Refine Your Search

Search Results

Author:
Technical Paper

Rapid Prototyping of Composite Aircraft Structures

1993-05-01
931219
The faculty, staff and students of the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory (RFRL) have developed a rapid prototyping capability in a series of research aircraft and unmanned aircraft development projects. There has been a steady change in the technologies used to accomplish these tasks at the RFRL. The most recent development has been the utilization of computer graphics and a 5-axis gantry robot router to accelerate the design, moldmaking and parts trimming tasks. The composite structure fabrication processes at the RFRL have evolved from wet-lay-up to autoclave cure. Currently, the feasibility of the stitched composite material preform and resin transfer molding process is being explored. The organizational structure of the RFRL rapid prototyping group has been found to be most important in accomplishing a vehicle development that is technically sound, safe, and reasonable in cost.
X