AUTOMATED MANUFACTURE OF 3D REINFORCED AEROSPACE COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on exploring an innovative combination of cutting‐edge technologies to be implemented within automated processes for composite parts manufacturing. The objective is the design of a production route for components with tailored fibre orientation and ply lay‐up, with improved damage tolerance thanks to through‐the‐thickness reinforcement and integrated health monitoring systems based on optical fibres technology. This study is part of the FP7 project ADVITAC.Design/methodology/approach – The proposed technologies are described in detail and their compatibility and potential for integration are discussed.A set up for on‐line monitoring of infusion and curing processes of carbon/epoxy laminates preformed by dry fibre placement technology is proposed, and a preliminary study of their mechanical performance is presented. The possibility of reinforcing through‐the‐thickness preforms manufactured with dry slit tapes automatically laid‐up and consolidated by laser he...