Wojciech Kasprzak - Physical Metallurgy/Manufacturing Technologies
Name: Wojciech Kasprzak
Field of expertise: Physical Metallurgy/Manufacturing Technologies
Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
Works at: Natural Resources Canada’s CanmetMATERIALS Laboratory, Hamilton, Ontario
What he studies
Dr. Kasprzak’s research focuses on the development of complex lightweight alloys destined for use in vehicle parts. He studies the corresponding processes for manufacturing these parts such as casting and heat treatment. These technologies will be used in the manufacture of powertrain components such as engine blocks and cylinder heads. Dr. Kasprzak also develops novel testing and evaluation methodologies for materials such as aluminum- and magnesium-based alloys.
What is the importance of his research?
Making vehicles more lightweight is a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase fuel economy and enhance passenger safety. This will help the automobile industry meet more stringent energy efficiency targets aimed at leaving a smaller environmental footprint. Findings could significantly reduce the weight of next-generation vehicles (plug-in, hybrid, fuel cell, bio-diesel, etc.), improving fuel economy. For every 10 percent reduction in weight, the fuel efficiency of combustion-powered vehicles can improve by 6 to 8 percent.
Interesting fact
Using lightweight alloys allows the engine to withstand higher combustion temperatures and pressures, which can contribute to higher combustion efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. For example, a small passenger vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine could reduce fuel consumption even further if its engine could withstand operating temperatures beyond the range of 150 to 200°C.
Current research project
Development of the Heat Resistant Al based Alloys for Light Weight Diesel Engine Applications. Development of manufacturing routes for the production of cost-effective automotive cylinder heads by shape casting.
Key publications
W. Kasprzak, M. Niewczas, 2012. Evaluation of Structure and Properties of Cast Al-Si based Alloy with Zr-V-Ti Additions for High-Temperature Applications, Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, (in press).
W. Kasprzak, J. H. Sokolowski, H. Yamagata, M. Aniolek, H. Kurita, 2011. Energy-Efficient Heat Treatments for Hypereutectic Al-Si Engine Blocks Made Using Vacuum High-Pressure Die-Casting, Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, Volume 20, Issue 1, p. 120.
W. Kasprzak, D. Sediako, M. Walker, M. Sahoo, I. Swainson, 2011. Solidification Analysis of an Al-19 Pct Si Alloy Using In-Situ Neutron Diffraction, Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, Volume 42, Issue 7, pages 1854-1862.
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