Apparatus and method to tailor fiber distortion in composite parts

A method for positioning wrinkling of a cured composite material at a predetermined location in fabricating a composite part, the method comprising:

• positioning a caul plate in contact with an uncured composite material, wherein:
• the uncured composite material has a geometric change in shape;
• the caul plate includes a first end and a second end spaced from the first end, and the caul plate defines a first slit and a second slit each of which extends through and along the caul plate;
• wherein the first slit extends from the first end of the caul plate to a distal end of the first slit that is spaced from the second end of the caul plate, and the second slit extends from the second end of the caul plate to a distal end of the second slit that is spaced from the first end of the caul plate such that the first slit and the second slit form an opposing pattern;
• and
• positioning a fiber and a resin of a portion of the uncured composite material within the first slit and the second slit;
• curing the uncured composite material to position a wrinkle within the first slit of the caul plate and position a wrinkle within the second slit of the caul plate;
• wherein:
• the caul plate further includes a third slit and a fourth slit extending through and along the caul plate;
• the geometric change in shape includes a ramp that extends angular between a first distal end of the ramp and a second distal end of the ramp;
• the caul plate includes a first curvature disposed adjacent to the first distal end of the ramp;
• the first slit and the fourth slit are disposed along the ramp proximal to a first side of the first curvature;
• and
• the second slit and the third slit are spaced from the ramp proximal to a second side of the first curvature.