EMIR: The CFRP Fuselage Project

Focal point of the EMIR (Engineering of Multifunctional Integrated CFRP Structures) project is the development of a CFRP double-shell aircraft fuselage. This project is supported by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour (BMWA). In the past, staff members of CTC GmbH have already dealt with CFRP fuselage topics: Aircraft fuselage skin panels made of CFRP using the monolithic method were constructed within the international, EU-sponsored project called TANGO (Technology Application to the Near Term Business Goals and Objectives). ALCAS (Advanced and Low Cost Aircraft Structure), a TANGO follow-up project, is also involved in the manufacture of monolithic CFRP fuselage skin panels at CTC GmbH.

Fig. 1: SoFi panel (stringers outside frames inside)

Optimization of impact properties, heat insulation, acoustics and weight reduction

Fig. 2: VeSCo panel (ventible shear core)

Optimization of weight. The outer skin protects the structure.

EMIR test panels

Commissioned by AIRBUS Deutschland, the EMIR project management, CTC GmbH are currently working on the production development and manufacture of 11 CFRP panels. All eleven of the test panels (see Fig. 1 and 2) to be manufactured at CTC GmbH have in common that they are composed of two individual CFRP skins sandwiching a core, hence the term double shells. Different core types are used between the skins: some honeycomb types including the relatively new folded resin impregnated paper core and some employing CFRP pin reinforced foams. MAN Technology, a project partner, has been commissioned with the manufacturing of nine additional test panels of the same size.

On completion of each panel, the project partner IMA Dresden with their special testing facilities will test the panels. The testing consists of a cabin pressure test and loading under shear, tension and compression. The individual design of each panel will determine which combination will be used and in which of the three IMA test rigs the test will be performed.

Additional information: „TANGO“ project