Pilot projects in Aerostructures
1. Advanced design of aerospace composite structures
The aim is to exchange knowledge and training between the EU and UA partners concerning:
UoM’s relevant expertise includes FEM-based failure, fatigue and damage tolerance analysis of composite structures, and design of light weight multifunctional structures. Meanwhile, the UA partners – in particular KhAI and NASU - have experience of analytical-based optimization of composite structures strength, stiffness and buckling performances at early design stages, design of hybrid metal-to-composite joints using micro-fasteners concept and thin-wall airframe structures repair using CFRP composite patches of optimal geometry.
The knowledge exchange is expected to include:
The training is expected to cover:
- Advanced mechanics of composite materials and structures on micro- and macro-level
- Analytical design and FEM simulation approaches applicable for integral composite structures
UoM’s relevant expertise includes FEM-based failure, fatigue and damage tolerance analysis of composite structures, and design of light weight multifunctional structures. Meanwhile, the UA partners – in particular KhAI and NASU - have experience of analytical-based optimization of composite structures strength, stiffness and buckling performances at early design stages, design of hybrid metal-to-composite joints using micro-fasteners concept and thin-wall airframe structures repair using CFRP composite patches of optimal geometry.
The knowledge exchange is expected to include:
- Composite materials and composite structures mechanics (micro- and macro-scale)
- Fast and accurate design and simulation methods applied for composites
- Failure, fatigue and damage tolerance analysis of composite structures
- Innovative experimental methods for micro-scale and macro-scale analysis
- Composite design for future components and structures
- Joining of composite structures (conventional mechanical joints, hybrid joints)
- Stress-strain state, failure initiation and propagation in joints
- FEM modelling of aerospace composite structures
- Virtual design of airframe structures for the entire life cycle
The training is expected to cover:
- Modelling of fatigue behaviour, damage initiation and crack propagations in composite structures
- Multi-scale modelling of composite materials and composite structures
- Design allowables and numerical modelling of airframe structures and joints
- Design of components, tools and facilities for efficient and economic production
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2. Aerospace composite structural health monitoring system
The main goal is to conduct a feasibility study for an aerospace composite structural health monitoring system using a network of embedded sensors - developed by TECPAR member ITWL – for application to Ukrainian aircraft. The project will examine issues such as: composite structure manufacturing, determination of failure mode detection and optimisation of technology for embedding sensors in the composite materials structure at TRL 5 and higher.
Embedding sensors in a composite structure can increase reliability of its operation. However, it may adversely affect the structural properties of the composite. An additional challenge will be linked to the use of sensors for monitoring of composite patch repairs bonded to metal structures. The project will address these issues by developing manufacturing technology guidelines for smart composites structures with self-diagnostics capabilities. Furthermore, the feasibility of preparing a technology demonstrator will be considered e.g. a Ukrainian aerospace composite structure containing the embedded sensor network for structural health monitoring.
Embedding sensors in a composite structure can increase reliability of its operation. However, it may adversely affect the structural properties of the composite. An additional challenge will be linked to the use of sensors for monitoring of composite patch repairs bonded to metal structures. The project will address these issues by developing manufacturing technology guidelines for smart composites structures with self-diagnostics capabilities. Furthermore, the feasibility of preparing a technology demonstrator will be considered e.g. a Ukrainian aerospace composite structure containing the embedded sensor network for structural health monitoring.
