초록 ▼

A method for making grid-stiffened structures as provided. The method includes providing a base tool having a plurality of grooves and an expansion tool having a plurality of compaction grooves therein for fitting into a plurality of the base tool grooves so as to define compaction grooves therein.

A method for making grid-stiffened structures as provided. The method includes providing a base tool having a plurality of grooves and an expansion tool having a plurality of compaction grooves therein for fitting into a plurality of the base tool grooves so as to define compaction grooves therein. A plurality of prepreg tows are then wound into the compaction grooves. A skin is then placed over the so-wound tows, the expansion tool and the base tool to define an assembly. The assembly is then bagged and autoclaved so that the expansion tool expands to provide lateral pressure to compact the prepreg tows in the compaction grooves to shape same into ribs to form a rib-stiffened structure. An analytical thermal model is developed to predict the behavior of the expansion tool.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for making a grid-stiffened structure comprising,a) providing a base tool having an external surface conforming in general to a shape of said structure, said base tool having a plurality of base tool grooves therein, said grooves having openings on said externa

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for making a grid-stiffened structure comprising,a) providing a base tool having an external surface conforming in general to a shape of said structure, said base tool having a plurality of base tool grooves therein, said grooves having openings on said external surface and providing a network of said grooves,b) providing an expansion tool having compaction grooves therein, for fitting into a plurality of said base tool grooves so as to define compaction grooves therein,c) winding a plurality of prepreg tows into said compaction grooves,d) placing a skin over the so-wound tows, said expansion tool and said base tool to form an assembly,e) bagging said assembly andf) autoclaving said assembly so that said expansion tool expands to provide lateral pressure to compact and shape said prepreg tows to form the prepreg tows and skin into the grid stiffened structure.