Abstract:
Composite laminate structures and methods of forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the structure includes a first bidirectional layer (112) having a first portion (117) that includes parallel reinforcement fibers oriented at a first angle relative to a first direction and a second portion (114) that includes parallel reinforcement fibers oriented at a second angle relative to the first direction. The structure further includes a second bidirectional layer (118) having a first portion (119) that includes parallel reinforcement fibers oriented at a third angle relative to the first direction and a second portion (120) that includes parallel reinforcement fibers oriented at a fourth angle relative to the first direction. At least one unidirectional (116) layer having a plurality of parallel reinforcement fibers is coupled to at least one of the first bidirectional layer and the second bidirectional layer.
Abstract:
Composite stringer and skin structures and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a composite stringer and skin structure includes a polymer-based elongated stringer portion having reinforcing fibers positioned in a plurality of adjacent plies, a first portion of the reinforcing fibers being oriented at a relatively shallow angle relative to a selected reference direction, and a second portion of the reinforcing fibers being oriented at a relatively broad angle relative to the selected reference direction. A polymer-based and fiber reinforced skin member adjoins the stringer portion, and an adhesive material is interposed between the stringer portion and the skin member.
Abstract:
Hybrid fiberglass composite structures and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hybrid fiberglass composite structure includes a first laminate substrate and a second opposing laminate substrate. At least one of the first laminate substrate and the second laminate substrate includes at least one polymer fiber layer and at least one glass fiber layer. A cellular core structure is interposed between the first laminate substrate and the second laminate substrate and fixedly coupled to the first laminate substrate and the second laminate substrate.
Abstract:
An aircraft fuselage may include a barrel section (34) having a side region. The fuselage may include a first cutout (52a) and a second cutout (52b) formed in the side region in side-by-side relation to one another. The fuselage may provide a direct load path extending along the barrel section. The load path may extend substantially continuously from a lower portion of the side region generally under the first cutout to an upper portion of the side region generally over the second cutout.
Abstract:
Rotor apparatus and methods for vertical lift aircraft are disclosed. In one embodiment, a bearing assembly (130) adapted for rotatably coupling a rotor blade to a support member includes an inner housing (138) annularly disposed about a portion of the support member, an outer housing (136) annularly disposed about at least part of the inner housing and is rotatably coupled to the inner housing by an annular bearing device, and a flexible member (140) adapted to be coupled to the support member and including an engagement portion adapted to engage the outer housing and to at least partially relax a side force exerted on the annular bearing device by a bending of at least one of the rotor blade and the support member.
Abstract:
Conducting- fiber deicing systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an assembly includes a surface (128) subject to an accumulation of ice, the surface (128) at least partially including a heating portion (152) having a layer (154) of multi-directional electrically-conductive fibers formed between first and second non-electrically conductive layers (156, 158). The layer of electrically-conductive fibers is coupled to a power supply member (160) and is adapted to conduct an electrical current such that the layer (154) of electrically-conductive fibers, and at least one of the first and second non-electrically conductive layers (156, 158) of the heating portion (152), are raised to an elevated temperature to at least partially inhibit the, accumulation of ice on the surface.
Abstract:
Hybrid fiberglass composite structures and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hybrid fiberglass composite structure includes a first laminate substrate and a second opposing laminate substrate. At least one of the first laminate substrate and the second laminate substrate includes at least one polymer fiber layer and at least one glass fiber layer. A cellular core structure is interposed between the first laminate substrate and the second laminate substrate and fixedly coupled to the first laminate substrate and the second laminate substrate.
Abstract:
An aircraft seat assembly configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention utilizes composite materials to achieve significant weight savings relative to conventional seat designs. The seat assembly includes a lightweight composite support structure, a lightweight composite seat base, and a seat back assembly that employs a lightweight inner frame. The seat cushion and the seat back cushion may utilize a sealed pneumatic element that self-inflates to provide increased air cushioning during flight. The seat assembly can leverage inexpensive manufacturing techniques such that the seat assembly can be economically produced for use as an economy class seat.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for fabrication of composite components (216) are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for fabricating a component from a composite material includes a containment member (202) having an internal volume adapted to receive the composite material, and a lid member (208) . An expandable member (205) is disposed within the internal volume adjacent to the composite material, the expandable member being inflatable within the internal volume and adapted to apply an elevated pressure against the composite material that urges the composite material against at least one of the containment member and the lid member. The containment member, the lid member, and the expandable member are further adapted to withstand at least one of the elevated pressure and an elevated temperature suitable for curing the composite material .
Abstract:
Composite laminate structures and methods of forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the structure includes a first bidirectional layer (112) having a first portion (117) that includes parallel reinforcement fibers oriented at a first angle relative to a first direction and a second portion (114) that includes parallel reinforcement fibers oriented at a second angle relative to the first direction. The structure further includes a second bidirectional layer (118) having a first portion (119) that includes parallel reinforcement fibers oriented at a third angle relative to the first direction and a second portion (120) that includes parallel reinforcement fibers oriented at a fourth angle relative to the first direction. At least one unidirectional (116) layer having a plurality of parallel reinforcement fibers is coupled to at least one of the first bidirectional layer and the second bidirectional layer.