The development of future automobiles aims to mitigate environmental impacts over the entire life cycle. Innovative components and assemblies combine new materials and production processes. This makes it possible to improve mechanical properties, integrate additional functions or apply sustainable raw materials. At the same time, the application scenarios for vehicles, e.g. Mobility as a Service, are changing and with them the requirements for components in the life cycle, e.g. for durability or possible repair procedures. The targeted development of new technologies offers the potential to specifically test component properties in the life cycle (condition monitoring) or to extend the service life of components and materials.
The LCT project aims at the selection and (further) development of technologies that can reduce environmental impacts in the life cycle of automotive components. For this purpose, different perspectives are combined in a multi-scale approach. Empirical and simulative studies on the use of sustainable materials, component-integrated sensor technology, durability, repair and remanufacturing processes allow component properties to be predicted over the life cycle. A systemic approach allows the definition of requirements for components and possible business models for the application of the developed technologies. On this basis, model-based life cycle engineering supports technology selection and development by forecasting specific environmental impacts and costs.