The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and the National Aerospace Laboratory of the Netherlands (NLR) have signed a Cooperation Agreement in the field of Fibre Reinforced Composites.
The goal of the cooperation is to more efficiently develop methods for the design, development and production of light-weight structures for the aerospace and transport sectors, this in order to contribute to the reduction of fuel consumption and associated CO2 emissions.
Within the agreement both centres will jointly undertake pre-competitive research projects, execute third-party contracts and allow the use of facilities and general infrastructure around the area of manufacturing techniques for fibre reinforced composites and simulation techniques. Both partners own and operate extensive facilities for the development of composite structures by tape laying or fibre placement and resin infusion.
On of the main areas of focus for the cooperation will be in the areas of automated fibre placement/tape laying techniques, robot assisted manufacturing processes, heating techniques and process monitoring, resin transfer moulding and virtual manufacturing.