Rassini, a Mexican industrial company engaged in the design and manufacturing of suspension and brake components for the automotive industry, has partnered with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) for the research, development and innovative use of composite materials in vehicle design. Their collaboration will focus on engineering a thermoplastic suspension system fully recyclable for its entire lifecycle. The success of this effort could ensure automakers are provided with eco-friendly technology embracing the new paradigm in design, from cradle to cradle, the two organizations say.
The three-year agreement provides UAB School of Engineering students the opportunity to closely examine and study the applications for thermoplastic fiber-reinforced polymer in a vehicle’s suspension system with access to accredited professionals. Specifically, the program focuses on designing and creating reference models, methodologies and tools for rapid product innovation and realization for leaf springs in the light truck market.
“As the demand for composite materials continues to grow across all industries, Rassini is committed to improving its work product,” said Bob Friedrichs, vice president of corporate engineering, NA Suspension Group at Rassini. “At Rassini, we want to leverage our technological expertise and help identify state of the art concepts that generate significant contributions related to thermoplastics and suspension design. We’re pleased to be initiating this relationship with UAB in an effort to accelerate technologies for product and process innovation.”
This initiative also will help automotive OEMs meet demanding fuel economy regulations. By producing a lightweight alternative to vehicle suspension, carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced, which will impact the OEMs ability to comply with CAFÉ standards.
UAB and Rassini previously collaborated together in 2014 in the development of a lightweight, high-performance vehicle that competed in the Grand Touring Lite classification in the Sports Car Club of America. Also in partnership with Polystrand and PPG Industries Inc., the project tested the latest in continuous fiber thermoplastic composite technologies under extreme driving conditions, gathering data and insights into the part’s performance.
“Besides the productive synergy of industry ‘pull’ and the technology push from UAB researchers, this opportunity gives our students exposure to the professionals at Rassini and affords them a unique opportunity of solving current industry-related problems in a fast-paced, real-world situation,” said Brian Pillay, Ph.D, associate professor and director of UAB’s Materials Processing and Applications Development (MPAD) Center. “The experience they will receive will be invaluable as they prepare for their careers in engineering.”
“This is an excellent example of how the School of Engineering faculty is striving to meet UAB’s strategic goals,” said Iwan Alexander, Ph.D., dean of UAB School of Engineering.
