New IRT Jules Verne publication improves manufacturing of composite materials with Skin Model Shape application
A recent study by the French CAELESTIS partner Institut De Recherche Technologique (IRT) Jules Verne used the Skin Model Shape (SMS) concept to improve precision in composite part assemblies. Their research integrated advanced tools and technologies to streamline the design and assembly of composite materials, thereby boosting efficiency and sustainability in aircraft manufacturing.
A New Twist on the Concept of Skin Model Shape
The concept of Skin Model Shape (SMS) has been already around for more than a decade. Initially proposed by N. Anwer & al. in a paper published in 2014, the main idea behind SMS is to propose parts representations with geometric deviations in the discrete geometry framework for Computer-Aided Tolerancing (CAT).
In the new IRT Jules Verne study, published in the Procedia CIRP journal, CAELESTIS researchers have outlined an application of the SMS to a full product/process tolerancing assembly analysis process of composite parts, with a numerical workflow between different software components.
Thereby, the French scientists realised the Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) process simulation of composite parts, with systematic shape distortions estimation, through the so-called PAM-RTM/DISTORTION® process. The product/process uncertainties propagation ensured to capture the random geometrical variations, by using the OpenTurns® open source software.
The IRT Jules Verne team further conducted the assessment of the tolerances with virtual coordinates measurements, from extracted nodal points of the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) meshing. The CAELESTIS researchers then measure the final effects of the tolerances of the parts on a mechanical assembly by a tolerancing stack-ups analysis, using the MECAmaster® simulation tool.
Multiple benefits for next-generation aircraft
The new findings proposed by IRT Jules Verne CAELESTIS scientists will bring multiple benefits for the design and (digital) manufacturing of next-generation aircraft in Europe. Enhanced precision, reduced waste, and streamlined operations can lead to the production of higher-quality aircraft, reduced costs, and shorter development cycles. Ultimately, this will contribute to more efficient and competitive European aerospace engineering and production sector.
Find out more about IRT Jules Verne’s work with CAELESTIS
IRT Jules Verne is an industrial and collaborative research centre specializing in manufacturing leading the CAELESTIS work package on “Digital manufacturing and defects prediction” (WP4).
Visit irt-jules-verne.fr to find out more.
