Carbon composite support structure
AssigneesBrigham Young University, Moxtek, Inc.
InventorsRobert C. Davis, Jason Mathew Lund, Andrew L. Davis, Steven D. Liddiard, Mike Zappe, Charles R. Jensen
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Abstract
A support structure for x-ray windows including carbon composite ribs, comprising carbon fibers in a matrix. The support structure can comprise a support frame defining a perimeter and an aperture, a plurality of ribs comprising a carbon composite material extending across the aperture of the support frame and carried by the support frame, and openings between the plurality of ribs. A film can be disposed over, carried by, and span the plurality of ribs and disposed over and span the openings.
Claims25
A window for allowing transmission of x-rays, comprising:
- a) a support frame defining a perimeter and an aperture;
- b) a plurality of ribs comprising a carbon composite material extending across the aperture of the support frame and carried by the support frame, the support frame and plurality of ribs comprising a support structure;
- c) the carbon composite material comprising carbon fibers embedded in a matrix;
- d) openings between the plurality of ribs;
- and
- e) a film disposed over, carried by, and spanning the plurality of ribs and disposed over and spanning the openings, and configured to pass radiation therethrough.
A support structure, comprising:
- a) a support frame defining a perimeter and an aperture;
- b) a plurality of substantially straight and parallel ribs extending across the aperture of the support frame and carried by the support frame, and openings between the plurality of ribs;
- c) a plurality of intermediate support cross-braces:
- i. extending between adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs;
- ii. spanning an opening between adjacent ribs without spanning the aperture of the support frame;
- iii. laterally off-set with respect to adjacent cross-braces of adjacent openings so that the plurality of cross-braces are segmented and discontinuous with respect to one another;
- and
- iv. substantially perpendicular to the plurality of ribs;
- d) wherein the plurality of ribs and the cross-braces comprise a carbon composite material;
- e) wherein the carbon composite material comprises carbon fibers:
- i. embedded in a matrix;
- ii. directionally aligned with the plurality of ribs;
- iii. having a length that is at least as long as a rib in which it is comprised;
- and
- iv. having a diameter of at least 3 micrometers;
- f) wherein the matrix comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyimide, bismaleimide, and combinations thereof;
- g) wherein each of the plurality of ribs have a thickness of between 20 to 350 micrometers;
- and
- h) wherein each of the plurality of ribs have a width of between 10 to 200 micrometers.
A method of making a carbon composite support structure, the method comprising:
- a) providing at least one sheet of carbon composite, each sheet having a thickness of between 20 to 350 micrometers;
- b) pressing the at least one sheet of carbon composite between pressure plates, the plates having non-stick surfaces facing the at least one sheet of carbon composite;
- c) heating the at least one sheet of carbon composite to a temperature of at least 50° C. to cure the at least one sheet of carbon composite into a carbon composite wafer;
- and
- d) cutting a plurality of openings separated by ribs in the carbon composite wafer by laser ablation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.