APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FORMING COMPOSITE STIFFENERS AND REINFORCING STRUCTURES

摘要

A method and apparatus is provided for forming elongated composite structura l members (702) with a desired cross-sectional geometry as taken transverse to the length of the member. An apparatus may include a base with a substantial ly elongated mandrel (706) mounted thereon. One or more rollers (728) configure d to at least partially complementarily engage the mandrel are configure to ro ll over and press one or more plies of composite material onto the mandrel. The mandrel may be disposed on a rotary table (716) and configured to exhibit a curved elongated geometry to form at least partially curved or arcuate elongated members. The present invention enables the formation of elongated structural members from resin impregnated materials while maintaining the materials in a substantially uncured state. The formed members may then be cocured with a skin or other composite structure.