Feb 21, 2018
Dresden-based scientists to present world first at JEC World 2018 in Paris
Technology demonstrator for the BMBF beacon project ReLei
Researchers from the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) at Technische Universität Dresden will be using a world premiere to demonstrate their expertise at JEC World – the world’s leading composites trade show. The specialist event is set to take place in Paris from the 6th to the 8th of March 2018.
ReLei demonstrator prioritises recycling
Working together with scientific and industrial partners under the leadership of ElringKlinger AG, scientists from the ILK participating in the FOREL technology project ReLei – which was awarded beacon project status by the BMBF in 2015 – have developed a technology demonstrator that prioritises recycling throughout its life cycle. The use of recycled materials such as recycled carbon fibres and reprocessed injection moulding granules was taken into consideration as early as the component design and engineering phase. The project also emphasised the recyclability of the demonstrator structure and the development of effective disassembly strategies.
In addition, a newly developed injection moulding-based manufacturing technology known as “foam moulding” was successfully used in combination with a complex geometry for the first time. The technology enables the one-shot manufacturing of thermoplastic sandwich structures with fibre-reinforced outer layers. The process also permits the integration of load application elements, organosheets with continuous fibre reinforcement and reinforcing ribbing into the structure. The technology demonstrator takes the form of a piece of structural bodywork positioned towards the rear of a vehicle and will be presented to a broader specialist audience for the first time at JEC World.
Novel electric drive train
The Dresden-based scientists will also be using a further three exhibits to offer fascinating insights into the spectrum of high-tech research carried out in the Saxon capital. To give an example, visitors to the ILK’s stand can look forward to discovering the benefits of a novel electric drive train characterised by excellent utility value, low weight and a high level of reliability and damage tolerance.
The drive train was designed and realised as part of the 3Ccar project. Currently one of the largest ECSEL JU research projects, 3Ccar brings together a total of 50 European partners tasked with the joint development of the next generation of electric vehicles.
Wirelessly chargeable drone demonstrator
Scientists working in the field of function integration have modified a drone demonstrator in a way that enables it to be charged with a power of up to 150 watts while hovering over a charging pad. The design was developed within the framework of the eDAS project and is tailored to the demands placed on modern drones, which need to be charged simply, rapidly and without manual intervention in order to maximise their time in use. The novel charging solution therefore fulfils special requirements such as a large air gap between the transmitter and receiver coils while also minimising both component weight and material input, thus making it suitable for applications in the automotive and aviation sectors.
Novel hybrid lightweight A pillar suitable for large-scale production
Working under the leadership of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG and the ILK within the framework of the BMBF-funded FOREL technology project Q-Pro, an interdisciplinary team of industrial and scientific partners has developed a novel 3D hybrid lightweight A pillar suitable for large-scale production. The pillar’s highly complex structure can be produced using a fully automated, quality controlled injection moulding process.
Combining high-strength steel, a thermoplastic polymer with continuous fibre reinforcement and fibre-reinforced thermoplastic ribbing, the 3D hybrid technology could represent a decisive developmental step towards a reduction in vehicle weight and in turn contribute to further enhancements in vehicle range.
The novel pillar reduces the weight of the respective piece of bodywork by over five kilograms when compared with conventional A pillars. In addition, testing has found the pillar to perform up to 25 percent better than a monolithic metal pillar.
The ILK will be on hand to present these interesting exhibits at the joint “Sachsen-live” stand (Hall 5A, Stand C62) organised by the Saxony Economic Development Corporation (WFS) on behalf of the Saxon State Ministry for the Economy, Work and Transport. The institute will be joined at the stand by its latest spin-off, Herone, which will use the event as an opportunity to showcase its expertise and expand its network. The firm’s organotubes – braided preforms consisting of fully impregnated thermoplastic tapes – facilitate significant reductions in cycle times during the production of composite profiles. Visitors to JEC World are welcome to pass by and see for themselves what specialist skills, knowledge and experience the institute and its researchers have to offer.
© Tanja Kirsten
Diana Wolfrum MBA
Communication
Send encrypted email via the SecureMail portal (for TUD external users only).
Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology
Visitors Address:
DÜR, Floor 2, Room 259 Holbeinstr. 3
01307 Dresden
Deutschland