NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA SUstainable Manufacturing of AirCraft (SUMAC) Exploring a paradigm-shift in materials, manufacturing processes, testing & health monitoring focused on sustainability By Dr. Pankaj Dhussa

1. SUstainable Manufacturing of AirCraft (SUMAC)
Exploring a paradigm-shift in materials, manufacturing processes, testing &
health monitoring focused on sustainability
Challenge
-Worlddemandfor aerospacealloys exceedsthe amount
of availablescrapby 1/3 at least until2050
-Compositeaircraftcomponentsare largelyunrecyclable
-Sustainablymanufacturingaircraftwillrequire:
• Advancedmaterialstechnologies
• Materialstate awarenessthroughoutvehiclelife
cycle
• Scrapand recyclinglogistics
• Environmentalregulations
Aspects of the sustainably-derived thermoplastic
composite that will be addressed in SUMAC
Expected Impacts
- Minimize the adverse impact of aviation
manufacturing and aircraft life cycle on the
environment
- Assess how NASA could potentially contribute to a
paradigm-shift in the manufacturing of aircraft
with a focus on sustainability
Partners and/or Participants
• Several organizations at NASA’s research centers
• FAA, Larry Ilcewicz
• Engaging several academic institutions
• Discussing mutual interest with aircraft manufacturers,
materials suppliers, and others within aerospace supply chain
Expected Impacts
- Conductedinternalandexternalinterviews,technical -
interchangemeetings,andworkshopsto:
• Scopeareas to proposefor furtherresearchactivities
• Identifykey industryandacademicpartners
• Illuminatekey relevantNASAcapabilities
Results
- Transitionto AdvancedAirMobility(AAM)applications
- Workclosely with internalandexternalpartners
- Developresearchplansto rapidlyincrease“product
readiness”
- Integrateanticipatedoutcomewith ongoingand anticipated
AeronauticsMissionResearchDirectorateobjectives
Next Steps
• Couple research objectives for high product readiness
systems and low product readiness systems to enable both
rapid integration and long-term impacts on sustainability
• Down-select resins, fibers, sensing capabilities, and
manufacturing approach
• Seek organizations actively pursuing sustainability objectives
related to composite materials and manufacturing
POC: Chris Wohl and Sang-Hyon Chu (NASA Langley Research Center)