Lattice fin for missiles or other fluid-born bodies and method for producing same
AssigneeKazak Composites, Incorporated
InventorsJerome P. Fanucci, Michael J. King, James J. Gorman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for the manufacture of lattice fins for fluid-born bodies is provided. In one embodiment, lattice fins having a metallic cell structure are manufactured from strips or sheets of metal. In another embodiment, composite lattice fins are manufactured from a log assembly of elongated mandrels covered with a fiber reinforced composite material. After curing, individual fins are sliced from the log assembly. Upon removal of the mandrels, a cell structure is obtained. Combinations of the two embodiments are also provided.
Claims21
A lattice fin having an open cellular configuration providing aerodynamic surfaces for use on a fluid-born body, comprising:
- an interior cell structure comprising an array of cells defined by cell walls having a depth direction and open ends, the cell walls comprising aerodynamic surfaces, having a leading edge and a trailing edge, for fluid flowing through the open ends and past the cell walls;
- an outer frame surrounding the interior cell structure about outermost walls of the cell walls;
- wherein the interior cell structure is formed of a composite material comprising a fibrous reinforcement impregnated with a matrix material;
- and
- a base attached to the outer frame and configured for attachment to the fluid-born body.
A lattice fin having an open cellular configuration providing aerodynamic surfaces for use on a fluid-born body, comprising:
- an interior cellular structure comprising an array of cells defined by cell walls comprising strips of metal, the cell walls having a depth direction and open ends, the cell walls comprising aerodynamic surfaces, having a leading edge and a trailing edge formed by edges of the strips of metal, for fluid flowing through the open ends and past the cell walls, at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the strips of metal shaped to comprise an aerodynamic profile;
- an outer frame surrounding the cellular structure about outermost walls of the cell walls;
- and
- a base attached to the outer frame, the base configured for attachment to the fluid-born body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.