Abstract: The invention provides a drive coil and measurement probe comprising the drive coil. The measurement probes can be used, for example, in in-situ, non-destructive testing methods, also provided herein.

Abstract: A method of making a compacted composite material preform including providing a pre-impregnated preform comprising a plurality of reinforcing fibers and a polymer matrix and positioning the preform on a base plate. The method includes enclosing the preform inside a vacuum bag defining a first cavity and enclosing the preform and vacuum bag inside a substantially rigid cover defining a second cavity. The method includes drawing a vacuum in the first cavity and the second cavity that is substantially equal or greater than the vacuum in the first cavity to remove air and volatiles from the preform. The method includes drawing a greater vacuum in the first cavity relative to the second cavity to urge the vacuum bag into compressive contact with the plurality of reinforcing fibers and the polymer matrix to a compacted arrangement.

Abstract: A turbine blade for a wind turbine includes a leading edge, a trailing edge and a recess located within the leading edge. The blade further includes a protective layer having an inner side and outer side, the inner side is sized and orientated to locate within the recess to facilitate withstanding impact forces applied by an object.

Abstract: A method of making a composite material article includes, in an exemplary embodiment, providing a pre-impregnated preform formed from a plurality of reinforcing fibers and a polymer matrix, positioning the preform on a flat base plate, positioning a pressure bladder on top of the preform, and positioning a bridge tool above the pressure bladder. The bridge tool includes a top plate and at least one support member. The support members are coupled to the base plate with the top plate spaced above the pressure bladder. The method also includes enclosing the preform and bridge tool inside a vacuum bag by sealingly attaching the vacuum bag to the base plate, drawing a vacuum in the vacuum bag to remove air and volatiles from the preform, and then applying pressure to the preform by inflating the pressure bladder to consolidate the preform.

Abstract: Composite components fabricated to have shapes with in-plane curvature, for example, a spar cap for an airfoil having a swept configuration. A process for fabricating the component includes forming prepregs to have a laminate architecture containing a fibrous reinforcement material in a matrix of a partially-cured polymer material. The prepregs are stacked and bonded together to form a straight elongate preform. An in-plane curvature is then induced in the preform within a plane containing longitudinal and transverse directions of the preform so as to create a swept configuration. The in-plane curvature is induced by applying forces parallel to the transverse direction of the preform while the preform is at a temperature of less than the melting temperature of the polymer material, such that the polymer material cold flows. The polymer material is then fully cured to yield the composite component.

Abstract: A composite laminate material is disclosed. The composite laminate material includes a plurality of adjacently disposed plies. At least one of the plies is configured as a terminated ply. Additionally, a ply drop is defined by the terminated ply, wherein the ply drop includes a modification configured to reduce stress concentrations within the composite laminate material.

Abstract: A composite laminate material is disclosed. The composite laminate material includes a plurality of adjacently disposed plies. At least one of the plies is configured as a terminated ply. Additionally, a ply drop is defined by the terminated ply, wherein the ply drop is modified to reduce stress concentrations within the composite laminate material.

Abstract: The invention provides a drive coil and measurement probe comprising the drive coil. The measurement probes can be used, for example, in in-situ, non-destructive testing methods, also provided herein.

Abstract: A method of making a composite material article includes, in an exemplary embodiment, providing a pre-impregnated preform formed from a plurality of reinforcing fibers and a polymer matrix, positioning the preform on a flat base plate, positioning a pressure bladder on top of the preform, and positioning a bridge tool above the pressure bladder. The bridge tool includes a top plate and at least one support member. The support members are coupled to the base plate with the top plate spaced above the pressure bladder. The method also includes enclosing the preform and bridge tool inside a vacuum bag by sealingly attaching the vacuum bag to the base plate, drawing a vacuum in the vacuum bag to remove air and volatiles from the preform, and then applying pressure to the preform by inflating the pressure bladder to consolidate the preform.

Abstract: A trailing edge cap for a blade includes a body configured to mount on at least two differently at least one of sized and shaped blades such that the body at least partially covers an original trailing edge portion of the blade. The body has a body edge portion for forming a new trailing edge portion of the blade when the body is mounted on the blade.