Abstract: A method for forming a composite tube includes the steps of: braiding a plurality of strips to form a workpiece tube; bending the workpiece tube to form a bend; and extending the length of the workpiece tube by continuing the braiding step.

Abstract: Composite fan blade platform includes forward and aft portions and transition portion therebetween. Platform mounting holes extend through increased section thickness in transition portion and conical countersinks centered about centerlines of mounting holes extend into transition portion. Bolts include bolt shanks extending away from boltheads through center bolt holes in conical load spreaders in conical countersink. Boltheads engage conical load spreader. Bolthead is disposed entirely within cylindrical counterbore into top of load spreader and engages shoulder at bottom of cylindrical counterbore. Radial gap between bolthead and cylindrical counterbore surface of cylindrical counterbore may be filled by filler or filler ring. Bolts may join platform supports to disk hooks attached, fixed or joined to, or integral with disk posts of disk. Nuts threaded on threaded inner end of bolt shank may secure bases attached to platform supports to fan blade platform.

Abstract: A method of molding a composite structure having continuous fibers contained therein is disclosed. The method including the steps of compressing a first composite material in a mold; forming a cavity in the first composite material; placing a second composite material having continuous fibers contained therein in the cavity formed in the first composite material to minimize movement and distortion of the continuous fibers; compressing the first composite material such that the compression of the first composite material causes the first composite material to flow to edges of the second composite material; and allowing the first composite material to bond to the second composite material under molding temperature and pressure to form the composite structure.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite tube includes the steps of: braiding a plurality of strips to form a workpiece tube; bending the workpiece tube to form a bend; and extending the length of the workpiece tube by continuing the braiding step.

Abstract: A method of molding a composite structure having continuous fibers contained therein is disclosed. The method including the steps of compressing a first composite material in a mold; forming a cavity in the first composite material; placing a second composite material having continuous fibers contained therein in the cavity formed in the first composite material to minimize movement and distortion of the continuous fibers; compressing the first composite material such that the compression of the first composite material causes the first composite material to flow to edges of the second composite material; and allowing the first composite material to bond to the second composite material under molding temperature and pressure to form the composite structure.