3D Fibre-Reinforced Composites for Future Multifunctional Guide Vanes (3DFuture)

Purpose and goal

This project addresses the need for developing light weight and multifunctional materials for use in load carrying aerospace structures. This is particularly beneficial in reducing overall weight of an engine, thus leading to improved fuel efficiency. In this project, this challenge is addressed by introducing the use of novel carbon fiber 3D-reinforcements that are interwoven with metallic filaments to heat a component (outlet guide vane) for the purpose of deicing. Furthermore, the use of 3D woven preforms has the added benefit of reducing material waste as they are near net shape.

Expected effects and result

The project is expected develop knowledge in the use of multifunctional 3D woven reinforcements to be potentially used in aerospace structures and their production. Besides this, the project is expected to investigate the thermal and mechanical properties of these novel materials through testing. Finally, a material model to predict the mechanical behavior of this novel material under various loading conditions will be developed and implemented in a finite-element software.

Planned approach and implementation

This project will be carried out as a gränsgångare project as a joint effort between Chalmers university of technology and GKN Aerospace. The project is based on a strong link between theoretical work, experimental verification of material behavior using testing and manufacturing. Coupon tests will be used to identify the various mechanisms in multifunctional 3D woven composites. Using this knowledge, a material model will be developed in order to further understand the behavior of such materials and their potential use in aerospace structures.