Spirit AeroSystems and Oak Ridge National Laboratory will be efficiently manufacturing advanced materials tailored for commercial, defense, and aerostructure sectors.
Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. has embarked on a strategic partnership with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, managed by the University of Tennessee Battelle, to spearhead advancements in hypersonic travel applications and the future of aircraft design. Expanding the horizons of their exploration, the research teams will delve into an array of processing methods to craft materials that can withstand the rigors of extreme heat and harsh environmental conditions. This ambitious agenda also encompasses the scaling up of a thermal protection system expressly designed for aerospace platforms.
This collaboration between Spirit AeroSystems and Oak Ridge National Laboratory will be dedicated to achieving scalable and efficient manufacturing of advanced materials tailored for deployment across commercial, defense, and space aerostructure sectors. Their concerted research endeavors will delve into pioneering high-temperature in-situ process monitoring techniques and predictive modeling capabilities. These tools will serve to evaluate the performance and certification of carbon and ceramic composites, as well as alloys manufactured through additive processes.
Sean Black, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Engineer at Spirit AeroSystems said, “Efficiently producing these advanced material types will advance American manufacturing and do so with lower emissions through the Department of Energy’s Industrial Demonstration Program. With the right manufacturing techniques, machines, and tools capable of reaching a high rate on products, paired with the right approach to manufacture advanced materials and a relentless drive to optimize, means success in designing and modeling fully integrated commercial and defense aerospace systems.”
The partnership’s emphasis on advanced materials and innovative manufacturing techniques is in sync with the industry’s growing focus on sustainability, performance, and operational efficiency. This collaboration is poised to harness the unique capabilities of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Manufacturing Demonstration Facility. Regarded as one of the most expansive advanced manufacturing research facilities in the United States, this facility specializes in manufacturing analysis and simulation, composites and polymer systems, metal powder systems, metrology and characterization, machine tooling, large-scale metal systems, and robotics and automation.
The Manufacturing Demonstration Facility operates through close collaboration with industry partners, exemplifying the power of collective effort to develop and showcase cutting-edge advancements in manufacturing systems, materials, and processes. With this alliance, Spirit AeroSystems and Oak Ridge National Laboratory are positioned to stimulate innovation and contribute to the ongoing transformation of aerospace manufacturing and design.
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In an era where the aerospace industry continues to push the boundaries of hypersonic travel and aircraft technology, strategic partnerships such as this play a pivotal role in advancing the industry’s capabilities. These collaborations ensure a sustainable future, delivering solutions at the forefront of technology to meet the ever-evolving demands of the market. By synergizing their expertise and resources, Spirit AeroSystems and Oak Ridge National Laboratory are poised to drive transformative progress in aerospace manufacturing and pave the way for the aircraft of tomorrow.
