The University of Limerick will host a major aeronautics research conference next year with the arrival of the Airbus-led MAAXIMUS project which involving 57 partners and key players in the aircraft industry. MAAXIMUS (more affordable aircraft through extended, integrated and mature numerical sizing) is €67 million budget project aimed at achieving the fast development and right-first time validation of a highly-optimised composite aircraft fuselage. Funded by the European Commission through Framework 7 the project involves aircraft industry, research & technology centres and universities across Europe.

UL is the largest university partner in the project and involves teams of researchers from Stokes Institute and MSSI. MAAXIMUS Site Manager at UL, Dr David Newport explains the significance of the project; “The project entails a very high level of collaboration with UL researchers working directly with engineers from industrial companies like Airbus, EADS, Dassault, Bombardier and the major European Aerospace Centres such as DLR in Germany and Onera in France.”

The University's leading role in MAAXIMUS is centred on structural and thermal aspects of the aircraft main body with €1.4M secured.  Unique test facilities such as a full-scale aircraft crown thermal test facility have been developed, whilst the state-of-the-art composite manufacturing facilities at UL are playing a key role.  In addition to physical testing, extensive work on modelling, theoretical development and virtual testing is also being performed.  Combined with the work of the other 56 partners these activities will result in safer, more efficient aircraft that can be produced cheaper and faster than at present. 

Dr Newport added; “UL offers the only Bachelor of Engineering in Aeronautical programme in the Irish state and industry collaborations such as the MAAXIMUS project ensures our aeronautical research remains relevant and helps sustain UL’s reputation for producing exceptional aeronautical engineering graduates.” 

For further information about the MAAXIMUS 4th Annual Review go to www.maaximus.eu