As long as history has been recorded, journeying through the skies has been an aspiration of humankind. Today, exploring air and space is not just a dream; it’s a reality, and technology and ingenuity create more opportunities every year. As anyone in the aerospace industry knows, the sky is not the limit; there are endless technological avenues to test and examine.
The aerospace industry continually evolves, moving faster than ever in this age of artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Numerous engineering trends have emerged in recent years, tearing down some of the boundaries between human aspiration and achievement.
1. Aerospace Forging: Emerging Trends in Aerospace Engineering
Advancements in the forging industry’s technology and efficiency directly affect aerospace engineering. Forging has become the most cost-effective process for producing the high-quality metal components the aerospace industry needs. All parts used for aerospace applications need to withstand highly corrosive environments and extreme temperatures.
What does the future of forging in aerospace industries look like? Industry experts predict that forging efficiency and quality will increase as the aerospace industry requires more advanced components. The growing consumer demand for streamlined international shipping, the increase in overseas travel, and the development of new aircraft have all driven the aerospace industry forward, prompting companies to work faster while producing higher-quality parts.
For example, newer aircraft require lighter components with more precise specifications. Only through state-of-the-art forging techniques can companies produce aircraft components that can safely handle stress, tension, and heat fluctuation. To meet these needs, many forging companies have studied databases to increase their productivity.
2. Automated Maintenance: Emerging Trends in Aerospace Engineering
As aircraft technology has become more sophisticated, so has aircraft maintenance. Operational efficiency has quickly evolved thanks to the implementation of automated scanning, virtual reality, and predictive maintenance.
For example, aircraft systems and satellite datalink coverage allow the communication of 400,000 separate touchpoints in real time. By gathering this data and performing complex data analytics, aerospace industry data scientists now better understand the precise areas that frequently need repair or replacement. They can also identify the optimal time for intervention for each issue. This technology promotes safety prevents losses, and allows technicians to dedicate their time to other needed endeavors.
3. 3D Printing in Aerospace Engineering: Emerging Trends in Aerospace Engineering
In recent years, 3D printing has become a manufacturing solution for companies across diverse industries. This trend has also found its way to the aerospace industry. Regarding aircraft, the biggest expenses are product research and development. 3D printing can significantly reduce the R&D time needed and related costs.
3D printing is also a faster, less expensive, and lighter alternative for aircraft maintenance. Parts requiring regular replacement, such as door handles or tools used to create various aircraft parts, can be printed quickly at a lower cost. These items also weigh less when 3D printed.
4. Electric Powered Aircraft: Emerging Trends in Aerospace Engineering
One of the highest costs of maintaining aircraft operations is fuel. More Electric Aircraft, better known as MEA, addresses the high cost of fuel, resource conservation, environmental impact, oxides of nitrogen emissions, and aircraft noise.
Dr. Hao Huang, the Technology Chief of GE Aviation Electrical Power, wrote for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and stated that most recent MEA developments “have been mainly focused in the area of secondary energy sources, i.e., replacing the pneumatic or hydraulic system with an electric one.” However, he believes that “the turbo engines will soon become a hybrid of turbo and electric, opening up a new channel to improve engine fuel economy drastically.”
Huang also mentioned that small, electrically-driven aircraft have shown promise despite limited passenger capabilities. Future developments may allow manufacturers to increase the number of seats on such aircraft.
Though the total elimination of fossil fuels in aerospace technology remains a lofty goal, many firms have committed to using as little fossil fuel as possible. Movement toward more fuel-efficient aircraft has begun with incremental approaches, such as integrating current equipment with newer components.
5. Autonomous Flight: Emerging Trends in Aerospace Engineering
Automation is a growing trend in many industries, and aerospace engineering is no exception. Moving beyond drones and self-driving cars, the aerospace industry strives to launch human-free flights.
Existing aircraft autopilots can fly from takeoff to landing. However, the most significant impediment to autonomous flight is figuring out how to ensure safety during unusual situations. A human pilot’s ingenuity and emergency response are still needed in events that disrupt flight performance, such as ice storms, unexpected traffic, or conflicting data.
Although autonomous flight is still several years and many challenges away from fruition, investments and innovation will continue to support the endeavor. In the coming years, most aircraft will have only one pilot in addition to autonomous technology.
6. Next-Generation Aircraft: Emerging Trends in Aerospace Engineering
The aerospace industry will continue to grow as engineers and other scientists continue to develop innovative solutions. To succeed and compete within the industry, companies will have to partner with reliable subcontractors, incorporate the newest materials, and quickly implement emerging technologies to stay ahead of the crowd.
