Work Package 3: Aluminium Alloys and Foam
Lead partner: CIDAUT
Work Package Description:
The objective of this work package is to develop and select the optimal manufacturing process parameters for aluminium parts defined in WP1, working in two different lines: solid and foamed aluminium. Aluminium components could have different physical and chemical properties depending on the selected alloy, forming process and heat treatment. Main objective of this WP is to determine the most suitable combination of them for a structural application.
Component’s functions will be carefully examined to establish the optimal forming process to manufacture each one. Later, the optimal alloy and heat treatment will be selected for each function of the component depending on their requirements and geometry. Alloy selection will take into account galvanic behaviour of dissimilar alloys to avoid corrosion defects after joining process.
The main objective for Aluminium Foams will be to adapt the alloys, blowing agent and manufacturing processes to the demands of the automotive industry. Two types of Aluminium Foam structures will be studied: Aluminium Alloy Foams and Aluminium Foam Sandwiches. The alloys and processes will be adapted to standard manufacturing procedures, investigating and improving their integration. Fundamental research will help for understanding the physics of foaming and therefore indicate the way of properties improvement. Soldering, joining and forging will be studied and tested. Tests of the mechanical properties will show the performance of the material.
Lead partner: CIDAUT
Work Package Description:
The objective of this work package is to develop and select the optimal manufacturing process parameters for aluminium parts defined in WP1, working in two different lines: solid and foamed aluminium. Aluminium components could have different physical and chemical properties depending on the selected alloy, forming process and heat treatment. Main objective of this WP is to determine the most suitable combination of them for a structural application.
Component’s functions will be carefully examined to establish the optimal forming process to manufacture each one. Later, the optimal alloy and heat treatment will be selected for each function of the component depending on their requirements and geometry. Alloy selection will take into account galvanic behaviour of dissimilar alloys to avoid corrosion defects after joining process.
The main objective for Aluminium Foams will be to adapt the alloys, blowing agent and manufacturing processes to the demands of the automotive industry. Two types of Aluminium Foam structures will be studied: Aluminium Alloy Foams and Aluminium Foam Sandwiches. The alloys and processes will be adapted to standard manufacturing procedures, investigating and improving their integration. Fundamental research will help for understanding the physics of foaming and therefore indicate the way of properties improvement. Soldering, joining and forging will be studied and tested. Tests of the mechanical properties will show the performance of the material.
