What materials are the front of a car made of - eg the metal crumple zone?

Question

one word answer will be sufficient - sources appreciated. thanks

Answer 1

Cars are around 50% metal... body chassis and suspension, engine and gearbox, axles and hubs...

The rest is glass, thermoplastic, aluminum and synthetic materials...

No source.........

Answer 2

In modern cars the front parts are designed to absorb a limited amount of kinetic energy with the minimum of force or deceleration being generated and passing to the driver and passengers. Steel in the form of extruded sheets and angle sections is undoubtedly the most suitable material for doing this because of its relatively high stiffness and strength compared to other materials like aluminium or fiberglass.

However if cars ever get more attention given to their good impact properties (as in bumper cars), it would be useful if their front ends included some better energy absorbing elements like oleo-pneumatic shock-absorbers and stronger plates placed ahead of them.

On comparing the amount of damage sustained in collisions between private cars and buses or heavy lorries, it make me wonder if the road licensing authorities have any understanding of impact dynamics at all!

Answer 3

Low carbon steel.  A lot comes from the steel mill I work at.

The lower carbon content aids in forming complex body shapes.