Digital Twin Technology to Create Stronger Materials for Aircraft in Russia
Moscow Aviation Institute is developing virtual testing methods for polymer composites, using digital twins and AI monitoring to replace costly physical trials in aircraft design.
In modern aircraft manufacturing, polymer composite materials are increasingly replacing metals. They are lighter, stronger, and resistant to corrosion. However, traditional methods of calculating their strength and certifying components require expensive full-scale testing.
Now, safety of a new wing or fuselage can be demonstrated with digital systems. For each structure, researchers will create a digital twin and apply intelligent monitoring algorithms that can model crack initiation and growth.
The digital twin of both material and structure will allow computational analysis to predict microcrack formation. It will also simulate the spread of existing cracks, including those between layers. This approach enables highly accurate forecasting of where, when, and how structural failure may begin under load.
According to the institute, digital technologies and domestic software will be used at every stage of developing new aircraft materials.
