Simulation Driven Design for MAnufacturing of Next GeneRaTion LightwEight AeRoengine Components

Important results from the project

Advanced simulation models have been developed in the Smarter project to be used in the development of lightweight components made from aerospace-grade composite materials for the next-generation aircraft engines that GKN is targeting. These models provide important information about the forming process and subsequent residual stresses and deformations from the hardening step. These are crucial steps in the design phase and tooling to achieve net-shape aero engine components. GKN expects to implement the methodology in its internal design methodology.

Expected long term effects

This work greatly supports GKN´s development activities and offer of innovative lightweight outlet guides for next-generation aircraft. The goal is to reach a technical maturity level higher than TRL4 in 2024 for the process simulations considered in this project.

Approach and implementation

The project plan has been followed with only minor deviations. Despite a delay of approximately 4 months for the manufacture of cure tool, demonstrators have been able to be manufactured in good time before the end of the project. Project meetings have been held on a monthly basis with more detailed technical meetings for the various work packages. The project has enabled good collaboration between industry (GKN, Dynamore, Nordtool), academia (KTH) and institutes (RISE).