Abstract: A manufacturing method includes locking a material to be cut against a cutting bed, stabilizing the material against the cutting bed, and cutting the material.

Abstract: A composite structure assembly includes a composite core including a flexible base and a plurality of cells extending from the flexible base. The composite core is conformable to different shapes. The plurality of cells are configured to move in response to movement of the flexible base. At least one of the plurality of cells may include a central column connected to a first flared end and a second flared end that is opposite from the first flared end.

Abstract: A composite structure assembly and method of forming a composite structure assembly is provided. The composite structure assembly includes a composite core including a first cell layer having a plurality of first cells and a second cell layer having a plurality of second cells. The first cell layer is adjacent to the second cell layer. The plurality of first cells are fluidly interconnected with the plurality of second cells.

Abstract: A manufacturing method includes locking a material to be cut against a cutting bed, stabilizing the material against the cutting bed, and cutting the material.

Abstract: A drape forming apparatus for that includes a forming tool including an upper forming surface and a side forming surface extending from the upper forming surface. The forming tool receives a layer of composite material over the upper forming surface. The apparatus includes a flange forming device including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a receiving slot defined therebetween. The receiving slot receives a flange portion of the layer of composite material, and the flange forming device is translatable relative to the forming tool such that the flange portion of the layer of composite material is withdrawn from the receiving slot and draped over the side forming surface. The apparatus includes a pressurized bladder that extends over the forming tool and the upper plate. The pressurized bladder forces the flange portion against the side forming surface as the flange forming device translates relative to the forming tool.

Abstract: A composite structure assembly and method of forming a composite structure assembly is provided. The composite structure assembly includes a composite core including a first cell layer having a plurality of first cells and a second cell layer having a plurality of second cells. The first cell layer is adjacent to the second cell layer. The plurality of first cells are fluidly interconnected with the plurality of second cells.

Abstract: A composite structure assembly includes a composite core including a flexible base and a plurality of cells extending from the flexible base. The composite core is conformable to different shapes. The plurality of cells are configured to move in response to movement of the flexible base. At least one of the plurality of cells may include a central column connected to a first flared end and a second flared end that is opposite from the first flared end.

Abstract: A drape forming apparatus for use in forming a composite structure is provided. The apparatus includes a forming tool including an upper forming surface and a side forming surface extending from the upper forming surface. The forming tool receives a layer of composite material extending over the upper forming surface. The apparatus further includes a flange forming device including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a receiving slot defined therebetween. The receiving slot for receiving a flange portion of the layer of composite material, and wherein the flange forming device is translatable relative to the forming tool such that the flange portion of the layer of composite material is withdrawn from the receiving slot and draped over the side forming surface. The apparatus further includes a pressurized bladder configured to extend over the forming tool and the upper plate of the flange forming device.