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Title: Numerical modeling of mechanical properties of UAM-processed reinforced aluminum hat sections for automotive applications
Structural lightweighting is a key initiative in the automotive sector due to regulatory, customer, and powertrain demands. This research focuses on reinforcing aluminum sheet metal in strategic locations using ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM), as guided through an iterative optimization and simulation process. Among the three models used, the most successful is the multistep model (MSM) which simulates the forming of tailored blanks and the unloading processes to accurately map the hardening and the residual stress in hat and reinforcement sections. The MSM shows that approximately 65% of the mass can be saved by replacing a large gauged sheet metal hat section with a discretely reinforced hat section. Further increases in specific energy absorption (SEA) and additional mass savings can be expected when utilizing higher specific strength and specific stiffness materials for reinforcement such as titanium alloys, composites, or ceramic materials, all of which have been demonstrated with UAM.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1738723
NSF-PAR ID:
10327744
Author(s) / Creator(s):
Date Published:
Journal Name:
International journal of material forming
Volume:
14
Issue:
2021
ISSN:
1960-6206
Page Range / eLocation ID:
917–928
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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