Abstract:
This invention relates to the formation of standby structural composite electrical energy storage devices, and a method of producing same. The device may be a standby battery or supercapacitor with first and second electrodes which are separated by a separator structure, wherein the device contains an electrolyte retained in a reservoir. The use of at least one valve allows the addition, removal of electrolyte fluids, and venting of any outgassing by products.
Abstract:
The invention relates to ferrite compositions, particularly ferrite coated substrates and more particularly fibre plys coated with ferrites in fibre reinforced polymer composites (FRPC), and composites with a plurality of functionalised fibre layers The invention provides a magnetic ferrite composition for coating a substrate, said composition comprising a resin, and dispersed therein ferrite particulates, wherein said ferrite particulates have an average longest dimension of less than 500nm. The composition may be used to provide a ferrite composite structure comprising at least one fibre ply, with at least one layer of a magnetic ferrite composition deposed thereon, wherein said ply is substantially encapsulated in a binder matrix to form a fibre reinforced polymer composite.
Abstract:
This invention is concerned with means for detecting potential fracturing, such as stress fractures, or damage to, a fibre based structure, by incorporating either hollow fibres containing coloured fluids, or solid fibres, or hollow fibres containing coloured fluids or fluids, which are capable of changing their visual appearance when exposed to external forces, and/or by incorporating fibres within the structure which can change a property such as electrical resistance, capacitance or inductance so that there is an indication whenever and wherever and the extent when a fracture occurs. Where coloured fluids are used, detection is by leakage of the fluid around the fracture. Where colour changing fluids are employed, detection is by observation of change of colour of the fluid. Different fluids can be used for different levels in the strata of tubes in the structure and where these are embedded within the structure, they can be observed where the fibres emanate from the body of the structure. Where fibres are incorporated into the structure that rely on electrical properties to sense a fracture, these fibres may be solid and formed from electrically conductive material and may be coated with such material. Alternatively, though used together with solid fibres, hollow fibres may be used where those hollow fibres contain and/or are coated with electrically conductive material. Appropriate detector means are associated with these fibres to detect the occurrence of a fracture.
Abstract:
The invention relates to ferromagnetic fibre composites, particularly ferromagnetic coated fibre plies in fibre reinforced polymer composites (FRPC), more preferably to a ferromagnetic FRPC, and composites with a plurality of functionalised fibre layers. The composite structure comprising at least one ferromagnetic fibre ply, wherein said ferromagnetic fibre ply is substantially encapsulated in a binder matrix to form a fibre reinforced polymer composite, wherein said at least one ferromagnetic fibre ply comprises a fibre ply and on at least one surface of said ply comprising at least one layer of a ferromagnetic material.
Abstract:
EM field absorbing compositions, particularly lightweight magnetic and carbon loaded compositions. The composition finds particular use as a radar absorbing coating for structures. There are further provided coated surfaces comprising the composition, methods of absorbing EM radiation, and methods of use of such a composition, such that a surface coated in the composition is capable of absorbing EM radiation. An electromagnetic radiation absorbing composition comprising an admixture of carbon nanotubes present in the range of from 0.1 to 10 v/v% dried, magnetic particulates with an average longest dimension of at least 1 micron,, present in the range of from 1 to 60%v/v dried, in a non-conductive binder..; preferably the iron particulates are present in the range of from 15-30%v/v.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an integrated heat exchanger in a composite fibre reinforced polymer material, more preferably to a structural integrated heat exchanger which may be used for replacement panels. The integrated heat exchangers may comprise a solid or fluidic heat exchanger material which is able to transfer heat around the structure. The heat exchanger may be selected to transfer excess heat away from the device or transfer heat into the device. The device comprising at least one fibre ply, wherein said ply is substantially encapsulated in a binder matrix to form a fibre reinforced polymer composite, wherein said device comprises at least one elongate void which comprises at least one heat exchanging medium.
Abstract:
Composite structural components are disclosed that include electrically conducting fibres providing signal power paths to electrical components disposed on or adjacent the material. The signal paths may therefore be embedded in the structural component. Also disclosed is a flexible or drapable fabric containing electrically conducting fibres for similar purposes, and materials for making up said structure and fabrics and methods for the production thereof.
Abstract:
A method of calibrating pressure sensitive paint is provided comprising the steps of: illuminating the paint under a range of pressures and temperatures; measuring the intensity of light emitted by the paint following each illumination thereby measuring decay curves; and performing a curve fit of the decay curves to determine characteristic constants. These constants can then be used to generate a model of decay curves and a polynomial relating pressures and temperatures for ratios of intensities over gated areas of the model decay curves can be calculated. Pressure determination at the calibrated paint can then be performed by illuminating the paint, measuring the intensity of light emitted by the paint over two of the gated areas, determining the , ratio of the gated area intensities and finally determining the pressure and/or temperature from the polynomial using the determined ratio of the gated area intensities.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a thermoelectric device for generating electrical currents exploiting the Seebeck effect, more specifically a structural thermoelectric device which can replace a structural component of a body. The structural thermoelectric device comprising a first conductor layer, a second conductor layer and located therebetween a polymer thermocouple layer comprising reinforcement means formed from a structural support, wherein the internal surface of said support comprises at least one layer of at least one conducting polymer. The reinforcement means is a porous material with a plurality of voids, wherein the internal surfaces of the voids are coated with a conducting polymer, which is capable of providing the Peltier effect.
Abstract:
According to the invention there is provided an electrostatic capacitor device including first and second spaced apart electrode structures separated by a dielectric structure in which the first and second electrode structures are each formed from a composite material which includes electrically conductive fibres in a binder matrix.