Abstract: A carbon nanotube studded carbon fiber tow and matrix prepreg includes a body comprising a tow of surface fibers and interior bulk fibers. The surface fibers are studded with carbon nanotubes and the carbon fibers are infiltrated with a matrix material.

Abstract: The Invention is a reinforced plastic sonar dome having a low acoustical insertion loss combined with sufficient mechanical strength. Acoustical and structural fibers are stochastically mixed and formed into a blended yarn. The blended yarn is woven into a blended fabric. The blended fabric is ordered into a stack having multiple layers of blended fabric. The blended fabric is incorporated into a polymer resin while the polymer resin is in liquid form using a vacuum assist. The acoustical fibers and the vacuum assist modify the acoustical properties of the resulting composite sonar dome.

Abstract: The Invention is a reinforced plastic sonar dome having a low acoustical insertion loss combined with sufficient mechanical strength. Acoustical and structural fibers are stochastically mixed and formed into a blended yarn. The blended yarn is woven into a blended fabric. The blended fabric is ordered into a stack having multiple layers of blended fabric. The blended fabric is incorporated into a polymer resin while the polymer resin is in liquid form using a vacuum assist. The acoustical fibers and the vacuum assist modify the acoustical properties of the resulting composite sonar dome.

Abstract: The Invention is a reinforced plastic sonar dome having a low acoustical insertion loss combined with sufficient mechanical strength. Acoustical and structural fibers are stochastically mixed and formed into a blended yarn. The blended yarn is woven into a blended fabric. The blended fabric is ordered into a stack having multiple layers of blended fabric. The blended fabric is incorporated into a polymer resin while the polymer resin is in liquid form using a vacuum assist. The acoustical fibers and the vacuum assist modify the acoustical properties of the resulting composite sonar dome.

Abstract: The Invention is a fastening apparatus and method for transferring a load to a core of a composite structure, such as a composite panel used in ship construction. The apparatus comprises an insert. The insert is adapted to receive a tension load and adapted to transfer the tension load substantially to the core of the composite structure. The strain response characteristics of the insert in tension generally minimize the strain response of the core in shear.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite structure having a fiber reinforcing member and a hardened matrix material. The fiber reinforcing member, or fabric, has portions which protrude substantially out of the plane of the fabric to facilitate the snugged nesting of laminated fabrics in the construction of a fiber reinforced composite structure.