Abstract: A method is disclosed of manufacture of a component (9) with an internal groove (2,3) comprising: providing a tubular first part (1) with an external groove, bonding or forming a second part (8) on the first part to at least partly cover the external groove, and removing material from the first part to open the external groove to an interior cavity of the component.

Abstract: A composite material comprises of at least first and second layers, each comprising a polymeric matrix material and wound tows for reinforcement. The tows are wound in opposite directions in each of the first and second layers such that overlapping tows form crossover regions. The wound tows in the second layer are arranged such that the crossover regions are formed to be laterally offset from the crossover regions in the first layer.

Abstract: A load transmitting connector 13 for composite tube 11 and a method of attachment of said connector 13 to the tube 11, the connector 13 comprising a screw threaded nut 14 having an outer surface 18 shaped to receive the composite, an annular collar 15, a screw threaded end fitting 16 for engaging the screw thread within the nut 14, and a load means 17, wherein the nut 14 is incorporated within said one end of the tube during tube manufacture, the tube 11 being cured with the nut 14 in situ, the annular collar 15 is placed over said one end of the tube, the end fitting 16 is screwed into the nut, and the load means 17 in use axially moving the end-fitting 16 relative to the collar 15 to exert a clamping load on the composite tube.

Abstract: A flexible coupling comprising: a flexible torque disc comprising a plurality of mount points; a first coupling member mounted to a first subset of said mount points; one or more second coupling members each mounted to a second subset of said mount points; wherein said first coupling member comprises one or more flanges substantially parallel with said torque disc; and wherein said one or more second coupling members each has a groove engaging with said one or more flanges so as to limit the displacement of said first coupling member with respect to said second coupling member. This coupling arrangement is easy to assemble, repair and maintain in confined spaces, while also being lightweight and using a small number of components.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of manufacture of a component (9) with an internal groove (2,3) comprising: providing a tubular first part (1) with an external groove, bonding or forming a second part (8) on the first part to at least partly cover the external groove, and removing material from the first part to open the external groove to an interior cavity of the component.

Abstract: A fibre reinforced composite shaft (Co) bearing a metallic flanged end coupling (Me) attached to the outside diameter through a concentric cylindrical torsional joint, The composite tube is press fitted into a flanged metallic end coupling (Me) comprising a multiplicity of teeth (Te) running parallel to the tube axis which cut longitudinal channels into the outside diameter of the composite tube wall during the press fit process. Pairs of inverted troughs (Tr) adjacent to and running parallel to the cutting teeth in the serrated region allow space for the redistribution of the composite material and debris (Deb) formed during the press fitting process. This combined action forms a mechanical interface (In) capable of supporting torsional and axial stresses. A structural adhesive (Ad) may be applied to the joint region to form a secondary joint. In this case the composite formed between the cutting debris and the adhesive fills the trough channels.

Abstract: A composite material for acoustic or mechanical damping, comprising a plurality of layers of fibrous material embedded in a solid material. The solid material layers are interspersed by perforated films of viscoelastic polymer.

Abstract: A fibre reinforced composite shaft bearing a metallic flanged end coupling (F1) attached to the outside diameter through a concentric cylindrical torsional joint, comprising: a)—a cylindrical end region comprising a wedge shaped inner layer of fibre (Hp) composite; b)—a layer of outer helical composite plies (He) forming the shaft and extending over the wedge shaped inner layer, wherein the layer of outer helical plies has a tapered end part overlying wedge shaped inner layer to form the cylindrical end portion, wherein all helical plies of fibre layers are exposed on an outer surface; and c)—a metallic flanged end coupling attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical end region through a primary mechanically interface (Sp) which may be splined. The joint may be strengthened by internally reinforcing the main shaft with an interference fit tubular plug (Pg) and protected from environmental degradation by inboard secondary adhesive bond (Ad).