CIRCULAR AVIATION BEGINS WITH DESIGN

In order to achieve the paradigm shift necessary for circular aviation, new approaches are needed to substantially increase the sustainability of the aircraft structural frame (airframe). This begins with fully understanding the requirements and opportunities of recyclable materials for new approaches and re-thinking design aspects from the bottom up covering:

• Design requirements for aircraft applications with particular focus on 1st and 2nd life materials and integration of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM)
• Circular Design for coupons, i.e. small samples of the material(s) used for material characterization
• Circular Design for structural elements, i.e. hybrid joints used for various analysis
• Design for flexible wing with morphing capabilities, increasing aircraft performance while enabling circular alternatives to maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations (MRO)

As such, the requirements gathered will result in specifications to enable lightweight design with largely recyclable materials and embedded functionalities.