Aerospace

Space

Optimization software improves small, low-cost satellite design

Ames Research Center’s (Moffett Field, Calif.) designs and builds a low-cost, small spacecraft on a quick turnaround, using a modular strategy based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts and with the aid of several design software packages and finite element solvers.

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Automotive

The BMW i3 is coming, but will consumers buy in?

BMW gets a lot of credit for its aggressive use of composites in the i3, but consumers still must make the switch to an all-electric lifestyle.

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Molds/Tools

Revisioning the Viper: Clamshell hood challenge

Autoclave-cured carbon-fiber prepreg hood/fender combo proves as technically formidable as it is visually stunning.

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Aerospace

Following 787 fire, time to repair carbon fiber fuselage

The fire on board the Ethiopian Airlines 787 presents Boeing with the challenge of a large composite repair project — possibly the largest of its kind.

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Aerospace

Cutting the cost of integrated composite aerostructures

A unitized all-composite aircraft door concept is realized in one shot with no fasteners.

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Software isolates, identifies porosity-related flaws in tooling from fuselage test data

Software and composites manufacturing data specialist NLign Analytics, a division of Etegent Technologies (Cincinnati, Ohio) helps identify and track product flaws caused by tooling porosity.

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Aerospace

Janicki Industries: Breaking the mold

Once known only as a toolmaker, Janicki offers unique precision, production capability and problem solving as it pioneers leading-edge composites technology.

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Sustainability

Beyond the battlefield: UAS technology 2012-2022

The next 10 years look promising for composite-intensive unmanned aircraft as technical and legal advances open access to civil airspace.

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Space

Composites aid connectivity on commercial aircraft

General Dynamics’ triband radome helps LiveTV team overcome transmissivity challenges during development of in-flight broadband services.

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Aerospace

2013 JEC Europe new product showcase

The JEC Europe 2013 trade show (March 12-14, at the Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles, Paris, France) was the venue for introductions of a large number of new composite materials, technologies and manufacturing processes. Here's the HPC editorial staff's compilation of what was on display.

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