Abstract

The development of structural parts optimized in weight and cost has always been a key aspect in the aeronautical industry. Nevertheless, these premises also appears in other industries. A specific study focused on the automative industry showed the possibility of re-studying a technology analyzed in the past: Short Carbon Fiber injection. The technology offered low recurring costs, high rate possibilities and reliable repetitivity of the processes. Based on these statements, aeronautical parts from the Horizontal Tail Plane (THS) with low structural responsibility were defined as target options. After defining the scope, different engineering and manufacturing studies were performed. The conclusions from both investigations, together with weight and cost estimations, confirmed the potential application of the technology for a present and future implementation. The previous project was included in the project FACTORIA, funded by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, by means of the Centro Tecnológico Industrial (CDTI), in the Strategic Programme CIEN 2016.

Abstract

PLATFORM appear for the need to improve non-intrinsic properties of composite materials, principally its mechanical and electrical properties. The main objective of the project is to analyze the possibility of introducing three new materials in development into the current manufacturing processes, improving the properties of the raw material, more concrectly prepreg unidirectional carbon fibre with epoxy resin. Several material developments are made with carbon nanotubes in three different formats: buckypapers, thermoplastic doped veils and CTN treated prepreg. The implementation of each materials has been studied in current infusion processes, more concretely manufacturing with prepregs and cure in an autoclave. The studied possibilities are: buckypapers incorporated and doped veils embedded in prepreg laminates or full manufacturing with treated prepreg. The obtained results at the 2nd year of the project are satisfactory, but it´s necessary to optimize the materials to automate the manufacturing and improve the final properties.

Abstract

CTAG, together with FORTAPE1 partners, developed an optimized and more efficient system for the manufacturing of parts with complex geometries, based on the use of thermoplatic tapes reinforced with unidirectional fibres (glass and carbon fibre) for its use in the automotive and aeronautical sectors. The effors were focused on the process automation, which enables to obtain high production volumes, and on the material and energy consumption, allowing a considerable weight and cost reduction on the final component. Moreover, CTAG is partnering AEROCAR2 consortium, a project that has started in the third quarter of 2016 and that aims to create a technology transfer network between the automotive and aeronautic sector. The final purpose is to imporve the productivity through the creation of new technologies, materials and/or processes to put into value the synergies between the concerned sectors. The principal challenges to be faced in collaboration with companies and technology centres are the use of new materials and the process automation.