Environment for Optimization and Development Using a Common Kernel, or GEODUCK, the name of a giant clam native to U.S. Northwest waters. “To put it very simply, it allows you to generate and process geometry. It does a lot of math and enables multidisciplinary design optimization,” said Jan Vandenbrande, senior manager of Geometry and Optimization with Boeing Research & Technology. GEODUCK (pronounced “gooey duck”) is used by engineering, marketing, support, production and test organizations across Boeing. Through an innovative standard process of testing and releasing new add-ins, GEODUCK also allows users to share and reuse one another’s models. Another winning innovation used shared skills and resources from across the enterprise to enable Boeing to take the next big leap in aerospace—to build a mostly composite airplane that uses less fuel and offers passengers an outstanding flying experience. The invention was the energy-absorbing structure for composite materials that provides increased safety for passengers. This novel technology required close cooperation by members of the Boeing Technical Fellowship and other talents from Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and Engineering, Operations & Technology. One aspect of the innovation is the use of crush zones composed of composite stanchions. The stanchions support the cargo floor of the aircraft, so that it can function as an energy absorber for the aircraft. This capability greatly reduces the acceleration levels experienced by the passengers in the cabin area, thus protecting them from possible injury. Another winning idea focused on what has been a difficult problem to solve—how to dramatically cut the cost of a rocket launch to meet the challenge of providing low-cost access to space. Boeing’s solution? A way to offer two launches for the price of one. Senior Technical Fellow Glenn Caplin, Systems engineer Anna Tomzynska and Technical Fellow Richard Aston, all from Defense, Space & Security, share a pending patent for their concept of launching two or more all-electric propulsion spacecraft on one launch vehicle. This eliminates the need for an inner fairing structure and a fairing separation system. That benefit, coupled with the fact that an all-electric satellite is half the mass of a conventional chemical-propulsion satellite, means more revenuegenerating payload can be accommodated. Their 2013 Special Invention Award is a special thrill for Tomzynska, who has been dreaming about space since childhood. Her work is very much part of the progress toward making space accessible to all. And it’s brought business value along with it. “When we were awarded a contract for an eight-satellite deal, the L.A. Times said it would provide a $1 billion boost to the Southern California aerospace industry,” Tomzynska said. n kathrine.k.beck@boeing.com candace.k.barron@boeing.com Employees can find a list of the 2013 Special Invention and Technical Replication awards winners on the Boeing intranet: http://ipm.web.boeing.com/2013_SIA_TRA_Brochure.pdf PHOTO: Glenn Caplin (from left), Richard Aston and Anna Tomzynska devised a more efficient way to launch multiple all-electric spacecraft on one vehicle. Paul Piner/Boeing BOEING FRONTIERS / OCTOBER 2013 47 “For the people of Boeing, much of their fulfillment comes through developing awe-inspiring ideas that make the impossible possible.” – John Tracy, Boeing chief technology officer, and senior vice president, Engineering, Operations & Technology
Frontiers October 2013 Issue
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