Abstract:
A method of forming a preform may include providing a layer of tackified fibrous material containing structural fibers and resin. The layer may be passed through a forming die set having a die cross-sectional shape. The thermoplastic resin may be heated. The layer may be formed into the die cross-sectional shape. The thermoplastic resin may be allowed to solidify in a manner such that a preform is formed having the die cross-sectional shape.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a continuous, carbon fiber with nanoscale features comprising carbon and carbon nanotubes, wherein the nanotubes are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the fiber. Also provided is a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor including about 50% to about 99.9% by weight of a melt-spinnable PAN and about 0.01% to about 10% of carbon nanotubes. Other precursor materials such as polyphenylene sulfide, pitch and solution-spinnable PAN are also provided. The precursor can also include a fugitive polymer which is dissociable from the precursor polymer.
Abstract:
A structural panel comprised of a composite preform having an electrically conductive stitching. The stitching forms an electrically conductive grid-like network on the structural panel to better dissipate electrical energy received in a lightning strike throughout at least a portion of the thickness of the composite preform. Advantageously, the electrically conductive stitching is applied to the composite preform during the primary manufacturing process, rather than in a subsequent manufacturing step, to thereby help reduce the overall manufacturing cost of the structural panel. In one alternative embodiment a non-conductive polymer stitching is also applied throughout the entire thickness of the composite preform.
Abstract:
There is provided a fiber and method of making a fiber. The fiber has an inner-volume portion having a first outer diameter, a plurality of nanostructures, and one or more first polymers. The nanostructures act as an orientation template for orientation of the one or more first polymers in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fiber. The fiber has an outer-volume portion having a second outer diameter and one or more second polymers. The outer-volume portion is in contact with and completely encompasses the inner-volume portion. The inner-volume portion has at least one of a tensile modulus and a strength that are higher than at least one of a tensile modulus and a strength of the outer-volume portion.
Abstract:
A composite structure and method of assembling a composite structure is provided. The composite structure includes a base member having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines a channel therethrough. The composite structure further includes a support member coupled to the outer surface. A fabric overwrap is coupled to the support member.
Abstract:
There is provided a fiber and method of making a fiber. The fiber has an inner-volume portion having a first outer diameter, a plurality of nanostructures, and one or more first polymers. The nanostructures act as an orientation template for orientation of the one or more first polymers in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fiber. The fiber has an outer-volume portion having a second outer diameter and one or more second polymers. The outer-volume portion is in contact with and completely encompasses the inner-volume portion. The inner-volume portion has at least one of a tensile modulus and a strength that are higher than at least one of a tensile modulus and a strength of the outer-volume portion.
Abstract:
A method of forming a preform may include providing a layer of tackified fibrous material containing structural fibers and resin. The layer may be passed through a forming die set having a die cross-sectional shape. The thermoplastic resin may be heated. The layer may be formed into the die cross-sectional shape. The thermoplastic resin may be allowed to solidify in a manner such that a preform is formed having the die cross-sectional shape.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for manufacturing. A fiber layer and a porous bonding layer are formed to form a unidirectional lay-up of fibers. The lay-up of fibers is heated under pressure to form a unidirectional composite tape of desired thickness to substantially maintain the fibers in a desired configuration. The unidirectional composite tape is slit to a desired width, and the slit unidirectional composite tape is loaded into a multiaxial fabric machine. A first layer is built from the composite tape in the multiaxial machine, and a second layer is built from the composite tape on the first layer at a predetermined angle from the first layer in the multiaxial machine. The first and second layers are consolidated to form a composite fabric in a continuous process.
Abstract:
A structural panel comprised of a composite preform having an electrically conductive stitching. The stitching forms an electrically conductive grid-like network on the structural panel to better dissipate electrical energy received in a lightning strike throughout at least a portion of the thickness of the composite preform. Advantageously, the electrically conductive stitching is applied to the composite preform during the primary manufacturing process, rather than in a subsequent manufacturing step, to thereby help reduce the overall manufacturing cost of the structural panel. In one alternative embodiment a non-conductive polymer stitching is also applied throughout the entire thickness of the composite preform.
Abstract:
There is provided a hollow fiber and method of making. The hollow fiber has an inner-volume portion having a first-core portion and one or more hollow second-core portions. The first-core portion has nanostructures and one or more first polymers. The nanostructures act as an orientation template for orientation of the first polymers in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fiber. The first-core portion is in contact with and encompasses the hollow second-core portions. The hollow fiber further has an outer-volume portion having one or more second polymers. The outer-volume portion is in contact with and completely encompasses the inner-volume portion. The inner-volume portion has at least one of a tensile modulus and a strength that are higher than at least one of a tensile modulus and a strength of the outer-volume portion.