초록 ▼

A method for making a honeycomb composite structure wherein the method allows for fluid flow from cells of a honeycomb core during a cure process. More specifically, the method involves forming one or more vents in a skin of the structure, which are preferably filled with venting wicks, to allow for

A method for making a honeycomb composite structure wherein the method allows for fluid flow from cells of a honeycomb core during a cure process. More specifically, the method involves forming one or more vents in a skin of the structure, which are preferably filled with venting wicks, to allow for fluid flow before being sealed by the polymer matrix during a skin bonding process. Additionally, the structure preferably comprises a scrim that allows for fluid flow between multiple cells of the honeycomb core. The honeycomb composite structure produced according to this process comprises, among other things, a sealed venting region that comprises a polymer matrix and fibers that are transverse to the skin.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method for forming a honeycomb composite structure that comprises a skin and a honeycomb core having a plurality of cells, wherein the skin comprises at least one fibrous sheet and a polymer matrix and is cured or uncured, the method comprising:placing a scrim between the ho

What is claimed is: 1. A method for forming a honeycomb composite structure that comprises a skin and a honeycomb core having a plurality of cells, wherein the skin comprises at least one fibrous sheet and a polymer matrix and is cured or uncured, the method comprising:placing a scrim between the honeycomb core and the skin to allow flow of gasses and of the polymer matrix between cells of the honeycomb core during a vacuum forming portion of a bonding operation to bond the skin and the honeycomb core;forming the scrim with openings that are each smaller than each of said cells of the honeycomb core;perforating the skin with at least one vent sized to enable the gasses inside the honeycomb composite structure, and the polymer matrix, to be drawn through the vent during the vacuum forming portion of the bonding operation before the vent becomes sealed by the polymer matrix;further comprising placing a fibrous venting wick through the at least one vent before bonding the skin and the honeycomb core, wherein at least a portion of the fibrous venting wick is integrated into the skin during the bonding operation by the polymer matrix sealing the at least one vent; andbonding the skin and the honeycomb core during the bonding operation.