Forming highly contoured composite parts

摘要

A method of forming a flat composite charge into a contoured composite part reduces wrinkles in the part as the charge is being formed. Dies are used to form a portion of charge to the steepest contour of the part, while tension is maintained on the charge as the remaining portions of the charge are formed.

主权项

1. Apparatus for forming a composite charge into a contoured part, comprising:
a first die and a second die between which the charge may be formed, the first die having a plurality of first die portions individually displaceable and forming a changeable die contour; means for mounting the first die portions for freedom of movement in multiple directions; a plurality of first actuators for respectively displacing the first die portions; and, a programmed controller for controlling the first actuators to displace the first die portions to form a desired contour.