Project Context and Main Objectives. Autoclave processing is recognised in aerospace as the process that produces high performance composite structures of large size and complex shape. Composite parts manufactured in autoclave are widely used in order to benchmark the quality of composite parts produced using other manufacturing processes such as Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) and Resin Infusion (RI). Autoclave is generally recognised as an expensive manufacturing process both in terms of capital investment and in energy usage. The need for the OPTOCLAVE project initiated from the challenge to control the temperature in large autoclaves. Temperature control in autoclaves is generally poor with temperature overshoots of >10°C being typically observed. The reason for this lack of accurate control is the convective heat transfer mechanism and the need to heat a large volume of air in order to cure the part. The slow transfer of heat through convection is coupled with the faster conduction mechanism from the metallic tool to the composite and the very fast autocatalytic polymerisation reaction. The ultimate aim of the project is to provide software that can simulate the cure process inside the autoclave and provide information about the material state of the composite. In order to achieve the above aim, a number of objectives were defined: • Analyse the materials defined by the Topic Manager and develop material state models. • Develop an optimisation algorithm for the autoclave process that takes into account the equipment constraints (for example, the maximum heating rate that can be achieved), the material state properties, the part geometry and shape, and customer specifications (for example a pre-defined time the part needs to stay at a specific temperature). • Develop an auto-learning algorithm that can perform system identification from temperature signals and dielectric sensors embedded in the part. • Include all the models and algorithms in one single software that can be readily used by the Topic Manager • Install final version of the software to the Topic Manager site and train personnel in its use. In addition to the above objectives, a further objective has been agreed between the Topic Manager and the consortium: • Estimate the energy savings achieved by the optimized cure process that is calculated by the optimization algorithm.
Project Context and Main Objectives. Photonics is a key innovation driver in many research and application areas like telecommunications, lighting, entertainment, laser-assisted manufacturing and sensors. Europe is a leading actor in the photonics sector and it is paramount to create a solid framework and virtual infrastructure, xxxxxx the competitiveness and global leadership of the EU photonic industry and contribute to the creation of growth and jobs in Europe, whilst raising, at the same time, the awareness of the importance of photonics by all stakeholders, including industry, academiaand wider public. However, EU photonics clusters and organisations still encounter several difficulties and barrriers to their development, in particular:
Project Context and Main Objectives. The Galileo system will enable a tremendous performance improvement for professional applications, not only in terms of constellation, but especially due to the innovative signal definition (3 or 4 frequencies with high bandwidth and optimized CBOC signal). The latest advances in embedded processing gives rise to what is called here a `software concen- trated´ approach for the development of Galileo/GPS and GLONASS prototype receiver. The relationship between the results from ART-X and the overall objectives stated in the statement-of-work (project context) can be summarized as follows: ▪ Increase EU competitiveness in the field of GNSS professional receivers: The build-up of GNSS receiver know-how and implementation of a corresponding prototype within European industry that fits into a commercial roadmap. The corresponding test- systems (in particular constellation simulators) are very important, especially during the build-up phase of Galileo, this technology must be available from a EU only company. ▪ Promote EU research and innovation in the future multi-system and multi-technology environment: Developing advanced techniques in the field of GNSS processing, tak- ing into account the future availability of multiple systems (Galileo, GPS, GLONASS, etc…). It was important to show the commercial relevance and users’ benefits of these techniques. ▪ Support Galileo penetration by exploiting the full potential of the Galileo signals (im- pact on Galileo community and market): Demonstration of the superior performance of the Galileo signals, in particular of the CBOC and AltBOC and providing a proto- type able to utilize these signals is considered a valuable step towards convincing the users and the market in general to embrace Galileo. An overview of the main project objectives is given below: ▪ Development of a combined GPS/Galileo/GLONASS professional receiver prototype module with a clear perspective in an overall roadmap towards a solution present- ing the best relation of all receivers in terms of functional flexibility/improved per- formance in relation to size/cost/power consumption. ▪ As IFEN is involved in the EGNOS developments, the consortium is aware of the most important problems at reference station level: Ionospheric scintillations, multi- path and interference. Therefore these issues will receive high attention within ART-
