Hybrid braided composite parts
Systems and methods are provided for fabricating a hybrid composite part. A method includes braiding a first set of fibers to form a weave having a closed cross-sectional shape, braiding a second set of fibers into the weave that are chemically distinct from the first set of fibers, impregnating the weave with a resin, and hardening the resin within the weave to form a hybrid composite part.
1. A method for induction welding a composite part, the method comprising:
acquiring a first composite part that includes fibers impregnated with a thermoplastic;
acquiring a second composite part that includes braided electrically conductive fibers and braided electrically insulating fibers impregnated with the thermoplastic;
placing the first composite part in contact with the second composite part at a location occupied by the electrically conductive fibers; and
induction welding the first composite part to the second composite part at the location.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein:
the first composite part comprises a tube having a first diameter, and the second composite part comprises a tube having a second diameter larger than the first diameter.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein:
the placing comprises nesting the first composite part within the second composite part, such that a circumference of the first composite part contacts the second composite part.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein:
the first composite part comprises a tube having a first diameter, and the second composite part comprises a tube having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein:
the placing comprises nesting the second composite part within the first composite part, such that a circumference of the second composite part contacts the first composite part.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein:
the induction welding is performed by orbiting an induction coil around the second composite part.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein:
the induction welding is performed by rotating the second composite part.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein:
induction welding comprises exposing electrically conductive fibers arranged at an exterior of the second composite part to a magnetic field.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein:
induction welding comprises exposing electrically conductive fibers, arranged at an inner surface of the second composite part that defines a hollow portion, to a magnetic field.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein:
the insulating fibers comprise glass fibers.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein:
the electrically conductive fibers comprise carbon fibers.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein:
the electrically conductive fibers form a portion of a Faraday cage.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein:
induction welding the first composite part to the second composite part comprises commingling thermoplastic in the first composite part with thermoplastic in the second composite part.
14. A method for fabrication comprising:
providing a first composite part that includes fibers impregnated with a thermoplastic;
providing a second composite part that includes braided electrically conductive fibers and braided electrically insulating fibers impregnated with the thermoplastic;
holding the second composite part in contact with the first composite part at a location occupied by the electrically conductive fibers;
orbiting an induction coil around the second composite part; and
generating a magnetic field at the induction coil while the induction coil is orbiting.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein:
the first composite part comprises a tube having a first diameter, the second composite part comprises a tube having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and the first composite part is nested within the second composite part.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein:
the first composite part comprises a tube having a first diameter, the second composite part comprises a tube having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and the second composite part is nested within the first composite part.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein:
the first composite part and the second composite part form a longitudinal lap splice.
18. The method of claim 14 wherein:
the electrically insulating fibers comprise glass fibers.
19. The method of claim 14 wherein:
the electrically conductive fibers comprise carbon fibers.
20. The method of claim 14 wherein:
the electrically conductive fibers form a portion of a Faraday cage.