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US 8,202,378 B2Granted
Apparatus and method for enhancement of connection performance and fatigue detection
AssigneeUniversity of Kansas
InventorsRonald M. Barrett, Caroline R. Bennett, Stanley T. Rolfe, Adolfo B. Matamoros
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Abstract
An apparatus and method adapted to enhance the structural performance of a desired connection and provide a readily perceivable indication of predetermined limitations having being reached prior to actual failure of a connection. A method for enhancing structural performance of a desired structure by preventing fracture propagation.
Claims16
A method of making a structural connection comprising:
- providing a connection configuration having at least two elements;
- said at least two elements being coupled with each other along an interface;
- configuring a reinforcement device for use with said connection configuration;
- establishing a predetermined load at which said reinforcement device will debond from said connection configuration;
- said predetermined load being substantially transverse relative to said interface;
- and bonding said reinforcement device to said connection configuration via an adhesive bonding mechanism, such that said reinforcement device is adapted to debond from said connection configuration when a load reaches said predetermined load.
3 more elements
A method for detecting structural failure or fatigue comprising:
- providing a connection configuration having at least two elements;
- said at least two elements being coupled with each other along an interface;
- configuring a reinforcement device for use with said connection configuration;
- establishing a predetermined load at which said reinforcement device will debond from said connection configuration;
- said predetermined load being substantially transverse relative to said interface;
- bonding said reinforcement device to said connection configuration via an adhesive bonding mechanism, such that said reinforcement device is adapted to debond from said connection configuration when a load reaches said predetermined load;
- and
- monitoring said reinforcement device for evidence of debonding, wherein said debonding indicates structural failure or fatigue.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.