The Boeing Company
BEADED COMPOSITE STRUCTURES AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING BEADED COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

Abstract:

A composite structure has a first layer connect to a second layer to form a layered structure. The second layer has a plurality of base portions abutting the first layer and a plurality of beaded portions protruding from the plurality of base portions. Each beaded portion of the plurality of beaded portions defines a channel between the first layer and the second layer. A method for manufacturing a composite structure includes depositing composite material over a tool to form a second layer. The second layer has a plurality of beaded portions and a plurality of base portions. The method includes distributing a plurality of mandrels over the second layer to define channels in the plurality of beaded portions. The method includes depositing composite material over the second layer and the plurality of mandrels to form a first layer. The method includes bonding the first layer to the second layer.