Abstract: An end of a composite cylinder is formed about an end connection assembly having two longitudinally arranged pieces having a contour which prevents the withdrawal of the end connection assembly from the cylinder. The two pieces of the end connection assembly are relatively forced apart and a snap ring having a certain rest diameter is reduced in diameter and inserted into the end connection assembly to a position between the pieces. The snap ring then assumes its rest diameter positioned between the pieces, forcing them to maintain intimate contact with the inner surface of the cylinder, thus removing any residual gap from the assembly process and/or preloading the interface between the end of the composite cylinder and the end assembly prior to application of an axial load.

Abstract: An end of a composite cylinder is formed about a multipiece end assembly having a contour which prevents the withdrawal of the end assembly from the cylinder. The pieces of the end assembly are relatively forced apart and a spacer is positioned between the parts to maintain the pieces in intimate contact with the inner surface of the cylinder thus preloading the end prior to application of an axial load or removing any residual gap from the manufacturing process. The cylinder may have end assemblies at both ends and to which may be coupled external connectors such as flange members, for construction of a marine riser.

Abstract: A riser section for an oil or other fossil fuel floating platform is described having a high strength-to-weight ratio. The riser section includes a composite tubular shell for conveying the drilling mud, production oil, etc. and resisting its radial pressure. Such section also includes, though, a plurality of rods which extend along its length and act as tensile load carrying members.

Abstract: An underwater, high strength lightweight buoyant structure fabricated of individual segments which are adhesively bonded together. Each segment includes an outer wall which faces the ambient medium, an inner wall displaced from the outer wall and a plurality of tapered side walls joining the outer and inner walls thereby defining a central core. The walls are of composite construction and the arrangement is such as to eliminate local buckling and collapse when utilized at great ocean depths, without the use of thick composite sections.

Abstract: A composite-to-metal joint is described which includes an axial metal rod that is embedded in a composite material component to facilitate the application of an axial preload to the joint and apply a compressive force to the composite material. A conical cavity is provided in the metal component of the joint and the composite material component has a surface designed to mate with the same when the two parts are assembled together. The metal rod is embedded in the composite material and extends through an axial aperture in the metal component. A nut threadably engages the rod to draw the two disparate material parts of the joint together, apply a preloading thereto, and apply the compressive force mentioned above to the composite material.