Multi-piece mandrel for cmc components
AssigneeRaytheon Technologies Corporation
InventorWilliam M. Barker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mandrel for a molding process. The mandrel includes a first portion that has a first draft surface and a second draft surface. A second portion and a third portion are included. The second portion has a third draft surface and the third portion has a fourth draft surface wherein the first draft surface engages the third draft surface and the second draft surface engages the fourth draft surface. A channel extends along a length of the mandrel at an interface between the first, second, and third portions such that the second portion does not contact the third portion.
Claims20
A mandrel for a molding process, the mandrel comprising:
- a first portion having a first draft surface and a second draft surface;
- a second portion and a third portion, the second portion having a third draft surface and the third portion having a fourth draft surface wherein the first draft surface engages the third draft surface and the second draft surface engages the fourth draft surface;
- and
- a channel extends along a length of the mandrel at an interface between the first, second, and third portions, such that the second portion does not contact the third portion.
A mandrel assembly, comprising:
- a mandrel, the mandrel formed from a first portion having first and second draft surfaces,
- a second portion having a third draft surface, and a third portion having a fourth draft surface, wherein the first draft surface engages the third draft surface and the second draft surface engages the fourth draft surface;
- and
- a first end piece and a second end piece arranged at opposite ends of the mandrel and configured to secure the first, second, and third portions together.
A method of forming a matrix composite component, comprising:
- providing a mandrel formed from a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the mandrel having a channel that extends along a length of the mandrel at an interface between the first, second, and third portions, such that the second portion does not contact the third portion;
- wrapping a matrix composite laminate about the mandrel to form a preform;
- removing the first portion from the preform;
- and
- removing the second and third portions from the preform after the first portion has been removed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.