Abstract: A preform for forming a structural assembly that defines a complex contour is provided. The preform and, hence, the structural assembly includes first and second skin members and a cellular core member between the first and second skin members. The skin members and/or the core member can be formed to a shape that corresponds to the desired contour of the structural member before the preform is assembled, e.g., by superplastic forming. That is, the first skin member can be disposed against a contour surface of a die to restrain the preform to the contour defined by the surface. A pressurized fluid is provided against the second skin member to urge the preform against the contour surface. A pressurized fluid is also injected in the first chamber to support the cellular core member. The preform is heated to a bonding temperature before or after being disposed against the contour surface so that the core and skin members are bonded to form the structural assembly.

Abstract: A preform for forming a structural assembly that defines a complex contour is provided. The preform and, hence, the structural assembly includes first and second skin members and a cellular core member between the first and second skin members. The skin members and/or the core member can be formed to a shape that corresponds to the desired contour of the structural member before the preform is assembled, e.g., by superplastic forming. That is, the first skin member can be disposed against a contour surface of a die to restrain the preform to the contour defined by the surface. A pressurized fluid is provided against the second skin member to urge the preform against the contour surface. A pressurized fluid is also injected in the first chamber to support the cellular core member. The preform is heated to a bonding temperature before or after being disposed against the contour surface so that the core and skin members are bonded to form the structural assembly.

Abstract: A method and associated preform for forming a structural assembly that defines a complex contour are provided. The preform and, hence, the structural assembly includes first and second skin members and a cellular core member between the first and second skin members. The skin members and/or the core member can be formed to a shape that corresponds to the desired contour of the structural member before the preform is assembled, e.g., by superplastic forming. That is, the first skin member can be disposed against a contour surface of a die to restrain the preform to the contour defined by the surface. A pressurized fluid is provided against the second skin member to urge the preform against the contour surface. A pressurized fluid is also injected in the first chamber to support the cellular core member. The preform is heated to a bonding temperature before or after being disposed against the contour surface so that the core and skin members are bonded to form the structural assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a preform in a vacuum vessel to produce a structural assembly are provided. The system includes a heated die set defining a cavity in which the preform can be formed, bonded, or otherwise processed. The die set is disposed in a cavity of the vacuum vessel from which gas can be evacuated. Thus, a pressurized fluid can be provided to the preform, e.g., to an interior space of the preform to form or constrain the preform in the die cavity, and the vacuum vessel can be evacuated so that the die set, and typically the preform, are exposed to a pressure that is reduced relative to the ambient pressure. Further, the vacuum vessel can constrain the die set in the closed position during processing.