Multi-Material
Structures
Integrated Multi-Material Structures
Design and demonstration of smart integrated multi-material structures such as those with gradient physical properties for controlled crush or imbedded functional features like the capacity to store electrical energy for future mobility solutions.
The Project
This project aims to address the two key challenges hindering wide application of hot-stamping of aluminium alloys:
- a) characterisation of the forming and failure behaviour of light metals at high temperature, as a basis for expanding the processing window, and
(b) development of new post-heat treatment to create high strength components.
This work will involve the development and characterisation of new aluminium alloys, including 6000 series alloy from P3, optimising solute and precipitate hardening to improve properties during hot forming and the strength and crashworthiness of finished parts.
To develop an innovative technique for the production of carbon fibre fabric and/or prepregs (reinimpregnated forms) directly from carbon fibre line, thus eliminating the conventional textile processes of multiple steps.
P6 aims to advance additive manufacturing of gradient lattice structures tuned to different crash pulses for better pedestrian safety at low speeds as well as for high-speed collisions.
Combining FRF with 3D Free Forming, a technology currently used at Ford for prototyping to produce parts with high complexity but currently limited size and rate. Combining FRF with Ford’s Free Forming unit presents a time and cost effective solution for rapid prototyping and low volume production runs