Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R16105/01
Title:	Severe Deformation Processing of Aluminium: Submicron Grained Automotive Alloys
Principal Investigator:	Prangnell, Professor P
Other Investigators:	Humphreys, Professor FJ
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Alcan
Department:	Materials
Organisation:	University of Manchester, The
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 October 2001	Ends:	30 April 2005	Value (£):	242,527
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Aerospace, Defence and Marine Manufacturing Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Severe deformation processing involves deforming alloys to far greater strains than can be achieved in conventional processes (like rolling) with the aim of, relatively cheaply, producing bulk materials with submicron grain structures. This exciting new class of materials have grain sizes two orders of magnitude finer than can be produced by conventional TMP routes. With severe deformation processing, high strengths equivalent to those normally only achievable in complex age hardening systems can be obtained in non-heat treatable AI-alloys with simple compositions. In comparison to current automotive alloys, simpler submicron grained alloys with equivalent yield strengths have substantially higher ductilities and are more recyclable. Such a combination of properties is extremely attractive to industry. Furthermore, by applying severe deformation techniques to conventional rolling, it is now becoming feasible to commercially produce sheet material with submicron grain structures.The aim of this project is to develop the underpinning scientific understanding, of the processing and mechanical properties of severely deformed alloys, that is required to optimise their microstructure and evaluate their commercial potential. The experimental programme involves close collaboration with Alcan, and focuses on the production of submicron grained sheet materials for automotive applications. However the scientific issues being investigated are generic and applicable to most classes of severely deformed alloys and submicron grained materials. The project is also supported by Corus, GKN Westland Helicopters, and the DERA who have great interest in this more generic information.
Key Findings
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Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.man.ac.uk