초록 ▼

A superplastically formed structural assembly is provided, as is an associated preform and method for forming such an assembly. The assembly includes a skin member and a support member that are joined to define a space between the members and between the joints. The assembly can be produced by joini

A superplastically formed structural assembly is provided, as is an associated preform and method for forming such an assembly. The assembly includes a skin member and a support member that are joined to define a space between the members and between the joints. The assembly can be produced by joining the members in a flat configuration, and then forming the resulting preform to a predetermined shape of the structural assembly. The support member defines at least one aperture in communication with the space between the members. Thus, the skin member can be formed by delivering a pressurized fluid through the support member to the skin member, e.g., to superplastically form the skin member against a die that defines a contour surface corresponding in shape to the predetermined configuration of the assembly. The support member can extend in a substantially direct configuration between opposing portions of the skin member.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A nacelle assembly, comprising:an inlet of a nacelle comprising a structural assembly, wherein the structural assembly comprises:a skin member;a support member joined to the skin member by first and second annular joints such that the skin member and the support member define

What is claimed is: 1. A nacelle assembly, comprising:an inlet of a nacelle comprising a structural assembly, wherein the structural assembly comprises:a skin member;a support member joined to the skin member by first and second annular joints such that the skin member and the support member define an annular space, the first joint extending annularly proximate to an outer periphery of the annular space and the second joint extending annularly proximate to an inner periphery of the annular space,wherein the support member extends in a substantially direct configuration between opposing portions of the skin member such that the annular space is defined between the skin and support members and between the first and second joints, and the support member defines a plurality of apertures extending through the support member to the annular space; anda film comprised of a sol-gel material disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the skin member; anda remainder of the nacelle bonded to the inlet,wherein the film of the sol-gel material is disposed on that portion of the inlet that is bonded to the remainder of the nacelle in order to join the inlet and the remainder of the nacelle.