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Comparison of the light‐weight potential of different materials used under bending loads
Author(s) -
Neumann Peter
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
steel research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1869-344X
pISSN - 0177-4832
DOI - 10.1002/srin.199801473
Subject(s) - bending , bending stiffness , stiffness , aluminium , structural engineering , materials science , specific strength , reduction (mathematics) , composite material , engineering , mathematics , geometry , composite number
In transportation and many other technologies weight reduction brings about economical and environmental advantages. Therefore, materials are increasingly being judged according to their weight saving potential. In the case of structural materials, which have to withstand given stresses, a classification based on density alone (light metals) falls short, since the crucial parameter is the ratio between density and strength. In the case of parts loaded in bending the situation is complicated by the fact that e.g. the elastic stiffness of such parts (of a given length) does not only depend on their volume but also on their shape. It will be shown in this paper that the usual comparison of the weight saving potential of different materials under bending loads is strongly shape biased, favouring the more compliant material. An un‐biased comparison reveals, however, that e.g. the weight saving potential of high strength steels and aluminium alloys is comparable ‐ also if used for bending parts.