Metal matrix composite tape fabrication, braiding, and consolidation to form metal matrix composite parts
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorAntonio Carlos Rufin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for braiding Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) tape. One method includes drawing multiple lanes of MMC tape, comprising a matrix of metal reinforced by fibers, from bobbins arranged around a mandrel. The method also includes braiding the multiple lanes to form a preform at the mandrel for an MMC part and consolidating the preform via application of heat and pressure.
Claims20
A method for braiding Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) tape, the method comprising:
- drawing multiple lanes of MMC tape, comprising a matrix of metal reinforced by fibers, from bobbins arranged around a mandrel;
- braiding the multiple lanes to form a preform at the mandrel for an MMC part;
- heating the mandrel to a diffusion bonding temperature with electromagnetic inductors;
- and
- consolidating the preform via application pressure.
A method for assembling a portion of an aircraft, the method comprising:
- drawing, from bobbins arranged around a mandrel, multiple lanes of Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) tape comprising a matrix of metal reinforced by fibers;
- forming a preform for the portion of the aircraft by braiding the multiple lanes at the mandrel;
- heating the mandrel to a diffusion bonding temperature with electromagnetic inductors;
- and
- consolidating the preform for the portion of the aircraft via application pressure.
A system configured to braid Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) tape, the system comprising:
- bobbins arranged in a pattern, each bobbin configured to store MMC tape that comprises a matrix of metal reinforced by fibers;
- lanes of tape from the bobbins laid-up onto a mandrel;
- electromagnetic inductors configured to heat the mandrel to a diffusion bonding temperature;
- and
- a braiding apparatus and robot configured to translate and orient the mandrel in order to draw additional tape from the lanes and place it onto the mandrel in a controlled fashion.
A method of fabricating a portion of an aircraft, the method comprising:
- storing MMC tape, comprising a matrix of metal reinforced by fibers, on bobbins;
- arranging the bobbins in a pattern;
- laying up lanes of tape from the bobbins on a mandrel;
- heating the mandrel, using electromagnetic inductors, to a diffusion bonding temperature;
- and
- translating and orienting, using a braiding apparatus and robot, the mandrel and thereby drawing additional tape from the lanes of tape and placing the additional tape onto the mandrel in a controlled fashion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.