Hot news in 2019 covers the latest developments in next-generation aerospace composites, thermoplastics, 3D printing, and shipbuilding and offshore wind. Here are 10 of the news with the highest interest in CompositesWorld in 2019.
01- Spirit Aviation Systems develops new carbon fiber fuselage panel
The 18 × 12-foot demo board debuted at the Paris Air Show for the first time, using integrated skins and stringers to save significant costs and deliver outstanding performance.
02-GA-ASI develops new thermoplastic composite component manufacturing system
American aerospace manufacturer General Atomic Energy Aerospace Systems (GA-ASI) announced in January 2019 that it is developing a new thermoplastic composite component manufacturing system that does not require traditional tools and is expected to be used in aerospace, marine and wind power And other fields.
03-Airbus’ Albatross 1 wing made of composite material
In June 2019, Airbus demonstrated the first flapping wingtip in flight, with the potential to revolutionize the design of aircraft wings and wing boxes. Airbus engineers took inspiration from birds and equipped AlbatrossOne with a unique flapping wingtip, claiming to better deal with turbulence and gusts in flight. It is reported that this remote control verification machine uses the “semi-aerodynamic elastic hinge” design, which can minimize the effects of turbulence and the pressure on the fuselage.
04-Teijin acquires Renegade to expand carbon fiber business in aerospace
The acquisition was announced in February 2019 and is in line with Teijin’s goal to extend its carbon fiber intermediate materials business and expertise to the next generation of aerospace
05-Janicki Industries opens aerospace composite manufacturing plant for carbon fiber composite aerospace parts
The company announced in September 2019 that its 90,000-square-foot plant in Hamilton, Washington, USA will produce carbon fiber composite aviation parts.
06-Arevo launches 3D printed carbon fiber integrated bicycle frame and rims
Arevo’s 3D printed carbon fiber monolithic bicycle frame and 3D printed thermoplastic rims are on display at Eurobike in September 2019.
07-FIBRESHIP showcases hull sections made of fiber reinforced composites
The EU-funded project aims to replace steel on board ships to reduce weight, reduce fuel consumption and reduce carbon emissions.
08-Graphene Alliance produces graphene-reinforced composites
As partners of the European Union-funded Graphene Flagship Alliance (Gothenburg, Sweden), Aernnova (Alava, Spain), Grupo Antolin-Ingenieria (Burgos, Spain), and Airbus (Toulouse, France) as partners, by using graphene Reinforced composite materials create a leading edge for the horizontal rear wing of the Airbus A350. With the addition of graphene, the resins used to produce the leading edge show enhanced mechanical and thermal properties, including reduced fracture rates.
09-GKN Aerospace Produces First Demonstration Wing Components for Airbus’ Wings of Tomorrow Project
GKN Aerospace, UK, announced during the Paris Air Show 2019 that it has produced the first demonstration wing structural components for Airbus `Wing of Tomorrow research project It is a sample of the spar part. GKN Aerospace’s wing technology will significantly increase the productivity of composite manufacturing processes. The use of composite parts can reduce the weight of large commercial aircraft by up to 20%.
10-LM wind power produces the longest wind turbine blades to date
The 107-meter-long blade is designed for GE’s Haliade-X 12 MW offshore wind turbine.