A 5-axis winding machine is also used at the Institute for the development of novel CMC structures. An increasing amount of development work is currently being carried out into space structure systems, such as cone nozzle extensions for sounding rockets and ideal bell nozzle extensions as demonstrators for future upper stage propulsion systems
In addition to RTM and pressing technology, the institute has a 5-axis winding machine for the production of composite preforms. This enables components to be manufactured in a very economical process. Using this technology, the institute develops novel CMC structures for use in the aerospace industry using different types of fibres, such as carbon, pitch and SiC fibres. The fibre-reinforced components are manufactured either directly using the corresponding wet-filament winding system or dry winding in combination with infiltration techniques such as VARI or RTM. The different possibilities allow to influence the microstructure and the mechanical properties by the appropriate process.
Currently, more and more developments of space structures are being undertaken, such as cone nozzle extensions for sounding rockets and ideal bell nozzle extensions as demonstrators for future upper stage propulsion systems.
