Abstract:
A panel assembly that includes a core having first and second opposing major surfaces, a first laminate skin secured to the first major surface of the core, a second laminate skin secured to the second major surface of the core, and at least a first layer of polyimide aerogel incorporated into one of the first laminate skin or the second laminate skin.
Abstract:
A method of making a panel assembly (10) that includes forming a thermoplastic panel (12), placing a thermoset portion (16) into a pocket in a mold, placing an attachment member (14) into the pocket in the mold, positioning the thermoplastic panel in the mold, cooling the thermoplastic panel while heating the thermoset portion to flow at least a portion of the thermoset portion into openings defined in the thermoplastic panel, and cooling the panel assembly so that the thermoset portion hardens, thereby securing the attachment member to the thermoplastic panel.
Abstract:
A method of repairing a thermoplastic panel (10) having a damaged portion (12) therein that includes the steps of obtaining a patch member (14) made of a thermoplastic material, positioning the patch member (14) over the damaged portion (12), positioning the panel (10) and patch member (14) on a heat sink tool (16), using a hot forming tool (18) to soften the panel (10) and the patch member (14) such that the material of the panel (10) and the material of the patch member (14) are welded together, and cooling the panel (10) and patch member (14) to integrally bond the patch member (14) to the panel (10), thereby forming a panel (10) and patch assembly.
Abstract:
A panel assembly that includes a core having first and second opposing major surfaces, a first laminate skin secured to the first major surface of the core, a second laminate skin secured to the second major surface of the core, and at least a first layer of polyimide aerogel incorporated into one of the first laminate skin or the second laminate skin.