Implementing 3D printers to produce airworthy aircraft cabin parts

The research phase starts with an extensive literature study. To this end, a research question was drawn up, which reads as follows: What possibilities does Additive Manufacturing (AM) offer in airworthy aircraft part production and in what way can suitable parts be selected and redesigned? The most interesting findings from this literature...

The effect of nodal topology on cellular solid mechanics: A preliminary diagnostic experimental investigation

Additive manufacturing allows material structuring, supporting the fabrication of multiple-level structures or metamaterials. Through the lens of classical stress reduction, nature’s cellular solid structures feature stress-homogenizing nodal topologies. Avian long bones are an example. Research into the mechanics of open cell cellular solids...

Design and optimization method for 3D printed carbon reinforced aircraft components

Recent developments in the field of plastic additive manufacturing have seen the introduction of carbon fibres in printed products. These fibres improve the strength and stiffness of the thermoplastic based components. Two approaches are currently seen, the very short fibre embedded in the printing filament and continuous fibres, where the...