Design and manufacture of advanced and lightweight structures for aircraft Spinner Dome.
Problem
This project is focused on addressing the icing protection technology on the aircraft Spinner Dome and assessing the use of a new electro-thermal icing protection system using an all-thermoplastic composite structure.
Objective
The objective of this project is to demonstrate the HELIOS thermoplastic Ice Protection Technology, as a robust and reliable solution for the aircraft Spinner Dome in three phases. This project focuses on Phase I, which includes the development of a Spinner Dome demonstration.
Technical Approach
Qarbon Aerospace will lead this project effort that will include the following:
- Perform an icing protection analysis to meet Spinner Dome requirements, and design, manufacture, and test a prototype structure.
- Manufacture test panels and perform mechanical and/or electrical characterization tests for candidate thermoplastic composite material(s).
- Characterize forming material properties with expected and actual outcomes through trials and development processing of subscale Prototype Spinner Domes.
- Make recommendations to the Spinner Dome based on the forming process simulations and trials. Manufacture a subscale Spinner Dome prototype.
- Conduct a manufacturing cost estimate for producing the Prototype Spinner Dome in a production-intent environment.
- Survey opportunities for thermoplastic composites to be utilized on Department of Defense platforms.
- Purchase prototype equipment to evolve automated manufacturing process techniques to optimize time and efficiency for thermoplastic product manufacture in production representative parts.
Project Participants
Project Principal
Other Project Participants
- Composite Automation
- Ray Engineering, LLC
Public Participants
- U.S. Department of Defense