CAELESTIS at MATCOMP 2025: Presenting Breakthroughs in AFP for Aeronautical Engine Components
The CAELESTIS project will take centre stage at MATCOMP 2025 with the presentation of new research on advanced manufacturing processes for aeronautical engine structures. Led by Mario Román Rodríguez and the AIMEN Centro Tecnológico team, this work focuses on the use of Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) and Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) to produce high-performance, next-generation aircraft engine components.
Research Focus: Outlet Guide Vane (OGV) Production
The research focuses on the interaction between typical aeronautical materials such as carbon fiber and titanium alloys. Being necessary to study and characterize their bonding capabilities to produce a well-optimized multi-material component as the Outlet Guide Vane (OGV) for aircraft engines, being developed inside the project. Moreover, this study follows the manufacture strategy of “One-shot” injection, assembling the final component in one single step, reducing in this way processing time and materials.
Key Findings and Methodology
• In adhesive joint, different mechanisms interact inside the materials to ensure the joint. The mixture between mechanical interaction and chemical compatibility plays the main role.
• Different superficial treatments can be applied to modify or enhance the union between the materials. Different methods like chemical o mechanical can be applied, but a combination of both mechanisms could be more appropriate to ensure a strong bonding.
• The results on the base materials can be translated into the final component (OGV), combining the technologies proposed for its development: AFP for preform manufacturing, and a One-Shot RTM process, to consolidate the final composite and the unions with other dissimilar materials such as the metal fittings.
Significance of the results:
These findings mark a significant advance the integration of AFP and RTM, along with the one-shot impregnation of metallic inserts, not only streamlines production but also opens new possibilities for lightweight, high-strength engine structures. The research supports the broader CAELESTIS goal of connecting design, production, and monitoring technologies through a digital ecosystem, accelerating innovation and improving efficiency in the aerospace industry.
Practical Info
Session: D2P2D Production Processes
Title: Evaluation of dissimilar titanium-composite joints for the manufacture of high-performance aeronautical structures
Presenters: M. Román Rodríguez, C. Builes Cárdenas, E. Rodríguez Senín, I. Coto Moretti, A. López González
Date: Wednesday, 9 July 2025
Time: 11:30 – 13:00
Room: A3
Session Moderator: Prof. Alejandro Cornejo (UPC-CIMNE, Spain)
Attendees are encouraged to join this session to gain first-hand insights into the latest advancements in automated composite manufacturing, material joining, and digital process optimization for the aerospace industry. This is a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts and discover how CAELESTIS is shaping the future of high-performance, sustainable aviation technology.
Find out more about RTDS Group's work with CAELESTIS
RTDS Association is supporting implementation and management of European research and innovation projects to optimise the use of results for maximum impact. RTDS has a proven track record in enabling the innovators to move research and technology from the lab to the market.
