Multi-mandrel braiding process
AssigneeRtx Corporation
InventorKathryn S. Read
Life of this patent
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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 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;
- 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.
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;
- 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.