This paper presents a method of performing Life Cycle Energy Analysis (LCEA) for the purpose of material selection. The method applies product analysis methods to the evaluation of material options for automotive components. Specifically, LCEA is used to compare material options for a bumper-reinforcing beam on a 1030 kg vehicle. From an energy perspective, glass fiber composites and high-strength steel beams performed best. This paper also presents a set of life cycle energy terms designed to clearly distinguish between energy consumption occurring during different phases of a product’s life cycle. In addition, this paper compares the results of the LCEA method to those of other energy analyses and demonstrates how different methods of varying thoroughness can result in different material selections. Finally, opportunities are identified for extending this type of analysis beyond both automotive components and energy consumption.

Volume Subject Area:
Design for Manufacturing
Keywords:
Material Selection, Energy Analysis, Design for Environment, Life Cycle Assessment, Automotive Components
Topics:
Cycles, Energy consumption, Composite materials, Design, Glass fibers, High strength steel, Life cycle assessment, Vehicles
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Copyright © 2003
 by ASME
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