , ecology , artificial intelligence
The creation, use and disposal of any engineering product carry with it an environmental burden. Materials contribute to it in their production, use and disposal of these products. The minimisation of the environmental burden for the whole life‐time requires the selection of materials that—without compromising product quality—create less toxic by‐products, allow a longer life, are more easily recycled, are lighter and less energy intensive, and that, where possible, use renewable or non‐critical resources. The research described here aims at the environmentally‐conscious selection of materials early in the design process. It is illustrated by a case study on materials substitution for lightweight cars.