Controlling thermally induced beam twist
AssigneeHarris Corporation
InventorDennis V. Calhoun
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Abstract
Twist control system and method for controlling twisting distortion in a beam caused by temperature changes. In a beam having an inherent amount of temperature induced twisting a wrap can be helically bonded to the beam. The wrap has a wrap material type, a wrap cross-sectional profile, and a wrap angle that can be selectively chosen for providing a desired twist control of the beam. The twist control applies a twisting force to the beam which is approximately proportional to the temperature change. The twist control can be used to eliminate the thermally induced twist associated with a particular beam or for providing a desired amount of twist.
Claims22
A method for controlling distortion in a beam caused by temperature changes, comprising:
- determining a desired amount of twist control needed for applying a twisting force to said beam in response to a temperature variation;
- selectively choosing a wrap, said wrap comprising a wrap material type, a wrap cross-sectional profile, and a selected wrap angle for providing said twist control of said beam;
- positioning said wrap on said beam in a helical pattern using said selected wrap angle;
- and
- attaching said wrap to said beam.
A twist control system for controlling distortion in a beam caused by temperature changes, comprising:
- a beam having an inherent amount of temperature induced twisting;
- a wrap helically bonded to said beam, said wrap comprising a wrap material type, a wrap cross-sectional profile, and a wrap angle;
- and
- wherein said wrap material, wrap cross-sectional profile and wrap angle are selectively chosen for providing a desired twist control of said beam, said twist control applying a predetermined twisting force to said beam for a predetermined temperature change.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.