Low-Alloy High-Tensile Steels For Automotive Structures

LOW-ALLOY high-tensile steels are particularly attractive for automotive structural applications, the author says, when, broadly speaking, economic advantage can be attained by designs and usages that utilize the higher strength and better corrosion resistance peculiar to these steels.

The same level of strength can be attained in straight carbon steels, he points out, but the amount of carbon required to give 50,000 psi minimum yield strength is so high that essential ductility, toughness, and weldability are lacking.