Method for reducing reflected radio frequency electromagnetic radiation
AssigneeNorthrop Grumman Corporation
InventorsDavid Arthur Luippold, Mark David Brown, John Wilbur Tully
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A highly conductive thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) gap filler having superior durability and EMI shielding properties. According to the preferred embodiment, the TPE comprises graphite fiber having a nickel-copper-nickel coating formed thereabout that is suspended within an elastomer, which preferably comprises polyvinylchloride (PVC). The TPE of the present invention is particularly well-suited for reducing radio frequency electromagnetic radiation reflected by gaps formed between adjacent panels of a structure, and is particularly well-suited for the maintenance and repair of LO aircraft. The TPE of the present invention may further be modified to include carbon black filler.
Claims12
A method for reducing radio frequency electromagnetic radiation reflected by a gap present between adjacent panels of a structure, the method comprising:
- a) applying a gap filler to substantially fill said gap present between adjacent panels of a structure, the gap filler comprising:
- i) a thermoplastic elastomer matrix;
- ii) a plurality of conductive fibers dispersed within said matrix, said conductive fibers comprising coated graphite fiber having a first layer of nickel radially deposited thereabout, a second intermediate layer of copper radially disposed about said first layer of nickel, and a third outer layer of nickel radially deposited about said second layer of copper about;
- and
- iii) wherein said conductive fiber comprises up to approximately 50% by weight of said graphite fiber, up to approximately 10% by weight of said first layer of nickel, up to approximately 30% by weight of said intermediate layer of copper and up to approximately 10% by weight of said outer coating of nickel;
- and
- b) smoothing said gap filler deposited within said gap.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.