Modular mandrel for monolithic composite fuselage

    公开(公告)号:US10173348B2

    公开(公告)日:2019-01-08

    申请号:US15264410

    申请日:2016-09-13

    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a self-supporting, monolithic fuselage body, including engaging peripheral mandrel sections around at least one central mandrel section, placing uncured composite material on the mold surface, curing the composite material on the mold surface, and sliding the central mandrel section(s) out of engagement with the peripheral mandrel sections and disengaging the peripheral mandrel sections from the cured composite material without collapsing the mandrel sections. The peripheral mandrel sections each include a shape-retaining core of a thermally insulating material and an outer layer on an outer surface of the shape-retaining core. The outer layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion within the range of variation of that of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the composite material. A mandrel for layup and cure of a predetermined composite material in the manufacture of a monolithic fuselage is also discussed.

    MOLDING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF CO-CURING STIFFENER WITH PANEL

    公开(公告)号:US20200079038A1

    公开(公告)日:2020-03-12

    申请号:US16125592

    申请日:2018-09-07

    Abstract: There is disclosed a molding assembly including a mold having a first surface and an opposed second surface. The mold defines a cavity bounded by two side walls converging toward each other from the first surface toward the second surface. Two mandrels are each removably receivable in the cavity and have a first wall, a second wall opposed to the first wall, an inner wall, and an outer wall opposed to the inner wall. The inner walls face each other and define a gap therebetween for receiving a composite material to be cured. The outer walls are angled and each slidably engage a respective one of the two side walls. A method of co-curing a stiffener and a panel is also disclosed.

Patent Agency Ranking