Device for compressing a composite radius
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsThomas J. Kennedy, David A. Fucci
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A bow wave in a composite laminate generated during part consolidation is reduced by transmitting atmospheric pressure loads to a region of the part having low compaction pressure due to bridging of a vacuum bag at an edge of the part.
Claims18
A device for reducing a bow wave at an edge of a radius on a composite laminate part during consolidation, comprising:
- a caul configured to substantially conform to the shape of the radius and apply compaction pressure to the part at the edge of the radius, the caul being moldable around a portion of the composite laminate part.
A device for reducing a bow wave generated at an edge of a radius of a composite laminate part during consolidation, comprising:
- a caul for applying pressure to the radius of the part,
- the caul including a first portion adapted to cover the radius and the radius edge, and second portion overlying the first portion and the radius edge for applying pressure to the radius edge through the second portion of the caul, the caul being moldable around a portion of the composite laminate part.
A device for reducing a bow wave generated along an edge of a radius of a composite laminate spar being joined to a stiffener having lower flanges adjacent the radius edge during consolidation, comprising:
- a first curved caul for applying pressure to the radius edge and having a thickness that is tapered along its curvature, the first caul being moldable around a portion of the composite laminate part;
- and
- a second caul formed integral with the first caul, the second having laterally extending flanges respectively overlying the lower flanges of the stiffener and having an extremity overlying the radius edge for transmitting consolidation pressure from the flanges of the stiffener to the radius edge through the first caul, the second caul further including a web adapted to be sleeved over the stiffener, the second caul being moldable around a portion of the composite laminate part.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.