摘要:
A composite fastener, preferably in the form of a rivet, which comprises a shank having a first head integrally formed on one end thereof, the shank and head formed of a high temperature thermoplastic matrix material selected from the group consisting of a polyether ether ketone resin and a polyamide imide resin, and having continuous reinforcing fibers, such as graphite fibers, axially oriented in substantially parallel relation throughout the shank, the fibers being flared and extending continuously into the head and substantially evenly flared and swaged therein, thereby forming a fastener having high shear and high tensile characteristics. The rivet is installed to fasten a plurality of structural components together by providing a conical tip on a forming tool, such as a heat gun or ultrasonic welding device for plastics, placing the tip in contact with the central portion of the other end of the rivet and upsetting and melting the matrix material under controlled conditions to form a second head, the fibers in the second head being flared and extending continuously into the second head and evenly swaged therein. Where the structural components are composite thermoplastic components, the heating of the rivet head to upset same heats the adjacent composite structure in contact with the head and, upon solidification, forms a substantially integral unit.
摘要:
A novel method of forming complex structures by using an accordion expansion process is disclosed. The process involves a plurality of flat workpieces of predesigned shapes and sizes that are positioned in such a manner, that after the workpieces have been first joined together, they are expanded to form high strength structural members of complex design.
摘要:
A method of making sandwich structures from a plurality of workpieces is disclosed. The method comprises providing a plurality of workpieces, each having principal opposed surfaces. The workpieces comprise first and second outer workpieces and at least two core workpieces. Each of the core workpieces have cutout portions defining at least one strip. The workpieces are treated at selected locations to inhibit joining at said locations. The treated workpieces are positioned in a stack contacting at their principal surfaces. The workpieces are joined, preferably by diffusion bonding, at their untreated contacting surfaces such that alternate longitudinal edges of superimposed strips are joined together and to the outer workpieces. Preferably, at least one chamber is enclosed by positioning the stacked workpieces relative to a plurality of shaping members. At least one of the outer workpieces is caused to expand into the at least one chamber and to form against the at least one shaping member causing the strips of the core workpieces to extend substantially vertically. If an even number of core assemblies are used the webs are vertical; and if an odd number are used they are at an angle to the cover workpieces. Preferably, the at least one expanded outer workpieces has an effective strain rate sensitivity and the expansion is accomplished superplastically.