**Author details**

physically proven, but based on simulations it is highly promising. More in-depth study and physical models will be required to fully validate the process. However, based on the initial work completed, it seems viable to project, that a hydroforming machine can be used to form

It also seems viable that a hydroforming machine is well suited to accommodate the high pressures required by some snap-cure resins such as HexPly M77. This particular resin requires a pressure of 80 bar (1160 psi). Over a large wide surface area, 80 bar will generate significant force. However, hydroforming machine are designed for much greater loads and would easily accommodate the level of pressure. The ability to co-form metal alloys and composite

Vehicles produced for H.R. 4013 (IH)—Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2014, 2025 CAFÉ Corporate Average Fuel Economy mpg target of 54.5 and the needs of General

materials seems to be viable and is believed to be a topic worthy of additional study.

Aviation, advancement especially electric aircraft may attain benefits from this study.

**6.1. Unique industry applications and possible advancements resulting from** 

• SSP Panels and skin panels with embedded electrical circuits, sensors, induction fields

• Heating from above and below accommodates use of panel cores with insulating proper-

composite parts.

40 Characterizations of Some Composite Materials

**6. Potential future opportunities**

• Typology Optimized Structural Sandwich Panels (SSP)

ties such as porous media, foams gels and ceramics • 3D structural battery or structural capacitor skin panels

• Induction field based electromagnetic lock downs and energy pick up

• Large 3D conformal structural storage tanks for liquid or air-gas fuel

• Integration of EAP (Electroactive Polymer) into skin panels

• Damaged Part and Part Deflection Detection/SHM Structural Health Monitoring

• Insertion of "Heavy Inserts" such as ceramics, castings, forgings or computers

• Large area pressure sensitive/pressure monitoring panels or tiles

• SHM Structural Health Monitoring of panels

• Power and communications integral to panels

• Induction field-based panel warping

• Embedded surface heating for de-icing

• Electric vehicles, electric aircraft, robotics

**concept development**

Bo C. Jin1 \*, Xiaochen Li1 , Karl Neidert2 and Michael Ellis<sup>3</sup>

\*Address all correspondence to: bochengj@usc.edu

1 Research Scientist, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California, California, United States

2 Patent Attorney, Karl Neidert and Associates, CA, United States

3 CTO, Ellis Industrial Design, San Diego, CA, United States
