Textron Inc.
Molding assembly and method of co-curing stiffener with panel

Abstract:

There is disclosed a molding assembly including a mold having a first surface and an opposed second surface. The mold defines a cavity bounded by two side walls converging toward each other from the first surface toward the second surface. Two mandrels are each removably receivable in the cavity and have a first wall, a second wall opposed to the first wall, an inner wall, and an outer wall opposed to the inner wall. The inner walls face each other and define a gap therebetween for receiving a composite material to be cured. The outer walls are angled and each slidably engage a respective one of the two side walls. A method of co-curing a stiffener and a panel is also disclosed.