Forming method and mold for composites

摘要

A method for forming composite materials is presented, including providing a composite charge (20) wider than a first surface (11) of a mandrel, and positioning the composite charge across the first surface of the mandrel. The portion of the composite charge overhanging the first surface of the mandrel (23) is supported (40) and urged against the mandrel while supporting the unbent portion of the composite charge substantially parallel to the first surface of the mandrel. The invention also provides a system, using a compression mold (30) of forming bladders and heater plates to form a composite charge over a mandrel, while supporting the unbent portions (40) of the composite charge during forming substantially parallel to the upper surface of the mandrel. The present invention minimizes the shear zone where plies in the composite laminate charge slide past one another during the forming process reducing or eliminating out-of-plane fiber buckling.