Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) is a well-established manufacturing process for the fabrication of high-quality composite structures using pre-impregnated carbon fibres. The main research hypothesis proposes the possibility of performing a qualified structure-mechanical evaluation of the cured structure based on production defects in the uncured component. The necessary real-time information to detect and classify production defects is provided by a thermographic process monitoring. This newly acquired knowledge describing the mechanical impact of production defects such as gap, overlap, fuzzball or twisted tow provides an unprecedented basis of decision-making on the type and necessity of corrective measures. Compared to conventional methods of non-destructive failure analysis (e.g. ultrasonic testing, active infrared thermography, eddy current measurement, X-ray or computed tomography), it is possible to prove the defect during the production process. Therefore, the defect correction takes place much earlier and is less expensive. Furthermore, the current 100% ultrasonic testing conducted on cured structures can be significantly reduced or replaced by specific testing at critical points. This improvement in productivity and process reliability of the AFP technology leads to a significant increase in efficiency along the entire AFP process chain.

Beam-based FE-modelling of complex intersection elements using unconventional stiffener structures for aircraft fuselages

Numerical analysis of lift and drag coefficients of wind turbine blades under icing conditions

Development of a data bus for real-time data transmission of meteorological instruments onboard the unmanned aerial system Carolo P360 "ALADINA"

Nonlinear FE-modelling of additively manufactured titan parts and analysis of thermal displacement

Feasibility study and improved construction of the front landing gear on the unmanned aerial system Carolo P360 "ALADINA"

IT support for the administration of the TU Braunschweig