Method for stabilizing thick honeycomb core composite articles

Abstract

A method of stabilizing thick honeycomb core composites is disclosed. The method comprises bonding a layer of resin impregnated woven graphite fibers to one surface of the honeycomb core, then curing the resin impregnates forming a stabilized honeycomb core. This stabilized core is then cut to net shape and the composite structure is formed by laying one or more resin impregnated fiber layers onto the stabilized core surf aces and curing the lay-up under heat and pressure forming the composite article. Also disclosed is a stabilized honeycomb subassembly formed by bonding a graphite fiber, resin impregnated layer onto one of the honeycomb core surfaces and curing the resins, then shaping the stabilized honeycomb core to the desired form.