Process requirements to incorporate thermoplastic components inside an aircraft

Bombardier Aerospace is interested to understand effects of the process parameters on the stamp forming of components made from thermoplastic composites. Prior to incorporation inside a flying product the following aspects... [ view full abstract ]

Bombardier Aerospace is interested to understand effects of the process parameters on the stamp forming of components made from thermoplastic composites. Prior to incorporation inside a flying product the following aspects need to be understood and validated: material characteristics, cost & cycle time, safety, design for environment and quality. In this study, configuration of the parts have some degree of complexities from simple L shape structure to pressurized door corner. Multi-variable geometries will evolve toward the most challenging shape to be molded including different laminate configurations. Bombardier has formed a consortium in partnership with ETS, Concordia and Delastek in order to address the following challenges ahead of this manufacturing approach: understand advantages and limitations of the process (lead by Prof Martine Dubé, ETS), developing reliable simulation tools (lead by Prof Pham Tan, ETS) and developing quality and repeatability criteria along with guidance for improving manufacturing process (Lead by Prof Hoa Concordia).

In this paper an update on the progress achieved in this project are to be presented. Further details of the achievements in manufacturing process of more complicated parts and simulation tools are to be presented by our partners in this conference. Furthermore, future applications intended to be used by Bombardier will be presented.