Preliminary study on cost optimisation of aircraft composite structures applicable to liquid moulding technologies

This paper details the initial development of a method for determining the associated recurring labour costs for the manufacture of a aircraft component that will form the basis for a computerised methodology for determining the optimum manufacturing method for a component design. The research focuses on the flow of process steps to manufacture an aircraft component for the vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding and resin transfer moulding manufacturing process. The methodology developed is based on applying MIT cost equations to process steps from which cost variables and constants are established to represent an estimated costing of the aircraft structure. This research will assist in providing a swifter and more accurate conceptual design/manufacturing system that includes an analysis of cost and will assist the production of trade studies that consider the manufacture of aircraft components using cost-effective technologies, such as liquid moulding.