Space
The payload fairing located on the upper part of the rocket consists of two half shells made of carbon fibre composites which protect the payload from environmental factors induced during flight through the Earth’s atmosphere. Payload protection against launch noise, heat, and foreign objects are the primary mission for payload fairings until the half shells separate from the rocket in a precisely controlled process at an altitude that can exceed 100 km.
With current production, there are requirements that include autoclave and mold use. Proteus thermoplastic multi-material carbon fibre matrices avoid autoclave and mold use.
Proteus Systems Benefits in summary
Automated fiber placement (up to 900kg per hour) and tailored layups with core materials for new payload and rocket laminates
Reduced structural weight for higher payloads, reduced fuel consumption or higher apogees
In situ consolidation without autoclave cure or moulds
Embedded sensors for Real time QA, certification and product data management from cradle to grave
Large scale objects and parts manufacture with complex geometrical
Reduced overheads, capital investments and manufacturing times from days to hours
A-I automated, no HMI, continuous manufacture, ability to view and correct in real-time (2/6 ms) defects, voids, and fibre stress