METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MOLDING AND JOINING COMPOSITE PARTS

摘要

Methods and apparatus for molding and joining composite parts are disclosed herein. An example method includes positioning a base mandrel over a tool base, laying up plies of material over the base mandrel and the tool base to form a support structure base layup, curing the support structure base layup to form a support structure base, removing the support structure base from the tool base and the base mandrel, and configuring the support structure base to be a first support structure for use with a first radar assembly or a second support structure for use with a second radar assembly.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a tool base; a base mandrel removably coupled to the tool base, the tool base and the base mandrel to form a support structure base for a first radar assembly or a second radar assembly; a first part mandrel interchangeable with the base mandrel and to be removably coupled to the tool base, the first part mandrel having first features to support a first antenna module during assembly of the first radar assembly; and a second part mandrel interchangeable with the base mandrel and to be removably coupled to the tool base, the second part mandrel having second features to support a second antenna module during assembly of the second radar assembly.