Abstract: A method for fabricating composite parts having improved pulloff strengths between portions of the composite part. In one embodiment, a sine wave spar is formed from two U-shaped channels having opposing flanges and a central web. The U-shaped channels are joined along the webs. The triangular gaps between the edges of the joined U-shaped channels are filled using a titanium radius filler that is configured to fit within the gaps. After the titanium radius filler is placed within the gaps, additional layers of composite material are placed over the titanium radius filler and the flanges of the U-shaped channels to form the caps of the I-beam. The resulting composite workpiece is then placed within appropriate tooling and cured within an autoclave. In other embodiments, the method of the invention is used to form spars, ribs, stringers, or bulkheads from composite materials.

Abstract: In an exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, wherein pollutants are removed from the exhaust gases by catalytic conversion, a pinwheel type of deflector positioned within the exhaust flow provides a radially-outwardly deflected swirl flow to the gases as they emanate from an exhaust pipe of one diameter into a canister of larger diameter for housing a catalytic converter. Such flow distribution results in improved catalytic conversion efficiencies obtainable by the converter and reduces its degradation rate inherent with time.