Design & Tooling
Preforming goes industrial: Part 2
Automated preforming isn’t only for 2D and 2.5D parts. Innovators are taking successful aim at building 3D preforms at production speeds.
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Variable-axial composites open path to lighter composite structures
CFRP recurve bow riser demonstrates design and manufacturing approach with potential to cut weight vs. aluminum by 50-75% while increasing strength and stiffness.
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How ready are progressive damage analysis tools?
In the past 15 years, progressive damage analysis (PDA) for composites, implemented in finite element analysis software, has been under development.
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RTM-based redesign advances safety for one-of-a-kind wind tunnel
Glass fiber and honeycomb spacers between compressor blades get upgraded to a higher factor of safety with less weight using solid carbon fiber and RTM.
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Shape Machining shapes Elemental sports car
Designed and manufactured by a team of ex-McLaren designers, the recently launched RP1 features advanced aerodynamics and novel composite solutions, including an all-carbon composite passenger tub built to Formula 1 strength and stiffness standards.
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Composites in transit: Rolling robotic “stuff carrier” the new must-have
PPF’s Gita can move at a human walking pace or can accelerate up to 35 kph, fast enough to keep pace with a runner.
Read MoreAdditive manufacturing and composites: An update
Additive manufacturing has only begun to tap the potential available in the composite industry.
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Preforming goes industrial: Part 1
ATL and AFP-based preforming options now abound for processing dry and/or impregnated reinforcements as quickly as 1 minute or less with potential yearly part yields in the millions.
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3D printed tools are in production at Dassault Falcon Jet
The trend of employing polymeric additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing for composite tooling is growing.
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Accelerating materials insertion: Where do virtual allowables fit?
In the quest to reduce the time and cost for aerocomposite design allowables development, will conventional physical testing and virtual testing go head-to-head or work side-by-side?
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