Abstract: A composite truss structure may have a first facesheet, a second facesheet, and a plurality of truss elements joined with the first facesheet and the second facesheet at nodes to form a one-piece structure. The composite truss structure may be formed by a method comprising preparing a dry fabric mold by: 1) placing a first dry fabric layer on a tool, 2) placing a first layer of fabric-loaded mandrels on the first dry fabric layer, 3) placing a second layer of the fabric-loaded mandrels on the first layer of fabric-loaded mandrels, and 4) placing a second dry fabric layer over the fabric-loaded mandrels. The method may further comprise infusing the dry fabric mold with a resin, and curing the resin to provide the nonflexible composite truss structure.

Abstract: A multifunctional mandrel end cap for the fabrication of composite parts having an end cap core operatively connected to a mandrel and substantially sealed using a bonding agent or end cap sheath. The end cap sheath substantially encloses the end cap core and seals engage perimeter sealing features of the end cap core. The end cap core has a passageway fluidly connecting the mandrel with a vacuum source. The vacuum source is engageable by a vacuum conduit having one or more vacuum conduit perimeter sealing features.

Abstract: A multifunctional mandrel end cap for the fabrication of composite parts having an end cap core operatively connected to a mandrel and substantially sealed using a bonding agent or end cap sheath. The end cap sheath substantially encloses the end cap core and seals engage perimeter sealing features of the end cap core. The end cap core has a passageway fluidly connecting the mandrel with a vacuum source. The vacuum source is engageable by a vacuum conduit having one or more vacuum conduit perimeter sealing features.

Abstract: A composite truss structure may have a first facesheet, a second facesheet, and a plurality of truss elements joined with the first facesheet and the second facesheet at nodes to form a one-piece structure. The composite truss structure may be formed by a method comprising preparing a dry fabric mold by: 1) placing a first dry fabric layer on a tool, 2) placing a first layer of fabric-loaded mandrels on the first dry fabric layer, 3) placing a second layer of the fabric-loaded mandrels on the first layer of fabric-loaded mandrels, and 4) placing a second dry fabric layer over the fabric-loaded mandrels. The method may further comprise infusing the dry fabric mold with a resin, and curing the resin to provide the nonflexible composite truss structure.