Composite structure reinforcement
AssigneeFoster-Miller, Inc.
InventorsJoseph S. Boyce, Roland R. Wallis, Jr., Daniel E. Bullock
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Translaminar reinforcement structure for localized Z-direction reinforcement of composite structure includes a body of thermally decomposable material that has substantially opposed surface, a plurality of reinforcing elements in the body that extend generally perpendicularly to one body surface, and pressure intensifying structure on the other opposed body surfaces for applying driving force to the reinforcing elements for insertion into the composite structure as the body is subjected to elevated temperature and decomposes.
Claims22
Translaminar reinforcement structure for Z-direction reinforcement of a composite structure comprising
- a body of thermally decomposable material that has opposed surfaces,
- a plurality of reinforcing elements in said body extending generally perpendicularly to one of said opposed surfaces, and
- pressure intensifying structure on the other opposed body surface for applying driving force to said reinforcing elements for insertion into a composite structure as said body of thermally decomposable material is subjected to elevated temperature.
The method of Z-direction reinforcement of a composite structure comprising the steps of
- providing a composite structure that includes an array of reinforcing fibers in a resin matrix,
- applying reinforcement structure to a surface of said composite, said reinforcement structure including a body of thermally decomposable material that has opposed surfaces, a plurality of reinforcing elements in said body which extend generally perpendicularly to one of said opposed surfaces, and pressure intensifying structure on the other opposed body surface for applying driving force to said reinforcing elements, and
- subjecting said reinforcing structure and said composite structure to elevated temperature and pressure to insert said reinforcing elements into said composite structure as said body of thermally decomposable material collapses under the influence of said elevated temperature and pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.