Academic research for composite aerostructures - A personal perspective

An overview of composites research arising from more than 10 years of collaboration between a supplier of composite aerospace parts and the author's university research group is presented. The personal perspective underlines the importance of material characterization and design, such as the use of non-standard fibre angles, to promote reduced defect occurrence in manufacturing processes. Detailed Finite Element studies enable the development of new edge treatment methods in standard coupon tests to accurately assess structural performance at the part scale. The collaboration has led to PhD research with industrial impact via significant improvements in both the productivity and reliability of composite parts produced by the industrial partner.