The MUJU (Multimaterial mUltiphysics Junction) project aims to develop specific multimaterial junctions with increased thermal and electrical continuity for composite materials mechanical assemblies. The proposed junctions will allow developing and exploiting the multifunctional potential of reinforcing fibers present in composite materials which offer very good multiphysical properties. Up to date, the anisotropy of composite materials, especially their bad properties in the transverse direction respect to fibers, is the reason why these potential can not be fully exploited. This constitutes the main impediment in the introduction of composite materials in thermal or electrical applications and is particularly true when an assembly is to be done. Local heating of junctions derived from heat flow or electrical current flow through the assembly can produce irreversible damage (possibly burning) on the composite elements of the junction. Currently, monolithic metallic materials are used to face those multyphysics applications. The baseline which will guide out the proposed MUJU’s developments, in terms of mass, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties will be aluminum alloys used currently in the aerospace industry. MUJU’s project proposes an original approach based on multimaterial and multiscale design to develop plates (thin shells) with their associated local junction system. The multimaterial approach is a key point because the proposed junction solutions are based on the assembly of reinforcing fibers, polymeric resins and metallic insertions. The reinforcing fibers develop optimal required physical properties (excellent thermal conduction, sufficient electrical conductivity and excellent mechanical properties). The resins are the necessary link to provide mechanical stability of the structure but they contribute with bad thermal and electrical properties performing as an isolator and producing bad macroscopic behavior in the transverse direction respect to fibers. Metallic insertions contribute with their isotropic morphology, providing good thermal and excellent electrical properties but their high density penalizes overall mass. The multiscale approach is fundamental in order to guarantee the correct behavior of the interfaces present in the multimaterial proposed for the junctions. At a sub-millimeter and micrometer range we propose to work on the architecture of the multimaterial that would better suit the set of multi-physic constraints together with the design of the geometry of the metallic insertions. The aim is to minimize the mean distance between the fibers and the metallic insertions. At a nanometric scale we propose to treat locally the fibers and the metallic insertions in order to provide continuity from the tiniest scale possible to boost overall macroscopic properties. There are several aimed applications of MUJU project. At a first stage, we focus on the mechanical elements that participate to the packaging of on-board electronic systems and that provide thermal dissipation capabilities together with electrical mass grounding, bonding and EMI protection. The methodology and solutions developed shall allow to attain 20% to 40% weight savings on on-board electronic packaging and fulfilling the above mentioned thermal, electrical, EMI and mechanical functions. At a second stage, the solutions developed shall be applied to primary or secondary structure aerospace elements providing local zones dedicated to thermal dissipation for elements such as electric power converters or batteries, or as electrical grounding zones for electric/electronic equipment. Finally, the underlying industrial need imposes to develop a rigorous design guideline that shall capitalize the advances produced through the project providing engineers a tool to apply the developed set of technologies in their products.

CICONIA’s ambition is to improve the understanding of non-CO2 emissions with regards to the current aircraft/engine technologies and operating fleet, as well as their evolution and their climate effects, but with the clear objective to evaluate and develop impact reduction solutions covering several promising mitigation options on flight operations, through the definition of innovative dedicated Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) and their assessment in comparison to legacy operations. CICONIA wants to define and assess CONOPS solutions with engagement from all concerned stakeholders: Airlines with their OCC, Network, Met providers and Air Traffic Control. CICONIA mitigation options will offer the best proposal for reduction in climate impacts, taking into account both, the CO2 and non-CO2 climate effects. A TRL4 is targeted at the end of the 3 years project. CICONIA is composed of the four main topics: 1. A weather service that will improve weather forecasting capabilities tailored for operational mitigation concepts, provide technical enablers definition and recommendation for long term improvement that will feed a better understanding of the stakes; 2. A climate enabler that will improve climate impact assessment and models tailored for operational mitigation concepts; 3. CONOPS strategies definition: CICONIA proposes to further analyse how operational stakeholders could integrate mitigations in their plan or in their tactical operations to mitigate climate impacts. A climate enhanced operations CONOPS will be delivered and assessed with representative fast time simulation platforms, integrating weather and climate models, enabling the evaluation of a large area and long time period. These simulations will support the assessment of the complete picture from climate, economics and operational impact points of view, conducting trades on different assumptions, understanding their impact on the decision making and finally providing guidance; 4. An ATM mitigation solution through trials: Investigate multiple ATM strategies for flights to minimise or avoid persistent warming contrails, through operational trials and data analysis. This solution will focus on reducing the climate impact of non-CO2 components, specifically by minimising crossings of persistent, highly warming contrails from aircraft in oceanic airspace. CICONIA aims as well at providing material to Authorities and Regulators, to analyse the appropriate rulemaking that could serve a fair and uniformed framework to minimise non-CO2 climate effects in a global environmental centric approach addressing as well CO2. Regulations aimed at mitigating non-CO2 effects through operational measures should be proven effective from a climate benefit standpoint, fair from an economic impact on the operator's standpoint, and operationally feasible/acceptable/manageable. An Advisory Board will federate external organisations who want to take part in the CICONIA results.