| 摘要 |
The present invention relates to a method 200 of and an apparatus for manufacturing at least one non-uniform thickness composite spar component 152. A plurality of fibres 126 are braided 202 over a non-cylindrical mandrel 140 and a variable thickness shaped fibre preform 150 is formed. The shaped fibre preform 150 is flattened 204 and cut 208 to obtain the at least one non-uniform thickness composite spar component 152. The fibres are braided through a braiding guide 128 of the braiding machine 140. A variable position shuttle 142 is operable to change the relative position of the non cylindrical mandrel 140 with respect to the braiding machine 140. The flattened preform may be stabilized before cutting. Spars 152 made according to various embodiments of the present invention are faster and less expensive to manufacture than conventional composite spar components. |
