HPC-Based Multi-Physics and Multi-Scale Modelling of the Autoclave Process for Aeronautical Components

Presentation of the problem and objective of the experiment

The autoclave process is the main fabrication method for composites used in the aerospace field. This process involves mechanical and chemical phenomena and a lot of variables affect the final result. Therefore, an expensive trial-and-error approach is typically necessary to set a cure cycle for complex shape components in order to reach the requirements and minimize the risk of defects. The objective of this experiment is to optimize, by advanced simulations, the autoclave process maximizing the component quality and minimizing time and costs. 

Short description of the experiment

To optimise the autoclave process parameters taking into account all the concerning variables, a multi-physics and multi-scale numerical model are proposed in this experiment. The analyses will be based on a multitarget optimization criterion to consider the relative interaction between the process parameters and how they affect the defect presence, the fiber distortion and consequently the mechanical performances of the final component. To do this considerable computation resources are required and then HPC infrastructure is necessary. Using these HPC-based simulations it will be possible to drastically reduce the computational time and to set the manufacturing process in a quasi-real-time.

 

UPDATE: 

CETMA is working to ultimate the setup of the numerical model. Manta is carrying out the experimental tests by the production of simple geometries by autoclave process in order to investigate the geometric distortions of the components. At the end of the experimental tests, CETMA will calibrate the numerical model by the comparison between numerical and experimental results.

 

 


Organisations involved:

End User: MANTA GROUP s.r.l.
Research Centre, Domain Expert: Centro di Ricerche Europeo di Tecnologie, Design e Materiali (CETMA)
HPC Provider: CINECA

 

Partner CINECA is part of the NCC Italy.