Virtual development of competitive products made of customized ceramic composites

Abstract

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are commonly employed in situations where conventional materials face limitations or when they could provide substantial performance enhancements. However, when the latter condition is met, the increased performance must offset the higher costs associated with development and manufacturing. In this study, a methodological approach is introduced to concurrently reduce costs and optimize performance via virtual product development and tailored material customization. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated using an antenna strut in the context of space applications as an illustrative example.Moreover, strategies are proposed for the integration of pre-existing simulation models. Relevant diagrams are provided for CMC customization, alongside the introduction of a cost model based on the cost-performance ratio in contrast to a reference product. As a result, the study significantly enhances the competitiveness of CMC components compared to conventional materials, ultimately expanding their market potential.