Advanced And Lightweight Composite Outlet Guide Vanes - CACTUS

Important results from the project

The goal set from the beginning was achieved. The project´s aim was to learn more about the Gapped UD material, which is a new type of carbon fiber reinforcement, its permeability and compaction properties, and to study the bonding between titanium and composite materials through various process parameters and experimental tests. The results will be used as guidance for future manufacturing of Outlet Guide Vane with RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) and bonding with its titanium fittings.

Expected long term effects

The results can highlight what are the main focus areas for future research in the fabrication of OGVs with integrated titanium fittings. An important conclusion is that material and process choices need to be evaluated against a real-world application case. The results show that solutions that work well at the material or specimen level are not necessarily directly transferable to a complex component geometry or industrial manufacturing process.

Approach and implementation

The project was well organized with regular meetings between all partners. All the activities were complementary to each other making the overall project well structured. In general, the time plan was followed, but a significant delay occured when an external supplier applied the wrong heat treatment on the titanium substrate. It took long time to get new ones with correct treatment. The good comunication with all partners allowed to go back in track and generate the necessary testing results.