Abstract: A single stage OPF-to-carbon preform shape forming method includes positioning an oxidized PAN fiber preform with a female forming tool, positioning a vacuum bag over the oxidized PAN fiber preform, and vacuum forming the oxidized PAN fiber preform into a shaped body. The vacuum formed shaped body (while still in the shape forming fixture) may be loaded into a carbonization furnace and carbonized. The vacuum bag may be burned away in the carbonization furnace during carbonization.

Abstract: A shape forming tool for pre-carbonization compression of a fibrous preform includes a female forming tool comprising a die recess, a first die half configured to be received by the die recess, a second die half configured to be received by the die recess, an expander tool coupled between the first die half and the second die half. The expander tool is configured to move the first die half laterally toward a first side of the female forming tool away from the second die half to compress the fibrous preform between the first die half and the female forming tool. The expander tool is further configured to move the second die half laterally toward a second side of the female forming tool away from the first die half to compress the fibrous preform between the second die half and the female forming tool.

Abstract: A shape forming tool for pre-carbonization compression of a fibrous preform includes a female forming tool comprising a die recess, a support structure moveable with respect to the female forming tool, and at least one bladder coupled to the support structure and configured to be received into the die recess. The support structure is configured to move the bladder(s) with respect to the female forming tool. The bladder(s) is/are configured to be inflated to apply a compressive force to compress and form a fibrous preform between the bladder(s) and the female forming tool.

Abstract: An X-ray tube including a tubular envelope having therein an anode target provided with a surface portion made of X-ray emissive material and with another surface portion coated with amorphous carbon material, and an electron emitting cathode disposed to beam electrons onto the surface portion of the target made of X-ray emissive material.

Abstract: An X-ray tube including a tubular envelope having therein an X-ray target comprised of a support body made of a first material and provided with a composite surface layer comprising a controlled gradient of a second material disposed in the first material, one of the materials being an X-ray emissive material and the other of the materials being a heat absorbent material, and an electron emitting cathode disposed to beam electrons onto a focal spot area of the composite surface layer.