Abstract:
A flexible mandrel (20) for processing a part comprises an outer sleeve (22) and a generally flexible inner core (24). The outer sleeve (22) includes at least one flexible portion (26) along its length allowing the sleeve (22) to flex to a desired contour. Advantageously the outer sleeve (22) is metal.
Abstract:
A composite shear tie for connecting a rib in a wing of an aircraft to a skin panel. The shear tie includes a web section having a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge. The web section is formed from a composite material. The first edge is parallel to the second edge, and the web section is configured to be connected to the rib in the wing of the aircraft. The shear tie also has a first free flange extending from the first edge, wherein the first free flange is around perpendicular to the web section and wherein the first free flange is formed from the composite material. A second free flange is present in the shear tie in which the second free flange extends from the second edge, wherein the second free flange is around perpendicular to the web section and wherein the second free flange is formed from the composite material. The shear tie has a base flange section extending from the third edge, wherein the first base flange is configured for attachment to the skin panel and wherein the first base flange is formed from the composite material.
Abstract:
A method and article of manufacture of joining a stringer to a wing or tail panel and curing a wing or tail panel is disclosed. A sheet of titanium is placed between a cured stringer and an uncured wing or tail panel. The stringer, wing or tail panel and sheet are then placed within a vacuum bag, and gas is pumped out of the bag. The bag is then placed in an auto-clave to cure the wing or tail panel.
Abstract:
A stabilizing mechanism (72) for resisting relative movement of upper and lower laminates (30) of a composite structure having a core (20) comprises a lower grip strip (78) and at least one upper grip strip (76). The lower grip strip (78) may be mounted to a tool (50) upon which the composite structure may be processed. The lower grip strip may include an outer surface having at least one engagement feature for engaging at least one of the upper and lower laminates which make up the composite structure. The upper grip strip may have opposing outer surfaces which may include at least one engagement feature (76d) such as a protusion (76e) for engaging the lower strip and at least one of the upper and lower laminates (30).
Abstract:
A mandrel for processing a part comprises an outer sleeve and a generally flexible inner core. The outer sleeve includes at least one flexible portion along its length allowing the sleeve to flex to a desired contour.
Abstract:
A composite shear tie (500) for connecting a rib (504) in a wing of an aircraft to a skin panel (514). The shear tie includes a web (520) section having a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge. The web section is formed from a composite material. The first edge is parallel to the second edge, and the web section (520) is configured to be connected to the rib (504) in the wing of the aircraft. The shear tie also has a first free flange (522) extending from the first edge, wherein the first free (522) flange is around perpendicular to the web section and wherein the first free flange is formed from the composite material. A second free flange (524) is present in the shear tie in which the second free flange (524) extends from the second edge, wherein the second free flange is around perpendicular to the web section and wherein the second free flange is formed from the composite material. The shear tie has a base flange section (534) extending from the third edge, wherein the first base flange (534) is configured for attachment to the skin panel (514) and wherein the first base flange is formed from the composite material.
Abstract:
An aircraft stringer lay-up assembly is provided comprising a contoured curing block and a first mandrel element positioned thereon. The first mandrel assembly includes a first bar assembly having a plurality of rigidity reducing first slots formed along a first mandrel length. The plurality of rigidity reducing first slots protruding partially through a first mandrel depth of the first mandrel element to allow the first bar assembly to conform to the contoured curing block. A composite ply assembly is laid up onto the first mandrel element and cured while conformed to said contoured curing block such that a contoured composite stringer element is generated
Abstract:
An aircraft stringer lay-up assembly (10) is provided comprising a contoured curing block and a first mandrel element (12) positioned thereon. The first mandrel assembly includes a first bar assembly (16) having a plurality of rigidity reducing first slots (18) formed along a first mandrel length. The plurality of rigidity reducing first slots protruding partially through a first mandrel depth of the first mandrel element to allow the first bar assembly to conform to the contoured curing block. A composite ply assembly is laid up onto the first mandrel element and cured while conformed to said contoured curing block such that a contoured composite stringer element is generated.