Embedding fiber improvements using ultrasonic consolidation

Abstract

Fibers and layers are co-applied using ultrasonic consolidation and providing steps and/or materials to maintain collimation of the fibers. According to one preferred embodiment the mechanism is a scrim. Alternatively the mechanism may include a material having one or more fibers under a foil layer. The mechanism may further include embedding a layer of fibers in a foil in a “tacking” process, and consolidating the result with an underlying substrate. Yet a further alternative includes interspersing metal fibers between reinforcing fibers. The reinforcing fibers may include SiC, B or Al2O3 fibers. A different preferred method of co-applying fiber and metal using ultrasonic consolidation, comprises the steps of alternating either an encapsulation material or another metal with optical, ceramic, shape-memory, or other fibers of interest, and encapsulating the result between layers of foil.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.