Design, optimization and manufacturing of a unitized carbon fiber/thermoplastic wingbox structure

Vincenzo Oliveri, Daniäl Peeters, Gearóid J. Clancy, David Jones, Ronan O’Higgins, Paul M. Weaver

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Manufacture of high performance large composite aerostructures in an out-of-autoclave process using thermoplastic composites that is cost-effective is highly attractive and, at the same time, technologically challenging. Furthermore, the introduction of variable angle tow composites giving spatially variable stiffness properties provides new ways to design high performance composite structures, by redefining the tailoring concept and allowing overall structural performance to be improved. The focus of this paper is the design and the manufacture of a unitized wingbox demonstrator with variable angle tow skin panels and integrated stiffeners. The entire structure is constructed using thermoplastic composite material with an in-situ laser-assisted automated tape placement machine. The design and optimization processes involve load determination, sizing and lay-up optimization of both the stiffener and the variable stiffness skin panels of the wingbox. The design of a reusable modular mold for manufacturing of the wingbox is also described. The interactions between the overall design process and the constraints imposed by the automated manufacturing technology with thermoplastic composites are also highlighted.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAIAA/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624105326
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018
EventAIAA/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, 2018 - Kissimmee, United States
Duration: 8 Jan 201812 Jan 2018

Publication series

NameAIAA/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, 2018

Conference

ConferenceAIAA/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityKissimmee
Period8/01/1812/01/18

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Design, optimization and manufacturing of a unitized carbon fiber/thermoplastic wingbox structure'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this