Abstract: A method of compacting a plurality of pre-formed composite stiffeners prior to the plurality of pre-formed composite stiffeners being co-cured with a composite skin includes providing a caul plate with a plurality of stiffener receptacles and a skin-facing surface. The plurality of pre-formed composite stiffeners is positioned within the plurality of stiffener receptacles, each of the plurality of pre-formed composite stiffeners having a skin-contacting surface. A caul sheet having a mold surface that replicates a surface shape of the composite skin is positioned against the mold surface. The caul sheet is compacted against the caul plate such that the skin-contacting surfaces of the plurality of pre-formed composite stiffeners acquire the surface shape of the composite skin, thereby generating an assembly of compacted stiffeners.

Abstract: A method and device of positioning a ply of material for a composite component along an arcuate surface are presented. The ply comprises two end portions and a plurality of fiber tows extending longitudinally between the two end portions. The arcuate surface has a curved edge and a planar surface extending from the curved edge. The method comprises placing a first longitudinal edge portion of the ply along the curved edge; and rotating at least one of the two end portions away from the arcuate surface about a pivot axis normal to the ply, so as to cause sliding of at least some of the plurality of fiber tows relative to each other, and substantial aligning of the plurality of fiber tows in a curved direction along the arcuate surface. A method of positioning a ply of material for a composite component onto a curved mandrel is also presented.

Abstract: A method and device of positioning a ply of material for a composite component along an arcuate surface are presented. The ply comprises two end portions and a plurality of fiber tows extending longitudinally between the two end portions. The arcuate surface has a curved edge and a planar surface extending from the curved edge. The method comprises placing a first longitudinal edge portion of the ply along the curved edge; and rotating at least one of the two end portions away from the arcuate surface about a pivot axis normal to the ply, so as to cause sliding of at least some of the plurality of fiber tows relative to each other, and substantial aligning of the plurality of fiber tows in a curved direction along the arcuate surface. A method of positioning a ply of material for a composite component onto a curved mandrel is also presented.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite part (10) having a skin (12) and at least one elongated stiffener (14) extending from the skin (12), the method comprising: providing a mold (20) having a mold surface (22, 26) and a respective elongated compaction cavity for each stiffener (14), each compaction cavity (24) opening into the mold surface (22, 26); for each stiffener (14): placing a bagged insert (30) including an insert (40) received in a tubular bag (42) in the respective compaction cavity (24), supporting the stiffener (14) with the bagged insert (30), the stiffener (14) having a first part extending in the compaction cavity (24) snuggly between a side surface of the bagged insert (30) and an adjacent side surface of the mold (20) bordering the compaction cavity (24), the stiffener (14) having a second part connected to the first part and extending over at least one of the mold surface (22, 26) and a top surface of the bagged insert (30); placing a skin (12) over and in contact with the mold surface (22, 26),

Abstract: A method and device of positioning a ply of material for a composite component along an arcuate surface are presented. The ply comprises two end portions and a plurality of fiber tows extending longitudinally between the two end portions. The arcuate surface has a curved edge and a planar surface extending from the curved edge. The method comprises placing a first longitudinal edge portion of the ply along the curved edge; and rotating at least one of the two end portions away from the arcuate surface about a pivot axis normal to the ply, so as to cause sliding of at least some of the plurality of fiber tows relative to each other, and substantial aligning of the plurality of fiber tows in a curved direction along the arcuate surface. A method of positioning a ply of material for a composite component onto a curved mandrel is also presented.

Abstract: A device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) for curing a composite material, including a heating unit support (12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612a, 612b, 612c) supporting a plurality of heating units (16) each having a radiant heat source directed toward a corresponding portion of a heating volume (V) with at least some of the heating units (16) being controllable independently of one another. The heating volume (V) is formed by the combination of radiations emitted by the heating units (16) when the heating units are powered. A mold support (14, 114, 314, 414, 514, 614) is configured to retain a mold (11311, 411, 511) containing the composite material to be cured such that the mold is separated from the heating units (16) by a planar section (S) of the heating volume (V). A method and a control system for curing first component made of composite material using radiant energy are also disclosed.