PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
EADS CASA Espacio is involved in the use of new manufacturing technologies in order to define new structural concepts and to improve the existing ones. In particular, the use of automated manufacturing technologies allows for a real optimisation of the composite layups, a simulation of the manufacturing process, and a recording of the actual configuration of the manufactured lay-up.
The objective of the project was to develop a new Central Tube for Eurostar 3000 LX using EADS CASA Espacio’s advanced manufacturing technology. The concept employs the fibre placement technique to manufacture in a single piece a monolithic carbon fibre cone-cylinder shell.
An additional challenge in the development of this structure was to replace an existing sandwich configuration by a monolithic configuration with no impact on the rest of the satellite structure components, such that the qualification of these components would not be questioned.
The development of Eurostar 3000 LX central tube program was based in the following main goals:
- The increase in the capability of the system from 5 Ton to 6.6 Ton,
- The reduction of the cost of the product, minimising the development and without risk of the parts of the satellite qualified in the previous definitions and not modified during this development.
Challenges
Development and qualification of a monolithic carbon fibre central tube concept manufactured using fibre placement technology for the Eurostar 3000 LX Central tube.
Replacement of a carbon fiber sandwich tube concept by a monolithic central tube without affecting the qualification status of adjacent structures.
Demonstration that a monolithic design meets all design requirements.
Plan
Program is completed.
Current Status
The program has been successfully completed.
