Abstract:
A method of forming a thinned prepreg sheet is disclosed. The method comprises providing a first precursor sheet comprising reinforcement fibers impregnated with a matrix resin in a first state. The method also comprises forming a second precursor sheet having a first thickness by cooling the first precursor sheet until the matrix resin is transformed from the first state to a second state. The method further comprises forming a crushed sheet comprising interstices having an average size by crushing the second precursor sheet, where the crushed sheet has a second thickness. The method also comprises forming the thinned prepreg sheet by heating the crushed sheet until the matrix resin is transformed from the second state to a third state. The thinned prepreg sheet has a third thickness less than the first thickness of the second precursor sheet.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for stitching together sheets of interwoven carbon nanotubes. One embodiment is a method that includes providing multiple sheets of interwoven carbon nanotubes, arranging the sheets over a substrate such that interstices of the sheets overlap at a stitch region of the substrate and heating catalysts at the substrate above a threshold temperature to trigger growth of new carbon nanotubes. The method also includes adjusting alignment of an electrical field that defines a direction of growth of the new carbon nanotubes, thereby causing the new carbon nanotubes to grow through the interstices and then stitch the sheets together.
Abstract:
Composite laminate parts are made using a gradient cured subset of fiber reinforced thermoset resin plies. A portion of the subset is cured to rigidity to thereby maintain the shape of a part layup, while other plies in the subset are actively cooled to prevent them from curing. Additional plies are laid up on the uncured plies of the subset to complete the layup. The completed layup is then fully cured.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a composite material may include providing one or more layers of reinforcement material penetrated with viscous matrix material that is doped with electrically conductive particles. The method may further include applying a magnetic field to arrange the particles into one or more electrically conductive pathways, and curing the matrix material to secure the pathways in position relative to the reinforcement material.
Abstract:
A system for use in producing a nanotube mesh structure is provided. The system includes a first nanotube collection apparatus including a first substrate configured to collect a plurality of nanotubes substantially aligned in a first orientation on an attachment surface thereof, and a second nanotube collection apparatus including a second substrate configured to collect a plurality of nanotubes substantially aligned in a second orientation on an attachment surface thereof. The first and second nanotube collection apparatuses are configured to combine the pluralities of nanotubes at an interface. The system also includes a first energy source configured to direct energy towards the interface between the pluralities of nanotubes, wherein the energy is configured to join the pluralities of nanotubes to form the nanotube mesh structure.
Abstract:
A system (100) for making a prepreg composite sheet (300) comprising contoured charges (308) comprises first means (102) for forming precursor outline regions (206) in a resin film layer (200). The system (100) also comprises second means (106) for impregnating a fiber reinforcement (220), comprising fibers (222), with the resin film layer (200), comprising the precursor outline regions (206), to form the prepreg composite sheet (300). The prepreg composite sheet (300), as so formed, comprises non-impregnated outline regions (310) that define the contoured charges (308). The non-impregnated outline regions (310) in the prepreg composite sheet (300) correspond to the precursor outline regions (206) in the resin film layer (200). The system (100) further comprises third means (104) for guiding the fiber reinforcement (220) and the resin film layer (200) to the second means (106). The resin film layer (200) comprises the precursor outline regions (206) formed by first means (102).
Abstract:
Methods and compositions, and components comprising the compositions, are disclosed relating to improved resin-based adhesives comprising encapsulating at least a catalyst compound. Further methods and compositions are disclosed relating to encapsulated catalysts in uncured resin-based adhesives, said encapsulated catalysts configured to release the catalyst compound and cure the uncured resin-based adhesive on-demand
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for enhancement of vacuum bagging processes for a composite part. One system includes dispensers configured to dispense materials onto a forming tool for a composite part, and a controller. The controller is able to identify a location for placing the composite part on the tool, and to direct the dispensers to lay up a laminate of constituent material for the composite part at the location. The controller is also able to direct the dispensers to spray vacuum bag material atop the laminate to form a vacuum bag that covers the laminate.
Abstract:
A method of making an indexed prepreg composite sheet is disclosed. The method comprises forming discrete regions in a resin film layer. The discrete regions are arranged in an indexing pattern. The method also includes forming a precursor prepreg composite sheet by impregnating a fiber reinforcement with the resin film layer having a viscosity. The discrete regions of the resin film layer form non-impregnated regions of the precursor prepreg composite sheet. The method additionally includes replacing the non-impregnated regions of the precursor prepreg composite sheet with indexing openings.
Abstract:
A method and structure for an electrical device and a plurality of electrical circuits including a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The method can include forming a first CNT catalyst layer including a plurality of first CNT catalyst plugs, a plurality of electrical circuits electrically coupled to the first CNT catalyst layer, and a second CNT catalyst layer including a plurality of second CNT catalyst plugs electrically coupled to the second CNT catalyst layer. CNTs may be simultaneously formed on the plurality of first and second CNT catalyst plugs within a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace.