SCIENCE-BASED AUTOMATION OF COMPOSITES MANUFACTURING
Abstract
Advanced polymer-matrix composite materials are revolutionizing commercial and military aviation. However, to increase use of composites, a need exists to develop methods to reliably and efficiently make bigger and more complex structures at higher production rates. To date, automation has been an obvious route to more effective manufacturing but has not been as successful as desired. A likely reason is that modern digital technologies, typically captured under the heading of Industry 4.0, are not being effectively and appropriately applied to composites manufacturing. At the most fundamental level, the peculiarities and specific needs of composites manufacturing are not being recognized and addressed. With this project, we will build a small but representative automated fibre placement simulator cell, complete with a range of sensors, and supported by physics-based simulation, data sciences (artificial intelligence/machine learning), and uncertainty quantification methods. We will study the best strategies to get maximum value of an integrated approach to digitalization, thus overcoming the weaknesses of any individual digital technology. The anticipated short-term outcome is an understanding and strategy on how to best use Industry 4.0 technologies to increase productivity in an AFP cell, and the long-term outcome is a blueprint for general strategies for how to best deploy Industry 4.0 technologies in the whole factory, thus enabling the successful digital industrialization of composites manufacturing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 11, 2021
- Source ID
- FA23862014020
Entities
People
- Anoush Poursartip
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of British Columbia