Welding and joining of advanced dissimilar lightweight alloys

The automotive industry’s interest in the use of lightweight materials has significantly increased in recent years due to an enhanced demand for fuel efficiency and clean green technologies that improve environmental conditions. A major industrial challenge in the automotive industry relates to the joining of dissimilar materials. Which includes; the dissimilar/hybrid joining of materials such as; aluminium, steel, high strength steel, composites, and thermoplastics. The existing challenge in joining dissimilar metals includes differences in the thermo-kinetic and mechanical properties of the material such as; crystal structure, melting point, and thermal conductivity.

This project will explore the application of nanotechnology to conventional welding and joining processes as a method of improving the properties of the joints produced.

Currently, all quality assessment of dissimilar joints/welds is conducted using destructive testing techniques. Unfortunately, these techniques are time-consuming and costly. The proposed research will bridge the gaps in the existing knowledge on the dissimilar joining of ultra-high-strength materials and materials of complex chemical properties.