The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Because it takes less energy to move a lighter object, even small reductions in weight can have a significant effect on the fuel consumption and emissions of the transportation sector. Lightweight materials of interest include advanced high-strength steel, aluminum, magnesium, polymer composites, and multi-material structures. Assembling multi-material structures is challenging due to differences in melting temperature, formation of intermetallic compounds, differences in coefficient of thermal expansion, and galvanic corrosion potential.

While the number of joining techniques available to the transportation industry grows, for high-volume production, there is a continued desire for a single joining method that can assemble advanced high-strength steel, aluminum, magnesium, and composite materials consistently and robustly.

The theme of the August, 2019 issue of MRS Bulletin is "Joining of Dissimilar Lightweight Materials." This webinar will expand upon the Bulletin issue, and an interactive Q&A session with the speaker will be held at the conclusion of the presentation.

Talk presentations:

• Advances in dissimilar metals joining through temperature control of friction stir welding
  Kenneth Ross, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
  Talk begins at 13:57
     
  
• Ultrasonic welding of AZ31B magnesium alloy
  Jian Chen, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  Talk begins at 33:00
     
  
• Vaporizing Foil Actuator Welding
  Anupam Vivek, Ohio State University
  Talk begins at 59:57
     

Sponsored by American Elements