Abstract: A method for forming a multilayer structure from a precursor panel having an edge, the method including steps of connecting an attachment member to the precursor panel such that an edge of the attachment member is in alignment with the edge of the precursor panel and applying heat and gas pressure to expand the precursor panel.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for chemically etching parts by generating an enclosed chemical etching chamber in contact with a part surface and directing a flow of chemical etchant solution in contact with a part region to be etched.

Abstract: Provided are induction heating cells including pressure bladders used for supporting dies and methods of using these induction heating cells. A pressure bladder may be disposed between a die and a bolster of the cell. Even when the bolster is deformed during operation of the cell, the pressure bladder continues to provide uniform support to the die thereby preserving integrity of the die and prevents its cracking or braking. As such, the cell may be operated at a higher processing pressure inside the cavity formed by the die without further strengthening the bolster. The bolster is allowed to deform without compromising the integrity of the die. The deformation of the bolster is compensated by the shape change of the pressure bladder. The number and/or position of the bladders in the cell may depend on the shape of processed parts.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for chemically etching parts by generating an enclosed chemical etching chamber in contact with a part surface and directing a flow of chemical etchant solution in contact with a part region to be etched.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a panel, including a first face sheet, a second face sheet and a core sheet between the first face sheet and the second face sheet, may include a molding tool defining a forming cavity shaped to correspond to the panel, a heating system positioned adjacent to the forming cavity and configured to heat the forming cavity, and a pressurization system configured to pressurize a cavity volume between the tool and the panel and pressurize a panel volume between the first face sheet and the second face sheet.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for chemically etching parts by generating an enclosed chemical etching chamber in contact with a part surface and directing a flow of chemical etchant solution in contact with a part region to be etched.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to a method of making a part from at least one elemental metal powder. The part has a near-net shape, a part volume, and a part density. The method includes providing a sintered preform having a sintered density and separating a portion from the sintered preform. The portion has a portion volume exceeding the part volume and a portion shape different from the near-net shape of the part. The method also includes thermally cycling the portion for a thermal-cycling time period at a thermal-cycling pressure while superplastically deforming the portion to form the part having the near net shape and the part density.

Abstract: A method to join a first structure to a second structure comprises aligning a first hole in the first structure with a second hole in the second structure and inserting a fastener into the first hole and the second hole. The fastener comprises a shape memory alloy which was formed into a first shape having a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in an austenite state and reduced to a second shape having a diameter less than the diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in a martensite state. The method further comprises heating the fastener above an austenite start transition temperature.

Abstract: A hybrid contoured load-spreading washer is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the washer includes a washer body having a composite layer and a metal layer bonded to the composite layer and a fastener opening extending through the washer body. A floor beam seat track attachment assembly and a method of transmitting a load from a seat track to a floor beam web in a seat track attachment assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid contoured load-spreading washer is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the washer includes a washer body having a composite layer and a metal layer bonded to the composite layer and a fastener opening extending through the washer body. A floor beam seat track attachment assembly and a method of transmitting a load from a seat track to a floor beam web in a seat track attachment assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method to join a first structure to a second structure, comprises aligning a first hole in the first structure with a second hole in the second structure and inserting a fastener into the first hole and the second hole. The fastener comprises a shape memory alloy which was formed into a first shape having a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in an austenite state and reduced to a second shape having a diameter less than the diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in a martensite state.

Abstract: An apparatus may comprise a first tool die and a second tool die, each having a tool base. Each tool base may have a laminated structure that has a plurality of spaced metallic laminations. The laminated structure may have a truncated portion forming a cavity configured to receive a tool insert, and at least one opening for receiving an induction coil. The first tool die and the second tool die may also have a tool insert configured to be received in the cavity of the tool base. The tool insert may have a die susceptor capable of being heated by the induction coil. The apparatus may also have an actuator for moving the first tool die and the second tool die toward one another for forming a component between the die susceptor of the tool insert of the first tool die and the die susceptor of the tool insert of the second tool die.

Abstract: Energy absorbing structure disposed beneath the cargo area of an aircraft provides maximum energy absorption and structural strength using carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites. The energy absorbing structure uses laminated stanchions having ply drop-offs to produce stable, progressive crushing of the stanchions during a wheels-up crash landing. Integrally formed flanges on the stanchions allow direct mounting of the stanchions on the structural members of the aircraft, without the need for specialized fittings.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method to join a first structure to a second structure, comprises aligning a first hole in the first structure with a second hole in the second structure and inserting a fastener into the first hole and the second hole. The fastener comprises a shape memory alloy which was formed into a first shape having a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in an austenite state and reduced to a second shape having a diameter less than the diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in a martensite state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a workpiece having a desired configuration as well as an associated preform assembly are provided. The forming method and apparatus as well as the preform assembly include a hydrostatic pressing medium, such as a layer of glass, disposed within the die cavity proximate to at least one side of the workpiece. The hydrostatic pressing medium is configured to have a relatively low viscosity at the temperatures at which the workpiece is processed, thereby facilitating the relatively even application of pressure to the workpiece. As such, a workpiece having a complex configuration may be formed utilizing a single acting die.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a workpiece having a desired configuration as well as an associated preform assembly are provided. The forming method and apparatus as well as the preform assembly include a hydrostatic pressing medium, such as a layer of glass, disposed within the die cavity proximate to at least one side of the workpiece. The hydrostatic pressing medium is configured to have a relatively low viscosity at the temperatures at which the workpiece is processed, thereby facilitating the relatively even application of pressure to the workpiece. As such, a workpiece having a complex configuration may be formed utilizing a single acting die.

Abstract: A structural assembly and an associated system and method for manufacture are provided. The structural assembly includes an elongate member and a first connector member that is connected to an end of the elongate member by a braze joint. A second connector member can be connected to an end of the elongate member opposite the first connector by another braze joint. The elongate member is formed of a metal matrix composite material that includes a plurality of fibers of a reinforcement material disposed in a metal matrix. Each connector member is formed of a material that is dissimilar to the material of the elongate member. The braze joints can be formed by selectively heating the braze material, e.g., with an inductive coil that extends circumferentially around only a portion of the structural assembly.

Abstract: Energy absorbing structure disposed beneath the cargo area of an aircraft provides maximum energy absorption and structural strength using carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites. The energy absorbing structure uses laminated stanchions having ply drop-offs to produce stable, progressive crushing of the stanchions during a wheels-up crash landing. Integrally formed flanges on the stanchions allow direct mounting of the stanchions on the structural members of the aircraft, without the need for specialized fittings.

Abstract: A hybrid contoured load-spreading washer is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the washer includes a washer body having a composite layer and a metal layer bonded to the composite layer and a fastener opening extending through the washer body. A floor beam seat track attachment assembly and a method of transmitting a load from a seat track to a floor beam web in a seat track attachment assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid contoured load-spreading washer is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the washer includes a washer body having a composite layer and a metal layer bonded to the composite layer and a fastener opening extending through the washer body. A floor beam seat track attachment assembly and a method of transmitting a load from a seat track to a floor beam web in a seat track attachment assembly are also disclosed.