초록 ▼

For forming or consolidating organic matrix composites, for example, an organic matrix composite panel is sealed between sheets of a susceptor material that is susceptible to induction heating. The susceptor sheets are heated inductively. The sheets in turn conduct heat to the organic matrix composi

For forming or consolidating organic matrix composites, for example, an organic matrix composite panel is sealed between sheets of a susceptor material that is susceptible to induction heating. The susceptor sheets are heated inductively. The sheets in turn conduct heat to the organic matrix composite panel. When heated to the desired temperature, the composite panel is consolidated and/or formed. In the present invention, the susceptor sheets are selected so that their magnetic permeability decreases to unity at approximately the desired operating temperature thereby limiting heating to this "Curie temperature" and providing substantial uniformity of temperature in the panel. Of course, the concept applies to other induction heating operations for metals including SPF, brazing, annealing, heat treating, bonding, hot pressing, and the like.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for heating a workpiece in an induction heating operation to achieve substantially uniform heating in the workpiece by using susceptor sheets made from a material that has a Curie temperature, comprising the steps of:(a) assembling a retort having at least two susceptor sh

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for heating a workpiece in an induction heating operation to achieve substantially uniform heating in the workpiece by using susceptor sheets made from a material that has a Curie temperature, comprising the steps of:(a) assembling a retort having at least two susceptor sheets sandwiching a workpiece;(b) temporarily sealing the susceptor sheets to form a sealed retort containing the workpiece in a cavity;(c) positioning the sealed retort in an induction heating workcell;(d) substantially uniformly heating the workpiece to substantially the Curie temperature in the workcell by heating the susceptor sheets with induction; and(e) performing a manufacturing operation on the workpiece substantially at the Curie temperature.