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Aerospace

Researchers Introduce New Digital Calibration Method for 'Born Qualified' Parts

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, is developing a comprehensive suite of capabilities to ensure that additively...

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Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Army Advances Additive Manufacturing From Experimental Tech to Enterprise Sustainment Tool

The U.S. Army’s adoption of additive manufacturing took another major step forward in March with the opening of a new “Additive Makerspace” at...

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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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Manufacturing & Prototyping

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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Materials

How Biomanufacturing Could Transform Defense Material Production

Biomanufacturing uses biological materials to create new materials. For example, bioengineered spider silk is lighter than carbon fiber and stronger than Kevlar — making it...

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Materials

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)...

Articles

Aerospace

Plasma Surface Activation for Stronger, More Durable CFRP Bonds in Aerospace

Achieving reliable adhesive bonds on CFRP surfaces remains a persistent engineering challenge. Plasma surface treatment has emerged as a pivotal solution, offering a fast, controllable, and non-destructive way to increase surface energy, improve wettability, and enhance adhesion across complex geometries. Read on to learn more.

Briefs

Aerospace

Next Generation Carbon Fiber Composites 3D Printer for Hypersonic Research

In collaboration with Auburn University’s Center for Polymers and Advanced Composites and the Department of Aerospace Engineering, the institute recently acquired a CF3D Enterprise Cell — a next-generation 3D carbon fiber composites printer set to define the future of the nation’s hypersonic programs. Read on to learn more.

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Materials

European Researchers Leverage AI in Manufacturing Rocket Parts

Artificial Intelligence (AI), promises many benefits in all domains, and rocketry is no different. The European Space Agency’s Future Launchers Preparatory Program(FLPP) is...

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Design

New 3D-Printable Nanocomposite Prevents Overheating in Military Electronics

U.S. Army and university researchers collaborated to develop a 3D-printable material using tiny particles that conduct heat and can be used to more efficiently cool...

Articles

Materials

Selecting the Best Plastic for Spacecraft Applications

The purpose of this article is to present some design considerations when selecting plastics for use in spacecraft. Read on to learn more.

Articles

Test & Measurement

Confidence Through Testing: How to Design a Practical Structural Test Program

Here, we share a practical approach to building a structural testing strategy grounded in real-world challenges.

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Manned Systems

A New Aircraft Recycling Program for Thermoplastic Composites

Toray Advanced Composites, Daher, and TARMAC Aerosave recently announced the launch of a joint End-of-Life Aerospace Recycling Program for commercial aircraft production. Working...

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Aerospace

A New Platform for Developing Advanced Aerospace Metals at Scale

Companies building next-generation products are often limited by the physical constraints of traditional materials. In aerospace, defense, energy, and industrial tooling,...

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Materials

3D Printing Parts for Ships, Submarines and Underwater Vehicles

Additive manufacturing has been a game-changer in helping to create parts and equipment for the Department of Defense’s (DoD's) industrial base. A naval facility in...

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Manufacturing & Prototyping

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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Aerospace

Supernova to 3D Print Military Grade Energetic Materials

The American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation (ACMI) has awarded a $2 million subcontract to Supernova Defense & Space to 3D print military-grade energetic materials.

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Manned Systems

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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Test & Measurement

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

Using Artificial Intelligence to Find the Polymers of the Future

Finding the next groundbreaking polymer is always a challenge, but now Georgia Tech researchers are using AI to shape and transform the future of the field. Rampi Ramprasad’s group develops and adapts AI algorithms to accelerate materials discovery. Read on to learn more.

Articles

Green Design & Manufacturing

Aitiip Integrates Freeform Injection Molding to Lower Weight and Reduce Production Costs

Aitiip is a leading Spanish research and development institute and serves companies in the aeronautics, automation, industrial, and packaging sectors. The institute possesses strong platforms for the characterization of materials and processes and is known as a powerful integrator of technologies, which is constantly on the lookout for the next transformative technology.

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Materials

‘Nanostitches’ Enable Lighter and Tougher Composite Materials

To save on fuel and reduce aircraft emissions, engineers are looking to build lighter, stronger airplanes out of advanced composites. These engineered materials are made from high-performance fibers that are embedded in polymer sheets. The sheets can be stacked and pressed into one multilayered material and made into extremely lightweight and durable structures.

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Materials

Aerospace Production: Overcoming Challenges in Composite Machining

Composite materials play an important role in aerospace manufacturing. The light weight, durability and ability to create complex shapes from molds make these materials ideal for frames and structural components that enable lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft.

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Aerospace

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...

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Manufacturing & Prototyping

A Computational Method for Creating New Ceramics with Transition Metals

Extraordinarily rugged with a melting temperature of several thousand degrees Fahrenheit. That describes the results of research into new ceramic materials sponsored by...

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Manned Systems

Army Launches $50 Million Advanced Manufacturing Initiative for Aviation and Weapon Systems

The U.S. Army has awarded a $50 million three-year research project to Auburn University to understand how new manufacturing materials and methods...

Articles

Materials

Unlocking the Potential of 3D-Printed Polymers in Aerospace and Defense

As we look ahead, it’s evident that the aerospace and defense industries are at the forefront of leveraging the potential of additive manufacturing. They are the main reason for the advent of high-performance polymers in AM.

Articles

Materials

Ensure Aerospace Composite Quality with Force Measurement, Material Testing

Force measurement and material testing is an essential process for product designers and manufacturers to ensure part integrity, and to gain insightful data for creating the highest quality composite components.

Briefs

Materials

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.