MSE Colloquium: Alan Luo, Advanced Light Metals and Manufacturing for Lightweight Structures

Abstract

Advanced light metals are increasingly used in the transportation industry for weight reduction and structural efficiency. This talk presents the development of new aluminum and magnesium alloys using classical and computational thermodynamics and the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagrams) approach coupled with critical experimental validation. The presentation will also summarize the latest process innovations in light metals manufacturing (casting, forming and joining) for structural applications. Process simulation and multi-scale microstructure modeling techniques are used to develop and optimize these manufacturing processes. Lightweight structure design often requires multi-material solutions, using integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) tools. Examples are given in the design evolution of multi-material lightweight automotive powertrain, interior, chassis and body structures.

Bio

Dr. Alan Luo is a GM Technical Fellow at General Motors Global Research and Development Center in Warren, MI. Dr. Luo has 12 patents and more than 150 technical publications in lightweight materials and advanced manufacturing. He has won two John M. Campbell Awards for his fundamental research, and three Charles L. McCuen Awards for research applications at GM. Dr. Luo received ASM (American Society of Metals) Materials Science Research Silver Medal in 2008, and USCAR (United States Council for Automotive Research) Special Recognition Award in 2009. He has been selected to receive the 2013 Brimacombe Medalist Award from TMS. Dr. Luo’s research is also recognized by several Best Paper awards from SAE (Society for Automotive Engineers), TMS (The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society) and AFS (American Foundry Society).