Novel folding device for manufacturing aerospace composite structures

Tarik Tewfic; M. Sarhadi

doi:10.1117/12.403654

13 October 2000 Novel folding device for manufacturing aerospace composite structures

Tarik Tewfic, M. Sarhadi

Proceedings Volume 4192, Intelligent Systems in Design and Manufacturing III; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.403654
Event: Intelligent Systems and Smart Manufacturing, 2000, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

A new manufacturing methodology, termed shape-inclusive lay-up has been applied that allows the generation of three-dimensional preforms for the resin transfer molding (RTM) process. A flexible novel folding device for forming dry fabrics including non-crimp fabric (NCF) preform is designed and integrated with a Material Delivery System (MDS) into a robotic cell for manufacturing dry fiber composite aerospace components. The paper describes detailed design, implementation and operational performance of a prototype device. The proposed folding device has been implemented and tested by manufacturing a range of reinforcement structure preforms (C,T,J and I reinforcement preforms), normally used in aerostructure applications. A key advantage of the proposed device is its flexibility. The system is capable of manufacturing a wide range of components of various sizes without the need for reconfiguration.

Citation Download Citation

Tarik Tewfic and M. Sarhadi "Novel folding device for manufacturing aerospace composite structures", Proc. SPIE 4192, Intelligent Systems in Design and Manufacturing III, (13 October 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.403654

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