SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMPACTING A CHARGE OF COMPOSITE MATERIAL

摘要

Systems and methods for compacting a charge of composite material. These systems and methods may utilize a vacuum compaction device to compact the charge of composite material on a supporting surface. The vacuum compaction device may be reusable and may be configured to define an enclosed volume when positioned on the supporting surface and may include a barrier structure and a sealing structure that is configured to form a fluid seal when compressed between the supporting surface and the barrier structure. The vacuum compaction device also may include a vacuum distribution manifold that is in fluid communication with and configured to selectively apply a vacuum to the enclosed volume. Application of the vacuum to the enclosed volume may decrease a pressure within the enclosed volume and transition the vacuum compaction device from an undeformed configuration to a deformed configuration, thereby compacting the charge of composite material on the supporting surface.

主权项

1. A vacuum compaction device for compacting a charge of composite material on a supporting surface, wherein the device is configured to be positioned on the supporting surface to define an enclosed volume, the device comprising:
a barrier structure that includes a first side and an opposed second side; a sealing structure that is configured to form a fluid seal between the supporting surface and the barrier structure when compressed therebetween; and a vacuum distribution manifold that is in fluid communication with and configured to selectively apply a vacuum to the enclosed volume.