Systems and methods for assembling elongate composite structures are disclosed. The systems include a first rigid elongate cure tool defining a first elongate support surface for supporting a first elongate charge of composite material (FEC), a second rigid elongate cure tool defining a second elongate support surface for supporting a second elongate charge of composite material (SEC), and a flexible elongate caul plate. The systems further include a vacuum compaction film, a translation structure, and a vacuum source. Methods according to the present disclosure include positioning a vacuum compaction film, positioning a flexible elongate caul plate, and positioning an FEC. The methods further include positioning an SEC, contacting a region of the FEC with a region of the SEC, sealing the vacuum compaction film, evacuating the enclosed volume to generate an elongate composite assembly, and heating the elongate composite assembly to define the elongate composite structure.

Systems and methods for assembling elongate composite structures are disclosed. The systems include a first rigid elongate cure tool defining a first elongate support surface for supporting a first elongate charge of composite material (FEC), a second rigid elongate cure tool defining a second elongate support surface for supporting a second elongate charge of composite material (SEC), and a flexible elongate caul plate. The systems further include a vacuum compaction film, a translation structure, and a vacuum source. Methods according to the present disclosure include positioning a vacuum compaction film, positioning a flexible elongate caul plate, and positioning an FEC. The methods further include positioning an SEC, contacting a region of the FEC with a region of the SEC, sealing the vacuum compaction film, evacuating the enclosed volume to generate an elongate composite assembly, and heating the elongate composite assembly to define the elongate composite structure.

This invention relates to a wind turbine blade with retrofitted coating in and around areas where the blade is especially exposed to erosion damages, which is established by the coating including a glue layer, a fiber reinforced polymer layer and one or more non-reinforced polymer layers over the fiber reinforced layer, since the polymer layers stretch themselves out over the fiber reinforced layer and includes areas of the wind turbine blade's surface, which are less exposed to erosion damages. A method for creation of such a wind turbine blade and creation of such a coating and the coating itself, is also established with the invention.

This invention relates to a wind turbine blade with retrofitted coating in and around areas where the blade is especially exposed to erosion damages, which is established by the coating including a glue layer, a fiber reinforced polymer layer and one or more non-reinforced polymer layers over the fiber reinforced layer, since the polymer layers stretch themselves out over the fiber reinforced layer and includes areas of the wind turbine blade's surface, which are less exposed to erosion damages. A method for creation of such a wind turbine blade and creation of such a coating and the coating itself, is also established with the invention.

A method for bonding a composite material includes impregnating a first composite material containing reinforcing fibers and a second composite material containing reinforcing fibers with a resin and bonding them together. A plurality of protruding members each including a plurality of protrusions protruding in mutually different directions are placed on a surface of the first composite material, and the second composite material is placed where the protruding members are placed. The protruding members are introduced into the interior of the first composite material and the interior of the second composite material while causing the first composite material and the second composite material to come into contact with each other. The first and second composite material are bonded in a state where the protruding members are introduced therein, by curing the resin with which the first and second composite material are impregnated.

A method for bonding a composite material includes impregnating a first composite material containing reinforcing fibers and a second composite material containing reinforcing fibers with a resin and bonding them together. A plurality of protruding members each including a plurality of protrusions protruding in mutually different directions are placed on a surface of the first composite material, and the second composite material is placed where the protruding members are placed. The protruding members are introduced into the interior of the first composite material and the interior of the second composite material while causing the first composite material and the second composite material to come into contact with each other. The first and second composite material are bonded in a state where the protruding members are introduced therein, by curing the resin with which the first and second composite material are impregnated.

A preform-charge fixture creates a preform charge, which is a partially consolidated assemblage of preforms that can be efficiently transferred to a mold to create a finished part in a molding process, such as compression molding. In the illustrative embodiment, the preform-charge fixture includes peripheral cleats that are movable towards a central cleat to create a small gap therebetween that receives and constrains preforms in a desired position. The fixture also includes clamps, which are operable to engage an uppermost layer of preforms in the gap and apply a slight amount of downward pressure thereto to assure that the preforms are properly seated. The fixture also accommodates an energy source that heats the preforms so that, in conjunction with downforce applied by the clamps and/or gravity, the preforms can be tacked together, forming the preform charge.

A preform-charge fixture creates a preform charge, which is a partially consolidated assemblage of preforms that can be efficiently transferred to a mold to create a finished part in a molding process, such as compression molding. In the illustrative embodiment, the preform-charge fixture includes peripheral cleats that are movable towards a central cleat to create a small gap therebetween that receives and constrains preforms in a desired position. The fixture also includes clamps, which are operable to engage an uppermost layer of preforms in the gap and apply a slight amount of downward pressure thereto to assure that the preforms are properly seated. The fixture also accommodates an energy source that heats the preforms so that, in conjunction with downforce applied by the clamps and/or gravity, the preforms can be tacked together, forming the preform charge.

A method of assembling a first part made from a metal and a second part includes providing a first part comprising an assembly surface, and a second part comprising at least one through orifice. At least part of the second part is arranged on the assembly surface such that the orifice extends across from the assembly surface. A metal connecting part is positioned on the orifice to cover the orifice across from the assembly surface. The connecting part and/or the assembly surface are projected on one another to obtain high-speed plating and welding between the connecting part and the surface part.

A method of assembling a first part made from a metal and a second part includes providing a first part comprising an assembly surface, and a second part comprising at least one through orifice. At least part of the second part is arranged on the assembly surface such that the orifice extends across from the assembly surface. A metal connecting part is positioned on the orifice to cover the orifice across from the assembly surface. The connecting part and/or the assembly surface are projected on one another to obtain high-speed plating and welding between the connecting part and the surface part.