Lightweight Automotive Materials for Increased Fuel Efficiency and Delivery Advanced Modeling & Simulation Capabilities to U.S. Manufacturers (LAMP) Program Objective: The objective of this program is to develop and validate cost-effective, high-strength materials technologies that could significantly reduce vehicle weight without compromising cost, performance, safety, or recyclability. The target is to have the automotive industry adopt technology, inserting lightweighting materials into production vehicles within three years. The program shall focus on improved manufacturability and functionality, lowered costs for the deployment of new lightweighting materials, and introducing sustainability considerations into the design process. Additionally, advanced modeling and simulation tools are being developed to reduce the time and costs needed to introduce new lightweight materials into the transportation sector.
Technical Objectives:
- Reduce process cycle time and costs in composite part fabrication that rely on resin infusion technologies. Focus on “low cost” resins
- GE, working with Plasan Carbon Composites, need to introduce a new resin system that has very low viscosity and rapid or controllable cure properties.
- GE infusing fiberglass resin with DCPD
Plasan infusing carbon fiber with epoxy, polyurethane, Cyclics and DCPD resins
Business Objectives: A successful low cost resin system would have a big impact on aerospace, healthcare components for GE as well as automotive components.
Industry Partners:
- GE Global Research
- Plasan Carbon Composite
- Ontonix, LLC
- Dassault Systemes Simulia Corporation
To view the Executive Summary of this report go to Low Cost Resin System for Lightweight PMC Components at the LAMP website and click the “Download Executive Report” link.
NCMS Project Manager: Steve Hale (734) 995-2195
