Advanced Characterization of Advanced High-Strength Steels for Automotive Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Due to their unique combination of high strength and formability, Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSSs) find extensive use in automotive applications. AHSSs are categorized into three main generations based on their developmental stages. First-generation (1G) AHSSs are based—largely—on varying the volume fractions of ferrite and martensite and comprise dual-phase (DP), transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP), complex phase (CP) and martensitic (MART) steels. Second-generation AHSSs include high-alloy-content twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP), austenitic stainless steels, lightweight steels with induced plasticity (L-IP), and similar materials. Finally, third-generation (3G) AHSSs include various materials, including enhanced TRIP steels, medium Mn, and carbide-free bainitic steels, among others, and have a promising future in automotive applications.

This Special Issue entitled, 'Advanced Characterization of Advanced High-Strength Steels for Automotive Applications', explores the in-depth characterization of Advanced High-Strength Steels designed for automotive applications, utilizing advanced characterization techniques such as TEM, APT, XCT, AES, HEXRD, EBSD, and more. It includes thoroughly analyzing the material properties and microstructures found in AHSSs. This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest advancements in techniques for characterizing automotive engineering materials.

Researchers are invited to contribute original research papers and review papers that shed light on the nuanced aspects of AHSSs. The focus is on new approaches, technological advancements, and practical applications that improve our knowledge and use of Advanced High-Strength Steels in the automotive industry.

Authors are encouraged to address challenges and opportunities associated with AHSSs, providing valuable insights into the changing terrain of material engineering for the automotive industry. This Special Issue is a platform for sharing knowledge that can contribute to developing more durable, lightweight, and sustainable automotive materials.

Submissions should align with the central theme of advanced characterization.

Prof. Dr. Joseph McDermid
Dr. Bita Pourbahari
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• advanced high-strength steel
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