Launchpad, March - April 2003
For a full list of proposed, active and closed projects see here
By joining Group Sponsored R&D Projects, TWI Industrial Members gain access to substantial programmes at low cost, with the opportunity to steer work undertaken into areas of specific interest. The following GSPs have been, or are about to be, launched.
Development of computed radiographic procedures to replace film radiography for defect detection in welds and castings
Launched: November 2002
Cost per sponsor: £15 000 pa, two payments
Project Leader: Gary Penney
Duration: two years
During the past decade, radiography, where radiographic images are digitally captured using a variety of direct and indirect methods, has developed rapidly across all industrial sectors and has become routine in medical applications. More recently digital radiography has also been investigated to ascertain its suitability to replace conventional film based radiography using both X and gamma ray sources. Digital radiography, compared with film radiography, has the potential to produce considerable benefits that include time saving, flexibility, space and cost savings as well as a reduced health and safety hazard from the use of ionising radiation. This project is aimed at establishing the current capability of digital radiography to meet the required quality levels of industrial radiographic NDT standards (eg BS EN 1435). The overall goal will be to develop optimum digital radiography procedures so that the corresponding image quality levels and defect detect ability are comparable to those currently achieved with film radiography.
Low cost activating flux for improving the performance of the TIG process
Launched: March 2003
Cost per sponsor: £8 000
Project Leader: Bill Lucas
Duration: one year
Activating fluxes are available commercially to improve the performance of the TIG process. The flux, which is applied to the surface of the material, constricts the arc and produces a dramatic improvement in the operating characteristics. The principal benefits are greater depth of penetration, higher welding speeds and a reduction in the sensitivity to cast-to-cast material variation. Despite these advantages activating fluxes are not widely applied principally because of their high cost. A new low cost, non-toxic flux is now available which has the potential to match the performance of commercially available fluxes without their disadvantages. The objective of the project is to demonstrate the benefits of the new flux for welding a range of materials and components. To facilitate application by Sponsors, a range of welding procedures will be produced which will be approved in accordance with the requirements of EN 288.
YAGPIPE II, Laser pipeline welding. Joint TWI/EWI/Cranfield Project
Launched: February 2003
Cost per sponsor: $30 000 pa, two payments
Project Leader: David Howse
Duration: two years
As part of the existing YAGPIPE Joint Industry Project, hybrid fibre delivered laser/GMAW has been demonstrated as feasible for both high-speed root welding and deeper penetration root/fill girth welding of line pipe. However, developments are required to produce robust welding procedures for a full range of pipe compositions and grades and also to incorporate new advances in the laser and arc processes. The benefits of the hybrid technique are faster pipe lay rates and/or reduced processing station numbers, both of which have the potential to reduce pipe lay costs significantly. The work proposed will deliver qualified pipe welding procedures for a range of pipeline steel grades for both offshore and onshore application and will also investigate various power source technologies for improved processing efficiency and ease of application.
Transport industry aluminium joining process selection guide for auto design engineers
To be launched: April 2003
Cost per sponsor: £20 000
Project Leader: Gene Mathers
Duration: one year
The objective of this project is to develop a dedicated knowledge guide for automotive design engineers providing a concise and quick route to joint design and to material and joining process selection. The proposed work will provide a major source of knowledge for aluminium joining and provide cost savings in the vehicle design process.
