초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for forming and consolidating organic matrix composites. An organic matrix composite panel comprising laid-up prepregs is placed between sheets of a susceptor material that is susceptible to inductive heating to form a workpiece. The resulting workpiece is placed within upper

A method and apparatus for forming and consolidating organic matrix composites. An organic matrix composite panel comprising laid-up prepregs is placed between sheets of a susceptor material that is susceptible to inductive heating to form a workpiece. The resulting workpiece is placed within upper and lower dies formed of a material that is not susceptible to inductive heating. An induction coil embedded within the dies is energized and inductively heats the susceptor sheets surrounding the panel. The sheets in turn conductively heat the organic matrix composite panel. A pressure zone between the workpiece and one of the dies is pressurized to form the workpiece to the contour of a forming surface on one of the dies. The pressure in the pressure zone is maintained on the workpiece until the organic matrix composite panel is fully consolidated and formed.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for consolidating an organic matrix composite panel having an organic matrix and reinforcing fibers, comprising the steps of: (a) heating the panel in a die using induction heating to a consolidation temperature of the organic matrix in the panel; and (b) consolidating the matrix at the con

A method for consolidating an organic matrix composite panel having an organic matrix and reinforcing fibers, comprising the steps of: (a) heating the panel in a die using induction heating to a consolidation temperature of the organic matrix in the panel; and (b) consolidating the matrix at the consolidation temperature while maintaining the consolidation temperature and while applying pressure to the organic matrix through the die.