The Boeing Company

Theboeing Company

Carolyn Schmidt

Christopher Gary Harris

Gabriel Zane Forston

Hyukbong Kwon

Joshua P Tyndall

Gabriel Z Forston

A method of making a joint for a structure comprises forming a thermoplastic filler, applying an uncured first thermoset layer into direct contact with the thermoplastic filler, applying an uncured second thermoset layer into direct contact with the thermoplastic filler, and applying an uncured third thermoset layer into direct contact with the thermoplastic filler. The method additionally comprises curing the uncured first thermoset layer, the uncured second thermoset layer, and the uncured third thermoset layer at a temperature below a melting temperature of the thermoplastic material to form a cured first thermoset layer, a cured second thermoset layer, and a cured third thermoset layer and bonding together the cured first thermoset layer, the cured second thermoset layer, the cured third thermoset layer, and the thermoplastic filler.

Method of making joint for structure

An apparatus includes a first thermoset layer that includes a first fibrous material embedded in a first thermoset matrix. The apparatus also includes a second thermoset layer that includes a second fibrous material embedded in a second thermoset matrix. The second thermoset layer is coupled to the first thermoset layer to form a joint. Further, a gap is defined between the first thermoset layer and the second thermoset layer. The apparatus also includes a thermoplastic filler that is made from a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic filler is positioned within the gap.

Pre-formed thermoplastic filler for thermoset structure

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Scottsdale, AZ, United States of America

Carolyn Schmidt