Composite nosecone

A method of constructing a composite nosecone, the method comprising:

• defining a nosecone shape with a matrix material, a plurality of relatively higher-modulus reinforcement elements, and a plurality of relatively tougher polymer-based reinforcement elements, wherein the plurality of relatively higher-modulus reinforcement elements are different from the plurality of relatively tougher polymer-based reinforcement elements, wherein the composite nosecone comprises a body substantially symmetrical around a central axis, the body including a side wall defining a diameter of the body that increases from a forward side of the body to an aft side of the body, and wherein the side wall comprises:
• a forward annular region comprising a first layer, wherein the forward annular region has a first ratio of relatively higher-modulus reinforcement elements to relatively tougher polymer-based reinforcement elements;
• and
• an aft annular region comprising the first layer and a second layer, wherein the aft annular region has a second ratio of relatively higher-modulus reinforcement elements to relatively tougher polymer-based reinforcement elements, and wherein the first ratio is greater than the second ratio;
• and
• curing a matrix material substantially encapsulating the plurality of relatively higher-modulus reinforcement elements and the plurality of relatively tougher polymer-based reinforcement elements to form the composite nosecone.

A composite nosecone comprising:

• a body substantially symmetrical around a central axis, the body including a side wall defining a diameter of the body that increases from a forward side of the body to an aft side of the body,
• wherein the body comprises a composite material including a plurality of relatively higher-modulus reinforcement elements, a plurality of relatively tougher polymer-based reinforcement elements, and a matrix material substantially encapsulating the plurality of relatively higher-modulus reinforcement elements and the plurality of relatively tougher polymer-based reinforcement elements,
• wherein the plurality of relatively higher-modulus reinforcement elements are different from the plurality of relatively tougher polymer-based reinforcement elements,
• wherein the side wall comprises a plurality of annular regions arranged from the forward side of the body to the aft side of the body,
• wherein each respective annular region comprises a plurality of layers having a respective ratio of relatively higher-modulus reinforcement elements to relatively tougher polymer-based reinforcement elements, and
• wherein the respective ratio of each forward annular region is greater than the respective ratio of an adjacent aft annular region.