Abstract: A net shaped latex vacuum bag as used in the fabrication of composite structural parts having complex shapes. Liquid latex is first allowed to air dry in the form of a thin flat, flexible sheet. The latex sheet is then vacuum formed over a tool having the complex shape of the part to be fabricated and assumes the shape and configuration of the tool's outer surface. The latex sheet is then rapidly cured at an elevated temperature, so as to permanently assume the part's shape for subsequent use in forming composite structural parts of the same complex shape. In one embodiment, the latex sheet may be formed on the tool by dipping the tool in liquid latex, allowing the latex coating to dry, and cutting the dry latex coating to permit separation of the tool from the latex coating which is then used in composite part fabrication.

Abstract: A net shaped latex vacuum bag as used in the fabrication of composite structural parts having complex shapes. Liquid latex is first allowed to air dry in the form of a thin flat, flexible sheet. The latex sheet is then vacuum formed over a tool having the complex shape of the part to be fabricated and assumes the shape and configuration of the tool's outer surface. The latex sheet is then rapidly cured at an elevated temperature, so as to permanently assume the part's shape for subsequent use in forming composite structural parts of the same complex shape. In one embodiment, the latex sheet may be formed on the tool by dipping the tool in liquid latex, allowing the latex coating to dry, and cutting the dry latex coating to permit separation of the tool from the latex coating which is then used in composite part fabrication.

Abstract: A fastening system for securing modular panels to an underlying support structure. The fastening system includes a number of pad members, preferably made of foamed material, secured to the underside of each panel, and a saw-like apparatus carried by the pad members for severing the pad members from the vehicle structure. One side of each of the pad members is secured to the panel underside. The other side of each pad member is secured to an appropriate location on the vehicle structure in such a manner that the outer surface of the panel, when the panel is properly secured on the vehicle body, lies flush with the outer surface of the vehicle body.

Abstract: Aerodynamic boundary layer control apparatus comprising a panel assembly having one surface for immersion in an ambient fluid flow and provided with perforations, a first array of fluid transporting channels fluidly coupled with various ones of the perforations, a second array of fluid transporting channels overlapping the first array of channels, and a suction-generating apparatus fluidly coupled with the second array of channels. An opposing surface of the panel assembly has a contour congruent with that of the aircraft wing or body structure to which it is to be removably attached. The suction-generating apparatus applies a suction force to the second array of channels to draw the ambient fluid into the first array of channels to enable conformace of the fluid with the one surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing discrete zones of pressure at the surface of a perforated panel of the type typically used for laminar fluid flow control includes a first array of channel members fluidly communicating with perforations in the panel, all of the channel members in the first array extending in a first direction and being substantially parallel to one another, and a second array of channel members fluidly communicating with the fluid in the first array of channel members, all of the channel members in the second array extending in a second direction and being substantially parallel to one another, where the first and second arrays of channel members being disposed in crossing relationship with a source of pressure being applied to the second array of channel members. By this arrangement, control of fluid flow in at least one of the first and second arrays results in discrete zones of pressure at the surface of the panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for irrigating perforations in the surface of a perforated material during surface treatment operations. The apparatus includes a three-layer substrate of predetermined length including a first fluid-interactive layer, a second resilient layer, and a third rigidifying layer. In the method, the substrate is placed beneath the perforated surface to be treated with the perforated material overlying the first layer. Thereafter, the surface treatment tool is used to apply and remove pressure to and from the surface during performance of the surface treatment operation. In this way, as the surface is treated, fluid applied to the surface during the operation is caused to pass back and forth to and from the first layer and through the perforations to irrigate the perforations and thereby keep them from becoming clogged.

Abstract: A fastener system for securing a multi-layer panel having a first surface adapted to be secured to a substructure, a second surface awash in a fluid flowing thereacross, and a plurality of spaced fastener-receiving holes arranged in a predetermined array in the second surface. Each fastener includes a threaded shank having a diameter smaller than any of the fastener-receiving holes, a load-bearing flange located adjacent the shank having a diameter greater than the shank diameter for pressing the first surface of the panel against the substructure, an unthreaded shank extending away from the load-bearing flange and having a diameter smaller than the threaded shank diameter, and a second flange having a diameter greater than the diameter of the load-bearing flange. The second flange is located on the side of the unthreaded shank opposite the load-bearing flange, and functions to seat against a recessed region of the second surface of the panel.