{"id":15729,"date":"2020-03-31T11:09:03","date_gmt":"2020-03-31T10:09:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.compositestoday.com\/?p=15729"},"modified":"2020-03-31T11:09:04","modified_gmt":"2020-03-31T10:09:04","slug":"usaf-cheaper-composite-parts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.compositestoday.com\/2020\/03\/usaf-cheaper-composite-parts\/","title":{"rendered":"USAF Researchers Improve Composites Process for Engine Parts Fabrication"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Aircraft engine inlet ducts provide the engine compressor with a constant supply of air to prevent the compressor from stalling. Since the inlet is directly exposed to the impacting airflow, it must create as little drag as possible. The smallest gap in airflow supply can cause major engine problems as well as significant efficiency losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part of the Air Force 2030 Science and Technology strategy includes the deployment of low-cost Unmanned Aerial Systems in mass to assist in future near-peer engagements. In order to realise this vision, new manufacturing strategies need to be identified which can support the rapid manufacturing of high-quality aerospace components at costs that are lower than what is currently available using legacy manufacturing processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Air Force Research Laboratory\u2019s<\/a> Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies Division and the contractor team of Cornerstone Research Group, A&P Technology and Spintech LLC, conducted research to quantify the benefits of replacing legacy manufacturing processes with novel processes for the fabrication of an 11-foot long, S-shaped engine inlet duct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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