Methods and systems for fabricating composite parts using a SMP apparatus as a rigid lay-up tool and bladder
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United States of America Patent
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May 27, 2014
Grant Date -
Nov 15, 2012
app pub date -
Sep 21, 2011
filing date -
Nov 11, 2010
priority date (Note) -
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for fabricating a composite part with a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus usable as both a rigid lay-up tool and as a bladder. The SMP apparatus may be heated until malleable, shaped, and then cooled in a desired rigid tool configuration. For example, cavities may be formed into the SMP apparatus for nesting components therein to co-bond or co-cure with the composite part. The composite material may be applied onto the SMP apparatus in the rigid tool configuration and then placed into a rigid external tool and heated to composite cure temperatures at which the SMP apparatus is malleable. A pressure differential may be induced which urges the SMP apparatus to compress the composite material against the rigid external tool. When the composite material is cured, the SMP apparatus may be urged away from the cure composite material and removed from within the composite part.
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