Overview:
We are seeking improvements in the mechanical properties of Aluminum that can lead to reductions in weight, reductions in cost or increased formability.
Background:
Weight reduction is critical for OEMs during part manufacture in order to meet emissions targets. There are many constraints in casting and sheet material processing – Elongation, yield, UTS, density, and Young’s modulus. Any methods to improve one, some, or all of these would open up designs for further mass loss, cost reduction, and/or formability.
Constraints:
- No increase in weight, cost or formability
- Mechanical performance better than current materials
- Density decrease 10%-20% , while maintaining mechanical properties– ys, uts, elongation, Young’s Mod.
- Young’s Modulus increase 50-100% , while maintaining mechanical properties – ys, uts, elongation, density
- Density decrease 10%-20% and Modulus increase 50-100% , while maintaining mechanical properties – ys, uts, Elongation.
Possible solution areas:
- Castings – Alloy development and alloy elements
- Computational and design approaches
Desired outcome of the solution:
Simple modification of metals that leads to significant mechanical performance.
Field of use and intended applications:
Part manufacture
Previously attempted solutions:
Novel alloys for sheet or extrusion mills
