METHODS FOR COMBINING COMPONENTS OF VARYING STAGES OF CURE

摘要

The present invention provides a method of fabricating a composite structure from components of varying stages of cure while reducing the steps associated with the fabrication process of infusing, curing, and bonding composite materials to form a hybrid unitized structure. The method provides a pre-cured stiffener and a pi-preform having a clevis and a base portion. The pre-cured stiffener may be inserted into the clevis of the pi-preform to form a composite structure assembly. The composite structure assembly may be infused with a resin system at the time of cure and bonded to a second composite structure to form a hybrid unitized structure.

主权项

1. A method of fabricating a composite structure from components of varying stages of cure, comprising the steps of:
providing a pre-cured composite stiffener; providing a dry fabric component having a base portion and a clevis configured to receive the pre-cured composite stiffener, wherein the clevis is substantially perpendicular to the base portion; wrapping a first resin film around a first edge of said pre-cured stiffener; inserting the first edge of said pre-cured composite stiffener into the clevis of the dry fabric component to form a composite structure assembly; applying a second resin film to a surface of the dry fabric component; securing the pre-cured stiffener substantially perpendicular to the base portion of the dry fabric component, wherein the pre-cured stiffener provides structural support to the composite structure assembly; infusing the composite structure assembly by heating the assembly to a first temperature for a first period of time; and curing the composite structure assembly by increasing the heat to a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is greater than the first temperature.