WP1: The project specifications and the investigations to create the model have been fully defined. A large number of specimens has been manufactured. The applicable standardization landscape has been analyzed.
WP2. ZnNi coatings have been obtained under different plating conditions on a high number of 300M specimens. The extended experimental activity allow the correlation among plating conditions, coatings characteristics and H content. Moreover, the H diffusion kinetics through the steels and the coatings with different morphologies has been evaluated at different degassing temperatures. Small punch tests and HE experiments according to ASTM F519 standard have been performed to correlate H content and mechanical properties.
WP3. A model to perform outgassing simulations of a 300M coated steel has been developed and validated. The model is developed with the finite element library Fenics and implemented with python scripting. A tool to generate martensite microstructure was developed for this project. Work on the initial conditions, mainly the hydrogen distribution profile was discussed. The model has been integrated in a 3D CAE tool (Elsyca Plating Manager). The model has been validated experimentally using a dedicated tool designed and fabricated in the project.
WP4: The same approach used in WP2 for ZnNi and Cd coatings on 300M steel was used for the coatings on E35NCD16H, Custom 465 and EZ2NKD8 steel. The obtained results have been used to adapt the model to the further studied steels. The model has been validated in laboratory scale.
WP5: Based on the experimental and modelling results, a series of practical rules to be applied at industrial environment aiming to minimize H uptake during plating and optimize degassing efficiency have been drafted. Simple characterization techniques which can easily be used in industrial environment have been developed to characterize the obtained coatings morphology. The model and the characterization techniques have been validated at industrial environment by plating on demonstrators and real parts.
WP6: Different technical articles have been published to technical magazines to promote the project. A total of 10 presentations have been performed to scientific conferences and one peer review article has been published. 3 more are under preparation and will be published after the end of the project. A dedicated workshop, open to wider public, has been organized presenting the model developed during the project.
