AUTOMATED FIBER PLACEMENT MANDREL JOINT CONFIGURATION

摘要

The present invention provides an automated fiber joint placement machine mandrel configuration where the lap joint is preferably parallel to the mold surface. Accordingly, the user may shim the mandrel segments without otherwise affecting the integrity of the seal. A lap joint is preferably utilized wherein mandrel segments are split at the stringer centerline through the middle of the hat or through the cap of the stringer. The lap joint is preferably designed such that the face sheets of the mandrel segments preferably lie flat on top of one another when placed in contact. The seal plane is thus protected.