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.
The design shall incorporate considerations towards:
- Repair & recycling
- Manufacturing & joining technologies for metal, composites and multi-material designs
- Integrated systems of sensors for structural health monitoring and damage diagnosis
- Flexible structures with morphing capabilities.
While keeping the focus on safety and low weight, this approach will bring environmental benefits during operation as well as in material efficiency, among others:
- Reduced maintenance efforts by ease of repair approaches
- Reduced fuel consumption by enhanced aerodynamic performance
- Design of parts from recycled feedstock
- Extending durability (for example via modularity solutions)
- Recyclability of the material at the end-of-life
To achieve the aims set for the design stage of circular aviation, the unique composition of partners´ know-how along the entire value chain of aircraft components will allow them to gather a set of requirements and information about relevant materials and processes related to the aeronautical environment. The efforts will be led by partners TU Delft, INVENT and DLR with inputs from all other partners.