AUTOMATED FIBER PLACEMENT MANDREL JOINT CONFIGURATION

摘要

The present invention provides an automated fiber joint placement machinemandrel configuration where the lapjoint is preferably parallel to the mold surface. Accordingly, the user mayshim the mandrel segments without otherwise affectingthe integrity of the seal. A lap joint is preferably utilized wherein mandrelsegments are split at the stringer centerline through themiddle of the hat or through the cap of the stringer. The lap joint ispreferably designed such that the face sheets of the mandrelsegments preferably lie flat on top of one another when placed in contact. Theseal plane is thus protected.