Abstract: An isolated mechanical fastening system, which includes an exterior first section having a first transverse bore. The system also includes an exterior second section having a second transverse bore, wherein the second transverse bore is aligned with the first transverse bore. There is also an interior third section having a third transverse aperture. This third section is interposed between the first section and the second section and the third transverse bore is aligned with the first and second transverse bores. A fastener is positioned in the first, second and third transverse bore and is fixed to the first section. A polymeric material is positioned in the third section between the fastener and the peripheral wall of the third section.

Abstract: An isolated mechanical fastening system, which includes an exterior first section having a first transverse bore. The system also includes an exterior second section having a second transverse bore, wherein said second transverse bore is aligned with said first transverse bore. There is also an interior third section having a third transverse aperture. This third section is interposed between said first section and said second section and said third transverse bore is aligned with said first and second transverse bores. A fastener is positioned in the first, second and third transverse bore and is fixed to the first section. A polymeric material is positioned in the third section between the fastener and the peripheral wall of the third section.

Abstract: A pressure vessel insert comprises a plate having an outboard surface and an inboard surface interconnected by outer edge surfaces, and defining an aperture extending therethrough from the outboard surface to the inboard surface. The plate is provided with a modulus of elasticity within about 30% of a first modulus of elasticity of inboard and outboard skins of a wall portion of the pressure vessel shell around an opening in which the insert is disposed, in directions through the thickness of the skins.

Abstract: A continuous filament is selected from among a group of appropriate types of filaments, and selection of the filament length and the filament thickness is made as well. A matrix material is selected from a group of appropriate types of matrix materials. Filaments of the selected type, length and thickness are undirectionally imbedded in the selected matrix to provide a uniaxial continuously reinforced composite. The Young's modulus, E.sub.c, and the shear modulus G.sub.c, are calculated for the composite. Mathematical formulas are provided for calculation of upper and lower bounds of transverse stiffness, B. A mathematical formula is provided for calculation of critical comprehensive stress, P.sub.c. Transverse stiffness, B, is involved as one of the factors in this formula. Either one or the other of the upper bound of B or the lower bound of B are alternatively applied in calculating P.sub.