For the use-phase model, contributions are determined by the mission scenario, service life and assumed overall system efficiency -consider, for example, an aircraft - as well as the allocation formula of the system’s energy consumption to its components. Results of the manufacturing phase largely depend on an accurate prediction of material demand and the availability of valid manufacturing process models. Precision Cutting Enables High Speed Composites Molding Process However, because of complex dependencies between these phases, and the fact that each comes with a distinct set of parameters and optimization tasks for its evaluation, achieving a balanced design is not that simple. Aiming for a favorable overall balance, environmental accounting as part of design studies along the whole life cycle of a product is crucial, particularly in the manufacture, use and end-of-life (EOL) phases of a product (Fig. However, lightweight materials like fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) or high-performance metal alloys often have a relatively unfavorable ecological footprint in production and disposal. Lightweight construction aims to increase resource efficiency by reducing the mass of components.

Model-driven design and analysis serves as a powerful tool to facilitate this transformation and enables controlled management of complex interdependencies along the life cycle of a product. In addition to new material and product properties, this also requires new production architectures and changes in product development, processes and planning. However, the systematic transfer and application of materials, structures and principles from nature to products and industry requires a paradigm shift from constant efficiency optimization and maximum growth to sustainable strategies, long-term efficiency and robustness. Photo Credit, all images: Fraunhofer IGCVīiomimetic design has become an important approach in the quest for more sustainable composite products. In the field of lightweight construction, manufacturing, the use phase and end-of-life (highlighted in dark blue above) have the greatest impact on the overall balance in the presented example. The design of a product therefore is the most important product development stage for a holistic optimization of the overall balance of a product regarding sustainability, economic and performance aspects. Figure 1: The design of a product results from the various requirements placed on the product itself along the product life cycle, from the choice of material to the end of its life.

Openlca building study