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Summary
A new type of self-supporting platform for railway vehicles to be produced using innovative CO2 laser welding technology was studied.
Optimum structures, using simulation with the finite element method, were investigated in search of an alternative structure to the conventional solution of aluminium alloy extrusions but which is equivalent in terms of static behaviour and stability.
An appropriate and focused study was made using the relevant research, as well as extensive mechanical, metallurgical and structural tests to identify optimum parameters of the CO2 laser welding process for lap welding of AISI 304 stainless steel.
Five different structural solutions were pre-selected to produce the various testpieces of structural components, with dimensions of 300 × 700 mm. One of these was produced by laser welding, as a preliminary prototype, to be subjected to successive mechanical tests, still in progress.
Also in progress is the construction of other testpieces with different geometries. Finally, some of the more significant potential applications of this type of structural component are reported.