The University of Notre Dame and South Bend-based Manufacturing Technology Inc. are partnering to develop a new rail joining process.
The Federal Railroad Administration awarded the project a $4.6 million grant over three years. The FRA awarded the grant as part of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program, which is focused on improving safety and reliable rail transportation.
Robert Landers, advanced manufacturing collegiate professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering, and Edward Kinzel, the Viola D. Hank collegiate professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering, both in the College of Engineering, are leading the low force friction welding project.
“This homegrown partnership between Notre Dame and MTI is a perfect example of how innovative ideas and new processes — developed right here in South Bend — have the potential to make an impact that benefits our whole country, and beyond,” Landers said in a press release. “By bringing together experts from across the academy and industry, we have the opportunity to improve safety and address economic issues associated with the railroads across the U.S.”
MTI President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Adams is a 1995 graduate of the university and is directing the implementation of the grant with MTI colleague Simon Jones, director of aerospace development and low force.
“MTI has spent decades advancing friction welding technologies for some of the world’s most demanding applications,” said Adams in a press release. “Now, we’re applying that experience to the rail industry through low force friction welding. Together, we’re working to demonstrate a practical path forward for the next generation of rail welding by reducing the force, energy and equipment footprint required to produce high-integrity rail joints.”
Undergraduate and graduate students at Notre Dame will also have the opportunity to participate in the research.
Steel Dynamics Inc. based in Fort Wayne and Pandrol based in Ohio also are supplying steel and other parts for the project.
MTI is family owned and was founded in 1926. It employs more than 200 people worldwide.
