Development of Ultra High Strength (>1GPa) Vanadium Microalloyed Dual Phase Steels For Automotive Lightweighting

Reducing CO2 emissions and improving the crash-resistance of passenger vehicles are two objectives that Canadians all share. One excellent technique to do both at the same time involves substituting existing body components with new advanced high strength steels (AHSS) that are produced with higher tensile strengths (better energy absorption and better anti-intrusion properties) and thinner gauges (significant weight savings leading to better fuel economy and lower emissions). In this project, Canadian steelmaker Stelco Inc teams up with McMaster University and CanmetMATERIALS (CMAT) laboratories in Hamilton to design and produce a new dual-phase 1180 MPa steel strip in their Ontario plants. The new steel will use a novel vanadium micro-alloying technology developed by CMAT and McMaster to provide the highest strength with excellent formability for cold-stamping operations.

Faculty Supervisor:

Hatem Zurob;Colin Scott

Student:

Julien LOUGE

Partner:

Stelco

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

McMaster University