Integration of gass fibre structures in aluminium cast parts for CFRP aluminium transition structures

Weight saving is targeted in different industrial sectors. This leads to increasing numbers of applications of fibre composites for primary structural components. In consequence the use of composites made of FRP and metals are highly attractive. Within the investigations of the researcher group 'Schwarz-Silber' (FOR 1224) funded by the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) new interface structures for advanced FRP-aluminium hybrid structures are currently investigated. By these combinations a weight reduction by a factor of two is aspired compared to conventional riveting connections. This paper focuses the research in the so called fibre concept and the integration of glass fibre structures in aluminium parts via casting technologies. During the investigations of integral CFRP-Al compounds, glass fibre structures were integrated directly into near-net-shaped castings. The challenges are the infiltration of fibre structures with aluminium and a reproducible positioning in the cast part. In this study the high pressure die casting and the Lost Foam casting processes were examined.