Strategic Materials in Aerospace: A Decision Support Framework for Assessing Geopolitical, Economic, and Sustainability Scenarios
Author(s)
Venkatram, Nitya Maruthuvakudi
Alsabeeha, Sara
Ravi, Aparna
Prasad, Arvindh E.
Weston, Neil R.
Liu, Zhimin
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Collections
Supplementary to:
Permanent Link
Abstract
A strategic aerospace material is a material whose potential scarcity in the future can significantly impact the production chain of an aerospace vehicle. The risk in its availability can stem from various factors - scarcity of the raw material, environmental concerns associated with mining, geopolitical issues between nations trading the material at different levels of the supply chain, or increased cross-industry applications leading to reduced availability for the aerospace sector. The production of these materials is vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and environmental concerns. To address these challenges, a life cycle assessment considering all the stages of the materials, from extraction to waste management should be conducted. Additionally, environmental concerns associated with their extraction and processing may limit future availability. This research addresses the critical challenges faced by the aerospace industry in securing a stable supply chain for essential materials, including aluminum alloys, carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), titanium, and lithium. Recognizing the complex interplay of geopolitical tensions, environmental concerns, and demand fluctuations, the study introduces the Parametric Research Interface for Strategic Materials Analysis (PRISMA) as a robust decision support framework. With an emphasis on life cycle assessment (LCA), PRISMA provides a dynamic interface for material selection and scenario exploration. A detailed case study on CFRP illustrates the framework’s capabilities, delving into the material’s life cycle stages, geopolitical dependencies, and sustainability challenges. With a focus on geopolitical tensions, economic analyses, and sustainability objectives, PRISMA equips aerospace stakeholders to navigate complexities, make informed decisions, and strategize for a resilient and environmentally conscious future. This research underscores PRISMA’s pivotal role as an empowering tool for the aerospace industry amid evolving challenges and sustainability imperatives.
Sponsor
Date
2024-01
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Paper
Rights Statement
Unless otherwise noted, all materials are protected under U.S. Copyright Law and all rights are reserved