초록 ▼

Large composite structures are produced using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process. The structures incorporate cores, which may be hollow cells or foam blocks. A plurality of cores, each of which may be wrapped with a fiber material, is arranged in a layer on a mold with a fiber material

Large composite structures are produced using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process. The structures incorporate cores, which may be hollow cells or foam blocks. A plurality of cores, each of which may be wrapped with a fiber material, is arranged in a layer on a mold with a fiber material arranged to form face skins. The assembly is sealed under a vacuum bag to a mold surface. One or more main feeder conduits are provided in communication with a resin distribution network of smaller channels which facilitates flow of uncured resin into and through the fiber material. The resin distribution network may comprise a network of grooves formed in the surfaces or the cores and/or rounded corners of the cores. The network of smaller channels may also be provided between the vacuum bag and the fiber material, either integrally in the vacuum bag or via a separate distribution medium. Resin, introduced under vacuum, travels relatively quickly through the main feeder channel(s) and the network of smaller channels. After penetrating the fiber material to reach the surface of the cores, the resin again travels relatively quickly along the cores via the grooves in the cores or the spaces provided by the rounded corners to penetrate the fiber material between the cores, if present, and between the cores and the mold.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A composite structure comprising:cores each having a peripheral surface having a top face, a bottom face, and side faces, the cores arranged in a layer with ones of the side faces disposed in opposition to others of the side faces, the layer having an upper surface defined by each

[ We claim:] [1.] A composite structure comprising:cores each having a peripheral surface having a top face, a bottom face, and side faces, the cores arranged in a layer with ones of the side faces disposed in opposition to others of the side faces, the layer having an upper surface defined by each top face, and a lower surface defined by each bottom face, each peripheral surface having a configuration to provide channels between at least some of the side faces between adjacent ones of the cores from the upper surface to the lower surface which form a resin distribution network;a fiber material forming an upper face skin and a lower face skin over the layer of cores; anda cured resin impregnating the fiber material and the network of channels to provide one or more structural members extending from the upper surface to the lower surface.