Method and Apparatus for Forming Contoured Composite Laminates

摘要

A composite laminate such as a hat-type stringer is formed on a contoured mandrel using a combination of mechanical sweeping and vacuum forming.

主权项

1. Apparatus for forming plies of material onto a mandrel having contours, comprising:
a ply sweeper for sweeping the plies onto the contours of the mandrel; a presser independently displaceable relative to the ply sweeper for pressing a portion of the plies against the mandrel; and at least one powered actuator coupled with the presser for displacing the presser relative to the ply sweeper.