Abstract: A multi-vane structure for incorporation in an aircraft gas turbine engine has vanes of complex geometry made of braided fibers which are continuous about the cavities defined by the vanes. These complex geometry parts are prepared by providing a plurality of removable mandrels, stacking the mandrels along a horizontal axis in a cavity end to cavity end configuration, braiding about the mandrels, cutting the mandrels adjacent the cavity end faces, side stacking the mandrels so the faces are placed in a parallel orientation and molding. Utilizing braided fibers instead of hand lay-up woven fibers eliminates seams and produces cavities having continuous fibers about the periphery thereof which substantially increases the strength and dimensional reproducibly of the part.

Abstract: A multi-vane structure for incorporation in an aircraft gas turbine engine has vanes of complex geometry made of braided fibers which are continuous about the cavities defined by the vanes. These complex geometry parts are prepared by providing a plurality of removable mandrels, stacking the mandrels along a horizontal axis in a cavity end to cavity end configuration, braiding about the mandrels, cutting the mandrels adjacent the cavity end faces, side stacking the mandrels so the faces are placed in a parallel orientation and molding. Utilizing braided fibers instead of hand lay-up woven fibers eliminates seams and produces cavities having continuous fibers about the periphery thereof which substantially increases the strength and dimensional reproducibly of the part.

Abstract: A multi-vane structure for incorporation in an aircraft gas turbine engine has vanes of complex geometry made of braided fibers which are continuous about the cavities defined by the vanes. These complex geometry parts are prepared by providing a plurality of removable mandrels, stacking the mandrels along a horizontal axis in a cavity end to cavity end configuration, braiding about the mandrels, cutting the mandrels adjacent the cavity end faces, side stacking the mandrels so the faces are placed in a parallel orientation and molding. Utilizing braided fibers instead of hand lay-up woven fibers eliminates seams and produces cavities having continuous fibers about the periphery thereof which substantially increases the strength and dimensional reproducibly of the part.

Abstract: A preform assembly for use with a resin transfer molding apparatus. The preform comprises an upper liner formed to the shape of a first mold half, the upper liner having a peripheral portion, a dry fabric preform, and a lower liner formed to the shape of a second mold half, the lower liner having a peripheral portion. The preform is sandwiched between the upper liner and lower liner to form the preform assembly having peripheral portions which extend beyond the preform to form a sealing area. The upper liner is sealed to the lower liner at the sealing area. The preform assembly facilitates the loading of the preform into a molding apparatus as well as facilitating the handling and storage of the preform prior to and subsequent to molding.

Abstract: A mold, adapted for resin transfer molding of composite articles, that has a seal for maintaining a vacuum resulting in denser composite parts. A mold body has at least two openings including an opening for removing the article therethrough. There are at least two mold closures adapted for closing the openings and two of the mold closures are in mutual contact within the interior of the mold. A seal is disposed between each closure and the mold body for sealing each mold closure to the mold body to continuously seal only a single surface. The mold has an improved seal for initiating and maintaining a vacuum thus reducing part porosity.

Abstract: A preform assembly for use with a resin transfer molding apparatus. The preform assembly comprises an upper liner formed to the shape of a first mold half, the upper liner having a peripheral portion, a dry fabric preform, and a lower liner formed to the shape of a second mold half, the lower liner having a peripheral portion. The preform is sandwiched between the upper liner and lower liner to form the preform assembly having peripheral portions which extend beyond the preform to form a sealing area. The upper liner is sealed to the lower liner at the sealing area. The preform assembly facilitates the loading of the preform into a molding apparatus as well as facilitating the handling and storage of the preform prior to and subsequent to molding. Methods of making the preform assembly, as well as a composite article, are also disclosed.