US Government as Represented by the Secretary of the Army

Alliant Techsystems Inc.

Jack K Gerhard

John W Gillespie, Jr

John J Tierney

Dirk Heider

Bruce K Fink

Eric J Lynam

Mark R Shaffer

Shridhar Yariagadda

Nicholas B Shevchenko

A method and apparatus for forming laminate composite structures. At least two laminae, each containing electrically conductive reinforcing fibers, are placed upon each other in contacting relationship to form a generally layered structure. The layered structure may be subjected to heat to conductively transfer heat through the layered structure and thereby improve the surface contact between the two laminae. The layered structure is volumetrically heated by inductively transferring energy to the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. The heated, layered structure is consolidated, such as by applying pressure and reducing the temperature of the layered structure. The consolidated structure is then quenched by rapidly cooling the consolidated structure in a directionally controlled manner about a midplane thereof.

Apparatus and method for induction lamination of electrically conductive fiber-reinforced composite materials

A method and apparatus for forming laminate composite structures. At least two laminae, each containing electrically conductive reinforcing fibers, are placed upon each other in contacting relationship to form a generally layered structure. The layered structure may be subjected to heat to conductively transfer heat through the layered structure and thereby improve the surface contact between two laminae. The layered structure is volumetrically heated by inductively transferring energy to the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. The heated, layered structure is consolidated, such as by applying pressure and reducing the temperature of the layered structure. The consolidated structure is then quenched by rapidly cooling the consolidated structure in a directionally controlled manner about a midplane thereof.

Method for induction lamination of electrically conductive fiber reinforced composite materials

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Ridgeley, WV, United States of America

Jack K Gerhard