Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tube-plate structure of metal-matrix composite material in which a single mold is used having a first fiber preform of shape comparable to that of the tube, a second fiber preform of shape comparable to that of the plate, and a third fiber preform surrounding the first fiber preform where it is adjacent to the second fiber preform all placed therein. Thereafter, a metal or a metal alloy is injected into the mold along the axis of the tube via the face of the second preform that is remote from the first preform. This provides a monolithic structure that presents a high degree of thermo-mechanical stability.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tube-plate structure of metal-matrix composite material in which a single mold is used having a first fiber preform of shape comparable to that of the tube, a second fiber preform of shape comparable to that of the plate, and a third fiber preform surrounding the first fiber preform where it is adjacent to the second fiber preform all placed therein. Thereafter, a metal or a metal alloy is injected into the mold along the axis of the tube via the face of the second preform that is remote from the first preform. This provides a monolithic structure that presents a high degree of thermo-mechanical stability.

Abstract: An articulated device for space vehicles, for example, for temporarily sealing the aperture of a space optical instrument. The device includes a fixed support element for mounting on the vehicle and an auxiliary element such as a temporary sealing flap mounted to pivot with respect to the fixed support element around a hinge axis between a first configuration (e.g. wherein the aperture is sealed) and a second configuration. The auxiliary element is attached, by a frangible controlled-break component for making temporary connections, to a hinge shaft whose rotation between the first and second configuration is controlled by an actuator. A torsional resilient return device is secured to the auxiliary element and to the shaft while resiliently biasing the auxiliary element to rotate it around the shaft in a predetermined direction. The shaft is substantially loosely engaged in journal bearings which are rigidly fastened to the auxiliary element.