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: Utilize materials processing, advanced characterization techniques and process simulation modeling for aluminum-based alloys to develop and design methodologies for reducing residual stresses and minimizing/eliminating distortions that occur during thermal processes; and predict the final microstructure and anticipated strength.
Microstructure of Cast Aluminum Alloy Gear Carrier
Business Objectives: Support the automotive industry to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency by developing a predictive software capability to reduce or minimize the residual stresses and distortions that result from thermal processing of aluminum alloys.
Industry Partners:
- Deformation Control Technology, Inc.
- National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL)
- General Motors Powertrain
- Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL)
NCMS Project Manager: Steve Hale (734) 995-2195
