Multi-mandrel braiding process
AssigneeRtx Corporation
InventorKathryn S. Read
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for forming multiple braided preform segments includes a mandrel assembly disposed along a mandrel axis, a radial braider for winding fibers onto the mandrel assembly to form a continuous braided article, an applicator for applying a polymer binder to the braided article while mounted on the mandrel assembly, and a debulking tool for debulking the braided article while mounted on the mandrel assembly. The mandrel assembly includes a lead-in extension defining a first end, an end extension defining a second end, and a plurality of mandrels removably connected to a plurality of transition pieces and disposed axially between the lead-in extension and the end extension.
Claims20
A system for forming multiple braided preform segments, the system comprising:
- a mandrel assembly disposed along a mandrel axis, the mandrel assembly comprising:
- a lead-in extension defining a first terminal end;
- an end extension defining a second terminal end;
- and
- a plurality of mandrels removably connected to a plurality of transition pieces and disposed axially between the lead-in extension and the end extension, wherein:
- each of the plurality of mandrels extends and tapers between two axial ends;
- and
- each of the transition pieces abuts and separates two of the plurality of mandrels and has a lateral dimension transverse to the mandrel axis, shared by abutting axial ends of both of the abutting two of the plurality of mandrels, and uniform throughout an entire axial extend of the respective transition piece between the abutting two mandrels;
- a radial braider for winding fibers onto the mandrel assembly to form a continuous braided article;
- and
- an applicator for applying a polymer binder to the braided article while mounted on the mandrel assembly.
A method of forming multiple CMC parts from a braided article, the method comprising:
- assembling a mandrel assembly, the mandrel assembly comprising:
- a lead-in extension;
- an end extension;
- and
- a plurality of mandrels removably connected to a plurality of transition pieces and disposed axially between the lead-in extension and the end extension, wherein:
- each of the plurality of mandrels extends and tapers between two axial ends;
- and
- each of the transition pieces abuts and separates two of the plurality of mandrels and has a lateral dimension transverse to the mandrel axis, shared by abutting axial ends of both of the abutting two of the plurality of mandrels, and uniform throughout an entire axial extend of the respective transition piece between the abutting two mandrels;
- incorporating the mandrel assembly into a braiding system;
- forming a continuous braided article over the plurality of mandrels and the plurality of transition pieces;
- cutting the braided article into a plurality of preform segments;
- forming a corresponding plurality of preforms from the plurality of preform segments;
- and
- densifying the plurality of preforms with a ceramic matrix.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.