Abstract:
A tool for forming a composite structure may include two or more segments formed from a polymer material. The tool may further include a crush insert disposed between the two or more segments. The tool may also include a support shaft coupled between the two or more segments. A method of forming a mandrel may include forming segments of the mandrel through an additive manufacturing process. The method may further include assembling the segments relative to one another. The method may also include positioning a crush insert between each of the segments. A method of fabricating a composite structure is also disclosed.
Abstract:
According to an aspect, a method of assembling a mandrel includes assembling a plurality of members via interlocking features arranged at opposing edges of each member of the plurality of members to form a compartment, the assembled members having a collective outer surface that conforms to an inner surface of the spar. A support member is inserted into the compartment formed radially inward from the assembled members, the support member making contact with a portion of each member of the plurality of members.
Abstract:
A cascade for a jet engine thrust reverser is fabricated by co-consolidating pre-consolidated thermoplastic strongbacks and vanes. The strongbacks are reinforced with continuous fibers, and the vanes are reinforced with discontinuous fibers.
Abstract:
A method of producing, for example, handles for using in rolling stock or other transport situations, employs a flexible core mould that is coated with an impregnated glass fibre. The coated core mould is placed into a tool for curing, whereupon the rubber core is pulled out of the center of the resulting handle member after curing. The method helps create 3D shapes of any form and cross section in a cost effective manner and using a standardized methodology and process. Further, the method enables creation of a hollow and lightweight part. The method allows use of standard glass fiber instead of more specialized braided fibre of the prior art.
Abstract:
A constraint system of sectors of a device for producing an airplane fuselage in which a lamination mandrel is adapted to receive and support a band of impregnated synthetic material. The lamination mandrel comprises a plurality of sectors angularly spaced about the axis and mobile between: an expanded lamination position and a contracted disassembling position. A constraint system is provided between each sector and the sectors adjacent thereto which guarantees a predetermined arrangement of the first sector with respect to the second sector adjacent thereto, preventing any translation along two directions which lie in an adjustment plane perpendicular to an axis RD which extends radially from the symmetry axis to the external surface.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for fabricating a composite part, such as a fuselage or internal stiffener, with a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus usable as a rigid lay-up tool. The SMP apparatus may be heated until malleable, shaped, and then cooled in a desired rigid tool configuration. For example, cavities may be formed into the SMP apparatus for nesting components therein to co-bond or co-cure with the composite part. The composite material and/or nested components may be heated and compressed against the SMP apparatus. The SMP apparatus may be configured to remain rigid during the composite cure cycle. Once the composite material is cured, the SMP apparatus may be triggered to a malleable state and urged away from the cured composite material.
Abstract:
Winding method for the production of a rotationally symmetric, tube-like hollow body preform, device (10) for the production of a rotationally symmetric, tube-like hollow body preform and a method for the production of a device for producing a rotationally symmetric, tube-like hollow body preform, wherein reinforcing fibres soaked with a resin are wound in a winding process on a rotatably driven winding core (1) having an outside diameter corresponding to the inside diameter of the hollow body preform and wherein the hollow body preform is removed from the winding core after a subsequent hardening of the hollow body preform by means of supplied heat. For the winding process and/or hardening of the hollow body preform, the outside diameter of the winding core corresponds to the inside diameter of the hollow body preform to be produced, wherein the outside diameter of the winding core is reduced to a smaller outside diameter for the removal of the hollow body preform from the winding core.
Abstract:
A method of and apparatus for forming one or more flanges or formations, which may conveniently be inwardly facing, on or in a hollow continuously wound structural member, such as a hollow pole, the method including the steps of providing a tapered mandrel on which to continuously wind a loop of filament or filaments to form a hollow structural member, providing an end-forming plate at at least one end of the mandrel, placing one or more formers on the outside of the mandrel adjacent to and spaced from the or each end plate by a required amount to form one or more flanges when the member has been fully wound and set within a resin, and subsequently removing the continuously wound structural member from the mandrel.
Abstract:
A structural member such as a strut includes a composite material tube having metal end fittings that are attached to the tube by co-bonded, double shear joints. The double shear bond joint construction reduces the residual stress on the bonds that result from mismatch of the coefficients of thermal expansion of the composite tube and the metal end fittings. The ends of the fittings that are bonded to the tube may include a stepped profile that functions to limit the peak stresses in the bonds.
Abstract:
A constraint system of sectors of a device for producing an airplane fuselage in which a lamination mandrel is adapted to receive and support a band of impregnated synthetic material. The lamination mandrel comprises a plurality of sectors angularly spaced about the axis and mobile between: an expanded lamination position and a contracted disassembling position. A constraint system is provided between each sector and the sectors adjacent thereto which guarantees a predetermined arrangement of the first sector with respect to the second sector adjacent thereto, preventing any translation along two directions which lie in an adjustment plane perpendicular to an axis RD which extends radially from the symmetry axis to the external surface.