Heat treatment and materials selection for reliable electrified drivelines (HeatDrive)

Purpose and goal:

This project aims to develop a lab-based methodology to assess failure mechanisms which are expected to accentuate as loading cycles increases with electrical motor drivelines. The goal is to conculde which of current manufacturing concepts, i.e. steel grade in combination with heat treatment, that best meets the tougher requirements. Moreover, to build knowledge that can be exploited in further material- and process development by the industry to provide even better solutions for increased driveline performance.

Expected results and effects:

Electrification provides an opportunity for the Swedish metal-, vehicle- and manufacturing industry to increase their competitiveness by providing material- and process solutions which can meet or even exceed tougher requirements on power transmitting components. For instance, electrification of long-haul transports, which require compact, lightweight, and highly efficient drivelines.

The project results should contribute to reliable drivelines, as rotational speeds increase by at least one order of magnitude. Approach and implementation:

The project will run two in work packages (WP): WP1 focus on lab-based methodology for ultrasonic fatigue testing of carburized case-hardening steels. WP2 focus on gear-wheel fatigue by using resonant testing machines. The project will benefit from expertise from several parts of both heavy-vehicle- and rock-tool value-chains. The project will disseminate by reports and seminar.