Aerospace project secures funds for developing lightweighting technology
A joint project between ÉireComposites, Plasma Bound and TU Dublin will be supported by the DTIF.
Photo Credit: ÉireComposites
ÉireComposites (Galway, Ireland), Plasma Bound (Dublin, Ireland) and Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin, Dublin, Ireland) have obtained funding for the Ad Astra project. The work will be supported under the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) Call 5, which is led by the government of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.
Lightweight composite materials’ strength-to-weight ratio versus metal alloys provides reduced weight and increased fuel efficiency, but rapid, cost-effective bonding of these materials can be challenging. Effective surface preparation is a prerequisite for achieving a strong, durable bond, but current surface preparation techniques can be highly labor intensive, increasing process costs.
Plasma Bound has developed a surface treatment called controlled polymer ablation (CPA), which is applied prior to the bonding of lightweight composite materials. This automated and highly repeatable process, previously prototyped successfully by ÉireComposites, is designed to selectively remove the top layer of the polymer via plasma ablation with minimal thermal input and without damaging the fiber reinforcement of the composite material.
TU Dublin, the third partner of the team, brings its material testing and surface characterization capabilities to the consortium. These skills will be utilized to show that the CPA process results in higher forces prior to failure. When performing against traditionally prepared surfaces, the CPA technology is said to demonstrate improved repeatability, reliability and sustainability.
The development of the plasma ablation process through the DTIF helps remove barriers and enables greater adoption of lightweight materials in multiple areas of the manufacturing process for the aerospace industry. In addition, it intends to generate further economic growth in all regions of Ireland and create high-quality jobs for skilled people who live and work in rural Ireland.
Related Content
-
A new era for ceramic matrix composites
CMC is expanding, with new fiber production in Europe, faster processes and higher temperature materials enabling applications for industry, hypersonics and New Space.
-
Manufacturing the MFFD thermoplastic composite fuselage
Demonstrator’s upper, lower shells and assembly prove materials and new processes for lighter, cheaper and more sustainable high-rate future aircraft.
-
Plant tour: Spirit AeroSystems, Belfast, Northern Ireland, U.K.
Purpose-built facility employs resin transfer infusion (RTI) and assembly technology to manufacture today’s composite A220 wings, and prepares for future new programs and production ramp-ups.