Abstract:
The invention relates to composite pressurizable structures which are overwound with fibres or are braided. The pressurizable structures comprise axial sections which in turn comprise both concave and convex surfaces. The shape characteristics are related to geodesic as well as non-geodesic trajectories in regard of the fibres. Axial sections of the pressurizable structures can be rotated, expanded or bended with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pressurizable structure. Examples of uses of the pressurizable structure relate to pressure vessels and flexible pipelines, spring elements, robotic actuators and adaptable buildings. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of production by means of braiding, which in principle allows for the construction of very large structures.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a curved product, and in particular an armor product. The armor product is produced by a filament winding process in which a plurality of reinforcing elements in the form of fibers and/or tapes are impregnated with a polymer matrix and wound onto a mandrel. The polymer matrix comprises a solution and/or dispersion of a polymer in a carrier fluid, which carrier fluid is at least partly evaporated during and/or after winding. The armor product comprises a high amount of reinforcing elements with respect to the total mass of the product.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device for producing a toroid-shaped fiber composite product. The device comprises at least two fiber or fiber composite material dispensing units (2, 3), the dispensing units being adapted to place a fiber (4) or a fiber composite material onto the surface of a toroid-shaped mandrel (5); positioning means to effectuate relative movement of the mandrel and the dispensing units during placement of the fiber or fiber composite material. The invention further relates to a method for producing a toroid-shaped fiber composite product, preferably with a concave cross-section, in particular the rim of a bicycle wheel. The method comprises providing a toroid-shaped mandrel, dispensing fibers or fiber composite material from at least two dispensing units, placing the fibers or fiber composite material onto the mandrel while effectuating a relative movement of the mandrel and the dispensing units, and reshaping at least part of the mandrel, preferably by thermoforming.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device for producing a toroid-shaped fiber composite product. The device comprises at least two fiber or fiber composite material dispensing units (2, 3), the dispensing units being adapted to place a fiber (4) or a fiber composite material onto the surface of a toroid-shaped mandrel (5); positioning means to effectuate relative movement of the mandrel and the dispensing units during placement of the fiber or fiber composite material. The invention further relates to a method for producing a toroid-shaped fiber composite product, preferably with a concave cross-section, in particular the rim of a bicycle wheel. The method comprises providing a toroid-shaped mandrel, dispensing fibers or fiber composite material from at least two dispensing units, placing the fibers or fiber composite material onto the mandrel while effectuating a relative movement of the mandrel and the dispensing units, and reshaping at least part of the mandrel, preferably by thermoforming.
Abstract:
Composite pressurizable structures overwound with fibers or braided bundles of fibers are described. The pressurizable structures comprise one or more axial sections which themselves comprise both concave and convex surfaces. The shape characteristics are related to geodesic as well as to non-geodesic trajectories of the fibers. Axial sections of the pressurizable structures can be rotated, expanded, or bended with respect to their longitudinal axis. Such pressurizable structures may be used in pressure vessels, flexible pipelines, spring elements, robotic actuators, adaptive buildings among other uses. Manufacturing techniques facilitated by the present structures allow for the construction of very large structures.