12 COMSOL NEWS LIGHTWEIGHTING WITH ALUMINUM: CORROSION APPS GUIDE LEADING DESIGN Scientists at the National Research Council Canada (NRC) are using multiphysics simulation apps to minimize the risk of galvanic corrosion in new designs and advance aluminum adoption in vehicle lightweighting. by SARAH FIELDS Cars have been shedding pounds in recent years, as manufacturers and consumers increasingly prioritize efficiency and environmental protection. The reduction of a vehicle’s weight by one tenth can boost the fuel efficiency of a vehicle by as much as 8%. To accomplish this, manufacturers know they must combine conventional materials for car structures and bodies, such as structural steel, with lighter materials. Aluminum (Figure 1) is a prime candidate for

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