Process of manufacturing composite structures with embedded precured tools

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing composite structures formed by two subcomponents of the same material, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: providing a first subcomponent (13), particularly a skin; providing a tool (15) made of a composite and precured for the manufacture of the second subcomponent (17), particularly a stiffener; positioning said tool (15) on said first subcomponent (13); applying preimpregnated composite (21) on said tool (15) so as to form the second subcomponent (17); consolidating the composite structure by means of a process of curing the assembly resulting from the previous steps under suitable pressure and/or temperature conditions.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a tool used in a process according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2 a and 2b show respective cross-section views of installations for manufacturing structures according to the process object of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an installation for manufacturing structures according to the process object of the present invention.

Claims

1. A process for manufacturing composite structures formed by two subcomponents of the same material, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) providing a first subcomponent (13);b) providing a tool (15) made of a composite and precured for the manufacture of the second subcomponent (17);c) positioning said tool (15) on said first subcomponent (13);d) applying preimpregnated composite (21) on said tool (15) so as to form the second subcomponent (17);e) consolidating the composite structure by means of a process of curing the assembly resulting from the previous steps under suitable pressure and/or temperature conditions.

2. A process for manufacturing composite structures with two subcomponents of the same material according to claim 1, characterized in that the tool (15) is made of the same material as the first and second subcomponents (13, 17).

3. A process for manufacturing composite structures with two subcomponents of the same material according to claim 1, characterized in that the tool (15) is made of a material that is different from the material of the first and second subcomponents (13, 17) but compatible with it for the purpose of its binding with the first subcomponent (13).

4. A process for manufacturing composite structures with two subcomponents of the same material according to claim 1, characterized in that the tool (11) is made such that it collaborates in the structure's resistant function.

5. A process for manufacturing composite structures with two subcomponents of the same material according to claim 1, characterized in that the first subcomponent (13) is fresh, and a layer of adhesive or prepreg (19) is arranged between it and the tool (15).

6. A process for manufacturing composite structures with two subcomponents of the same material according to claim 1, characterized in that an additional tool (43) is used in step e) to facilitate shaping of the second subcomponent (17).

7. A process for manufacturing composite structures with two subcomponents of the same material according to claim 1, characterized in that the first subcomponent (13) is a planar structure and the second subcomponent (17) is a T-, Ω- or H-shaped stiffener of said panel.

8. A process for manufacturing composite structures with two subcomponents of the same material according to claim 1, characterized in that the first subcomponent (13) is a curved structure and the second subcomponent (17) is a T-, Ω- or H-shaped stiffener of said panel.