Advanced joining and disassembly
Coordinator Prof. dr. I.M. Richardson,
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Fast developments in both materials and joining technologies make advanced joining and disassembly a dynamic research cluster. The fitness of the joint for the intended purpose is the main aspect of industrial relevance, where the demands on the strength and durability (fatigue) of the structures are increasing. Novel challenges in this research cluster are related to the joining of thin films and (different) functional materials, where the processes take place at the nano and micro scale.
Welding and brazing techniques involve the application of heat and/ or pressure to produce a joint between two or more components. New developments in welding technology such as fiber lasers potentially offer improved performance at a lower price and offer excellent beam quality (accuracy) at higher power levels (increased welding speed). These possibilities will only be fully exploited by conducting research into integrated approaches, considering process stability, process delivery and material response, with the aim to develop a suit of tools, both physically and numerically, to address thick materials (keyhole stability), thin materials (high welding speed) and high strength materials (showing sensitivity to thermal damage).
Bonding or gluing is a topic of growing interest within M2i. This technology is used in an increasing amount in various market segments from high tech systems to aerospace applications. As the demands and the functionality of the adhesive bonds are knowledge is developed on both the chemical formulation and the application and performance of glues in structural and functional applications.
Another topic within this research cluster is the use of robotic delivery systems, being increasingly applied to improve the reliability and productivity of joining processes. Trends such as miniaturization and the increased use of more complex shapes of joints require increased accuracy of positioning systems. Modern industries are considering the total life cycle costs of their products. This means that recycling of materials and thus separation technology (de-joining) to get the original materials will be an important topic to consider when developing new products and material combinations.
Examples of research projects in this cluster are:
• Influence of welding on grain boundary structures in High Strength Automotive Steels
• Material properties of Hybrid Epoxy Adhesives
• Distortion control during welding
• Hydrodynamics of liquid weld polls and its influence on weld structure
