As part of the 14th EASN International Conference, a new and exciting initiative was introduced: the Poster Section & Competition, aimed at spotlighting innovative research contributions in the fields of aviation and space. With over 50 posters submitted, participants showcased their cutting-edge work in a broad spectrum of thematic areas. The evaluation process followed a peer-review methodology, ensuring a fair and thorough assessment by fellow experts.
The "Best Poster Award" was presented during the conference’s closing ceremony to the corresponding author of the winning work, Prof. Christine Espinosa, representing her team. Their poster, titled "Functionalisation of adhesive bonding to control on-demand disassembly of composite aeronautical structures", by L. Aparecida Silva, Ch. Espinosa, R. Chieragatti, E. Paroissien, F. Lachaud, and L.F.M. da Silva, was a standout for its forward-thinking approach and impact potential.
In this interview, Prof. Espinosa shares insights into the research behind their award-winning poster, the inspiration for their work, and their perspective on how such advancements can shape the future of sustainable aeronautical structures.
Christine Espinosa is a Professor at the Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace (ISAE) · Department of Mechanics of Structure and Materials.
Q1: You are representing the winning authors’ team of EASN’s poster competition, held in the frame of the 14th EASN Conference, held in Thessaloniki, on October 8th to 11th, 2024. What is, in simple words, the subject of your paper and what has been the principal innovation you have introduced?
This article presents a proof of concept of an original system for the on-demand disassembly of bonded structures typical of aeronautical structures. Service life is fundamental to aircraft certification. The particularity of the method is that it preserves the integrity of the parts during the life of the structures and after debonding. The innovation is based on this duality of strength/ on demand separation.
Q2: Why is this subject significant? Your work, like any pioneering work, is still at low TRL. What should be done to mature this promising technology?
The method responds to the main challenge of reducing waste and reinforcing the circularity of materials and components. This is particularly useful at the end of the life of structural components or for their repair. The proposed method can be adapted to all industrial bonding strategies and all materials.
The first stage of maturation would be to carry out technological demonstrations on small-scale industrial use cases, for example on repairs or probes. Next, it would be necessary to adapt our disassembly system to different manufacturing processes as described in the patent WO2023222900.
Q3: What could be the long-term impact of the technology you are proposing, assuming it will be further matured and implemented?
It's a whole value chain that's involved, and it also meets a need of today's society. The long-term impact would be a reduction in consumption at every stage of the value chain, from manufacturing to operating fleets of land and air structures. This would enable companies to meet this need by reducing their own consumption without compromising the quality of their products. It is also possible to develop a local market for used parts to avoid having to transport raw materials and manufactured parts all over the world.
Q4: How would you assess the EASN Conference in general and the poster session in particular? Would you send again a poster presentation in one of the next EASN series of conferences, and would you participate in the poster competition?
The EASN Conference offers a unique opportunity to cross academic and industrial points of view and research activities in aeronautics and space. I really enjoyed the conference and the open mind of this melting pot. The poster session was a good way to discuss in a non-formatted way about the work that is presented. It is also a way to share and exchange about common or new subjects.
Yes! I really would like to present a poster again. And I will come next year.
Q5: Is there any further message you would like to pass?
This project was carried out in collaboration with the University of Porto. The team also has links with the University of Girona. The team would be very happy to work with companies and universities around Europe concerned with the disassembling question to help mature the research activities.