GKN completes demonstration of OOA composite research program

GKN Aerospace reported on May 13 that it has successfully concluded a composite manufacturing and assembly research program using of out-of-autoclave (OOA) processes and materials and Pi-shaped woven preforms.

These technologies, says GKN, are among those with the potential to transform the future manufacture and assembly of large composite aerostructures and produce the performance gains the industry seeks in the next generation of airframes.



The OOA Composite Processing Phase II program used OOA materials to design, develop and manufacture an affordable, lightweight, blended aircraft wing box featuring integrally stiffened skins, complex contours and four stringer shapes. The manufacture of the parts used vacuum bag technology and the low-cost tooling that becomes practicable when curing outside the extreme autoclave environment. The wing box was then assembled using fastener-free, impregnated Pi joints. 


Stephen Grojean, materials and process engineer, GKN Aerospace, says, “As an industry we are striving to improve airframe manufacture by reducing airframe cost and weight. To achieve these goals we are designing larger, lighter, more integrated aircraft structures. This program addresses two of the major challenges we face: overcoming the limitations imposed by autoclave curing and proving effective fastener free, joining processes. The results we have achieved serve as a technology enabler allowing us to progress to next stage in composite wing structure and blended wing box manufacture.”




The final report on the OOA Composite Processing Phase II program is available through the U.S. Defense Technical Information Center, includes detailed achievement and lessons learned.