Objectif
Objectives and content
Metal Matrix Composites (MMC's) have been extensively
studied in the past decade. They present remarkable
properties by combining the properties of the metal
matrix and of the ceramic reinforcement. Although many
MMC's are now fully developed, their application is
impeded by the lack of knowledge concerning their
joinability. This project deals with aluminium alloy
composites reinforced with ceramic particles, which are
reasonably cheap to process, and are attractive for many
potential applications, including:
electronic and optical instruments and high speed
machinery;
components for high performance structures, automotive
engines and sporting goods;
armour and protection components for their ability to
absorb high energy impacts and thermal shocks
If the use of these composites was not refrained by the
issue of joining, they could represent an estimated
market of over 1OOMecu per year. Consequently, the
assembly of MMCs with themselves either conventional
aluminium alloys requires specific and innovative
developments in joint technologies. Techniques to be used
include brazing and welding, e.g. Friction Stir Welding,
adhesive bonding, and bolting, (for reference).
This industrial led project involves 9 partners and 3
associated partners from 5 member countries. They
represent material suppliers, end users who manufacture
and assemble systems, research organizations and the
university world. The project aims to enable assembly
processes to MMCs and, consequently, their utilisation
for enhanced competitiveness of European industry.
The project does not focus on any of the industrial
applications in particular, because the problem of
joining is general. The purpose is to demonstrate the
possibility of joining and to acquire a knowledge that
could be used by any industrialist interested in using
these composites
At the end of the project that is within three years the
acquired knowledge could be fully transferred to any
industrialist willing to use MMC's.The impact of the
project would be in direct proportion of the global
market for those composites.
The main achievements included in the work programme that
could be useful for industrialists are:
demonstrators that exhibit the feasibility of joining
MMC's;
publication of technical and economical dossier to
detail the development and applications of MMC joining
technologies;
database with technical parameters for selected
techniques that proved successful;
theoretical knowledge presented in a global analysis of
the problem, that could help solve further issues
As a conclusion, this project will facilitate the use of
MMC's for industrial applications and participate to the
competitiveness of European companies through the use of
new, sophisticated and highly performant materials.
Champ scientifique
Appel à propositions
Data not availableRégime de financement
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinateur
581 13 LINKOEPING
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