Recent years have seen significant progress in additive manufacturing (AM), leading to the development of advanced techniques such as Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Material Extrusion (MEX) AM. These advancements not only enable the production of honeycomb structures via AM but also offer opportunities to enhance and optimize their mechanical performance. However, there is limited research on evaluating the load-rate of metallic honeycomb structures manufactured using AM techniques, particularly under in-plane compressive loading.

This study utilized LPBF and MEX to fabricate honeycomb structures with different cell sizes. Through experimental evaluation, the mechanical performance characteristics of these structures were identified, along with the modes of deformation experienced during compressive loading at varying load application rates. The sensitivity of the load rate on the mechanical properties of LPBF and MEX materials was verified. Furthermore, the results were employed to validate a set of empirical models capable of predicting key mechanical properties, including plastic collapse stress. The study also established a viscoplastic dependency on the cell wall material (Steel 316L), which was incorporated into the empirical modeling.

The current prevailing trend in design across key sectors such as the aviation sector, prioritizes eco-design, emphasizing considerations of environmental aspects in the design process. The current webinar aims to present a significant leap forward by proposing a design process where sustainability serves as the primary driving force. In this context, sustainability is positioned as a fundamental component to be integrated into the initial stages of design, introducing innovative multidisciplinary criteria that redefine the design paradigm. Within this framework, sustainability is characterized using a comprehensive and quantifiable metric encompassing technological, environmental, economic, social, and circular economy dimensions. The proposed design methodology's significance is rooted in its ability to effectively tackle the intricate challenges posed by conflicting sustainability goals and to optimize solutions, ultimately presenting the most sustainable design options. Furthermore, its adaptability positions it for potential application across various sectors, offering a transformative approach to sustainable engineering practices.

The disappearance of Flight Malaysian 370 in March 2014 remains one of the thick mysteries of aviation after 10 years. More experts, pilots, scientists, aerospace engineers, journalists tried to solve this mystery. This webinar presents the known facts, the final accident investigation report, the most relevant lines of research and their current status. It is a discussion of which hypotheses have been found not valid, and which scenarios are still on the table.

While indispensable for aircraft structural design and residual strength assessment, numerical modeling tools faced challenges in accurately replicating real-world behavior and creating precise digital twins due to factors like material property variations, manufacturing-induced deviations, loading conditions, among others. Machine learning techniques, including physics-informed neural networks, enabled the handling of diverse uncertainties and the improvement of calibration and validation for numerical models. This was achieved by combining experimental inputs with simulations through continuous updating processes that refined digital twins, enhancing their accuracy in predicting structural behavior and performance throughout an aircraft's life cycle. These refined models could enable real-time monitoring and improve damage assessment, supporting decision-making in diverse contexts and contributing to the assurance of structural integrity and safety in aircraft structures throughout their operational life.

Even though the use of carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRPs) in airframes increased drastically in the last few years, large safety margins were still used, limiting the full exploitation of the benefits of CFRPs. The high susceptibility to subcritical damage mechanisms and the lack of knowledge and predictive capability of the mechanical response and of the complex failure behaviour of composite materials were among the main reasons. This presentation addressed some of the most recent contributions on composites failure modelling and characterisation with an eye on the certification by analysis of (disruptive) composite aerostructures.

The presentation focused on key project results obtained through testing activities at the Brno University of Technology Aircraft Testing Facility, especially in the field of small aircraft and space research. The interesting spacecraft test, as well as basic research of thermal characteristics for space applications, were mentioned. The presented results underlined the importance of excellent research infrastructures operating in an academic environment and their impact on the aeronautical industry in the Czech Republic and beyond.

Aircraft technologies, including demonstrators, built under various EU projects, incl the Clean Sky and Aviation Joint Undertaking partnerships, require specific test facilities to improve their technological maturity, typically from TRL 6 to TRL 9, and for certification purposes before they are launched on the market. A discussion was initiated on how to address future key needs for improving (or building new) aeronautical research and technology infrastructures (e.g. wind tunnels, engine test beds, etc.) to upgrade them for disruptive technologies (e.g. hydrogen/electric propulsion systems) and accelerate market introduction. The presentation reflects on the discussions within the stakeholder groups.