MULTIPHYSICS AND MULTISCALE MODELLING OF AERONAUTICAL COMPONENTS
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- POC
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- MULTIPHYSICS AND MULTISCALE MODELLING...
The autoclave process is the primary fabrication method for aerospace composites. It requires expensive trial-and-error to set a cure cycle for complex components. This experiment aimed to optimize the process with advanced simulations to maximize component quality while minimizing time and costs.
Start date: 01/06/2021
Duration in months: 18
Problem Description
Manta Group aims to improve the autoclave moulding process for aerospace composites by using multi-scale and multi-physics numerical simulations to find optimal process parameters, reducing development times and costs compared to the current trial-and-error approach.
Goals
Reduce time to solution
Challenges
Innovative materials and geometries increase defects and rejects in finished components. High mechanical stresses during curing and expensive trial-and-error approach led to long development times and high costs.
Innovation results
Two numerical models were created using HPC resources to optimize autoclave process parameters. They predict dimensional variations of laminates and resin flow during pressure application. The HPC-backed simulation workflow helps Manta Group find optimal manufacturing parameters quickly.
Business impact
MANTA plans to save €100.000 annually by reducing design costs, material waste, and raw material usage. CETMA anticipates increased turnover from new R&D projects and consultancy services, while CINECA plans to become MANTA's HPC resource provider and attract new customers.