(19)
(11) EP 0 605 915 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
01.02.1995 Bulletin 1995/05

(43) Date of publication A2:
13.07.1994 Bulletin 1994/28

(21) Application number: 93203492.9

(22) Date of filing: 13.12.1993
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)5B22D 19/04, B22D 19/14
(84) Designated Contracting States:
DE FR GB

(30) Priority: 08.01.1993 US 2449

(71) Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
Detroit Michigan 48202 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • Morgan, Mark Robert
    Tennessee 37064 (US)
  • Couch, Harry Junior
    Tipp City, Ohio 45371 (US)

(74) Representative: Denton, Michael John et al
Patent Section 1st Floor Gideon House 28 Chapel Street
Luton Bedfordshire LU1 2SE
Luton Bedfordshire LU1 2SE (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
   
       


    (54) Fail-safe composite-cast metal structure and method


    (57) A method for manufacturing a structural component (100) includes forming a groove (104) in an outer surface of a fibre-reinforced body (102). Molten metal is introduced to an exposed surface of the groove (104) and to a predetermined portion of the outer surface of the body (102). The cast metal (106) is cooled in a controlled manner to thermally alter sufficient resin (103) in the body (102) so as to create a secure interconnection of the cast metal (106) on the body (102). The cast metal (106) adjacent the groove (104) is sized so that it will fail prior to separation of the cast metal (106) from the body (102) under excessive tensile loads. A portion (108A) of the cast metal (106) remains on the body (102) so that elongation of the component significantly exceeds ultimate elongation of the fibre-reinforced body (102) and the cast metal (106).







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