Life cycle inventory of magnesium - comparison of steel and magnesium in a car cross beam

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Life cycle inventory of magnesium - comparison of steel and magnesium in a car cross beam

Deinzer, G. / Kiefer, B. / Haagensen, J.Ö. / Westengen, H.

The environmental perspective is an indispensable factor for the automotive industry. Choosing the appropriate materials is a challenge for the vehicle manufacturers. One tool for assisting in these choices is the use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). A LCA for car manufacture requires reliable and comparable data for all the competing materials. Therefore a Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) for magnesium castings is conducted. LCIs for two alternative materials, magnesium and steel, are carried out. The materials are both used in order to manufacture the specific car part and will serve the same purpose in the car. The part chosen is a cross car beam. A comparison focuses on the performance of the different materials. The whole sequence of life cycle phases including material processing, part manufacturing, assembling, life time of the car, dismantling, and recycling is regarded. Energy consumption and emission of greenhouse gases are presented as well as a comparison between different levels of recycling of steel and magnesium.