CFRP Y-ring

The Y-ring is located on top of the upper stage of the Ariane 5 launcher and gets its name from the Y-shaped connection of the outer cylinder structure with the conical inner structure.  

The manufacturing of this complex geometry with CFRP technologies (resin transfer moulding and 3D preform) has the potential of mass savings of 30% in comparison with the current metallic structure while simultaneously possessing a high structural strength and stiffness.