Demonstration of Thermoplastic Composites

The objective is to replace current technology in metallic or thermoset CFRP with thermoplastic CFRP components.Because of the increased performance compared to thermoset composites,thermoplastic composites have the potential to extend the application range for composites, replacing metallic and/or thermoset composite components for mass optimisation and increased performance.By developing a direct replacement for an existing and qualified part, a TRL increase can be achieved and may enable flight applications for the thermoplastic composite technology.  

The following activities shall be accomplished: State of the art review and establishment of application rang. Selection of demonstration application for replacement of existing technologies. The application to be selected shall be a qualified part/subcomponent on an existing, qualified, space product. Design and materials trade-off, including fibre and resin system, and preliminary design. Technology development test campaign and detailed design and analysis. Demonstrator manufacturing, test and test evaluation. The evaluatio shall also asses the qualification status for the developed technology for a potential directreplacement of the qualified part/subcomponent and identify remaining qualification efforts in the form of a development plan.