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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R79036/01
Title: Application of Diode Lasers to the Fracture Splitting of Connecting Rods
Principal Investigator: Pashby, Professor I
Other Investigators:
Shipway, Professor PH McCartney, Emeritus Professor DG
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Ford Motor Co Laser Expertise Ltd Tata Steel Limited
United Engineering Forgings Ltd
Department: Sch of Mech Materials Manuf Eng Mgt
Organisation: University of Nottingham
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 2002 Ends: 30 September 2005 Value (£): 168,691
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Characterisation Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Transport Systems and Vehicles
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Describe the proposed research in about 200 words.Connecting rods for automobile diesel and petrol engine vehicles could be produced by A MORE cost effective and energy efficient route. There are several manufacturing routes which involve the use of a variety of materials eg forged wrought steel, powder forged steel and cast iron. A lower cost opportunity exists with wrought pearlite steels provided that the cap can be fracture split from the rod and the whole component be machined efficiently to a final shape. This project aims to optimise the effectiveness of a novel laser-martensitic notching process as prerequisite to fracture splitting in specific steels which have good machinability and the necessary mechanical properties for service life. ,The experimental programme will develop the Diode Laser system to produce the martensitic notch and make comparisons with the COZ lasers. It will investigate the influence of laser processing variables on the profile of the notch and the formation of defect structures. A relationship will be developed between the notch geometry and the pattern of crack initiation and propagation during splitting of steels of lower carbon contents and additions which aid machinability. Chip formation will be investigated during turning and drilling the steels. Strength, toughness and fatigue properties will be measured in these steels in the as forged and air cooled conditions.
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Organisation Website: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk