Additive Manufacturing Towards Sustainable Aerospace Structures

The growth in aerospace operations has sparked an interest in the development of innovative structures and materials. With the demand for an increased sustainable outlook, the creation of more efficient, lightweight structures is necessary for future operations. Modern additive manufacturing (AM) technology provides the unique ability to fabricate highly optimised and complex structures, presenting several benefits that contribute towards a more sustainable sector. This chapter outlines the importance of modern AM technology as a pathway for more efficient aerospace structures and flags the novel opportunity it presents for future developments. The primary advantages of AM towards efficient structures are analysed, signifying the importance of weight reduction and reduced material processing and energy requirements. The notion of localised manufacturing with a shortened supply chain and greater production flexibility achievable is also outlined. The current challenges that inhibit the widespread adoption of AM in the aerospace industry are presented, focusing on the difficulties of quality assurances and production limitations. Prospective capabilities of this technology, including in-space manufacturing and in situ resource utilisation, are further presented to demonstrate the potential of AM for a more sustainable and efficient sector.