SBIR Phase II: A Novel Joining Process for Tubular Structures in Automotive and Aerospace Applications

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and commercialize the Magnetic Pulse Welding (MPW) system, a novel materials joining process. The goal is to establish MPW as a reliable and economic method to weld tubular structures. The project will conduct research and engineering that will address the critical technical hurdles for the commercial implementation and dissemination of the new welding technology. The commercial applications would revolutionize the assembly process of the hydroformed tubular structures in automotive chassis and space frame applications. This process will promote the hybrid automotive body structure design that uses tubes of both aluminums and steels and will enable joining of different materials such as titanium to superalloys for aerospace and electronic applications.