EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R79036/01 |
Title: |
Application of Diode Lasers to the Fracture Splitting of Connecting Rods |
Principal Investigator: |
Pashby, Professor I |
Other Investigators: |
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Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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Project Partners: |
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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
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EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
Materials Characterisation |
Materials Processing |
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EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
Manufacturing |
Transport Systems and Vehicles |
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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Related Grants: |
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Panel History: |
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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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Key Findings |
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
Summary |
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Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Project URL: |
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Further Information: |
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Organisation Website: |
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk |