| 摘要 |
A method of making a composite structure (1) that comprises a curved body (5) and an integral rim (3) extending from an end of the curved body. The method comprises the steps of: forming a diaphragm pack (19) comprising a flat stack (13) of composite plies between two diaphragms (15 A, 15B), wherein each ply (L1, L2, L3) of the flat stack (13) is made up of a plurality of composite tiles (9). Each tile (9) includes at least a first portion (9A) and a second portion (9B) that have side edges of the first portion (9A) configured to abut against side edges of adjacent tiles and side edges of the second portion (9B) configured to overlap side edges of adjacent tiles. Air is evacuated from within the diaphragm pack (19) either before or after placing the diaphragm pack (19) within a double diaphragm forming apparatus comprising a hollow forming tool (23), wherein the first portion (9A) of the composite tiles (9) is supported on an upper surface (23 A) of the tool (23). Heat (25) is applied to the diaphragm pack (19); when the stack reaches the forming temperature a vacuum (Pv) is applied between the lower diaphragm (15B) and the hollow forming tool (23) such the second portion (9B) of the composite tiles (9) are drawn downwards into contact with the internal wall (23B) of the forming tool (23) to move the edges of the second portion (9B) of adjacent tiles to abut against side edges of adjacent tiles (9). The first portion (9A) of each tile (9) forms part of the rim (3) and the second portion (9B) of each tile forms art of the curved body (5). |
