Brief Description: Close-out of horizontal stabilizer
Similar to closing of wings, all bonding surfaces have been sanded and cleaned with acetone. During pre-assembly check, holes were drilled, and clecos were installed through L/E skins. Purpose of this was to again, check for alignment and provide easy assembly during lay up. Also clecos are used to apply pressure to L/E skins during cure.
Jeffco resin has been mixed and applied to all areas that will be in contact during bonding. Remainder of resin has been mixed with flox to a paste like consistency and applied to all bonding surfaces of the lower section of the stabilizer and ribs/spars. Applied mixture was shaped into inverted 'V' profile to help facilitate best flow, and minimize air entrapment during assembly.
Upper skin was located and secured to the remainder of the stabilizer in the fixture and again weights and clecos have been used to hold parts in alignment and facilitate required force/pressure during cure.
Important note: Special care was given during process of drilling holes in L/E of the stabilizer in order not to drill through or into any of the ribs that are in this area.
