RESCOLL participates in the Kick-Off of the COST Project CERTBOND: reliable roadmap for certification of bonded primary structures
Rescoll’Blog / 18 octobre 2019
RESCOLL attended the kick-off of the COST Project CERTBOND, held in Delft on October 14th & 15th.
With the increasing pressure to meet unprecedented levels of eco-efficiency, aircraft industry aims for superlight structures and towards this aim, composites are replacing the conventional Aluminium. The same trend is being followed by civil, automotive, wind energy, naval and offshore industry, in which the combination (or replacement) of steel with composites can increase the strength-to-weight ratio. However, the joining design is not following this transition. Currently, composites are being assembled using fasteners. This represents a huge weight penalty for composites, since holes cut through the load carrying fibres and destroy the load path. Adhesive bonding is the most promising joining technology in terms of weight and performance. However, its lack of acceptance is limiting its application to secondary structures, whose failure is not detrimental for the structural safety. In primary (critical-load-bearing) structures, fasteners are always included along bondlines, as “back-up” in case the bond fails. The main reasons for this lack of acceptance are the limited knowledge of their key manufacturing parameters, non-destructive inspection techniques, damage tolerance methodology and reliable diagnosis and prognosis of their structural integrity. The Action aims to deliver a reliable roadmap for enabling certification of primary bonded composite structures. Despite the motivation being aircraft structures, which is believed to have the most demanding certification, it will directly involve other application fields in which similar needs are required. This Action will tackle the scientific challenges in the different stages of the life-cycle of a bonded structure through the synergy of multi-disciplinary fields and knowledge transfer.
COST provides networking opportunities for researchers and innovators in order to strengthen Europe’s capacity to address scientific, technological and societal challenges.
There are three strategic priorities: Promoting and spreading excellence, fostering interdisciplinary research for breakthrough science and empowering and retaining young researchers and innovators. COST implements its mission by funding bottom-up, excellence-driven, open and inclusive networks for peaceful purposes in all areas of science and technology.
More information: https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA18120/ and maxime.olive@rescoll.fr
