Abstract: A process for aligning discontinuous fibers, and composite products and mats comprised of highly aligned discontinuous fibers, including products of the process. Aligned discontinuous fiber composite products include a matrix of fibers, each fiber having a longitudinal fiber axis, the composite comprising a free, uncut edge extending along an edge axis. The longitudinal fiber axis of a majority of the fibers in the composite product are aligned within a predetermined alignment tolerance of an alignment axis non-parallel to the edge axis. Aligned discontinuous fiber mats may have a first areal density of fibers in a first region of the composite located inward relative to the free, uncut edge, and a second area density at or adjacent to the free, uncut edge.

Abstract: A process for aligning discontinuous fibers, and composite products and mats comprised of highly aligned discontinuous fibers, including products of the process. Aligned discontinuous fiber composite products include a matrix of fibers, each fiber having a longitudinal fiber axis, the composite comprising a free, uncut edge extending along an edge axis. The longitudinal fiber axis of a majority of the fibers in the composite product are aligned within a predetermined alignment tolerance of an alignment axis non-parallel to the edge axis. Aligned discontinuous fiber mats may have a first areal density of fibers in a first region of the composite located inward relative to the free, uncut edge, and a second area density at or adjacent to the free, uncut edge.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning discontinuous fibers, manufacturing tailored preforms, and composite materials comprised of highly aligned discontinuous fibers.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning discontinuous fibers, manufacturing tailored preforms, and composite materials comprised of highly aligned discontinuous fibers.

Abstract: A system for use in monitoring a structure is provided. The system includes a strip of piezoresistive material including nano-elements, electrodes coupled to the strip, and a resistance detector configured to measure a resistance of the strip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming laminate composite structures. At least two laminae, each containing electrically conductive reinforcing fibers, are placed upon each other in contacting relationship to form a generally layered structure. The layered structure may be subjected to heat to conductively transfer heat through the layered structure and thereby improve the surface contact between the two laminae. The layered structure is volumetrically heated by inductively transferring energy to the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. The heated, layered structure is consolidated, such as by applying pressure and reducing the temperature of the layered structure. The consolidated structure is then quenched by rapidly cooling the consolidated structure in a directionally controlled manner about a midplane thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming laminate composite structures. At least two laminae, each containing electrically conductive reinforcing fibers, are placed upon each other in contacting relationship to form a generally layered structure. The layered structure may be subjected to heat to conductively transfer heat through the layered structure and thereby improve the surface contact between the two laminae. The layered structure is volumetrically heated by inductively transferring energy to the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. The heated, layered structure is consolidated, such as by applying pressure and reducing the temperature of the layered structure. The consolidated structure is then quenched by rapidly cooling the consolidated structure in a directionally controlled manner about a midplane thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming laminate composite structures. At least two laminae, each containing electrically conductive reinforcing fibers, are placed upon each other in contacting relationship to form a generally layered structure. The layered structure may be subjected to heat to conductively transfer heat through the layered structure and thereby improve the surface contact between two laminae. The layered structure is volumetrically heated by inductively transferring energy to the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. The heated, layered structure is consolidated, such as by applying pressure and reducing the temperature of the layered structure. The consolidated structure is then quenched by rapidly cooling the consolidated structure in a directionally controlled manner about a midplane thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming laminate composite structures. At least two laminae, each containing electrically conductive reinforcing fibers, are placed upon each other in contacting relationship to form a generally layered structure. The layered structure may be subjected to heat to conductively transfer heat through the layered structure and thereby improve the surface contact between the two laminae. The layered structure is volumetrically heated by inductively transferring energy to the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. The heated, layered structure is consolidated, such as by applying pressure and reducing the temperature of the layered structure. The consolidated structure is then quenched by rapidly cooling the consolidated structure in a directionally controlled manner about a midplane thereof.