Potentially Will Make Aircraft Lighter, Improve Performance

A thermoplastic composite rib has been built by Daher for use in the test wing box built as part of the Composite Aircraft of the Future platform led by the French Civil Aviation Research Council (CORAC) initiative in 2018.

The process, which is covered by several patents filed by Daher, will allow it to manufacture more complex parts and offer a variety of materials with a goal of reducing production costs. The process will give aircraft manufacturers alternatives and ways to compliment metal and thermoset parts. Thermoplastic composite materials are more resilient and are recyclable, where other materials are not.

Curing thermoplastic matrices requires the application of heat and pressure in very short cycles, meaning shorter production times. The material is also reusable multiple times, which can open new possibilities in terms of welding and repairs. The overall benefit is to make aircraft weigh less cut fuel burn and improve overall performance, which can lead to increased profitability for manufacturers.

"We offer trailblazing technological expertise such as the ability to make structures out of thermoplastic composites, which symbolizes Daher's R&T prowess," said Dominique Bailly, R&T Director. With this new thermoplastic composite rib, we have shown we can make parts that are 35% lighter than their metal equivalents for the same cost. Our goal is to develop alternative ranges that will allow us to make even lighter structures more cost effectively to meet the needs of aircraft manufacturers in terms of profitability and productivity."

(Source: JEC Group. Image courtesy of JEC Group)

FMI: www.daher.com, original story