Weaving wings

Engineers at the University of Ulster are taking part in a project to determine how 3D woven textiles can be used to make components for the next generation of aircraft structures and aeroplane engines.

Carbon fibre is currently widely used in the aerospace industry, traditionally in a laminated form, where multiple layers of the material that have been previously impregnated with resin, are laid one on top of the other to achieve the required component properties. The multilayer component is then heated under pressure, producing a cured composite part.

This project involves weaving carbon fibre into 3D shapes as required by the aerospace industry. Essentially the project involves the weaving of the carbon fibre to the required thickness and shape in one operation and then injecting it with resin to produce the composite part.

The project team, who are sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry, will also be devising computer systems on which the woven materials can be created and tested in a virtual environment, reducing manufacturing times and costs.