Composite sail mast with high bending strength
AssigneeFiberspar Corporation
InventorPeter A. Quigley
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Abstract
A composite member features a unique ply geometry which contributes to improved bending strength. The composite is constructed of a plurality of plies, each comprising a fiber component disposed within a polymer matrix. An inner ply has a fiber component which has fibers which are circumferentially extending. An intermedaite ply has first axially extending fibers which are disposed about the circumference of the composite, as well as second axial fibers which are interwoven with helically oriented fibers and embedded in a polymer matrix. An outer layer is similar to the inner layer as it features circumferentially extending fibers which are embedded in a polymer matrix. The composite materials may be used to manufacture a wide range of items which require light weight combined with high strength.
Claims5
In a sail mast for a wind-powered sail craft, said mast having means for securing the mast to the sail craft and means for securing a sail to the mast, the improvement comprising a multiple-ply composite structure of fibers and a polymer matrix having
- A. at least one inner ply having circumferentially extending fibers disposed in a polymer matrix,
- B. at least one intermediate ply having
- (i) first axially extending fibers in circumferentially-spaced sets with circumferential gaps between each set of the first fibers,
- (ii) second axially extending fibers in circumferentially-spaced sets disposed in said circumferential gaps,
- C. helically-oriented fibers interwoven with only one of said sets of first or second axially-extending fibers, and
- D. an outer ply having circumferentially extending fibers.
In a sail mast for a wind-powered sail craft, said mast having means for securing the mast the improvement comprising to the sail craft and means for securing a sail to the mast, a multiple-ply composite structure of fibers and a polymer matrix having
- A. at least one inner ply having circumferentially extending fibers disposed in a polymer matrix,
- B. at least one intermediate ply having
- (i) first axially extending fibers in circumferentially-spaced sets with circumferential gaps between each set of the first fibers,
- (ii) second axially extending fibers in circumferentially-spaced sets disposed in said circumferential gaps,
- C. helically-oriented fibers interwoven with at least one said set of axially-extending fibers, and
- D. an outer ply having circumferentially extending fibers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.