Abstract: A method for shaping a composite material, the method comprising positioning a composite system in a press tool, the press tool comprising a male mold and a corresponding female mold separated by a gap, wherein the male mold and the female mold each independently have a non-planar molding surface, compressing the composite system between the male mold and the female mold by closing the gap between the male mold and the female mold; and maintaining the male mold and the female mold in a closed position until the viscosity of the composite system reaches a level sufficient to maintain a molded shape.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating a composite material from the environment, as well as the isolated composite material. Also disclosed herein are methods for shaping a composite material that include the use of isolated composite materials. For example, disclosed is a method for mechanical thermoforming of a composite material to form a shaped composite material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating a composite material from the environment, as well as the isolated composite material. Also disclosed herein are methods for shaping a composite material that include the use of isolated composite materials. For example, disclosed is a method for mechanical thermoforming of a composite material to form a shaped composite material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating a composite material from the environment, as well as the isolated composite material. Also disclosed herein are methods for shaping a composite material that include the use of isolated composite materials. For example, disclosed is a method for mechanical thermoforming of a composite material to form a shaped composite material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for shaping a composite material (110) that include the use of a woven or non-woven veil (120). Also disclosed herein are shaped composite materials formed using such methods, which show significant improvement in wrinkling.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating a composite material from the environment, as well as the isolated composite material. Also disclosed herein are methods for shaping a composite material that include the use of isolated composite materials. For example, disclosed is a method for mechanical thermoforming of a composite material to form a shaped composite material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating a composite material from the environment, as well as the isolated composite material. Also disclosed herein are methods for shaping a composite material that include the use of isolated composite materials. For example, disclosed is a method for mechanical thermoforming of a composite material to form a shaped composite material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating a composite material from the environment, as well as the isolated composite material. Also disclosed herein are methods for shaping a composite material that include the use of isolated composite materials. For example, disclosed is a method for mechanical thermoforming of a composite material to form a shaped composite material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating a composite material from the environment, as well as the isolated composite material. Also disclosed herein are methods for shaping a composite material that include the use of isolated composite materials. For example, disclosed is a method for mechanical thermoforming of a composite material to form a shaped composite material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating a composite material from the environment, as well as the isolated composite material. Also disclosed herein are methods for shaping a composite material that include the use of isolated composite materials. For example, disclosed is a method for mechanical thermoforming of a composite material to form a shaped composite material.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing at least one non-uniform thickness composite spar component. The method comprises braiding a plurality of fibers over a non-cylindrical mandrel to form a variable thickness shaped fiber preform, flattening the shaped fiber preform and cutting the flattened shaped fiber preform to obtain the at least one non-uniform thickness composite spar component. Spars made according to various embodiments of the present invention are faster and less expensive to manufacture than conventional composite spar components.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing at least one non-uniform thickness composite spar component. The method comprises braiding a plurality of fibres over a non-cylindrical mandrel to form a variable thickness shaped fibre preform, flattening the shaped fibre preform and cutting the flattened shaped fibre preform to obtain the at least one non-uniform thickness composite spar component. Spars made according to various embodiments of the present invention are faster and less expensive to manufacture than conventional composite spar components.