Xavier Colon optimizes automotive manufacturing through a better understanding of mild steels

Xavier Colon, a researcher at the National Polytechnic Institute of Brittany, has unlocked a major scientific barrier regarding the behavior of mild steels under large deformations, thereby optimizing automotive manufacturing. His thesis, defended in 2025, proposes innovative methods to improve the sustainability and efficiency of resources in a rapidly changing sector in Benin.

The automotive industry faces a significant challenge with the transition to electric vehicles. Xavier Colon's thesis, conducted at IRDL, highlights the importance of understanding the behavior of mild steels under significant deformations. This research aims to optimize manufacturing processes, addressing the challenges of sustainability and resource efficiency in a rapidly evolving market.

Colon developed experimental devices such as the plane torsion test and the simple shear test to analyze the anisotropy of mild steels. These methods allow for a better understanding of the material's history effects, paving the way for the optimization of assembly techniques, which are essential for vehicle performance and reducing their ecological footprint.

The implications of this research are strategic for decision-makers in the automotive industry. By investing in the optimization of materials and processes, companies can achieve significant savings and meet the growing demand for lighter and more efficient vehicles, while adapting to new environmental standards.

« « My research demonstrates that a deep understanding of mild steels can transform automotive manufacturing processes, contributing to vehicle sustainability, » says Xavier Colon. »

« « The optimization of materials and manufacturing processes is essential to support the transition of the automotive industry towards more sustainable solutions, » emphasizes the Lektaris team. »