Development of innovative automated solutions for the assembly of multifunctional thermoplastic composite fuselage

In this study, the development of innovative tooling and end-effector systems for the assembly of a multifunctional thermoplastic fuselage is presented. The increasing demand for cleaner and new aircraft requires utilising novel materials and technologies. Advanced thermoplastic composites provide an excellent material option thanks to their...

Development of a multifunctional fuselage demonstrator

This paper discusses the development and underlying requirements of a multifunctional lower fuselage demonstrator for a new single aisle aircraft undertaken as part of the Clean Sky 2, Large Passenger Aircraft – Platform 2. The demonstrator will validate high potential combinations of airframe structures, systems, cargo and cabin technology...

Virtual testing of thermoplastic composites: Towards a hybrid simulation-physical testing pyramid

This paper summarizes the implementation of a Virtual Testing methodology in an industrial environment to predict the mechanical behaviour of composite material through the different scales of the conventional physical testing pyramid. A robust Virtual Test Lab allows for the generation of virtual allowables, while advanced interface models...

Design and Analysis Methodologies for Inflated Beams

The central theme of the thesis is bending behaviour of inflated beams. Three different types of beams have been analysed for the bending load case: a straight cylindrical beam made of anisotropic foil material, a conical beam made of an isotropic foil material, and a carbon fibre braided beam. The last two types have been optimised for minimum...