Work Stream I: Materials
New materials for rolling stock (WP2)
WP2 is focused on novel resin development for further manufacturing of fiber reinforced composites which fulfil the stringent requirements for the fabrication of carbody parts for the railway sector in terms of cost, mechanical and FST (Fire, Smoke and Toxicity) requirements. Currently 24 new composites have been manufactured and assessed within WP4. |
Structural joints for railway applications (WP3)
In Mat4Rail joining technologies will be developed and qualified and related with design and assembly processes for primary, load carrying, multi-material structures for carbodyshells and doors. The joining technology which primarily is being applied will be adhesive bonding without and with combination of other joining technologies. Besides carrying loads, adhesive joints may yield other functionalities like mechanical damping, electrical and thermal insulation and compensation of different thermal expansion of unequal materials. The focus of the work on joining technologies in Mat4Rail will be: 1) to develop a methodology to prove operational stability for structural adhesive joints and combinations with other joining technologies (riveting and bolting) and 2. Develop concepts for structural joining technologies for dissimilar and/or polymeric materials which follow the requirements for maintenance and repair and for refitting. |
Testing and characterisation (WP4)
The new improved FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastics) composites and joints are characterised and tested in this work package. The reaction-to-fire properties (i.e. ignitability, heat release, smoke and toxicity) are tested according to the requirements in the European railway standard for fire behaviour of materials and components, EN 45545-2. The fire resistance (i.e. fire insulation, smoke and flame tightness, and structural integrity) of composite structural components and joints is demonstrated in reduced scale tests according to requirements in EN 45545-3. The mechanical properties of composites and joints are characterised and tested. Design load assumptions for fatigue strength assessments of components of rail-way vehicles will be developed on the basis of measurements. Static load and fatigue properties will be determined for the new components and additionally for repairs. |
Access door systems (WP5)
WP5 addresses the search for new materials for access door systems (composites, metallic alloys, etc.) and their integration techniques (“one-shot” processes, welding & adhesive processes…) through innovative approaches, considering production costs, manufacturing aspects & railway constraints. Partners expertise from relevant industrial sectors (e.g aeronautical) is also being implemented in this WP, in order to integrate innovative materials and processes for the railway sector. |