Joining non-coplanar panels and structures of fiber reinforced composites

Abstract

A method of joining adjacent, non-coplanar, fiber reinforced composite structures includes machining a plurality of serrations (4) into an edge (6) of a consolidated first fiber reinforced composite structure (2) such that reinforcing fibers continue from a main body (14) of the first fiber reinforced composite structure (2) into the serrations (4). One or more reinforcing fiber plies (16) are then laid up around the serrations (4) to form an unconsolidated second structure such that the serrations (4) protrude through at least one reinforcing fiber ply (16). In addition to the one or more reinforcing fiber plies (16), the unconsolidated second structure also includes a matrix precursor. Sufficient heat and pressure are applied to the unconsolidated second structure and the serrations (4) to consolidate the second structure into a fiber reinforced composite structure (8). The heat and pressure also cause the fibers in the serrations (4) to intermingle with the fibers in the second structure (8) to securely join the second structure (8) to the first fiber reinforced composite structure (2). The invention also includes a fiber reinforced composite article made with this method.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.