Abstract: A repair method is provided during which a thermoplastic patch is arranged on a thermoplastic aircraft component. The thermoplastic patch and the thermoplastic aircraft component each include a thermoplastic matrix and a plurality of fibers embedded within the thermoplastic matrix. A metal plate is arranged against a stack. The stack includes the thermoplastic patch and the thermoplastic aircraft component. The thermoplastic patch and the thermoplastic aircraft component are consolidated together. The consolidating includes concurrently induction heating the thermoplastic patch, the thermoplastic aircraft component and the metal plate using an induction heating coil.

Abstract: A method is provided during which a thermoplastic rib is arranged with a thermoplastic spar. A first flange of the thermoplastic rib is abutted against the thermoplastic spar. The first flange of the thermoplastic rib is ultrasonic welded to the thermoplastic spar using a tilted ultrasonic horn. A centerline of the tilted ultrasonic horn is angularly offset from the first flange of the thermoplastic rib by an acute angle during the ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: A welding assembly is disclosed. The welding assembly includes a plurality of separately controllable actuators (e.g., pneumatic, having an axially movable ram) to press a corresponding portion of a first workpiece (e.g., a discrete flange of a first stiffener) against a second workpiece (e.g., an outer skin) for welding operations (e.g., via induction welding).

Abstract: A method for forming a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic part may comprise the steps of locating a lightning strike protection layer on a mold surface of a mold tool, locating a thermoplastic layer over the mold tool, heating the thermoplastic layer to a pliable forming temperature, conforming the thermoplastic layer to a mold surface of the mold tool, and depositing a plurality of fiber strips over the thermoplastic layer.

Abstract: A method is provided during which a first thermoplastic composite body is arranged on a rigid support structure. The first thermoplastic composite body contacts the rigid support structure. A second thermoplastic composite body is arranged on the first thermoplastic composite body. The second thermoplastic composite body contacts the first thermoplastic composite body. Energy transmission material is arranged on the second thermoplastic composite body. The first thermoplastic composite body and the second thermoplastic composite body are disposed between the rigid support structure and the energy transmission material. The second thermoplastic composite body is ultrasonic welded to the first thermoplastic composite body using an ultrasonic horn. The energy transmission material is arranged between the second thermoplastic composite body and the ultrasonic horn.

Abstract: A method for forming a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic part may comprise the steps of locating a lightning strike protection layer on a mold surface of a mold tool, locating a thermoplastic layer over the mold tool, heating the thermoplastic layer to a pliable forming temperature, conforming the thermoplastic layer to a mold surface of the mold tool, and depositing a plurality of fiber strips over the thermoplastic layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a fiber reinforced thermoplastic part may comprise the steps of locating a thermoplastic material over a mold tool, heating the thermoplastic material to a pliable forming temperature, conforming the thermoplastic material to a mold surface of the mold tool, and depositing a plurality of fiber strips over the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A modular tooling arrangement includes a base member comprising a planar working surface, a frame circumscribing a first cavity at least partially defined by the planar working surface, and a plurality of plates configured to be received in the first cavity for forming a second cavity of a desired shape and size. The plurality of plates at least partially define the second cavity configured to receive a work piece. The plurality of plates may be replaced with plates of various sizes to vary at least one of the size and shape of the second cavity.

Abstract: A method for forming a fiber reinforced thermoplastic part may comprise the steps of locating a thermoplastic material over a mold tool, heating the thermoplastic material to a pliable forming temperature, conforming the thermoplastic material to a mold surface of the mold tool, and depositing a plurality of fiber strips over the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A method for repairing a thermoplastic composite component is provided that includes: preparing at least one repair patch configured to conform with a defect region of the thermoplastic composite component, the defect region having a periphery that defines the defect region, the at least one repair patch comprising a thermoplastic composite material; providing a thermoplastic interface film configured to conform with at least a part of the at least one repair patch, the thermoplastic interface film having a melt temperature; disposing the thermoplastic interface film between a surface of the thermoplastic composite component disposed at the periphery of the defect region and the at least one repair patch; and heating the thermoplastic interface film to its melt temperature using an ultrasonic welder, and subsequently allowing the thermoplastic interface film to cool, thereby welding the at least one repair patch to the thermoplastic composite component.

Abstract: A method for joining thermoplastic composite includes: providing a first part having a first joining surface disposed in a first plane and a second joining surface disposed in a second plane that is non-parallel to the first plane; providing a second part having a third joining surface disposed in the first plane and a fourth joining surface disposed in the second plane; disposing the parts so that the first and third joining surfaces are in contact with one another, and the second and fourth joining surfaces are in contact with one another; forcing the second and fourth joining surfaces against one another; and welding the first and third joining surfaces together using a vibration welding process, wherein the welding process and the forcing of the second and fourth joining surfaces against one another causes the second and fourth joining surfaces to be welded.

Abstract: A welding assembly is disclosed. The welding assembly includes a plurality of separately controllable actuators (e.g., pneumatic, having an axially movable ram) to press a corresponding portion of a first workpiece (e.g., a discrete flange of a first stiffener) against a second workpiece (e.g., an outer skin) for welding operations (e.g., via induction welding).

Abstract: A modular tooling arrangement includes a base member comprising a planar working surface, a frame circumscribing a first cavity at least partially defined by the planar working surface, and a plurality of plates configured to be received in the first cavity for forming a second cavity of a desired shape and size. The plurality of plates at least partially define the second cavity configured to receive a work piece. The plurality of plates may be replaced with plates of various sizes to vary at least one of the size and shape of the second cavity.

Abstract: A manufacturing method is provided. A first end of a set of spars is coupled to a first skin of a flight control surface. A set of ribs is interlocked with the set of spars and a first end of the set of ribs is coupled to the first skin. A second skin is coupled to a second end of the set of spars and a second end of the set of ribs.

Abstract: A welding assembly is disclosed. The welding assembly includes a plurality of separately controllable actuators (e.g., pneumatic, having an axially movable ram) to press a corresponding portion of a first workpiece (e.g., a discrete flange of a first stiffener) against a second workpiece (e.g., an outer skin) for welding operations (e.g., via induction welding).

Abstract: A welding assembly is disclosed. The welding assembly includes a plurality of separately controllable actuators (e.g., pneumatic, having an axially movable ram) to press a corresponding portion of a first workpiece (e.g., a discrete flange of a first stiffener) against a second workpiece (e.g., an outer skin) for welding operations (e.g., via induction welding).

Abstract: During a manufacturing method, an induction welder is provided that includes a concentrator and a coil extending through a receptacle in the concentrator. The receptacle projects into the concentrator from a face surface of the concentrator. A first thermoplastic body arranged with a second thermoplastic body are provided. The first thermoplastic body is located next to the face surface. The first thermoplastic body is induction welded to the second thermoplastic body to provide a weld seam between the first thermoplastic body and the second thermoplastic body. The concentrator extends along a portion of the weld seam. The induction welding includes: generating an electromagnetic field with the coil; and concentrating a portion of the electromagnetic field with the concentrator onto a region of the first thermoplastic body.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for induction welding. This assembly utilizes a plurality of heat shields (e.g., mica heat shields) that are aligned/disposed in end-to-end relation, with each such heat shield having a recess. An induction welding coil may be disposed within a heat shield recess during induction welding operations and is movable along a welding path while proceeding along the recesses of the various heat shields. This welding path may be axially extending or may be curved. The induction welding assembly may be used to induction weld a stiffener to a curved skin or shell, for instance where a base of the recess for each heat shield is curved such that the induction welding coil may be moved along a curved welding path and while maintaining a constant spacing between the induction welding coil and the recess base of the various heat shields.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for induction welding. This assembly utilizes a heat shield (e.g., a mica heat shield) with a recess. An induction welding coil may be disposed within this heat shield recess during induction welding operations. The wall thickness of the heat shield within the recess may be reduced to enhance heat transfer to a workpiece during induction welding operations. The heat shield may be coated with a ceramic coating to enhance the heat shield's heat resistance and reduce heat shield flaking at the recess during induction welding operations.

Abstract: An induction welding system includes a first gantry, a second gantry, and a support structure. The first gantry includes a first frame and a first plurality of trunks. The first plurality of trunks defines a first curved inner support surface of the first gantry. The first curved inner support surface has a first curvature geometry. The second gantry includes a second frame and a second plurality of trunks. The second plurality of trunks defines a second curved inner support surface of the second gantry. The second curved inner support surface has a second curvature geometry which is different than the first curvature geometry. The support structure includes at least one tooling member defining a curved outer support surface of the support structure. The support structure is longitudinally moveable relative to the first gantry and the second gantry.