Title: Low-Cost High-Rate Aerospace Structural Parts: Application Study

Authors: Aurele Bras, Alejandro J. Rodriguez, Adam Whysall, Scott A. Rogers, Travis Adams, Gail L. Hahn, Sam Hill

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.21.0551

Abstract: Increasing the manufacturing rate for aerospace structural parts through compression molding presents a range of challenges around the accelerated cure reaction, the complexity of some geometrical features, tool design and fiber draping. Those challenges have been characterized and addressed in previous studies, where the feasibility of a 30 minutes takt time was demonstrated. This was achieved through the co-development of prepreg material and processing technologies. The experience and lessons learnt from previous developments are applied in this paper to a case study. This case study is based on the manufacture of a representative commercial aircraft structural part presenting extreme geometrical features. Achieving sub-30 minutes takt time with high quality and repeatable output was made possible through novel tool design methods, as well as enhanced process cycle elements.

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Conference: SAMPE NEXUS 2021

Publication Date: 2021/06/29

SKU: TP21-0000000551

Pages: 16

Price: FREE