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Optimal tooling system design for large composite parts

PROJECTS
Funding
European
European Union
Duration
-
Status
Complete with results
Geo-spatial type
Other
Total project cost
€287 740
EU Contribution
€215 805
Project Acronym
OPTOCOM
STRIA Roadmaps
Vehicle design and manufacturing (VDM)
Transport mode
Airborne icon
Transport policies
Societal/Economic issues,
Safety/Security
Transport sectors
Passenger transport,
Freight transport

Overview

Call for proposal
SP1-JTI-CS-2012-01
Link to CORDIS
Objectives

The general objective of the project was to smartly handle the overall process of the composite integrated parts production, reducing costs in two ways. First, by adequately simulating the spring back produced after the curing process and providing solutions in order to reduce the costs of reworking or assembly. Secondly, by simulating the thermal model of the set tooling/composite part/vacuum bag and auxiliary parts under autoclave conditions to optimize the cure cycle temperatures distribution creating more uniformity in the composite part, lower residual stress, lower energy costs and better environmental friendliness. Given the large number of parts produced and their growth, the importance of the target is large.

For that general purpose, the first specific objective of the OPTOCOM project was to carry out all the necessary steps to design and manufacture large tool for a composite complex structural part, typically a double curvature fuselage stiffened panel with co-cured stiffeners of about 2x1sqm. The stiffening elements shall be of both “Z” type and “Ω” type cross section. Requirements such as high accuracy and rigidity, typical autoclave conditions, CTE matching, durability, minimal weight, provisions for transport, handling and accessories integration for easy demoulding, was imposed.

Secondly, was to develop analytical and FEM models which adequately simulate the distortions and spring back occurring in the curing process. This required to establish the correct hypothesis and to obtain real material performance behaviour both along the curing process and when the composite is cured, in order to be introduced into the model.

Third, was to set up FEM simulation models to assess the thermal behaviour and temperature evolution of the set of elements that get in the autoclave in order to optimise the thermal ramps and maps in the composite part.

Finally, an analysis of the design and manufacturing tooling costs to assess benefits and procedures was made.

Funding

Parent Programmes
Institution Type
Public institution
Institution Name
European Commission
Type of funding
Public (EU)
Specific funding programme
JTI-CS - Joint Technology Initiatives - Clean Sky
Other Programme
JTI-CS-2012-1-GRA-01-049 Optimal tooling system design for large composite parts

Results

Executive Summary:

OPTOCOM Project, full title “Optimal Tooling System Design for Large Composite Parts” was a FP7 project of 12 months (extended to 15 months), which began on December 2012. The project was related to the Call for Papers of Clean Sky: SP1-JTI-CS-2012-01. It was being developed in the frame of the Green Regional Aircraft programme and its activity code is: JTI-CS-2012-1-GRA-01-049.

OPTOCOM consortium is composed of just one partner: FIDAMC, a research institute located in Spain that acts as coordinator.

Partners

Lead Organisation
Organisation
Fundacion Para La Investigacion, Desarrollo Y Aplicacion De Materiales Compuestos
Address
Avda Rita Levi Montalcini (Tecnogetafe) 29, 28906 Getafe, Spain
Organisation website
EU Contribution
€215 805
Partner Organisations
EU Contribution
€0

Technologies

Technology Theme
Composite materials
Technology
Composite fuselage sections
Development phase
Validation
Technology Theme
Composite materials
Technology
Composite materials for structural purposes in the aircraft
Development phase
Validation

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