Apparatus for manufacturing a flanged composite component and methods of manufacturing the same

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a flanged composite component is provided. The method includes coupling a composite structure to s first composite material. The method includes coupling a second composite material to the composite structure and placing a first expansion device within the composite structure. A forming element is coupled to at least one of the first composite material, the composite structure, and the second composite material against the mold. The method includes coupling a pressure element to the forming element to define a space among the mold, the forming element, and the pressure element. The method includes expanding the first expansion device to impart a force to the second composite material to move the second composite material away from the composite structure and into the space to facilitate forming a first flange.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.