New Simulation Model Predicts Crash Performance in Future Vehicles
Erik Lundholm, PhD student in solid mechanics at Luleå University of Technology, has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation. Erik’s research provides the automotive industry with new tools for predicting the material properties and crash performance of press hardened steel components.
Press Hardening in the Automotive Industry
Press hardening is a manufacturing technique developed in Luleå that is now used globally to produce ultra-lightweight and crash-safe automotive components. In his dissertation, “A Modeling and Experimental Study of Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Press Hardening Steel,” Erik Lundholm presents new, advanced models for simulating how steel changes during the manufacturing process.
Digitization of the Entire Manufacturing Chain
The research was conducted as part of the PROCHAIN research program. The program’s overarching goal is to use simulation tools to integrate the entire process chain. By understanding how a material’s previous manufacturing history affects hardening, the industry can predict the final mechanical properties and optimize the component long before it is physically manufactured.
Strategic Industry Collaboration via CHS
The project has been coordinated through the CHS (Centre for High-Performance Steel) at Luleå University of Technology. CHS serves as a vital research bridge between academia and world-leading industry partners. The work has been funded by Gestamp Hardtech and carried out in close collaboration with SSAB.
Thesis
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