Composite structural laminate
AssigneeFern Investments Limited
InventorStephen J. Kennedy
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A composite structural laminate comprise two outer metal, e.g. steel, layers and an intermediate elastomer core, e.g. of unfoamed polyurethane. The elastomer has a modulus of elasticity of greater than about 250 MPa and tensile and compressive strengths of at least 20 MPa. The strength of the bond between metal and elastomer is at least 3 MPa. The composite structural laminate member acts a single member under load, buckling globally, not asymmetrically.
Claims29
A structural laminate member comprising:
- a first metal layer having a first inner surface and a first outer surface;
- a second metal layer having a second inner surface, and a second outer surface, the second metal layer being spaced apart from said first metal layer, and
- an intermediate layer comprised of an elastomer located between and adhered to said first and second inner surfaces, said elastomer having a modulus of elasticity, E, greater than or equal to about 250 MPa and a ductility exceeding that of the metal layers.
A method of making a structural laminate member comprising the steps of:
- providing first and second metal layers in a spaced apart relationship so that a core cavity is defined therebetween;
- filling said core cavity with an uncured elastomer that, when cured, will have a modulus of elasticity, E, greater than or equal to about 250 MPa and a ductility exceeding that of the metal layers;
- and
- curing said elastomer so that it adheres to said metal layers.
A method of joining a structural laminate member, comprising first and second metal layers and an intermediate layer formed of a first elastomer, to another member, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a welding margin adjacent a portion of said structural laminate member whereby said intermediate layer is recessed from said first and second layers;
- welding said portion to said other member,
- filling said welding margin with an uncured second elastomer, and
- curing said uncured second elastomer such that it bonds to said first and second metal layers and to the intermediate layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.