Abstract: A composite core includes a plurality of tubes, each the plurality of tubes comprising a plurality of fibers disposed in a polymeric matrix. Adjacent tubes of the plurality of tubes are adhesively bonded to one another along sides of the adjacent tubes. A method of making a composite core includes the steps of providing a plurality of tubes, each of the plurality of tubes including a plurality of fibers disposed in a polymeric matrix, and adhesively bonding adjacent tubes of the plurality of tubes along sides of the adjacent tubes. A method of making a composite core such that a removable band is included in the core, the removable band being configured to be removable through a procedure subsequent to the cure of the composite core, thereby producing gaps in the core.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 4, 2011
Publication date:
January 26, 2012
Applicant:
BELL HELLICOPTER TEXTRON UNC.
Inventors:
James D. Hethcock, Kenneth E. Nunn, JR., Paul Oldroyd