The Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) in collaboration with Goodrich, Owens-Corning and Renegade Materials will build and equip a facility capable of producing the fuzzy fibre nanomaterial known as NAHF-X and resin composite sheets up to 1.5m (60in) wide. Developed at UDRI, Goodrich plans to utilise the hybrid composite material in new-generation nacelles, and explore other applications including aircraft structural health monitoring, wheels and brakes, and electrical de-icing. NAHF-X fuzzy fibre allows a composite to provide multiple functionalities such as structural, electrical and thermal properties in the composite structure. Potential aerospace applications include producing a single rugged composite structure that not only withstands lightning and hail, but could also provide protection from ice build-up on nacelles. This would allow for reduced weight and complexity along with increased efficiency over current hot-air-ducting ice removal systems.
Goodrich will pour $1 million in funding into the programme, in which its role will be to evaluate emerging business opportunities for the material.
- All the latest news, video and images from the 2010 Farnborough air show - New this year, live streaming video of each day's flying display
Source: Flight Daily News
