Continuous forming of fiber composite materials

摘要

A workpiece of a fiber-containing composite material is formed in a kinematically admissible manner by applying a tension loading to the workpiece in a transverse direction and passing the workpiece in the transverse direction through apparatus having a bending roller extending in the longitudinal direction over substantially the entire length of the workpiece. The workpiece is formed over the bending roller by introducing a net bending deformation into the workpiece and progressively propagating the bend transversely through the workpiece as the workpiece is moved in the transverse direction. The transverse laminar length of the workpiece remains substantially unchanged during the forming process. Preferably, the workpiece is contained within a vacuum bag during the forming operation.