CARBODIN

The success of the European rail system requires cost-efficient passenger trains with high capability and reliability. The development of these high demanding trains involves a concerted effort in improving a comprehensive range of elements. CARBODIN contributes to this effort by combining the research effort along with the future CFM-IP1-01-2019 and the ongoing CFM-IP1-01-2017 projects to manufacture car body shell parts, doors and to improve the interior design of passenger trains. CARBODIN will improve car body shell manufacture by exploring the possibilities offered by composite materials. To this end, CARBODIN advocates for a modular tooling to manufacture a wide range of parts of varying size. In addition, the proposed process will combine different production techniques, automation concepts, introduction of co-cured and co-bonded composite parts and multi-material integrated joints and inserts. Besides, predictive maintenance will be reinforced by testing intelligent sensor nodes. Composite materials will also be the core idea for cost-efficient doors with reduced LCC. The creation of modular tooling combined with 3D technology will enable the production of lighter doors with enhanced thermal and acoustic properties in the door and its vicinity. CARBODIN will facilitate the design of attractive train interiors by developing a configuration tool based on virtual reality. This will be complemented by innovative manufacturing tools for interior components. Other strategies for improving cost-effectiveness of manufacturing processes such as the integration of low-volt circuits in panels will be also explored. CARBODIN also aims at improving the performance of the future HMI system through a European survey to identify key interactions such as drivers’ gestures or voices. CARBODIN will benefit from a strong multidisciplinary consortium, made of 14 partners from 7 countries, committed to the mentioned actions towards maximisation of the project’s impact.