Aerodynamic seals & sealing
Invisible, but essential.
Without sealing
With sealing
Aerodynamic seals are aeronautics components used to improve the aircraft aerodynamic smoothness, reducing the physic vector know as drag and, consequently, became the aircraft more efficient with a reduced fuel consumption. In addiction the aerodynamic seals contributes to:
-
Reduce external noise;
-
Reduce emissions;
-
Reach more speed;
-
Increase the aircraft residual value;
-
A superior climb and cruise characteristics;
-
Improved stall characteristics.
In the diagram below is shown an airplane wing cross section in two distinct conditions: with and without aerodynamic sealing.
-
Turbulent air flow;
-
Higher drag;
-
Higher fuel burn;
-
Lower aerodynamic efficiency.
-
Laminar air flow;
-
Lower drag;
-
Lower fuel burn;
-
Higher aerodynamic efficiency.
Innovation
"Inventions are, above all, the result of stubborn work."
Alberto Santos Dumont
Enflexus has a strong and leading innovative culture. It is a recognized Centre of Excellence for aerodynamic seals & sealing development within aerospace companies and is at the origin of several patents.
High technology is used in a pionner and innovative way to produce trial parts to check the shape, behavior and installation before start the serial production.
Consulting
Our Expertise
Our team of professionals are each experts in their respective disciplines and each remains steadfast in their dedication to giving expert technical advice, project coordination and training, in a technical field considered a rarity in the industry.
During a new aircraft development program or a new project, the Enflexus engineers work closely to the aircraft development team. The compromise is to develop the best seal & sealing solutions, attending all the product requirements.
Enflexus can support your company in every phase of the development from concept definition to serial production.
“In the business world, everyone is paid in two coins: cash and experience. Take the experience first; the cash will come later.”
Harold Geneen
Typical development timeframe
Preliminary Design
Concept definition of the product and build a project plan.
IDP: Initial
Definition Phase
Provide maturity to the concept to start development.
JDP: Jointed
Definition Phase
Align and define parts, assemblies, and interfaces.
DDP: Detailed
Definition Phase
Detail parts and provide designs for manufacturing and assembly.
P&FP: Production &
Flight Test Phase
Manufacturing and assembly of the aircraft.
Start the flight tests campaign.
EIS: Entry in to Service Phase
To deliver the aircraft to the costumer and support the fleet.
Engineering
“Scientists study the world as it is, engineers create the world that never has been.”
Theodore von Karman
Design & Development
Enflexus has a unique development methodology built with several years of practical experience.
We are updated on the latest technology, pushing design, materials and constructions to the next level. Enflexus explores and develops new solutions, shapes and materials combination to provide a competitive edge to our customers.
Prototype
Rapid prototyping is as important as the rest of the product development process. Thorough testing and evaluation, prototype ensure a product’s viability, guarantee that it meets relevant regulations, and help reveal critical areas for improvements, before a product hits the market.
Enflexus engineering and prototyping services can assess your concept’s ability to meet a given requirement, develop a prototype or produce a short run. Rapid prototyping it’s the crucial feedback you need to validate and complete your product design process.
Enflexus Product Development Pipeline
Initial Definitions
Idea Generation
-
Product characteristics workshop;
-
Basic concept definition
-
Lesson learning sessions discussions;
-
Project Plan, communication plan and detailed schedule;
Key deliverables:
-
Scope definition
-
Product concept
-
Project plan & schedules
Design
Product Design
-
Technical drawings;
-
Stress and deformation analysis;
-
Displacement analysis;
-
Design reviews;
-
Tests methodologies;
Key deliverables:
-
Technical specs
-
Tests & QA definitions
Prototype
Trial Parts
-
Prototype manufacturing;
-
Phisical analysis (installation and functionability);
Key deliverables:
-
Advance prototype
Manufacturing
The manufacturing phase
-
Manufacturing follow-up;
-
Manufacturing process definition;
-
FAI – First Article Inspection;
-
FPQ – First Part Qualification.
Key deliverables:
-
Manufacturing process
-
FAi & FPQ
Deploy
Flight test campaing
-
Local support on demand;
-
Assessment to the product owner staff;
-
Measurement evaluation based on product goal.
Key deliverables:
-
Flight test approval
Tests & Certification
Maturity & Certification
-
Support to endurance test;
-
Support to fire test;
-
Support general tests;
-
Support to discussions with Aeronautical Authorities.
Key deliverables:
-
Maturity test report
-
Certification test report
Project Management
Project management is a core skill in our company. We use the most modern management techniques to ensure that our clients can comfortably and easily track their projects. All of this is thanks to a methodology that integrates project management quality, risk analysis, KPIs, and reporting flexibly, adapting to each client, each project, each situation.
With a practical approach, our multidisciplinary teams coordinate their efforts to offer preliminary solutions that address the project from all angles (the concept of the product, its development engineering, the industrialisation phase, product certification, etc.). From these solutions, the most advantageous are selected and presented to the customer, who ultimately decides the best solution.
From there, our team of specialists are responsible for the development of the engineering necessary to cover the desired project scope: product definition, full development, industrialization, or even comprehensive support throughout its lifecycle.