Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electromagnetic support tooling for use in composite part curing are described. In one example, a support tooling, such as a mandrel, includes an elastomeric housing that has ferromagnetic components. The mandrel also has electro-magnetic coils positioned within the elastomeric housing and operable to generate magnetic fields to repel or attract the ferromagnetic components of the elastomeric housing to the electro-magnetic coils. When the ferromagnetic components of the elastomeric housing are repelled by the electro-magnetic coils, the elastomeric housing has a rigid surface state. When the ferromagnetic components of the elastomeric housing are attracted to the electro-magnetic coils, the elastomeric housing is collapsed.

Abstract: Example mechanical supports or mandrels are described for composite part curing. In one example, a mandrel includes a housing, and components within the housing and positioned to create a central opening. An expander is also positioned in the central opening, and the expander has a width that increases along a length of the expander. A narrow end of the expander is positioned in the central opening. An actuator is provided to move the expander into the central opening causing the components to expand the housing, and to retract the expander from the central opening causing the components to collapse the housing.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) curing system is configured to cure a composite structure. The UV curing system includes a plurality of UV light assemblies that are configured to adaptively conform to a shape of the composite structure. A UV curing method is configured to cure a composite structure. The UV curing method includes positioning a UV curing system on the composite structure, and adaptively conforming a plurality of UV light assemblies of the UV curing system to a shape of the composite structure.

Abstract: Example mechanical supports or mandrels are described for composite part curing. In one example, a mandrel includes a housing, and components within the housing and positioned to create a central opening. An expander is also positioned in the central opening, and the expander has a width that increases along a length of the expander. A narrow end of the expander is positioned in the central opening. An actuator is provided to move the expander into the central opening causing the components to expand the housing, and to retract the expander from the central opening causing the components to collapse the housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electromagnetic support tooling for use in composite part curing are described. In one example, a support tooling, such as a mandrel, includes an elastomeric housing that has ferromagnetic components. The mandrel also has electro-magnetic coils positioned within the elastomeric housing and operable to generate magnetic fields to repel or attract the ferromagnetic components of the elastomeric housing to the electro-magnetic coils. When the ferromagnetic components of the elastomeric housing are repelled by the electro-magnetic coils, the elastomeric housing has a rigid surface state. When the ferromagnetic components of the elastomeric housing are attracted to the electro-magnetic coils, the elastomeric housing is collapsed.

Abstract: Example mechanical supports or mandrels are described for composite part curing. In one example, a mandrel includes a housing, and components within the housing and positioned to create a central opening. An expander is also positioned in the central opening, and the expander has a width that increases along a length of the expander. A narrow end of the expander is positioned in the central opening. An actuator is provided to move the expander into the central opening causing the components to expand the housing, and to retract the expander from the central opening causing the components to collapse the housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electromagnetic support tooling for use in composite part curing are described. In one example, a support tooling, such as a mandrel, includes an elastomeric housing that has ferromagnetic components. The mandrel also has electro-magnetic coils positioned within the elastomeric housing and operable to generate magnetic fields to repel or attract the ferromagnetic components of the elastomeric housing to the electro-magnetic coils. When the ferromagnetic components of the elastomeric housing are repelled by the electro-magnetic coils, the elastomeric housing has a rigid surface state. When the ferromagnetic components of the elastomeric housing are attracted to the electro-magnetic coils, the elastomeric housing is collapsed.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) curing system is configured to cure a composite structure. The UV curing system includes a plurality of UV light assemblies that are configured to adaptively conform to a shape of the composite structure. A UV curing method is configured to cure a composite structure. The UV curing method includes positioning a UV curing system on the composite structure, and adaptively conforming a plurality of UV light assemblies of the UV curing system to a shape of the composite structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electromagnetic support tooling for use in composite part curing are described. In one example, a support tooling, such as a mandrel, includes an elastomeric housing that has ferromagnetic components. The mandrel also has electro-magnetic coils positioned within the elastomeric housing and operable to generate magnetic fields to repel or attract the ferromagnetic components of the elastomeric housing to the electro-magnetic coils. When the ferromagnetic components of the elastomeric housing are repelled by the electro-magnetic coils, the elastomeric housing has a rigid surface state. When the ferromagnetic components of the elastomeric housing are attracted to the electro-magnetic coils, the elastomeric housing is collapsed.

Abstract: Example mechanical supports or mandrels are described for composite part curing. In one example, a mandrel includes a housing, and components within the housing and positioned to create a central opening. An expander is also positioned in the central opening, and the expander has a width that increases along a length of the expander. A narrow end of the expander is positioned in the central opening. An actuator is provided to move the expander into the central opening causing the components to expand the housing, and to retract the expander from the central opening causing the components to collapse the housing.

Abstract: A shutter apparatus for a curing lamp housing is provided. The shutter apparatus may be pulled out of the housing along ribs. The ribs slide with respect to recesses formed in rails of the shutter apparatus. When the shutter apparatus is pulled out of the housing, easy access to fasteners holding the shutters onto drive and pivot shafts enables the shutters to be readily replaced. A method detailing such replacement is also provided. A drive mechanism enables the shutters to be opened and closed in unison.

Abstract: A shutter apparatus for a curing lamp housing is provided. The shutter apparatus may be pulled out of the housing along ribs. The ribs slide with respect to recesses formed in rails of the shutter apparatus. When the shutter apparatus is pulled out of the housing, easy access to fasteners holding the shutters onto drive and pivot shafts enables the shutters to be readily replaced. A method detailing such replacement is also provided. A drive mechanism enables the shutters to be opened and closed in unison.