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Optimisation of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) and Laser Beam Welding (LBW) for assembly of structural aircraft parts

Objective

Riveting is the defacto method for the assembly of aluminium aerostructures, with large commercial aircraft fuselages typically containing 100’000s of rivets. However, riveting is known as a time-consuming, expensive and weight-adding operation. From a design perspective, it also places holes and point loads in a cyclically pressurised structure, subject to long-term fatigue loading and corrosion. Thus is not an ideal solution for these types of structures.

With developments in precision laser beam welding (LBW) and friction stir welding (FSW), it is now possible to fabricate “rivetless” aluminium aerostructures using welding processes. These new processes produce a lighter weight, distributed load path with the potential for enhanced strength and structural stiffness, ‘no holes’ and a smoother (more aerodynamic) surface. In addition to being more structurally efficient, the new processes are cheaper and reduce inspection & maintenance requirements.

The OASIS project will establish and demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of manufacturing aluminium aircraft structures using the latest developments in LBW and FSW (with appropriate inspection to aerospace standards). The project is led by TWI, who are leaders in both LBW and FSW techniques. Together with 6 other European organisations, we will design, demonstrate and evaluate the suitability of a range of process variants in creating optimised aluminium aircraft structures, including appropriateness for emerging alloys (e.g. 3rd generation Al-Li, 2nd gen Scalmalloy®). ESAB who will offer a commercial route for adoption of suitable processes; as suppliers of both LBW and FSW solutions to the European aerospace supply-chain (and who hold unique FSW IP).

The impact of OASIS will ultimately allow improved design and manufacture of lighter-weight aluminium aircraft structures. This will contribute to the flightpath 2050 goals of reduced fuel burn, superior operating efficiencies and reduced emissions.

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Topic(s)

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CS2-RIA - Research and Innovation action

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-CS2-CFP06-2017-01

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Coordinator

TWI LIMITED
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 690 223,76
Address
GRANTA PARK GREAT ABINGTON
CB21 6AL CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom

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Region
East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 690 224,51

Participants (6)

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