MANUFACTURING OF A THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITESTRUCTURAL AIRCRAFT COMPONENT

摘要

Delft Aerospace Engineering was highly involved in the design and certification of the Eaglet, a 2 seatall composite aircraft produced by Euro-Enaer. The Eaglet prototype will serve as a flying test bed for severaldevelopment projects of the university. The first project will be the re-design and manufacturing of the rudder inthermoplastic composites. The material will be Cetex? produced by Ten Cate Advanced Composites, either carbon orglass reinforced PEI. Rubber- and diaphragm forming, folding and resistance welding are the production techniques tobe used for manufacturing the rudder. The design and manufacturing process will be performed in cooperation with theDutch Airworthiness Authority, in order to certify the rudder according to JAR/FAR 23, utility category.