System, method, apparatus, and applications for open cell woven structural supports
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsBRIAN ROSENBERGER, SLADE GARDNER
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An open cell or highly porous woven composite truss utilizes fibers of carbon, glass, ceramic, or the like that are woven together in a loom. The warps or tow are woven with the wefts, while the fibers are impregnated with resin. The resin impregnation step may be performed before or after the weaving step. The truss is then cured on the loom and later may be machined as needed. A rigid foam material may be used to stabilize the shape of the truss prior to curing and while machining. The foam may be later chemically dissolved or otherwise disposed of.
Claims14
A method of forming a structure, the method comprising:
- (a) weaving fiber tow with a loom into an open cell, woven composite truss-like structure in a three-dimensional, interlocking geometry;
- (b) impregnating the fiber tow with resin;
- (c) curing/consolidating the resin while the fiber tow are still located in the loom to preserve the three-dimensional, interlocking geometry and form a cured structure;
- and then
- (d) removing the cured structure from the loom.
An aircraft wing, comprising:
- an upper skin;
- a lower skin;
- and
- a structure extending between the upper and lower skins, the structure comprising an open cell, woven composite truss having a three-dimensional, interlocking geometry formed from fiber tow impregnated with a cured resin;
- and
- the upper skin, lower skin, and structure being sealed together to form a wet wing configuration adapted to contain aircraft fuel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.