Multimaterial technology is critically dependent on joining techniques, for example in the lamination of sandwich panels and also for the structural joints between multimaterial components such as edge connections for composite sandwich structures. The Network is developing guidelines for selection and specification of joining methods for multimaterial applications.
The environmental impact of new multimaterial products must be analysed on the basis of a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment. Recent LCA tools have been evaluated and applied to determine the effects of multimaterials development on the environment. Best practices are being defined for clean manufacture and material recycling.
A systematic structure has been defined to model the development process for new multimaterial products and case studies are used to demonstrate the application of this systematic approach. A directory of databases has been compiled and test methods for measurement of multimaterial properties are being reviewed. Where appropriate, new methods for characterisation of multimaterials will be proposed.
The process technologies for multimaterials have a direct effect on the cost effectiveness of manufacture and the performance of the finished product. Process developments are addressing these issues and are also concerned with requirements of clean manufacture to meet environmental acceptance standards. Process control methods and quality assurance procedures are being evaluated to provide guidelines for achieving optimum product reliability.
Many analytical techniques are available to predict behavioural characteristics of engineering structures but they are often difficult to apply, require substantial computing capacity and their accuracies are unproven. Leading users of different modelling methods are sharing their experiences to compile a manual of recommended procedures for analysis of multimaterial structures based on best practice. Case studies will provide illustrations of the application of different modelling tools.
The specification of multimaterials should be based on a detailed analysis of objective functions. The product design must also satisfy standards, codes and practices prescribed by various authorities. These constraints are being reviewed and compared between different industry sectors to provide a set of relevant design criteria for multimaterial applications.