Advanced Materials - February 2020
Breakthroughs in plastics, composites, metals, and other materials technologies are enabling exciting new applications in industries ranging from aerospace to automotive to medical. Read more in this Special Report, a compendium of recent articles from the editors of Tech Briefs, Aerospace & Defense Technology, and Automotive Engineering magazines.
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Overview
The Special Report on Advanced Materials from February 2020 presents a comprehensive overview of innovative materials and techniques that are shaping the future of engineering and manufacturing. The report highlights several key areas of focus, including lightweighting strategies, advancements in structural adhesives, and the evolution of materials for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
One of the primary themes of the report is lightweighting, which is increasingly critical in automotive and aerospace industries to improve fuel efficiency and performance. The report discusses various techniques for achieving lightweight designs, emphasizing the importance of using advanced materials that maintain structural integrity while reducing weight.
Structural adhesives, which gained traction in low-volume automotive applications in the 1980s, are now becoming mainstream. These adhesives enable manufacturers to bond different materials effectively, contributing to the overall lightweighting of vehicles. The report notes that the integration of structural adhesives is a significant trend in modern vehicle design, allowing for more efficient use of materials and improved performance.
The report also delves into the rapidly evolving field of ADAS technologies, which include features such as automatic emergency braking, collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control. The global market for ADAS is projected to grow significantly, driven by increasing consumer demand and regulatory support. The report highlights the ongoing advancements in sensor technology, including the miniaturization of sensors and the integration of multiple sensor types into single units. This evolution aims to enhance performance, reduce costs, and improve safety through better data fusion from radar and camera systems.
Additionally, the report discusses the development of specialized thermoplastics that offer greater design flexibility compared to traditional materials. These new materials are essential for creating compact and cost-effective ADAS technologies, enabling engineers to consolidate parts and improve overall system performance.
Another notable innovation covered in the report is a 3D-printed polymer-based foam structure designed to respond to shock waves. This material features a unique configuration of tiny holes that allows it to act as a one-way switch in shock wave applications. The report details how computer modeling and testing were used to refine the material's design, resulting in a product that can effectively localize shock wave energy, making it suitable for various protective applications.
The report also addresses environmental concerns related to fluorescent lights, which contain mercury and rare earth metals. It emphasizes the importance of safely recycling these materials to prevent environmental contamination and support the recovery of critical resources.
In summary, the Special Report on Advanced Materials provides valuable insights into the latest advancements in materials science and engineering. It highlights the importance of lightweighting, the role of structural adhesives, the evolution of ADAS technologies, and innovative materials like 3D-printed foams. These developments are not only enhancing product performance but also addressing environmental challenges, making them crucial for the future of manufacturing and design across various industries.
