Abstract: A moisture detecting bleeder material includes a fiberglass material and a moisture absorption indicator material. The moisture absorption indicator material undergoes a color change from a first color to a second color when exposed to moisture. The color change thermally irreversible a temperature of 450° F.

Abstract: Within examples, a mandrel is configured to be inserted into a cavity defined by an interior wall of a structural member to support the structural member during processing. The mandrel includes a first bladder containing a material, the material being capable of exhibiting granular jamming when air is removed from the first bladder. The mandrel further includes a second bladder configured to expand and apply a force to the first bladder. Systems and methods that relate to the mandrel are also described within examples.

Abstract: A moisture detecting bleeder material includes a fiberglass material and a moisture absorption indicator material. The moisture absorption indicator material is a component of the fiberglass material and undergoes a color change from a first color to a second color when exposed to moisture. The color change may be thermally irreversible below a threshold temperature (e.g., below a temperature of 450° F.).

Abstract: A tool is configured to have a changeable shape. The tool comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material, resistive heating elements within the thermoplastic polymeric material, and a flexible casing encapsulating the thermoplastic polymeric material and resistive heating elements.

Abstract: In an example, a mandrel for a composite part includes an upper-mandrel portion, a lower-mandrel portion, and a mid-mandrel portion between the upper-mandrel portion and the lower-mandrel portion. The mandrel also includes a cavity and an exterior surface defined by the upper-mandrel portion, the lower-mandrel portion, and the mid-mandrel portion. An actuator is movable in the cavity between a first position and a second position. The exterior surface can support the composite part. A perimeter of the exterior surface has a first length when the actuator is in the first position and the perimeter has a second length when the actuator is in the second position. The first length is greater than the second length such that the mandrel is in an expanded state when the actuator is in the first position and the mandrel is in a contracted state when the actuator is in the second position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for forming composite parts. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes a forming tool. The forming tool includes a body, which includes an exterior that defines a shape for forming a laminate that will be cured into a composite part. The body also includes elements of phase change material that provide rigidity to the body below a threshold temperature, and that exhibit a phase change above the threshold temperature causing the body to become pliable. Further, the body includes flexible material that encloses the elements of phase change material.

Abstract: A moisture detecting bleeder material includes a fiberglass material and a moisture absorption indicator material. The moisture absorption indicator material is a component of the fiberglass material and undergoes a color change from a first color to a second color when exposed to moisture. The color change may be thermally irreversible below a threshold temperature (e.g., below a temperature of 450° F.).

Abstract: A sanding system may include a leading roller assembly having a first measuring device that is configured to measure a first thickness of a component at a location proximate the leading roller assembly. A trailing roller assembly may include a second measuring device that is configured to measure a second thickness of the component at a location proximate the trailing roller assembly. A sander disposed between the leading and trailing roller assemblies is configured to sand a portion of the component. A control unit is coupled to the leading roller assembly, the trailing roller assembly, and the sander. The control unit may be configured to drive the sanding system in relation to the component and operate the sander based on analysis of the first thickness measured by the first measuring device and the second thickness measured by the second measuring device.