The Boeing Company

Matthew J Patterson

Steven B Helton

Keith J Rockcastle

James D Waterman

Nicholas C Strauss

Paul I Handel

Thomas M Barrett

Daniel Guerin

Lisa K Koelewyn

An intelligent control system for directing a process for curing parts made of fiber-reinforced composite material in an autoclave. The system uses data gathered during the curing processing to calculate repetitively the temperature of the autoclave required to establish and maintain a predetermined cure temperature. The system accounts for heat generated by the exothermal reaction of the resin during polymerization. The control recalculates an optimal autoclave temperature at periodic intervals during the cure cycle on the basis of temperature data from the part being cured and temperature within the autoclave. The optimal autoclave temperature is determined from calculated values representing resin heat, maximum offset, lag time and degree of cure of the resin. Control signals produced by a computer that executes control algorithms stored in electronic memory accessible to the processor cause corresponding changes in the temperature of the autoclave needed to cure the part without overheating and in less time than with a conventional autoclave temperature control.

Optimal composite curing system and method

A reusable break-out support tool and method are provided for use in drilling, or the like, a workpiece. The tool employs a granulated media situated within a cylinder. When a workpiece is to be drilled, the cylinder with the granulated media is engaged with the side of the workpiece which will bear the exit opening of the hole to be drilled. The granulated media is pressurized whereby it forms a load bearing surface applied to the workpiece.

Reusable break-out support tool and method

Growing community of inventors

Bloomfield, CT, United States of America

Matthew J Patterson