The Obama administration has tapped Michigan State University to lead research and development into lighter composite materials for automotive and other industries as a core partner in a national consortium that advances composite manufacturing.
MSU will lead the light-and-heavy-duty vehicle portion of the
Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation. Composite-material research is particularly important to the state of Michigan as the auto industry looks to manufacture vehicles that are fuel-efficient and safe.
Long recognized as a leader in the field of composite materials, MSU is home to both the
Composite Materials and Structures Center and the
Composite Vehicles Research Center.
"These two world-class facilities will serve as the foundation for future work in this program," says Lawrence Drzal, director of the MSU Composite Materials and Structures Center. "We're confident the IACMI will create new jobs, support the expansion of companies and educate technicians and engineers for these industries."
Drzal will serve as director of the Michigan Center for Excellence for the newly formed Institute. The IACMI will focus on advanced fiber-reinforced polymer composites—or materials that combine strong fibers with strong plastics that are lighter and stronger than steel.
The 122-member IACMI is funded by a more than $70 million commitment over five years from the U.S. Department of Energy. Five other states will be part of the project—Illinois, Colorado, Kentucky and Tennessee.
In Michigan, MSU will serve as the primary academic partner and work closely with corporate partners that include the Dow Chemical Co., Ford Motor Col, TARDEC, and General Dynamics Land Systems. The Michigan Economic Development Corp. has committed $15 million in matching funds to the Michigan portion of the Institute.
"Polymer composites are one of the most transformational technologies on the horizon for reducing the weight of vehicles, whether it's automobiles, trucks, trains or aircraft," says Leo Kempel, dean of the MSU College of Engineering. "In concert with our partners, MSU will advance knowledge in this critical area."
Source: MSU Media Communications
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
Got a story idea for Innovation News? Email Ann Kammerer here.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.