Sandwich structure
AssigneeShell Research Limited
InventorJeremy Lehardy Guiton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sandwich structure has a core which comprises an array of core units (3) that are arranged in a staggered pattern between the walls (1,2) of the structure such that in a first direction (II—II) adjacent core units (3) are substantially aligned whereas in another direction (III—III) at least some adjacent core units (3) partly face each other and the core units (3) are arranged in said first direction (II—II) at generally larger mutual spacings (7) than in said second direction (III—III). The thus formed core is drapeable yet structural, so that it can conform to curved structures and the staggered mutual spacings (7) form no through-gaps in the core webs so that the risk of crack formation in the walls (1,2) and between walls and core is minimized.
Claims25
A sandwich structure having a pair of substantially parallel walls and a core which is arranged between said walls, said core comprising an array of core units which are arranged in a staggered pattern such that in a first direction between said walls adjacent core units are substantially aligned and in a second direction between said walls, said second direction transversal to said first direction, at least some adjacent core units partly face each other, wherein the core units are arranged in said first direction at generally larger mutual spacings than in said second direction, wherein the core units are each at one side thereof bonded to a carrier cloth or fabric which is laminated or bonded to one of the walls of the sandwich structure;
- and wherein said first direction is substantially parallel to said substantially parallel walls.
A sandwich structure having a pair of substantially parallel walls and a core which is arranged between said walls, said core comprising an array of core units which are arranged in a staggered pattern such that in a first direction between said walls adjacent core units are substantially aligned and in a second direction between said walls, said second direction transversal to said first direction, at least some adjacent core units partly face each other, wherein the core units are arranged in said first direction at generally larger mutual spacings than in said second direction, wherein the structure is a pipe having substantially co-axial inner and outer walls and the core consists of core units that are mounted on an elongate fabric carrier tape which is wound helically around the inner wall of the pipe;
- and wherein said first direction is substantially parallel to said substantially parallel walls.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.