Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securing an autoclave bag to a composite fixture are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a flange sealing device including a forward flange at a first end and an aft flange at a second end, and a composite fixture including a forward groove to locate and seal with the forward flange of the flange sealing device to affix an autoclave bag, an aft groove to locate and seal with the aft flange of the flange sealing device to affix the autoclave bag, and an aft locating ring to position the autoclave bag.

Abstract: A shroud segment including a forward radial wall, an aft radial wall and at least one interlocking subcomponent. The forward radial wall, an aft radial wall and the at least one interlocking subcomponent are each formed of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) including reinforcing fibers embedded in a matrix. The shroud segment further including an interlocking mechanical joint joining each of the forward radial wall and the aft radial wall to the at least one interlocking subcomponent. Methods are also provided for joining the forward radial wall and the aft radial wall to the at least one interlocking subcomponent using an interlocking mechanical joint.

Abstract: An intensifier mechanism for forming stacked material includes a support, a first body coupled to the support, and a second body having a main portion, a pivoting portion, and a joint. The main portion is coupled to the support and the joint movably couples the main portion to the pivoting portion. The joint allows the pivoting portion to pivot in relation to the main portion when the membrane moves towards the bottom wall.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securing an autoclave bag to a composite fixture are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a flange sealing device including a forward flange at a first end and an aft flange at a second end, and a composite fixture including a forward groove to locate and seal with the forward flange of the flange sealing device to affix an autoclave bag, an aft groove to locate and seal with the aft flange of the flange sealing device to affix the autoclave bag, and an aft locating ring to position the autoclave bag.

Abstract: An intensifier mechanism for forming stacked material includes a support, a first body coupled to the support, and a second body having a main portion, a pivoting portion, and a joint. The main portion is coupled to the support and the joint movably couples the main portion to the pivoting portion. The joint allows the pivoting portion to pivot in relation to the main portion when the membrane moves towards the bottom wall.

Abstract: A shroud segment including a forward radial wall, an aft radial wall and at least one interlocking subcomponent. The forward radial wall, an aft radial wall and the at least one interlocking subcomponent are each formed of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) including reinforcing fibers embedded in a matrix. The shroud segment further including an interlocking mechanical joint joining each of the forward radial wall and the aft radial wall to the at least one interlocking subcomponent. Methods are also provided for joining the forward radial wall and the aft radial wall to the at least one interlocking subcomponent using an interlocking mechanical joint.

Abstract: A porous tool includes a mold body and an additively-manufactured film attached to a surface of the mold body. The film includes a porous layer and a nonporous support layer. The porous layer may include a surface having an array of surface pore openings, a network of interconnected passages in fluid communication with the surface pore openings, and one or more lateral edges that have an array of edge pore openings in fluid communication with the interconnected passages. Methods of forming a porous tool include depositing additive material on a build surface using a directed energy deposition system to form a film while simultaneously subtracting selected portions of the additive material from the film using laser ablation. Methods of forming a molded component include conforming a moldable material to a shape using a porous tool that includes a mold body and an additively-manufactured film, and evacuating outgas from the moldable material through a porous layer of the film.

Abstract: A porous tool includes a mold body and an additively-manufactured film attached to a surface of the mold body. The film includes a porous layer and a nonporous support layer. The porous layer may include a surface having an array of surface pore openings, a network of interconnected passages in fluid communication with the surface pore openings, and one or more lateral edges that have an array of edge pore openings in fluid communication with the interconnected passages. Methods of forming a porous tool include depositing additive material on a build surface using a directed energy deposition system to form a film while simultaneously subtracting selected portions of the additive material from the film using laser ablation. Methods of forming a molded component include conforming a moldable material to a shape using a porous tool that includes a mold body and an additively-manufactured film, and evacuating outgas from the moldable material through a porous layer of the film.

Abstract: A shroud segment including a forward radial wall, an aft radial wall and at least one interlocking subcomponent. The forward radial wall, an aft radial wall and the at least one interlocking subcomponent are each formed of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) including reinforcing fibers embedded in a matrix. The shroud segment further including an interlocking mechanical joint joining each of the forward radial wall and the aft radial wall to the at least one interlocking subcomponent. Methods are also provided for joining the forward radial wall and the aft radial wall to the at least one interlocking subcomponent using an interlocking mechanical joint.

Abstract: A method for shaping a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) sheet having a first surface and a second surface is presented. The method includes receiving an input signal representative of a predetermined shape and a type of the CMC sheet. Further, the method includes selecting a laser beam based on the received input signal. Also, the method includes projecting the selected laser beam on the CMC sheet to shape the CMC sheet into the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A method for shaping a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) sheet having a first surface and a second surface is presented. The method includes receiving an input signal representative of a predetermined shape and a type of the CMC sheet. Further, the method includes selecting a laser beam based on the received input signal. Also, the method includes projecting the selected laser beam on the CMC sheet to shape the CMC sheet into the predetermined shape.