Efficiency framework to assess aeronautic composite panel production: Tracking environmental and process performance

• DOI: 10.1016/j.spc.2022.03.007
• Publication Date: 2022-03-07T21:52:59Z
• Authors: Joana R. Gouveia; Margarida Gonçalves; Ricardo Rocha; António J. Baptista; Helena Monteiro
• Keywords: 01 natural sciences; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

This study focuses on the characterization of production process a composite sandwich panel for an aircraft structure. Two curing alternatives were compared, namely hot-press and autoclave. A holistic assessment was conducted applying Total Efficiency Framework, which combines both efficiency environmental performance analyses into single index score to support manufacturing decision. The provides inventory data, collected at laboratory scale regarding materials, energy consumption, operation production, are seldom available. foreground data used quantify efficiency, based lean design tool, estimate potential impacts, using Life Cycle Assessment methodology determine eco-efficiency process. results suggested that autoclave outperforms alternative in terms eco-efficiency, performance. Regarding total maximum productivity, show difference 12% between two alternatives, indicating competitive advantages industrial setting.