SRMS · Investigation of mechanical properties, reversing energy absorption, ultrasound monitoring and identification of progressive failure behavior of 4D printed meta structures

Investigation of mechanical properties, reversing energy absorption, ultrasound monitoring and identification of progressive failure behavior of 4D printed meta structures

The project seeks to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the global automotive and aerospace industries: the need for sustainable materials and structural solutions that can contribute to the sector's transition towards achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2030-2050. As the demand for higher efficiency and performance continues to grow, the aerospace sector faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, particularly in terms of material usage, manufacturing processes, and energy consumption. This challenge is compounded by the growing complexity of designing lightweight, high-performance structures that can withstand the rigorous demands of modern aerospace applications, such as ultra-high aspect ratio wings and morphing structures. The overall objective of the project was to develop innovative, sustainable composite materials and design methodologies for the next generation of high-performance automotive and aerospace structures. These materials will combine advanced bioinspired, morphing features with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to optimize weight, energy efficiency, and overall performance. The project focused on the integration of these sustainable composites into aerospace components that can not only perform under extreme conditions but also offer greater durability, reduced maintenance needs, and environmental benefits. The project’s impact pathway involves tackling key challenges within several critical areas, including: Material Sustainability: Developing and testing bioinspired composite materials that minimize environmental impact while maintaining or improving the performance of existing aerospace materials. Design Optimization: Innovating new structural design methodologies that leverage these advanced materials for optimized stiffness, crashworthiness, and aerodynamics in complex structures, such as morphing wings and fuselage components. Manufacturing Innovation: Exploring advanced additive manufacturing processes, tailored for the production of these novel composites, which offer both precision and scalability for large-scale production. The scale and significance of the expected impacts are substantial, as the research and innovations developed within this project are expected to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of automobile and aerospace manufacturing processes, lower lifecycle costs of components, and contribute to global efforts to meet sustainability targets. In particular, adopting these advanced, sustainable materials could revolutionize the design and manufacturing of lightweight structural components, thereby reducing the overall energy consumption of aircraft during production and operation. This is expected to lead to a major reduction in carbon emissions over the coming decades, with far-reaching implications for global climate targets. Furthermore, this project also holds broader socio-economic impacts, including the potential to stimulate economic growth by fostering new industries, creating high-value jobs, and improving European competitiveness in the global aerospace sector. By developing novel technologies and materials, this project is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of sustainable aerospace engineering. In addition to the technical advancements, the project integrates social sciences and humanities by exploring the societal implications of advanced aerospace technologies. This includes examining the ethical considerations surrounding the adoption of new materials and manufacturing processes, as well as ensuring that the benefits of these technologies are distributed equitably across European regions. Engaging with stakeholders across academia, industry, and policy-making bodies, the project seeks to align technological innovation with societal needs and concerns, ensuring that the transition to a sustainable aerospace sector is both inclusive and responsible. In conclusion, the project aims to deliver a transformative leap forward in the design and manufacturing of aerospace structures, offering sustainable solutions that will support the EU’s ambitious goals for a greener, more sustainable future while enhancing the competitiveness of European industry.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз