Search Results

Eight partners from Europe and one from North America have joined efforts in a EU-supported project to find new ways for sustainable production of Mg-based engine blocks for cars. The ultimate aim of the work is to reduce vehicle weight, thereby reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from operation of the vehicle. Four new magnesium alloys are considered in the project and an engine block has been series cast - 20 each in two alloys. An extensive mechanical testing program has been initiated to identify in particular the high temperature limits of the four alloys and a significant experimental study of proper bolt materials for joining is being done in parallel. Engine redesign and life cycle analysis has also been completed to secure the future sustainable exploitation of the project results. This paper presents an overview of the work and results obtained until now - 3 months before the ending date of the project.

This paper presents the application of the different approaches available for the analysis of the sheet metal forming process on an industrial part (RENAULT KANGOO front fender). It is nowadays accepted in the engineering community that inverse, simplified direct and incremental direct approach are complementary and should be used in the development of a stamped part. The paper shows the formability analysis of the TWINGO door and hatchback at different stages of the part and process design, identifies the optimal approach at different stages and gives indication as to the relative speed, accuracy and quality of the different simulation solutions.