Mold core for producing a component composed of fiber composite material

A method for producing a component comprising fiber composite material having a cavity, wherein the method comprises:

• providing a molding apparatus for producing the component, the molding apparatus comprising:
• a mold part having a mold surface for abutment against the component to be produced;
• and
• a mold core for producing the component, comprising:
• the mold core extending along a longitudinal axis;
• wherein the mold core is in a form of a hybrid core and comprises, as viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a first core portion and a second core portion, the first core portion and the second core portion being fixedly connected to one another;
• the first core portion comprising a first material with a first coefficient of thermal expansion;
• and
• the second core portion comprising a second material that differs from the first material, and is configured such that, under predetermined conditions, its form changes in a predetermined manner such that removal of the mold core from the cavity in the component is easier;
• wherein the second material has, at least in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than the first coefficient of thermal expansion;
• and
• wherein the first core portion has a thickness perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is substantially greater than a thickness of the second core portion;
• providing a preform of the component to be produced comprising a cavity;
• arranging the mold core in the cavity such that the surfaces of the preform which surround the cavity are supported by the mold core;
• arranging the preform on the mold surface of the mold part;
• curing the component;
• releasing the component from the mold part;
• and
• releasing the mold core from the cavity in a manner made easier or made possible by a change in the form of the second core portion.