Composite structure and method of forming thereof

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9517606-B2
Application number	US-201414452619-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Aug 6, 2014
Priority date	Aug 6, 2014
Publication date	Dec 13, 2016
Grant date	Dec 13, 2016

Abstract

A composite structure is provided. The composite structure includes a plurality of components coupled together forming a joint, wherein the plurality of components are oriented such that a gap is defined at least partially therebetween. A filler structure is positioned in the gap, and the filler structure includes a closed cell foam core.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A composite structure comprising:
a plurality of components coupled together forming a joint, wherein said plurality of components are oriented such that a gap is defined at least partially therebetween; wherein said plurality of components are coupled together such that said gap extends along a length of said plurality of components; wherein at least one of said plurality of components comprises a bent portion such that a radius gap is defined between said plurality of components; and
a filler structure positioned in said gap, said filler structure comprising a closed cell foam core having a porosity within a range defined between about 20 percent and about 40 percent by volume of said closed cell foam core, and said filler structure pre-formed and having a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to a cross-sectional shape of said gap; and wherein said closed cell foam core is fabricated from a silicone-based material.

2. The composite structure in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said closed cell foam core comprises a plurality of core cells that comprise side walls configured to yield plastically in response to hydrostatic tensile forces.

3. The composite structure in accordance with claim 2 , wherein said plurality of core cells comprise void spaces defined by said side walls, said void spaces substantially filled with air.

4. The composite structure in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the porosity is selected such that said closed cell foam core has a predetermined energy absorbing capability.

5. The composite structure in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said filler structure does not comprise an amount of adhesive resin.

Assignees

• Boeing Co

Inventors

• Christensen Stephen
• Gosse Jonathan H

Classifications

• B32B5/18

  characterised by features of a layer {of} foamed material · CPC title

• B29C70/40

  Shaping or impregnating by compression (B29C70/34 takes precedence){not applied} · CPC title

• B29C70/84

  by moulding material on preformed parts to be joined {(joining plastic parts by moulding B29C65/70)} · CPC title

• B29C65/72

  by combined operations {or combined techniques}, e.g. welding and stitching · CPC title

• B29K2683/005

  LSR, i.e. liquid silicone rubbers or derivatives thereof · CPC title