Fabric structure control using ultrasonic probe

Abstract

A method of spreading fiber tows includes applying a coupling medium to a surface of a fibrous structure, positioning an ultrasonic probe adjacent to the surface of a fibrous structure, such that a tip of the ultrasonic probe is in contact with the coupling medium, moving at least one of the ultrasonic probe and the fabric structure relative to the other of the ultrasonic probe and the fibrous structure according to a first pattern, and imparting ultrasonic vibration with the ultrasonic probe to the surface of the fibrous structure while moving the ultrasonic probe along the surface of the fibrous structure. Imparting ultrasonic vibration to the surface of the fibrous structure spreads tows of the fibrous structure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.