Brochure: Ceramic Matrix Composites Opportunities
Lucideon and the National Composites Centre (NCC) are working in collaboration to develop advanced ceramic matrix composite (CMC) solutions that meet a growing market demand for materials that excel in ever harsher environments. From energy to defence, space, or aerospace, our combined expertise offers a comprehensive range of services in the use of oxide and non-oxide CMC materials across a variety of applications.
Innovation: Digital Layup
The NCC’s Advanced Materials & Digital Systems team has demonstrated that by harnessing their in-house developed interactive workbench, Ox-Ox CMCs can now be flawlessly laid up. This innovative technology verifies and ensures correct material placement and orientation to unlock a 'right first time' manufacturing process. Its potential deployment across the UK supply chain promises enhanced consistency and optimal utilisation of costly Ox-Ox prepreg materials – some of which can reach up to £1000 per metre.
Video: Automated Fibre Placement Technology
Engineers at the NCC began producing CMCs in September 2022 using AFP (Automated Fibre Placement) technology, unlocking the materials' high-temperature potential for use in engines. Traditional Ni-based super alloys have a highest threshold temperature of about 800°C, whereas oxide-based CMCs may function at 1,000°C. The higher operating temperature may improve the performance of aviation engines and reduce fuel use and CO2 emissions.
The AFP can drive out inconsistencies in CMCs whilst also reducing waste. Conventional prepreg methods produce ~35% waste whereas AFP brings that down to only ~2%. This could be crucial in unlocking cost-effective CMC manufacture.
News: Partnership approach sees Lucideon and the National Composites Centre deliver next generation ceramic composites solutions
Lucideon and the NCC have forged a closer collaboration to develop advanced ceramic composites solutions to meet a growing market demand for materials that survive in ever harsher environments.
News: CERCOMP UK - CMC Development, Manufacturability and Repairability
The CERCOMP UK collaborative research project advances aircraft propulsion technology, while paving the way for a secure supply of affordable advanced ceramic composites in the UK.
Case study: Designing the next generation of superior combat aircraft structures
The National Composites Centre and the Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) collaborate on the latest technologies for the next generation of lightweight, strong and resilient combat aircraft composite structures.
Our experts
Our experts from the Rolls Royce Gobal supplier event are:
Kev Mee, Sector Delivery Director - Aerospace Stuart Dononvan Holmes, Head of Delivery - Defence
