Review Article
Sustainability in the Automotive Industry: The Role of Recycled Materials and Innovative Eco-friendly Solutions
Javad Heydari*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
150-156
Received:
17 August 2025
Accepted:
16 September 2025
Published:
17 October 2025
Abstract: Sustainability in the automotive sector has become a global priority as environmental pressures and regulatory requirements continue to intensify. This review examines the integration of recycled materials and innovative eco-friendly substances in vehicle design and production, highlighting their role in reducing environmental footprints while maintaining performance. Conventional automotive materials such as steel, aluminum, and plastics contribute heavily to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion, making the shift to sustainable alternatives essential. Recycled metals, plastics, rubber, and glass are increasingly adopted, offering significant energy savings, waste reduction, and cost efficiency. In parallel, advanced bio-composites, biodegradable polymers, and nano materials are being explored for their ability to provide lightweight, renewable, and high-performance options. These innovations not only reduce vehicle mass and emissions but also align with circular economy principles. Despite these benefits, challenges remain, including quality variability, safety concerns, and supply chain complexity. Nonetheless, ongoing advancements in recycling technologies, material engineering, and regulatory support are paving the way for broader implementation. Future trends point toward additive manufacturing, closed-loop recycling, and enhanced collaboration between industry, academia, and policymakers to accelerate adoption. Overall, sustainable material integration represents a vital pathway for the automotive industry to reduce environmental impacts, enhance resource efficiency, and meet global sustainability goals.
Abstract: Sustainability in the automotive sector has become a global priority as environmental pressures and regulatory requirements continue to intensify. This review examines the integration of recycled materials and innovative eco-friendly substances in vehicle design and production, highlighting their role in reducing environmental footprints while main...
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Research Article
Crashworthiness Analysis of Automotive Frontal Bumper Materials
Bakari Momba Ramadhan*,
Benjamin William Ndimila,
Isaac Itekulana Mwesigwa
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
157-169
Received:
23 September 2025
Accepted:
9 October 2025
Published:
30 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmea.20251305.12
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Abstract: The crashworthiness of automotive frontal bumper systems plays a crucial role in improving vehicle safety by reducing impact forces transmitted to occupants during collisions. This research presents a comprehensive simulation-based analysis of bumper materials, including Aluminium Alloy (AA6061-T6), Mild Steel (AISI 1018), and Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), to assess their performance in terms of energy absorption, deformation, and stress distribution under frontal impact conditions. The study involves developing a detailed finite element model using ANSYS/Workbench to replicate a saloon car bumper subjected to a collision velocity of 15.56 m/s, consistent with NCAP test standards. Through rigorous computational analysis, the materials were compared based on crashworthiness indicators such as total deformation, equivalent (von Mises) stress, equivalent elastic strain, and specific energy absorption. The results revealed that the CFRP bumper exhibited superior crash performance, demonstrating high energy absorption capacity and reduced deformation with minimal structural mass. Aluminium provided a balanced performance with moderate strength and significant weight savings, while mild steel offered excellent strength and rigidity but at the expense of higher mass. Overall, the study concludes that selecting suitable materials is essential for optimizing safety, weight efficiency, and structural integrity in modern automotive bumper systems.
Abstract: The crashworthiness of automotive frontal bumper systems plays a crucial role in improving vehicle safety by reducing impact forces transmitted to occupants during collisions. This research presents a comprehensive simulation-based analysis of bumper materials, including Aluminium Alloy (AA6061-T6), Mild Steel (AISI 1018), and Carbon Fibre Reinforc...
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