Economy
Great Designs in Steel
Written by John Packard
May 16, 2014
Steel Market Update attended SMDI’s “Great Designs in Steel” conference on May 14. This was the 12th year of the popular GDIS conference, and it was well attended with over 1200 auto steel players. The focus of the conference was on auto light weighting through the use of advanced high strength steels (AHSS). There were a plethora of presenters speaking to the engineering, metallurgical, and fabrication applications of advanced high strength steels.
While walking through the crowded corridors packed with auto industry reps, mill reps, fabricators, and engineers, you couldn’t miss the marvels of AHSS engineering on display. From door panels, truck frames, to the steel skin of the 2014 Ford Mustang, the place was alive with the buzz of curious steel disciples all eager to learn more about the latest advances in AHSS applications.
One group that has been leading the way with the research and development of the 3rd generation AHSS is the United States Automotive Materials Partnership. The USAMP is a collaborative organization supported by Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and The Auto/Steel Partnership. GM research and development scientist Lou Hector, a leading researcher with the USAMP spoke at the “Great Designs in Steel” conference.
Mr. Hector is currently leading an integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) research project to demonstrate the applicability of ICME for the development and deployment of third generation AHSS for passenger vehicle weight reduction. Hector stated that “The goal is to generate models to be used in commercial modeling applications, and model steels that don’t yet exist, so that they can one day be produced”.
According to Hector, the ICME project received a $6 million funding grant from the DOE and is further supported by a number of universities, steel mills, and auto companies including: Brown University, Clemson University, Colorado School of Mines, Michigan State University, Pacific Northwest National Lab, University of Illinois, GM, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler, AK Steel, ArcelorMittal, Nucor, ThyssenKrupp, US Steel, and Severstal.
The ICME models are capable of predicting formability, fracture, and performance. Hector believes that these ICME models will reduce the risk of developing new materials and ultimately improve performance, and improve fuel economy.
This project recently produced its first heat at AK Steel and has undergone formability tests at Severstal. For more information on the ICME 3GAHSS modeling research, you may contact the USAMP or The Auto/Steel Partnership.
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Economy
Architecture billings flat in October after months of contraction
Architecture firms reported stable billings in October, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) released by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek. This follows 20 months of contracting business conditions.
Trump taps Lutnick to be Commerce Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump has named Wall Street veteran Howard Lutnick as the new US Secretary of Commerce.
New York state manufacturing activity ramps up to multi-year high
New York state’s manufacturing sector saw substantial recovery in November, according to the latest Empire State Manufacturing Survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
CRU: Dollar and bond yields rise, metal prices fall as Trump wins election
Donald Trump has won the US presidential election. The Republican party has re-taken control of the Senate. Votes are still being counted in many tight congressional races. But based on results so far, the Republicans seem likely to maintain control of the House of Representatives. If confirmed, this will give Trump considerable scope to pass legislation pursuing his agenda. What this means for US policy is not immediately obvious. Trump will not be inaugurated until Jan. 20. In the coming weeks and months, he will begin to assemble his cabinet, which may give a clearer signal on his policy priorities and approaches. Based on statements he made during the presidential campaign, we have set out the likely direction of his economic policy here and green policy here.
ISM: Manufacturing index fell in Oct to lowest point of ’24
Domestic manufacturing contracted for the seventh straight month in October, according to the latest report from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). This marks the 23rd time in the last 24 months that it has been in contraction.