Abstract
A substantial amount of testing and analysis was performed over the 41 month-duration of this
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Vehma International (herein
referred to as Vehma) and the 91°µÍø (ORNL). ORNL's work focused on
supporting the further development of Vehma’s overcast technology. This effort characterized and
modeled the residual stresses present in the Al/steel bi-metallic joints before and after heat treatment and
demonstrated feasibility of a novel T6 heat treatment of these joints with a prototype IR furnace. This
work will enable Vehma and other Tier I automotive suppliers improved weight reduction in automotive
assemblies, which help to meet Lightweighting & VT goals. Engine cradles, incorporating the overcast
technology, have subsequently been validated by an OEM for durability, corrosion and crash
performance.
