Abstract:
According to the invention there is provided a component including a rechargeable battery and a method of producing same. The component uses lithium ion chemistry and the battery has an anode structure, a cathode structure, and a separator structure which separates the anode from the cathode and contains an electrolyte. The anode structure and the cathode structure are each formed from a composite material which includes electrically conductive fibres and electrochemically active material in a binder matrix and the battery is formed to be structurally inseparable from the rest of the component.
Abstract:
A structural health monitoring arrangement comprises a component (panel 30) formed of fibre reinforced composite material with a plurality of electrical conducting fibres (conductors 32) intrinsic to the composite defining electrical paths that run through the composite. The paths act as sensing paths running through the material and a detector watches for changes in electrical property indicative of a structural (8x8 array of LEDs 36) event. The paths may be configured as an open or a closed node grid whose electrical continuity is monitored directly or indirectly. Alternatively they may be fibres having a piezoresi stive property and the changes in resistance may be monitored.
Abstract:
The invention relates to the use of fibre composites and specifically to the use of adhesive compositions within hollow fibres of the composites to provide a repair function within the composite in the event of damage to of the fibres. The invention relates to the manner in which one-part adhesive compositions can be delivered to a point of fracture. The invention is more specifically concerned with the use of pressure to deliver adhesive composition to the point of damage.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a structure which comprises hollow and solid fibre material embedded in a resin matrix where a repair facility is provided for repairing fractures in the fibres and in the resin matrix by the use of curable two-part adhesive compositions in some of the fibres of the structure. Dedicated hollow fibres carry separate parts of the adhesive compositions under pressure so that in the event of fracture of any fibres, the component parts of the adhesive composition can combine and cure in situ to fill and “heal” the fracture. The invention has particular but not exclusive application to in “flight” repair of aircraft components which are formed by such structures, and can also be used in the manufacture of fabric materials.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method of electrodepositing a metal on an electrically conductive particulate substrate. There is provided a method of electrodepositing a metal on an electrically conductive particulate substrate comprising the steps of: (i) providing a cathode; (ii) providing an anode formed from the metal to be electrodeposited; (iii) providing the substrate, cathode and anode within an electrodeposition bath comprising an electrolyte; and (iv) providing a voltage between said anode and cathode causing metal ions to flow from the anode to the cathode, wherein a separator is provided between the anode and the cathode.
Abstract:
According to the invention there is provided a component including a supercapacitor and a method of producing same. The component comprises a first (12) and second (14) electrode and a separator structure (16) which separates the two electrodes and contains a liquid or gel electrolyte. The first and second electrode structures are each formed from a composite material (10) which includes electrically conductive fibres and electrochemically active material in a binder matrix and the supercapacitor is formed to be structurally inseparable from the rest of the component. Further, the component forms a structural capacitor. The obtained structural capacitor could be used in aircraft structure to save weight.
Abstract:
According to the invention there is provided a Structural integrated wiring loom comprising at least one conductor comprising at least one first conductive fibre ply, wherein said at least one first conductive fibre ply comprises at least two electrical connectors,a separator structure comprising at least one first non-conductive fibre ply, and at least one second non-conductive fibre ply, said separator structure encapsulating said at least one conductor, a screen structure which encapsulates said separator structure, said screen structure comprising at least one second conductive fibre ply and at least one third conductive fibre ply, wherein said device is encapsulated a binder matrix. The device may be used to replace structural panels on a vehicle vessel or craft, to transfer electrical power or RF signals, data transmission around a composite structure.
Abstract:
According to the invention there is provided an arrangement of protective material (10) for dissipating the kinetic energy of a moving object including one or more layers of fibrous armour material (12) encased within a sealed encasement (14), in which the sealed encasement is formed from a textile armour material (14a) which is impregnated with a polymeric substance (14b).
Abstract:
The following invention relates to high energy capacitors with increased thermal resilience over conventional bulk ceramic capacitors, particularly capacitors that may be formed into a three dimensional shape to fit inside an existing device. The capacitor is provided with first and second electrodes (16, 17) which have a plurality of interlocating protrusions (11, 12), which increase the relative surface area of the electrodes. The first and second electrodes (16, 17) and interlocating protrusions (11, 12) are provided with through holes (29). The devices are filled with a flowable dielectric material.
Abstract:
According to the invention there is provided a component including a rechargeable battery and a method of producing same. The component uses one of an acid and an alkaline chemistry and the battery has an anode structure, a cathode structure, and a separator structure which separates the anode from the cathode and contains an electrolyte. The anode structure and the cathode structure are each formed from a composite material which includes electrically conductive fibres and electrochemically active material in a binder matrix comprising less than 50%w/w of an elastomer binder and the battery is formed to be structurally inseparable from the rest of the component.