Digital structure

Airbus and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US have signed a research agreement to explore the use of digital manufacturing in aerospace industry.

Under the new partnership, the aircraft maker will evaluate the different ways the digital material concepts that are being developed at MIT can potentially be applied to the design and construction of aerospace vehicles.

Airbus R&T senior vice-president Axel Krein said that the agreement with MIT opens up an interesting collaboration with a cutting-edge research partner.

"At Airbus, we invest heavily in projects, programmes and partnerships to develop and offer step-change technologies and solutions that bring value, profitability and environmental benefits to our customers," Krein said.

"We are pleased to add MIT to our growing global network of research partners and to explore this line of research together."

Digital material technique involves construction of a complex structure by assembling a simple set of discrete components, could result in a completely new way of assembling airplanes, offering substantial benefits such as lighter aircraft structures, as well as lower construction and assembly costs.

"The partnership is part of Airbus’s aim to explore new efficient and cost-effective methods to design and manufacture its future aircraft."

The partnership is part of Airbus’s aim to explore new efficient and cost-effective methods to design and manufacture its future aircraft.

According to Airbus, the new components developed by MIT can be assembled to create a structure that is lightweight, durable, and easy to disassemble and reassemble.

MIT Center for Bits and Atoms director Neil Gershenfeld said: "We’re delighted to welcome Airbus as CBA’s newest member, with a focus on aerospace applications of digital fabrication."

The aircraft manufacturer is also exploring the use of 3D digital printing technology in the production of individual parts, as well as larger airframe structures.

Image: Airbus will evaluate the ways the digital material concepts being developed at MIT can potentially be applied to the construction of aerospace vehicles. Photo: courtesy of C Sadonnet/Airbus SAS.

Defence Technology