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Software

Developing a Digital Twin to Model Fatigue in 3D-Printed Spacecraft Parts

The rapid production of custom components for rockets and satellites is often essential to support design modifications, repairs, and operational needs in space travel....

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Materials

Gore Challenges Wet Sealing with Dry Sealant for Permanent Aircraft Structures

For decades, wet sealing has been accepted as a necessary constraint in aerostructure manufacturing, despite its impact on throughput, variability and necessary...

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Materials

European Researchers Develop Self-Healing Composite Material for Spacecraft

Healable spacecraft structures could soon be possible thanks to cutting-edge composite technology. Swiss companies CompPair and CSEM, and Belgian company...

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Manufacturing & Prototyping

Argonne AI Tools Power Safer, Faster Aerospace Inspections

Artificial intelligence (AI) is helping industry move faster, safer and smarter. A research collaboration among Spirit AeroSystems Inc., the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s)...

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Manned Systems

Can This Self-Healing Composite Make Airplane and Spacecraft Components Last for Centuries?

Researchers have created a self-healing composite that is tougher than materials currently used in aircraft wings, turbine blades and other...

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Materials

The Critical Impact Of SAE Aerospace Standards: Certified AS1895/7 and /23 Metal Seals

In an industry where failure is not an option and precision is paramount, aerospace manufacturers and suppliers are constantly seeking components and...

Articles

Defense

How Lightweight Coatings Protect Aerospace and Defense Electronics

While stresses such as altitude changes, vacuum, vibration, moisture and chemical exposure have the potential to wreak havoc on electronic components, conformal coatings have become essential to providing protection in the midst of these challenges. Read on to learn more.

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Test & Measurement

Using Ultrabright X-Rays to Test Materials for Ultrafast Aircraft

This might seem like an obvious statement, but designing an aircraft that flies at five to seven times the speed of sound is difficult. Paradoxically, materials for...

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Materials

Controlling Heat Spikes in Electric Aircraft at Takeoff

Researchers at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University and Brazil’s Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA) will combine forces on one of the main challenges of electric aircraft...

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Aerospace

A New Quantum Materials Research System

Scientists at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) have a powerful new tool to accelerate discovery in quantum materials for advanced electronics. The laboratory recently completed installation of...

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Materials

Developing Processing Technology for Aluminum and Composite Aircraft Structures

LOT Aircraft Maintenance Services is implementing a product innovation focused on eliminating the currently used chemical and mechanical technologies for...

Podcasts

Materials

Extreme Environments, Precise Solutions: Technologies Enabling Space Vehicles Advancement

John Mark, Space & Defense Business Manager, Omniseal Solutions, is the guest on this sponsored interview episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast to explain the role that advanced materials and sealing technologies provide in space vehicles.

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Materials

New Copper Alloy Could Provide Breakthrough in Durability for Military Systems

U.S. Army researchers, in collaboration with academic partners, invented a stronger copper that could help redefine the use of high-temperature materials in...

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Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Can Microvanes Improve Fuel Efficiency for Legacy Air Force Aircraft?

Air Force Operational Energy and Air Mobility Command are entering the final phase of evaluation for Microvane drag reduction technology on the C-17 Globemaster III....

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Materials

Clean Sky Demonstrator Fuselage Shows Potential of Thermoplastics in Aircraft Production

Suspended between discrete skeletal jigs, it wouldn't attract a second glance on an aircraft assembly line. Yet inside an anonymous hangar in northern...

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Manufacturing & Prototyping

How the Navy is Using Additive Manufacturing to Protect Submarine Hatch Bolts

Commander, Submarine Forces is researching the usage of additive manufacturing (AM) technology to address operational needs, in collaboration with midshipmen from...

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Defense

How Off-Gassing Keeps Divers, Submariners Safe From Toxin-Releasing Materials

Everyone knows that new car smell — the chemical odor wafting off the new plastics, fabrics and other materials in a vehicle's interior. Those smells are caused...

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Aerospace

Characterizing the Performance of Variable Emissivity Materials in Space

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) launched the Space Power InfraRed Regulation and Analysis of Lifetime, or SPIRRAL, experiment, Nov. 4, 2024. SPIRRAL, flown by...

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Materials

Top Aerospace OEMs Taking Action to Prevent Unapproved Parts From Entering Supply Chain

The Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition released its report recommending specific actions the aerospace industry should take to help prevent...

Articles

Materials

Making the Rounds in Aerospace: Tooling and Techniques for Discs, Blisks and Rings

Aerospace engine components like discs, blisks and rings are engineered to perform in extreme operating environments. They need to withstand intense heat and stress and be as lightweight as possible to meet exacting specifications. Read on to learn more about these components.

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Materials

Is the Department of Defense Stockpiling Enough Critical Materials?

The Department of Defense (DoD) maintains the National Defense Stockpile to store materials that are strategic and critical to defense and essential civilian needs in times...

Articles

Design

Beyond Boundaries: Elevating Aerospace Design with Fluorosilicones

The introduction of fluorosilicones helped solve the immediate issues faced by the aerospace sector, but also set a new standard for material performance in challenging operational environments. Consequently, these types of silicones have become a critical component in the design and manufacturing of aircraft. Read on to learn more.

Briefs

Manufacturing & Prototyping

Testing Military-Grade Adhesive in Extreme Loading Conditions

Military performance requirements for adhesives have been traditionally derived to fulfill niche defense needs in harsh operational environments with little consideration for dual-use commercial potential. Read on to learn more.

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Materials

Air Force to Flight Test Drag-Reducing Finlets, Microvanes and Riblets on Legacy Aircraft

The Department of Defense (DoD) relies on airborne logistics to support global military operations, and airlift and air-to-air refueling are both...

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Manned Systems

US Companies Advance DoD Investment in Rare Earth Materials Supply Chain

Since 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) has invested $400 million into U.S.-based companies to expand the domestic supply chain for rare earth materials needed to...

Application Briefs

Materials

Cold Spray Technology

Naval Air Systems CommandNaval Air Station North Island, CA(619) 545-3415www.navair.navy.mil In the realm of naval aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul, a transformative technology is taking flight. At the heart...

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Regulations/Standards

Boeing 737 MAX 9 Fleet Grounded Following In-Flight Loss of Cabin Door Plug

The Federal Aviation Administration has grounded 171 in-service Boeing 737 MAX 9s following an Alaska Airlines flight involving the aircraft type last week....

Articles

Materials

How to Select the Right Silicone for Space Applications

Selecting the right silicone manufacturer with a proven track record of extensive experience in the application and customization of space-grade silicones is as important as considering the materials’ function, purity and process requirements when choosing a silicone for space applications.

Briefs

Green Design & Manufacturing

Towards Sustainable Recycling of Epoxy-Based Polymers: Approaches and Challenges of Epoxy Biodegradation

Epoxy polymers are widely used in various industries. However, the disposal of epoxy polymers and composites thereof has become a significant concern due to their recalcitrant nature and the adverse environmental effects caused by traditional recycling methods.