The Department of Advanced composites and interfaces is concerned with joining processes and the property profile of joined components, with special focus on lightweight materials and construction methods at the Open Hybrid LabFactory (OHLF) site in Wolfsburg.
In research and teaching, the main focus is on the joining of different components in hybrid parts. This includes, for example, the form and/or material-locking connection of the polymer components to the metallic structures, but also the adhesion between matrix and fibres in a fibre composite. To optimize the composite, the properties of interfaces must be determined and evaluated. In many cases, a surface treatment must then be carried out, which can be mechanical, physical or chemical. In addition, research and optimization of the processes is required, which is mainly aimed at shortening process times and making the processes more robust. Furthermore, new testing methods have to be established to better describe the material behaviour.
With the department of Advanced composites and interfaces, the Institute of Joining and Welding is fully integrated into the infrastructure of the Open Hybrid LabFactory in Wolfsburg.
Complex and multilayered research fields with high research risk and special potential for leapfrogging innovations can be worked on in this facility. The technological activities focus on the simultaneous development of materials and production technology in multi-material systems for hybrid lightweight construction.
For this purpose, the research factory covers the entire value chain for hybrid components; from conceptual design to the development of carbon fibres and textile production as well as hybrid manufacturing processes including recycling.
The permanent bond between plastic and metal or fibre requires a deeper understanding of the interaction at the atomic or molecular level. Experiments and accompanying simulations will be used to predict the behaviour of the composite materials under different influences.
By means of locally high-resolution computer tomography the material behaviour in situ shall be determined and material models shall be developed. This is the basis for the optimized numerical simulation of the manufacturing processes and component failure.
