<<
Back
Current Initiatives
1st Annual AMTS Aerospace Network Meeting
Brig Gen (Ret) Johan Wesley (CSIR DPSS), Mr Steve Giddings
(AMTS), Dr Kashief Marcus (UCT), Mr Robert Reid (Wits), Mr Johan Steyn
(Aerosud), Dr Kamel Parker (AMTS) and Prof Victor Verijenko (UKZN) at
the 1st Annual Aerospace Network Meeting.
Dear Colleagues,
The 1st Annual Aerospace Network meeting was held in Cape Town on the
26th April 2006. The proceedings presented a forum for providing members
with an update on the state of the network and activities over the past
year, and discussion of issues such as the inclusion of other sectors
that utilise common technologies as the aerospace sector and the complexities
associated with human capital development in the aerospace sector. We
would like to thank the more than 80 members who attended for their
participation and contribution in providing direction for the way forward.
Importantly, the meeting awarded an opportunity for the research project
leaders of the confirmed light
metals and HRD in composites projects, and the short listed composites
projects, to share their objectives and planned outcomes. Submissions
were made by in the following areas:
1.Dr Kashif Marcus from the University of Cape Town (UCT)
(kmarcus@ebe.uct.ac.za)
This project investigates the feasibility of thermoplastics composites
based on polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyetherimide (PEI) for use
in the aircraft industry. More specifically, thermal properties and
fire resistances are investigated. The relationship between toughness
and strength or stiffness is characterised in this investigation with
a view to developing new materials.
2.Dr Rajesh Anandjiwala from the CSIR
(ranandi@csir.co.za)
This project aims to develop natural fibre reinforced composites with
competitive properties for the automotive, aerospace, building and packaging
industries. This is achieved through analysis of the performance and
properties required for the fibre reinforced composites for target applications.
This includes the development of well separated flax fibres (both long
and short) for compounding with polymer matrices. While Dr. Anandjiwala
was unable to attend the meeting, a brief introduction to his research
project was included in the book
of abstracts provided at the meeting.
3.Mr Robert Reid from the university of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
(rried@mech.wits.ac.za)
This project seeks to
benchmark the business processes of the local industry (starting with
the composite component suppliers) so that individual companies know
where they stand relative to their peers and also against international
norms. Appropriate intervention-type student projects will then be designed
and implemented (with full participation of the industrial participants)
to raise the competitiveness of the industry. There is acceptance within
the South African industry that while business processes within individual
companies can probably be improved and hence the competitiveness of
the industry as a whole can be improved, it is not currently known where
these deficiencies lie.
4.Professor Victor Verijenko from the University of Kwazulu Natal (UKZN)
(verijenko@ukzn.ac.za)
The proposed project
seeks to employ three different sensor techniques within fibre composites,
i.e. based on fine wires made of “strain memory” alloy that
can be woven directly into composites and that can be used as peak strain
sensors (locally developed technology), based on fibre optics embedded
within the material and based on application of piezo-electric sensors.
The ultimate goal is to develop a smart composite material that can
be utilized in load bearing composite structures with a view towards
low-cost, straightforward methodology for damage detection in this type
of structures. One class of the materials that allows incorporation
of sensors within the material is fibre reinforced composites. However,
the development of “smart” composite materials/structures
which can monitor their own structural “health” represents
an important and technologically challenging problem.
5.Mr Johan Steyn from AeroSud
(johan@aerosud.co.za)
This project seeks to
address the need to optimise manufacturing processes for composites.
Firstly, the used of various tooling technologies is investigated. Thereafter
the technology is applied by ddemonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing
a load bearing aviation seat structure from CFRTP materials. Lead organization
from the University of Stellenbosh (US) will focus on the design, analysis
and test of an aviation seat structure. Finally, the generic manufacturing
parameters of a selection of CFRTP materials, coupled to low cost tooling
solutions will be demonstrated through identification of processing
parameters.
6.Mr Eric Sparrow from ATE
(eric.sparrow@ate-aerospace.com)
This project seeks to establishment a set of standard processes and
practices applied to composite manufacturing and that comply with international
standards. Various factors are considered including: standards for training
of personnel, improvement of personnel proficiency in the industry in
order to bring them in line with international capability. This is used
as the basis for international acceptable Quality Systems within Companies.
This project is only at the beginning stages and there is an urgent
need for more industrial and academic involvement. Furthermore, a permanent
research project leader is required for this project. Interested parties
are requested to please contact myself or Eric Sparrow in this regard.
The presentations drew enquiries and discussion from representatives
of industry, academia and the research councils. Therefore, it is expected
that existing consortia will yet be supplemented. Members interested
to join existing consortia may do so by contacting the representative
research project leader as mentioned above. They should discuss and
finalise their involvement before the end of May, as projects are entering
the next phase of the evaluation process thereafter. The implementation
of the AMTS is gaining critical mass and it is hoped that some of the
discussions that emanated from this meeting will follow through into
tangible collaborative activities that will work toward the technology
aims of 2014. To this end, we encourage you to make contact and with
vigour join existing consortia where you can add value. The next meetings
with consortia in the composites field will address the requirements
of a detailed project plan and pin down the responsibilities of consortia
members. The issues of co-funding will also be addressed in greater
detail.
There were stimulating discussions emanating from the unmanned aerial
vehicle (UAV) presentation
by Gen. (Ret.) John Wesley. The role of UAVs of various length scales
were discussed in the context of a technology demonstrator for various
technologies being developed under the AMTS. Furthermore, Gen. (Ret.)
John Wesley explained that there was a common thread between the various
needs of South African governmental departments and that the first step
was identifying clearly this common element. A UAV interest group meeting
is planned for the near future, so look out for it. Any interested persons
may contact me or Gen. (Ret.) John Wesley, at jwesley@csir.co.zafor
further information.
The important issue of transformation in the aerospace sector was discussed.
Members from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) explained
the need to build competencies while concurrently addressing the need
to uplift previously disadvantaged individuals in the aerospace sector.
Some of the DST mechanisms available to the aerospace sector through
the National Research Foundation were discussed. Furthermore, Mr Nathi
Thethe from the AMTS explained the applications of the Programme for
Industrial and Manufacturing Excellence (PRIME) and the Leading Expert
Access Programme (LEAP) as interventions to address human capital development
in industry. Members agreed that development of human capital was paramount
to the sustainability of the aerospace sector in South Africa.
Mr Mothibi Ramusi (mramusi@thedti.gov.za)
from the dti presented
his work on the latest developments of the draft National Space Policy
framework. This presentation demonstrated the strengthening relationship
between the dti and DST in creating awareness of the various aerospace-related
initiatives. I addressed the partnership between AMTS (a DST instrument)
and the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) (the dti instrument)
in fostering growth of the aerospace sector in South Africa.
The meeting also introduced some of the new technology areas to be addressed
in the immediate future. These include the field of sensor technologies
under the AMTS electronics flagship. Specifically, but not exclusively,
the areas of sensor fusion, networks, miniaturisation and micro-electro-mechanical
systems (MEMS) will be addressed. The next step is to call an electronics
interest group meeting and discuss some of the specific projects that
will be funded by AMTS and to form consortia. To this end, members are
asked to spread the word of the electronics interest group and contact
me if they wish to be added to the existing electronics interest group
mailing list.
Once again, a thank you to all participants for their enthusiasm and
engagement. Special thanks are also extended to my speakers and support
from CSIR, DST, the dti and AISI.
Remember, keep in touch and let’s work together.
Best regards
Dr. Kamalluddien Parker PrEng CE
Aerospace Network & Flagship Programme Manager
AMTS - IU
South Africa
www.amts.co.za
Tel+27-12-841-2179
Fax+27-12-842-7616
Mobile+27-82-415-8548