Research Area Characterization - Associated Project

In-situ hybridization in deep drawing - Thermoplastic fiber-metal laminate (FML) components based on reactively processed polyamide 6
Advisors: Weidenmann (IAM-WK), Altenhof (UoW)


The objective of the project is the manufacturing of structural FML-parts based on aluminum or steel sheets in a direct combined deep drawing and infiltration net-shape process allowing hybridization which is based on the reactive processing of thermoplastic prepolymers (T-RTM). The low viscosity of the reactive mixture enables rearrangements of fibers during deformation of the FML. Therefore large deformations of the FML can be carried out intrinsically within the solidification window without damage to the composite constituent. In addition to the production-related research, process- and structural simulation are employed as well as research in the field of material science and engineering in order to increase the understanding of the correlation between production process, structural behavior and materials properties of thermoplastic FML. In this regard, the accumulation of damage is also taken into account. Concerning the structural behavior of thermoplastic FML it is also important to analyze how the viscoelastic-viscoplastic properties of the metal/matrix-interface influence the thermal and mechanical behavior of the hybrid structure and how these properties are best implemented in simulation.

Figure: Process sequence for the production of hybrid sandwich panels in the T-RTM process