Stretchable fiber-based composite-material

A fiber-reinforced composite material, comprising:

• an elastically deformable matrix having a first modulus of elasticity;
• and
• a fabric core encapsulated by the matrix, the fabric core having a longitudinal axis and comprising first fibers interlaced with second fibers, wherein the first fibers being in a non-parallel orientation relative to the longitudinal axis, and the second fibers being in a non-parallel orientation relative to the first fibers when the composite material is in a retracted position, the composite material being stretchable between the retracted position and an extended position, wherein at least the first fibers have a second modulus of elasticity greater than the first modulus of elasticity;
• wherein the composite material stretches and moves away from the retracted position toward the extended positions upon application of an axial load parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the material has a non-linear modulus related to elongation of the material between the retracted and extended positions, and movement of the material toward the extended position causes the first and second fibers to rotate relative to each other and in a direction toward alignment with the longitudinal axis, and the matrix material biasing the composite material toward the retracted position.

An axially stretchable, fiber-reinforced composite material stretchable between retracted and extended positions, comprising:

• an elastically deformable matrix made of an elastomeric material having a first modulus of elasticity in the range of approximately 10 psi-5000 psi;
• a planar fabric core having a side edge and a longitudinal axis parallel to the side edge, the fabric core comprising first fibers interlaced with second fibers in a selected weave pattern, the first and second fibers being impregnated and encapsulated within the matrix, wherein the first fibers being in a non-parallel orientation relative to the longitudinal axis, and the second fibers being in a non-parallel orientation relative to the first fibers when the material is in the retracted position, wherein the first and second fibers have a second modulus of elasticity exceeding approximately 2 Mpsi;
• wherein the composite material stretches axially toward the extended position upon application of an axial load parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the material has a non-linear modulus related to elongation of the material between the retracted and extended positions, and movement of the material toward the extended position causes the first and second fibers to rotate relative to each other and in a direction toward alignment with the longitudinal axis, and the matrix material biasing the composite material toward the retracted position.