METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FORMING COMPOSITE LATTICE SUPPORT STRUCTURES

摘要

A method and system for fabricating a geometrically versatile composite lattice support structure having a seamless three-dimensional configuration is disclosed. The lattice support structure can be created by forming two or more cross supports, such as helical, longitudinal, circumferential and/or lateral cross supports, which intersect to form a plurality of multi-layered nodes. The lattice support structure may comprise a completely circumferentially closed geometry, such as a cylinder, ellipse, airfoil, etc. The method for fabricating the lattice support structure comprises laying up a fiber material, in the presence of resin, within rigid channels of a rigid mold, thus creating a green, uncured three-dimensional geometry of unconsolidated cross supports and multi-layered nodes where these intersect. Subjecting these to a curing system functions to consolidate the cross supports and multi-layered nodes to produce the composite lattice support structure.