The concept that reduced weight will result in energy (fuel) savings has led to trial usage of aluminum for hoods and rear deck lid parts of automobiles. Conventional low-carbon steel sheets are being replaced by aluminum alloys, including 2036-T4, in selected applications.
Evaluative tests were used to explain performance differences among three samples of 1 mm-(0.040-in.)-thick sheets of 2036-T4 in forming a deck lid in a cooperative program among various testing laboratories.
As an extension of this program, comparative testing was done on low carbon steel sheet samples of types including rimmed and aluminum killed steels using the same techniques as with aluminum. The results show contrasts between values such as yield strengths that are similar in level for steel and aluminum, and elongations that are different. Other test values contribute information relative to formability and form a basis for comparisons of properties among competing materials, such as the plastic strain ratio and strain hardening capacity for deep drawing and stretch forming deformation modes.