AEC’s ongoing research efforts primarily focus on aerospace products, though often the application of these technologies and products may suit other performance-driven applications such as those in the automotive or power industries.  New development efforts include developing improved composite product design tools, designing new structural products and expanding composites manufacturing and processing capabilities.  With respect to product design tools, this includes the development of software for designing 3D woven composite preforms and simulating a 3D composite product’s response to loading.  Some of the newer product areas being explored include:

• Sine wave beams designed for aircraft floor beams, keel beams, ribs, and spars
• Corner braces for fuselage frames
• Rib structures
• Frame structures for automotive applications