Methods for fabrication of layups for composite honeycomb core sandwich structures and said composite honeycomb core sandwich structures

A method for fabrication of a layup for a composite honeycomb core sandwich structure, the method comprising:

• laying up a first plurality of unidirectional tows over a tool for layup of the composite honeycomb core sandwich structure using an automated fiber placement process to form a stack of under-core composite plies that are tied down to a rough textured surface bonded to the tool;
• placing an under-core film adhesive on the stack of under-core composite plies within a trimline for the composite honeycomb core sandwich structure;
• placing a honeycomb core on the under-core film adhesive within the trimline;
• placing an over-core film adhesive on the honeycomb core within the trimline;
• and
• laying up a second plurality of unidirectional tows over the over-core film adhesive and the rough textured surface using the automated fiber placement process to form a stack of over-core composite plies that tie down the honeycomb core to the rough textured surface.