Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite structure for transmitting high shear loads includes a laminate with an edge defining a buttress groove. The buttress groove includes a pressure flank oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the structure to transmit shear loads in one direction only. The laminate is formed of a plurality of plies having fibers disposed in a matrix material at angular orientations relative to the longitudinal axis of the structure. A first plurality of the plies have fibers oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis and a majority of the other plies have fibers oriented at an angle .theta. relative to the longitudinal axis corresponding to a direction of the largest tensile component of the shear load.

Abstract: Kinetic energy projectiles including sabots having stiffened bourrelets which tune and improve shot performance. Shot dispersion for the projectiles is decreased by reducing adverse dynamic perturbations imparted to the projectiles during projectile launch. Reducing dynamic perturbations is accomplished by better controlling interior ballistics by changing the stiffness of the sabot bourrelets.

Abstract: The invention reduces the amount of force and acceleration transmitted to the vehicle occupant in a vehicle subject to the shock of a land mine explosion. In the invention, a set of crushable composite tubes are placed between the vehicle floor and the seat of the vehicle. As the floor moves due to the blast loading, the crushable tubes deform, absorbing the energy of the blast and reducing the acceleration transmitted to the seated occupant.