Abstract
Automotive applications of aluminum extrusions require a high level of performance combined with the need to tailor properties to particular components. This presentation will offer an overview of an industry-university research program with the objective of building a through process model linking the key manufacturing processes involved in the production of aluminum extrusions in order to predict the impact of alloy chemistry and processing variations on final mechanical behavior during forming or in crash scenarios. The approach taken follows the internal state variable framework where the evolution of key microstructural features is evaluated through the process and finally linked to mechanical response, i.e. strength and ductility. Case studies on industrial applications of the program and challenges for future work will be highlighted.