Within IRDL, Thomas Fkyerat explored thermoplastic/metal hybrid assemblies for the automotive and aerospace industries.
Thomas Fkyerat, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sciences pour l'ingénieur et le numérique.
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Thomas Fkyerat's thesis, titled "Characterization and Modeling of Thermoplastic/Metal Hybrid Assemblies," addresses a crucial issue for modern industry: the reduction of fuel consumption in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Indeed, lightweight structures have become a priority for manufacturers, as this not only reduces operational costs but also meets increasingly stringent environmental standards. This research proposes concrete and innovative solutions to address these challenges. By replacing traditional materials with thermoplastic matrix composites, it is possible to optimize the strength-to-weight ratio of structures, which could transform manufacturing and assembly methods. This would thus meet the growing demands for energy efficiency, both for light vehicles and aircraft.
The hot press welding and electromagnetic induction welding methods developed in this thesis offer interesting and promising perspectives. These techniques allow for the assembly of dissimilar materials, which is essential in the context of hybrid assembly. Experimental results show a significant reduction in the weight of structures, estimated at 20% in the automotive industry, while increasing the strength of assemblies by 15% compared to traditional techniques. These figures demonstrate a considerable optimization potential, which could have repercussions on the durability and efficiency of vehicles. For example, a lighter vehicle consumes less fuel, resulting in savings for the consumer and a decrease in pollutant emissions.
However, it is essential to question whether the industry is ready to adopt these new technologies. The scientific barriers related to the assembly of thermoplastic composites with metals must be overcome to enable large-scale industrialization. This involves not only technical advancements but also a shift in mindsets within companies. The strategic recommendations arising from this research include promoting the use of thermoplastic composites in the automotive industry, as well as investing in the research and development of welding techniques. These initiatives could not only improve the performance of structures but also contribute to more sustainable and energy-efficient industrial practices.
It is also relevant to reflect on the impact of these innovations on the environment. By reducing the weight of vehicles, fuel consumption decreases, which can have a positive effect on greenhouse gas emissions. The adoption of thermoplastic composites could therefore be part of a broader energy transition approach, in line with the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. Furthermore, this transition could also stimulate the local economy by promoting job creation in the research and manufacturing sectors.
In conclusion, this thesis paves the way for new industrial applications and technological innovations in the relevant fields. The challenges to be addressed to ensure their effective implementation are numerous, but the potential benefits in terms of performance, durability, and environmental respect are undeniable. It is imperative that industry stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers collaborate to overcome obstacles and promote the adoption of these technologies. Ultimately, the future of the automotive and aerospace industries may well depend on these advancements in the field of thermoplastic/metal hybrid assemblies.
Données clés
- 20% : Réduction du poids des structures dans l'industrie automobile grâce à l'utilisation de matériaux composites avancés.
- 15% : Augmentation de la résistance des assemblages thermoplastique/métal par rapport aux méthodes d'assemblage traditionnelles.
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Sources et accès
Thomas Fkyerat. Caractérisation et modélisation d'assemblages hybrides thermoplastique/métal. Matériaux et structures en mécanique [physics.class-ph]. École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées Bretagne, 2024. Français. ⟨NNT : 2024ENTA0017⟩. ⟨tel-05614320⟩