A Breakthrough for Aerostructures Testing

Aeronautics

24 Nov 2016

Diversifying an economy by definition requires a strong culture of innovation. Many Mubadala companies are at the cutting edge of technology, setting the agenda for their industries and creating an environment where we can be at the forefront of innovation.
Strata Manufacturing is one such example.

A breakthrough for Aerostructures Testing

Working with researchers at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Mubadala and Strata developed a groundbreaking prototype that uses advanced thermal imaging to detect stresses, fractures and cavities on and inside aerospace structures. The innovative solution can complete the detection process for a variety of defects in few seconds, providing real-time data and images allowing for further inspection of the structure.

The project has developed a fast and non-destructive way to test components made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastics that are integral to large aircraft. Using advanced thermal imaging to detect stresses, fractures and cavities on and inside aerospace structures, the prototype solution can complete the detection process for a variety of defects in few seconds, providing real-time data and images that allow for further inspection of the structure.

The technique will be used and tested on the production lines of Strata’s factories in Al Ain, which will also result in technology transfer and knowledge sharing.

The collaboration with Strata on non-destructive testing has led to additional collaborative work on intelligent systems for composite aerostructure component assembly. The new element of the collaboration leverages the Institute’s growing information science and smart systems platform.