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Aluminium car-body |
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evaluated |
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| In the last decade aluminium car bodies have replaced steel car bodies to a large extent. This has been a major step towards light and thus more energy efficient rail vehicles.
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Technology field: Mass reduction
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General information
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General criteria
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Environmental criteria
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Economic criteria
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Application outside railway sector (this technology is railway specific)
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Overall rating
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Overall potential: very promising |
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Time horizon: short-term |
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Aluminium offers some substantial advantages over steel in car body technology due to lightweight properties. Today aluminium car bodies are state-of-the-art technology and will probably continue to be in mid-term since manufacturers are interested in amortisation of expensive production facilities. Aluminium technology is very promising for energy efficiency. However, no additional effort is required to facilitate technology diffusion. In long term perspective, aluminium car-bodies will face a growing competition from fibre-reinforced polymers. |
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References / Links:
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Attachments:
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Related projects:
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Contact persons:
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 date created: 2002-10-09 |
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| © UIC - International Union of Railways 2003 |
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