Precision Reliability through Digital Weld Inspection for Structural Efficiency - PREDWISE

Purpose and goal

Fatigue failures represent some of the most critical events, having an impact on the structural integrity of aero engine components. In welds failures typically arise from localized defects from manufacturing, which must be captured by inspection. Different simulation methods for weld life exist and will be investigated and validated to experimental tests in this project. By implementing advanced digital weld inspections and using digital twins in the new fatigue strength models, the weld life predictions will become more accurate.

Expected effects and result

Todays´ manual measuring techniques used to characterize weld surface geometries are time consuming and the ability to capture refined effects can be improved. Enhancing the understanding of quality impact and its´ connection to process parameters by introduction of digital twins can significantly reduce development durations and thereby strengthen the industries competitiveness and resource efficiency. The project will adopt the findings to develop new industry standards and design methodologies.

Planned approach and implementation

The project encompasses several work packages including: digital inspection of welds in aerospace components, development of enhanced fatigue life estimation models, extensive fatigue testing, exploration of sustainable development frameworks in production manufacturing and dissemination of results.