Geodesic structure forming systems and methods

A method for forming a structure, the method comprising:

• providing a mandrel;
• positioning a framework and a covering skin on the mandrel;
• positioning a plurality of operating heads on a plurality of rails, wherein a number of the plurality of operating heads on the plurality of rails equals a number of seed nodes generated by a geodesic module determination system;
• linearly moving the plurality of operating heads on the rails in relation to the mandrel;
• and drilling or riveting the framework or the covering skin with a plurality of operating heads.

A method for forming a structure, the method comprising:

• providing a mandrel;
• positioning a framework and a covering skin on the mandrel;
• drilling or riveting the framework or the covering skin with a plurality of operating heads;
• moving a plurality of pads on the mandrel between deployed and retracted positions;
• retaining the framework and the covering skin on the mandrel when the plurality of pads are in the deployed position;
• and removing the framework and the covering skin from the mandrel when the plurality are in the retracted position.

A method for forming a structure, the method comprising:

• providing a mandrel;
• retaining a plurality of operating heads on a tool ring;
• positioning a framework and a covering skin on the mandrel;
• rotating the tool ring relative to the mandrel and the structure;
• and drilling or riveting the framework or the covering skin with the plurality of operating heads.