Optimization of thermoplastic/metal hybrid assemblies: 20% weight reduction and 15% strength increase

Thomas Fkyerat, from the National Polytechnic Institute of Brittany, has overcome scientific barriers in thermoplastic/metal hybrid assembly, enabling a 20% weight reduction and a 15% strength increase of structures in the automotive industry. This research, supported by IRDL, opens up prospects for energy efficiency and compliance with environmental standards.

Thomas Fkyerat's thesis, titled 'Characterization and modeling of thermoplastic/metal hybrid assemblies', addresses a key issue for the automotive and aerospace industries: reducing fuel consumption. By replacing traditional materials with thermoplastic composites, this research aims to optimize the strength-to-weight ratio, thus meeting the growing demands for energy efficiency.

The hot press welding and electromagnetic induction methods developed in this thesis allow for the assembly of dissimilar materials. Experimental results show a significant 20% weight reduction of structures in the automotive industry, while increasing the strength of the assemblies by 15% compared to traditional methods.

This research offers strategic implications for decision-makers, highlighting the importance of adopting these new technologies to meet environmental requirements. Companies must invest in research and development to industrialize these assembly techniques in order to seize the opportunities presented by the growing market for thermoplastic composites.

« « Thanks to the use of advanced composite materials, we have managed to reduce the weight of structures by 20% while increasing their strength by 15% », says Thomas Fkyerat. »

« « Access to this new knowledge is crucial for decision-makers seeking to improve energy efficiency and meet environmental standards », emphasizes the Lektaris team. »