Joining curved composite sandwich panels

摘要

A curved composite structure, comprises at least two curved composite panel segments joined together. Each of the panel segments includes a fluted core sandwiched between first and second facesheets. A layer of adhesive is used to rigidly bond the panel segments together.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
providing a first curved composite panel, wherein the first curved composite panel comprises a first fluted core having a first plurality of flutes covered by a first face sheet and a second face sheet opposite the first face sheet, wherein a first edge of a first flute of the first plurality of flutes extends outwardly from the first face sheet and the second face sheet, and wherein the first edge is relative to a first axis of the first flute; providing a second curved composite panel, wherein the second curved composite panel comprises a second fluted core having a second plurality of flutes covered by a third face sheet and a fourth face sheet opposite the third face sheet, wherein the third face sheet and the fourth face sheet extend outwardly past a second edge of a second flute of the second plurality of flutes, wherein the second edge is relative to a second axis of the second flute, and wherein a space is defined between the third face sheet and the fourth face sheet where the third face sheet and the fourth face sheet extend outwardly past the second edge; forming an overlapping joint between the first curved composite panel and the second curved composite panel by inserting the first flute into the space; inserting a mandrel into the first flute; and curing the overlapping joint.