Patent ID: 9296187
Filing Date: 2016-03-29
CPC Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L,B32B

Claim Text:
1. A method of fabricating a laminated composite structure, comprising: configuring a shrinkable mandrel comprising a single continuous elongated foam core that is structurally self-supporting, such that a cross section of the single continuous elongated foam core corresponds positionally to an inside mold line of the laminated composite structure that is fabricated using the shrinkable mandrel; enclosing the shrinkable mandrel in at least one vacuum bag; enclosing the at least one vacuum bag within a breather ply; wrapping at least one composite ply circumferentially around the at least one vacuum bag; such that a shape of a cross-section of the composite ply, after wrapping, is variable along a length of the laminated composite structure; subsequently, placing the shrinkable mandrel in a mold cavity; subsequently, disengaging all surfaces of the shrinkable mandrel from the composite ply, by evacuating the at least one vacuum bag; and subsequently, and prior to curing the at least one composite ply, removing the shrinkable mandrel from the at least one composite ply.