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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/H87711/01
Title: AUTOMOTIVE COIL SPRINGS - STEEL SELECTION AND PROCESSING TO GIVE MINIMUM WEIGHT COMPONENTS.
Principal Investigator: Short, Dr D
Other Investigators:
Roberts, Mr G Grieve, Dr D Plane, Dr D
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Pre Nexus Migration
Department: Mechanical & Marine Engineering
Organisation: University of Plymouth
Scheme: LINK
Starts: 01 October 1993 Ends: 31 March 1997 Value (£): 112,131
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The effects of process variables upon the microstructure and mechanical properties of coil springs will be investigated in order to develop steels with a UTS approaching 1850MPa, whilst retaining adequate fatigue properties. Microstructural characterisation and quantification of strain/ temperature effects on solid state transformations through all stages of the processing of the springs will be carried out on both the currently used steel and an alternative. This will identify the processing window for improved strength. Allied to this the initiation and growth of short cracks will be assessed to identify microstructural initiation sites and the effects of residual stress fields upon fatigue growth in the short crack regime. These will be investigated at different stress levels and closure effects will be quantified. Modelling of short crack fatigue behaviour will then be used as a link from microstructure to the macroscopic aspects of fatigue behaviour. These will include property evaluation in terms of S/N curves, Bauschinger effects and hyteresis leading to a logical lifing philosophy for current and improved springs.
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Organisation Website: http://www.plym.ac.uk