APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF COMPACTION OF A PREPREG

摘要

A forming apparatus and method of using the apparatus with a concave mandrel to form composite materials is presented where the apparatus has a forming head with an outer surface having a contour that matches the interior surface of the concave cavity of a matching mandrel. A handle and a grip surface to allow an operator to use the forming apparatus to exert a compaction force to successive plies of prepreg to conform the laminate of plies to the interior surface of the concave cavity. Each ply is heated before contact with the forming head of the apparatus.

主权项

1. An apparatus for use in conforming a prepreg to a concave cavity of a mandrel, comprising:
a forming head comprising an outer surface having a contour that generally matches an interior surface of a concave cavity of a matching mandrel; and a handle with a first end and a second end, where the first end is attached to the forming head and the second end is configured with a grip surface.