Holistic Concept for Efficient Composite Manufacturing

Research output: ThesisDoctoral Thesis

Abstract

Composite materials proved highly successful for aerospace applications in the last decades but increased cost pressure forces the composite industry to become more efficient [3]. Production is dominated by a multitude of possible different technologies with individual technical and economic characteristics and manufacturing complexity is strongly influenced by design choices. The high material costs, labour or investment intensive processes and quality costs make composite parts highly expensive. To reduce part manufacturing costs a holistic approach based on three principles was developed to increase composite processing efficiency. The ALPHA cost tool allows fluid estimation from the first concepts to final decisions and combines estimation flexibility with advanced two level uncertainty management [2]. APOLLO provides support in the course of production planning and is designed to decrease throughput times, streamline production and increase autoclave utilization. It allows production order optimization at the conjunction of discrete layup manufacturing and batch curing processing with the restriction of limited allowed storage time of the prepreg material prior to cure [3]. And during final production ARTEMIS is a concept of sensor integration and process monitoring to improve process stability, part quality and reduce overall scrap rate. The economic effects of cure time and process stability are analysed through case studies and discussed with respect to technical capabilities and limitations [4]. The complex composite manufacturing requires efficiency efforts to be a continuous process throughout all product phases in order to effectively reduce production costs.

Details

Translated title of the contributionWirtschaftlichkeit und Kostenschätzung in der Composite Produktion
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDr.mont.
Awarding Institution
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Schledjewski, Ralf, Assessor A (internal)
  • Mitschang, Peter, Assessor B (external), External person
Publication statusPublished - 2019