Eliminating Delamination in Curved Composite Parts
New way of laminating curved graphite/epoxy parts prevents delamination and porosity. Originally developed for a sharply-curved expansion joint frame on Space Shuttle payload-bay doors, new method may also be useful in constructing laminated parts for boat hulls or small aircraft. Method employs shims strategically positioned in layup of graphite/ epoxy tape. Shims allow for extra length in layup plies. On final cure, added length compensates for shrinkage that would otherwise have caused delamination.