Composite induction consolidation apparatus and method
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsMARC R. MATSEN, Mark A. Negley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A composite induction consolidation apparatus includes a base mandrel and a ferromagnetic base mandrel facesheet having a specific Curie temperature carried by the base mandrel. The base mandrel facesheet is adapted to support a composite part and allow ambient air pressure to compact the composite part against the base mandrel facesheet. At least one magnetic induction coil is provided in the base mandrel
Claims20
A composite induction consolidation apparatus for heating and consolidating a composite part, comprising:
- a base mandrel;
- a ferromagnetic base mandrel facesheet having a specific Curie temperature carried by said base mandrel;
- said base mandrel facesheet is adapted to support a composite part and allow ambient air pressure to compact the composite part against said base mandrel facesheet;
- and
- at least one magnetic induction coil in said base mandrel.
A composite induction consolidation apparatus for heating and consolidating a composite part, comprising:
- a base mandrel;
- a ferromagnetic base mandrel facesheet having a specific Curie temperature carried by said base mandrel;
- said base mandrel facesheet is adapted to support a composite part and allow ambient air pressure to compact the composite part against said base mandrel facesheet;
- at least one magnetic induction coil in said base mandrel;
- at least one cooling channel extending through said base mandrel;
- an enclosing hood carried by said base mandrel;
- a ferromagnetic enclosing hood facesheet having a specific Curie temperature carried by said enclosing hood and adapted for positioning into adjacent proximity to the composite part;
- at least one magnetic induction coil in said enclosing hood;
- and
- at least one cooling channel extending through said enclosing hood.
A composite induction consolidation method, comprising:
- providing a base mandrel having a ferromagnetic base mandrel facesheet;
- placing a thermoplastic composite part on said base mandrel facesheet;
- heating said base mandrel facesheet and said thermoplastic composite part;
- consolidating said thermoplastic composite part using ambient air pressure;
- and
- cooling said thermoplastic composite part.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.