Projects / Programmes
Magnesium alloys and composites based forgings for lightening of passenger cars
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.04.02 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
Metallic materials |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T450 |
Technological sciences |
Metal technology, metallurgy, metal products |
| T152 |
Technological sciences |
Composite materials |
closed die hot forging, magnesium alloys, magnesium based composites discontinuously reinforced with ceramic particles, lightening of passenger cars
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
04968 |
PhD Varužan Kevorkijan |
Materials science and technology |
Head |
2002 - 2004 |
0 |
Abstract
The aim of the proposed project is rapid prototyping of hot forged automotive parts based on commercially available magnesium alloys and composites, discontinuously reinforced with ceramic particles.
Although current replacement of steel and cast iron by aluminum alloys demonstrated significant lightening of vehicles, it is evident that the projected overall lightening of vehicles up to 40% will demand the introduction of more, even lighter materials.
When aluminum alloys and steel or cast iron are replaced with structurally inferior magnesium alloys, it is necessary to redesign the automotive component to achieve its equivalent engineering properties. Comparing the new design of the component adopted for usage of magnesium alloys with the previous one based on aluminum alloys or steel and cast iron, one can finally determine the weight saving and the relevant economic benefit of the lightening.
The design of a selected automotive connecting rod, currently produced in Impol’s forging plant in aluminum alloy 2014, will be adapted to the predicted usage of magnesium alloy (AZ80A) and composite (MELRAM). By applying the conventional hot forging technology, prototype connecting rods will be forged, trimmed and heat treated on a (semi)industrial level.
Typical mechanical properties of the redesigned prototype connecting rods and standard aluminum alloy connecting rods will be examined and compared. Lightening caused by replacing aluminum alloy 2014 with magnesium alloy and composite will be determine and a cost should demonstrate that this kind of replacement has substantial economical benefits.
If the proposed project will answer the above questions positively, Impol’s the forging plant will be in a favored position to offer to European market a new generation of ultra light automotive forged components based on magnesium alloys and composites. The usage of these parts in future generations of vehicles will result in substantial lightening, lower fuel consumption and consequently lower emissions.
