UK-based University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada to jointly research and develop innovative composites for the aerospace industry.

The MoU marks the first project under the CAN-UK science, technology and innovation research partnership.

The two-phase research project is expected to provide insights on the analysis methods and manufacturing knowledge required to design and build optimised curvilinear variable stiffness laminates made of automated fibre placement (AFP) process.

It will also see the demonstration of the resulting technology on a representative civil aircraft structure.

National Research Council of Canada Transportation and Manufacturing Division vice-president François Cordeau said: “Manufacturing makes up nearly half of Canada’s aerospace sector.

“The NRC is excited to work with the global aerospace industry by collaborating with the University of Sheffield on advanced manufacturing methods for cost-effective and environmentally friendly aircraft.”

“The newly formed partnership is expected to add new partners once they enter phase two of the project.”

The newly formed partnership is expected to add new partners once they enter phase two of the project.

Involvement of additional partners is expected to ensure that the technology and specific applications being developed are directly applicable to near-future aero-structures.

In a separate development, the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and NRC signed a MoU to support the delivery of collaborative, jointly funded research and innovation programmes.

Part of the Government of Canada’s biggest research organisation, NRC primarily promotes industrial innovation, advancement of knowledge and technology, as well as fulfil government mandates.