Multiple density sandwich structures and method of fabrication
US5330092A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/12806
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method to superplastic form sandwich structures is provided. A series of worksheets are joined together at selected locations through the use of partial penetration welding. The worksheets are subsequently superplastic formed in order to form a sandwich structure. The method allows a different number of worksheets to be used at different points throughout the sandwich structure. This results in a sandwich structure with a different internal reinforcement at different locations in the sandwich structure. In the preferred embodiment, a wing is fabricated from a series of worksheets partial penetration welded together using a laser. The worksheets are superplastic formed to producing a wing with a different internal reinforcement at two or more locations in the wing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.