Forming of mechanically interlocked aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced polymer parts with complex geometry

Abstract

Forming of aluminium-CFRP hybrid structures into complex shapes is key to decrease environmental impact in automotive industry. However, challenges such as preserving joint integrity after forming operations must be assessed. Therefore, the authors of this work have cold stamped hybrid aluminium-CFRP panels into omega shaped profiles with and without a mechanical interlocking joining technology. The effect of lubricant application, of the CFRP positioning (inside or outside the omega profile), and of the number of mechanical joints were studied. It was concluded that it is possible to cold stamp aluminium-CFRP prepreg panels even with mechanical joints into complex profiles when lubricant is used. Moreover, the position of the CFRP prepreg has a strong impact on the flange springback of the stamped part