Abstract:
A method of reducing entrained aluminum oxides in aluminum castings. The method comprises preheating a furnace charge to remove moisture and contaminants. The furnace charge is then coated on all free surfaces with a layer of flux. Subsequently the furnace charge is melted in a furnace to form a melt bath of liquid aluminum suitable for casting. The flux layer removes the naturally occurring oxide film from the furnace charge surface as well as provides a cover flux to protect the melt bath from oxidation.
Abstract:
A device and article of manufacture to predict material properties of a cast aluminum-based component. In one form, a computer-based system includes numerous computation modules programmably cooperative with one another such that upon receipt of data that corresponds to the cast aluminum-based component, the modules provide performance indicia of the material. The modules include a thermodynamic calculation module, a thermal-physical property module, a mechanical property module and a materials selection or alloy design module. The combination of the modules along with known material and geometric databases—in addition to microstructural and defect databases—promotes the generation of materials properties needed for casting design, casting process simulation, CAE nodal property mapping and durability analysis.
Abstract:
A quantitative metallographic method to measure pore sizes and pore distributions in cast aluminum components. An image of a location of interest in a cast component sample is first obtained using an image analyzer. Spacing criteria, such as a measure of the secondary dendrite arm spacing, may be used with the received image to provide evidence of pore clustering. This allows the system to performing calculations to determine if multiple pores can be clustered or grouped together as a single pore in three-dimensional space. From this, the total area of the pores in each of these groups or clusters is calculated and used as a representation of the pore area for that cluster. In general, pore size and pore distribution measurements in cast components achieved by the present invention show accurate predictions of pore size and spacing, and in particular evidence a reduced tendency to under-predict the size and distribution of actual pores.
Abstract:
A rotor includes a shorting ring defining a plurality of cavities therein, and a plurality of conductor bars each integral with the shorting ring and having an end disposed within a respective one of the plurality of cavities. The shorting ring and each of the conductor bars are formed from an aluminum alloy including a lanthanoid present in an amount of from about 0.1 part by weight to about 0.5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the aluminum alloy. An aluminum alloy, and a method of forming a rotor are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A composite wire bundle for a stator winding, a stator including a composite wire bundle, and a method of forming a composite wire bundle. The composite wire bundle includes a plurality of copper wires, wherein each of the plurality of copper wires include a first surface. The composite wire bundle also includes a copper-graphene multilayer composite applied to the first surface of each of the plurality of copper wires, wherein the copper-graphene multilayer composite includes a second surface. Further, the composite wire bundle includes a fluoropolymer matrix formed around the second surfaces and a jacket encapsulating the fluoropolymer matrix.
Abstract:
Systems, methods, and devices for forming and implementing a graphene-copper composite powder are disclosed. The graphene-copper composite powder may be formed by providing an inert environment, introducing a first mist to the inert environment, introducing a second mist to the inert environment, and mixing the first mist and the second mist within the inert environment to thereby produce a graphene-copper composite powder. The first mist being atomized copper with a negative charge, and the second mist including graphene flakes with a positive charge. The graphene-copper composite powder may be used to form components via additive manufacturing or traditional powder metallurgy processes.
Abstract:
A conductive cable for a battery electric vehicle is provided. The conductive cable comprises a plurality of first members in alignment to define a longitudinal axis of the conductive cable. Each first member comprises a first conductive wire about which a first outer layer is disposed for electric current to flow therethrough relative to the longitudinal axis. The first outer layer comprises a first metal substrate having a first side and an opposite second side. The first outer layer comprises a first copper-graphene (Cu-Gr) multilayer composite disposed on the first side and a second Cu-Gr multilayer composite disposed on the second side of the first metal substrate. Each first conductive wire comprises a first metallic material. The plurality of first members is disposed together along the longitudinal axis to define a cable bundle. The conductive cable further comprises a non-conductive layer disposed about the cable bundle.
Abstract:
A busbar for high conductivity distribution of electrical power within a power module of an electric vehicle (EV). The busbar may include a plurality of multilayer composites having copper-graphene laminations. One or more of the multilayer composite may include a first copper-graphene lamination having a plurality of graphene layers disposed between a plurality of copper layers, a second copper-graphene lamination having a plurality of graphene layers disposed between a plurality of copper layers, and a carrier substrate disposed relative to the first and second copper-graphene laminations.
Abstract:
An aluminum alloy for high pressure die casting of ultra-large vehicle body structures. The aluminum alloy includes about 4.00 to about 12.00 weight percent silicon (Si); about 0.20 weight percent maximum (Max) copper (Cu); about 0.40 weight percent Max magnesium (Mg); about 0.20 to about 0.60 weight percent iron (Fe); about 1.00 weight percent Max manganese (Mn); about 0.50 weight percent Max zinc (Zn); about 0.02 weight percent Max strontium (Sr); about 0.50 weight percent Max cerium (Ce); about 0.01 weight Max percent boron (B); and a remaining weight percent aluminum (Al). The aluminum alloy provides an as-cast yield strength of greater than 130 Megapascals (MPa), ultimate tensile strength of greater than 260 MPa, and elongation of greater than 6% without the need for heat treatment.
Abstract:
A low-pressure sand-casting system includes a sand-casting mold receiving a molten casting material to cast an automobile vehicle cylinder head. A port is created in the automobile vehicle cylinder head. A manifold port metal core assembly includes a metal core. A compressible material coating is applied on the manifold port core metal core.