Wings: Art x Engineering

Art inspired by engineering

Bombardier, Resin-infusedadvanced composite wing (2019-05-29) by Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation

The winner of the 2019 MacRobert Award: Resin Wings

Bombardier’s innovative, resin-infused composite aircraft wing is approximately 10% lighter than a conventional metal wing.

The advanced wing, developed in Belfast, underpins the Airbus A220 and is the first certified commercial aircraft wing made using resin transfer infusion. 

Resin transfer infusion creates a structure by putting dry fabric in moulds and then infusing it with liquid resin, setting the shape under heat and pressure. 

A lighter wing helps to reduce fuel burn in flight, as well as reducing CO2 and NOx emissions. 

The artist created an image that reflects how the resin is injected into a vacuum within the carbon fibre wing, and is then heated under pressure to form the final shape.

Bombardier - winners of the MacRobert Award

Artist Ted Humble-Smith was inspired by the resin-infused advanced composite wing to mark the 50th Anniversary of the MacRobert Award

50 years of the MacRobert AwardMuseum of Engineering Innovation

MacRobert Award for Engineering Innovation: Fran Scott interviews Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation

Photographer Ted Humble-Smith (2019-05-29) by Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation

The artist inspired by engineering

Ted Humble-Smith is a photographer and director who brings a sense of magic to the meticulous conceptual images he creates for the luxury fashion, beauty, jewellery, and business worlds.       

Photographer Ted Humble-Smith (2019-05-29) by Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation

Ted Humble-Smith uses his imagination and technical expertise to produce vibrant images that push the boundaries of commercial photography. He talked to engineers involved in MacRobert Award-winning projects to picture the concepts behind the innovations. His images capture the thought process behind the breakthroughs, rather than illustrating the innovations’ technical workings.      

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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