| Description |
Recent developments in the metallurgical field offer now laser weldable Al-alloys of the 2xxx series such as 2198 (Al-Cu-Li) with high structural efficiency index due to their high strength and low density. In the present project, butt and T shape welds from third generation Al-Li aluminum alloys will be manufactured with the available in-house laser beam welding facilities. Upon on the information gained in the project and in-house experience of the manufacturer (HZG) a large, typical aeronautical structure with stiffeners will be manufactured and exploited in this project. A similar structure will be manufactured by the Topic Manager with the conventional riveting process. The projects aim to document the two processes (LBW and riveting), calculate the manufacturing costs of both structures, perform mechanical tests on the structures and finally compare the two structures in terms of the mechanical performance to manufacturing cost index. Besides cost, the environmental footprint of the two different structures will be calculated, as well the extrapolation of the LBW process from Laboratory to Industrial environment. To this end, the intermediate processes will be documented, risk assessment will be performed and a manufacturing plan of the typical aircraft structure will be constructed. Of course, any industrial repercussion during the implementation of the technology in the manufacturing plant will be taken into account during calculation of the implementation plan.
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