HBM has introduced a new version of nCode, one of its important brands, namely, nCode DesignLife version 8, which will be available from February 2012.
Validation of the new adhesive joints method in nCode DesignLife was conducted with the testing of a number of Jaguar XJ "Body-in-White“ using variable amplitude loadings
Studies have proven that lightweight vehicles are more energy efficient and emit less greenhouse gases. For the manufacture of lightweight vehicles, adhesive bonding is extensively used. Adhesive bonding helps in assembling aluminum alloys, high strength steels and other dissimilar substances and also provides better strength against fatigue when compared with steam welding and seam welding.
A fracture mechanics-based technique that produces minute alterations in the body of the vehicle is used in nCode DesignLife 8. This is a co-venture project where the Volvo Group has worked on the development of the basic theory for this technique and the ‘Bonded Car’ Collaborative research group is responsible for software execution and testing. The ‘Bonded Car’ Collaborative research group includes Henrob and Stoke Golding Applied Research, Coventry university, Warwick University and Jaguar Land Rover and Innoval Technology. The Collaborative research and Development Programme, which belongs to the Technology Strategy Board co-funded this project. Technology Strategy Board is an executive non-departmental public body, which was founded in 2007 and funded by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, Government of UK.
“A fracture mechanics approach to durability calculations for adhesive joints”- a paper on this new version of nCode will be presented at SAE 2012 World Congress at Detroit, MI, USA from April 24 to 26 and a free webinar will be conducted on 23, February, 2012.