Silicone gel isostatic pressurizing bag and method of use and manufacture

摘要

An isostatic pressurizing bag for consolidating a composite part has an outer flexible elastomer having a fixed resilient outside surface. The outer elastomer surrounds a closed chamber. A thermally expandable inner elastomer is located in the closed chamber. The inner elastomer is selected as an elastomer that can viscously flow or move in response to pressure. The outer elastomer is capable of flexure to relieve expansion of the inner elastomer. The bag is formed by curing plies of uncured silicone rubber around either a silicone gel or a particulated silicone rubber that is capable of phase change to a flowable gel in response to pressure. In use a composite prepreg is overlaid on a surface that defines the shape of a desired part. The isostatic pressurizing bag is located over the prepreg trapping the prepreg between the pressurizing bag and the surface. The composite prepreg is heated to its cure temperature while simultaneously applying heat and pressure to the isostatic pressurizing bag to consolidate the prepreg between the surface and the isostatic pressurizing bag.