Title: Novel Composite Fabrication Methods for Engine Strut AFT Fairing Assemblies

Authors: Kevin Robbins, Steve Crouch, Eugene Manchur, Richard Cole, Ali Yousefpour, Marc-André Octeau, Marc Palardy-Sim, Trevor Bartkiewicz, Andrew Kosie, Goran Fernlund, Christophe Mobuchon, Chris Marek, Fred Doern, Yann Couture,Nick Cicchine, Alastair McKee, Laura Petrescue, and Jason Shim

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/c.19.0644

Abstract: The Canadian Composites Manufacturing Research & Development consortium’s CCM10 project challenged the current paradigm for Engine Strut Aft Fairings, which are typically composite panels assembled to a metallic skeleton, by investigating the feasibility of an integrated composite structure using three unique fabrication technology thrusts: Out-Of-Autoclave, Resin Transfer Molding, and Thermoplastics. The project included design and manufacturing demonstration of sub-scale and full-scale structures integrating side panels, keel, frames and stiffeners into one part, removing drilling and fastening labor as well as weight of the fasteners.

Each technology thrust was led by a different member of the consortium. Each thrust team completed sub-scale activities focused on development of design and manufacturing approaches to address the challenges posed by the complex fairing structure. The technology thrust teams were tasked with a target of 25-50% improvements in cost, weight and cycle time while maintaining excellent first pass quality, and each team’s proposed full-scale solution met these objectives. The sub-scale results led to a full-scale demonstration article fabricated using the Resin Transfer Molding process. This paper outlines the design and manufacturing development activities undertaken as well as the results achieved.

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Conference: CAMX 2019

Publication Date: 2019/09/23

SKU: TP19-0644

Pages: 15

Price: $30.00