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The effect of cross-section and type of alloy on the performance of aluminum extrusions as door beams was investigated. As a result, aluminum door beams were developed which have bending properties comparing favorably with those of door beams made of high tensile strength steel with a tensile strength of 1470 N/mm2. Furthermore, a technology to design door beams with the required performance and bending properties dealing with various car models was developed by making the most of the versatility of aluminum extrusions produced in various types of cross-sections.

The influence of additional elements of aluminum alloy, especially of the elements other than conventional low melting point metals on machinability was investigated. Namely, the respective influences of Si, Ni, Mn and Fe on the machinability of AA6061 alloy used as base material were investigated. With the increase in the amount of each element the machinability of the alloy was improved. Si was the most effective among them, and Ni, Mn and Fe followed it in this order. It was found by microscopic observation that machinability was improved in proportion to the dispersion density of the second phase particles formed by the respective additional elements.

Door beams are attached inside car doors as one way to protect passengers from shock when the car is side impacted. Though door beams made of high tensile strength steel predominate now, the use of aluminum is growing rapidly to reduce weight. The effects of cross-section and types alloy on the performance of aluminum extrusions as door beams were investigated. As the result, aluminum door beams were developed which have bending proper2ties comparing favorably with those of door beams made of high tensile strength steel with a tensile strength of 1470 N/mm2. Since the shape of the cross-section of aluminum extrusions is versatile, non-symmetric cross-sections composed of regions with different wall thicknesses and lengths can be produced. On the basis of this technology, a technology to design door beams with required bending properties for any car model was developed. This technology is already been utilized in various automobiles.