Tailor Welded Blank (TWB) Forming is an important manufacturing process to perform precision automotive assembly. Currently, the wide usage of TWB is hampered by many difficulties on the control of the forming process. This research project investigates a methodology to effectively control the welding movement during the forming process and improve the formability. The investigator will develop both undergraduate and graduate curricula and integrate them with the research activities. In addition, this CAREER plan will explore the teaching techniques and encourage women and minority students to participate in engineering and research. This is a NSF CAREER award to support multidisciplinary research and education activities for faculty in their early academic career years.
