METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COMPOSITE PREFORM ELEMENTS DURING PROCESSING

摘要

A method of retaining composite preforms in the nature of fiber/metal matrix composites in position during processing, comprising the steps of positioning a predetermined assembly of fibers and metal matrix (30) on a mandrel (32). The metal matrix may be in the form of wires, powder or foil. A retaining wire (34) of a suitable heat resistant metal, such as titanium is spirally wound under tension over the fiber/metal matrix assembly to retain the assembly in a predetennined position on the mandrel during subsequent processing.