Patent ID: 6245274
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: B29C,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for making a grid-stiffened structure comprising,a) providing a base tool having an external surface conforming in general to a shape of said structure, said base tool having a plurality of base tool grooves therein, said grooves having openings on said external surface and providing a network of said grooves,b) providing an expansion tool having compaction grooves therein, for fitting into a plurality of said base tool grooves so as to define compaction grooves therein,c) winding a plurality of prepreg tows into said compaction grooves,d) placing a skin over the so-wound tows, said expansion tool and said base tool to form an assembly,e) bagging said assembly andf) autoclaving said assembly so that said expansion tool expands to provide lateral pressure to compact and shape said prepreg tows to form the prepreg tows and skin into the grid stiffened structure.