Methods and systems for fabricating composite stiffeners with a rigid/malleable SMP apparatus
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United States of America Patent
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Aug 26, 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 tool and as a bladder. The SMP apparatus may be heated until malleable, shaped, and then cooled in a desired rigid tool configuration. The composite material may be applied onto the SMP apparatus and then placed into a rigid external mold and heated to composite cure temperatures at which the SMP apparatus is malleable. In some embodiments, an impermeable sheet of material may also be placed over portions of the composite material to compress it against the SMP apparatus. A pressure differential may be induced which urges the SMP apparatus to compress the composite material against the rigid external mold. When the composite material is cured, the pressure differential may be equalized and/or reversed and the malleable SMP apparatus may be removed from within the composite part.
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