Characterisation of Adhesive Bonding for High Volume Automotive Applications
Research Group Activity
The Automotive Composites Research Centre (ACRC) is a dedicated facility within WMG's Materials Engineering Centre (MEC). The Centre focuses on the development of carbon fibre reinforced composite manufacturing technologies for high volume automotive applications. Use of carbon fibre composite materials can deliver substantial weight reductions for components and structures whilst still maintaining high performance. Combining high performance with low density, carbon fibre composites offer the ultimate light weighting solution, a key strategic priority area for the automotive industry to meet challenging vehicle CO2 emissions targets.
The ACRC facility is equipped with state-of-the art, industrial scale composite processing equipment to carry out process development and component manufacture using thermoset composites prepreg compression moulding (PCM), sheet moulding compound (SMC) compression moulding and stamp forming of thermoplastic composites This equipment is also the subject of further development to enhance the capabilities of the ACRC, particularly automation which is seen as an essential element of any high volume process.
Project Description
Reducing the overall mass of vehicles is a priority in the automotive industry, either to improve fuel efficiency and therefore limit CO2 emissions in the case of internal combustion engine vehicles, or to improve range and/or offset battery weight in the case of electric vehicles. "The right material at the right place" is one of the strategies used to achieve significant lightweighting and suitable high volume joining techniques are key to enable the production of lightweight multi-material structures. Adhesive bonding present significant advantages compared to other joining techniques such as being suitable for a wide range of materials, offering corrosion protection for dissimilar materials or creating a continuous joint.
The project is currently investigating the use of epoxy adhesives for joining multi-material structures (CFRP and aluminium). The internship will focus on comparing the thermal, mechanical and durability properties of 1K and 2K epoxy adhesives, potentially with different cure cycles. The work will involve the preparation of samples (adhesive casting and bonding of lap shear samples), material characterisation using DMTA equipment and mechanical test frames, and statistical analysis of the results. This will help to better understand the potential physical limitations and manufacturability requirements of both types of adhesives.
Required Skills
Engineering and Materials background preferred. Willingness to conduct practical activities.
Apply for this Project
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