CO-CURED JOINT WITH Z-PINS

摘要

A method is provided for securing a three-dimensional woven preform (11) to a first composite laminate component (15), the preform having a base (17) and a pair of spaced-apart legs extending from the base. The preform (11) may be used to attach a second component (13) or may be used alone to stiffen the first component (15). The preform (11) and the first component (15) are uncured, whereas the second component is cured prior to assembly. The prefor m is positioned on the first component (15), adhesive (27) optionally being located between the preform and the first component. Z-pins (33) are driven through the base (17) of the preform and into the first component (15), the pins extending into the base and the first component. The second component (13) is attached to the leg of the preform. A vacuum bag and tooling are use d while curing the first component (15) and the preform (11) and the preform t o the first component. The second component (13) may be bonded or fastened to the preform (11).