The project aims to significantly reduce aviation emissions by using topology optimization and advanced composite materials to replace metal brackets used on aircraft.
Composite scaffold
Advanced manufacturer Arris Composites (Berkeley, California, USA) revealed a research project in collaboration with Airbus (Toulouse, France) that focuses on the production of cabin supports. The project aims to demonstrate a significant reduction in aviation emissions by using innovative manufacturing methods and materials, including composite materials.
According to Arris, replacing the metal bracket (220 grams) with topology-optimized, 3D aligned continuous fiber composite parts (50 grams) reduced the weight by more than 75%; this also translates into highly optimized fuel savings, as hundreds of Such a bracket is an important part of an airplane. For example, manufacturing 100 airplanes a year, each equipped with 500 brackets, plus 50,000 lighter weight brackets, will help save 113 million metric tons of fuel and reduce 357 million metric tons of carbon dioxide during the entire life cycle Emissions (the impact of weight loss on fuel savings) and the conversion factor from fuel to carbon dioxide emissions.
The relevant person said: "Airbus is moving towards cleaner and more sustainable air travel, and needs to explore disruptive ideas with significant impact and practical applications to achieve this change." "The way we design and manufacture aircraft is changing. Change occurs because emerging technology companies like Arris share and realize our vision for better air travel. We know that bionics, topology optimization, and advanced composite materials are the future directions, and Arris is helping us integrate these designs and materials Combine ideals to create the future of flying today."
In addition, Arris Composites pointed out that its additive molding technology, which combines additive manufacturing (AM) and high-speed compression molding processes, will have a huge impact on replacement parts and future aircraft structures, proving that it is possible to reduce carbon emissions. Airbus itself is committed to exploring such technological approaches to support its vision of achieving more sustainable air travel for future generations.