Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to thermoplastic truss structures and methods of forming the same. The truss structures are formed using thermoplastic materials, such as fiber reinforced thermoplastic resins, and facilitate directional load support based on the shape of the truss structure. In one example, multiple two-dimensional patterns of fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin are disposed on one another in a saw tooth pattern, sinusoidal pattern, or other repeating pattern, and adhered to one another in selective locations. The two dimensional patterns may then be expanded in a third dimension to form a three-dimensional, cross-linked truss structure. The three-dimensional, cross-linked truss structure may then be heated or otherwise treated to maintain the three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to thermoplastic truss structures and methods of forming the same. The truss structures are formed using thermoplastic materials, such as fiber reinforced thermoplastic resins, and facilitate directional load support based on the shape of the truss structure. In one example, multiple two-dimensional patterns of fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin are disposed on one another in a saw tooth pattern, sinusoidal pattern, or other repeating pattern, and adhered to one another in selective locations. The two dimensional patterns may then be expanded in a third dimension to form a three-dimensional, cross-linked truss structure. The three-dimensional, cross-linked truss structure may then be heated or otherwise treated to maintain the three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to thermoplastic truss structures and methods of forming the same. The truss structures are formed using thermoplastic materials, such as fiber reinforced thermoplastic resins, and facilitate directional load support based on the shape of the truss structure. In one example, multiple two-dimensional patterns of fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin are disposed on one another in a saw tooth pattern, sinusoidal pattern, or other repeating pattern, and adhered to one another in selective locations. The two dimensional patterns may then be expanded in a third dimension to form a three-dimensional, cross-linked truss structure. The three-dimensional, cross-linked truss structure may then be heated or otherwise treated to maintain the three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: An enclosure for carrying an adjustable payload. The enclosure is beneficially used on a rotorcraft blade or other similar structure. The enclosure has a first element having a first flange and an upper element. The first element has an upper surface which has a first angle with respect to a lower surface of the first flange in a direction extending from an inboard direction to an outboard direction. The upper element has a lower surface which has a second angle with respect to an upper surface of said upper element in a direction extending from an inboard direction to an outboard direction, the lower surface being in contact with the upper surface of said first element, the second angle being in a direction which is opposite to the direction of said first angle. The first element and the upper element define a cavity for holding a payload.

Abstract: An enclosure for carrying an adjustable payload. The enclosure is beneficially used on a rotorcraft blade or other similar structure. The enclosure has a first element having a first flange and an upper element. The first element has an upper surface which has a first angle with respect to a lower surface of the first flange in a direction extending from an inboard direction to an outboard direction. The upper element has a lower surface which has a second angle with respect to an upper surface of said upper element in a direction extending from an inboard direction to an outboard direction, the lower surface being in contact with the upper surface of said first element, the second angle being in a direction which is opposite to the direction of said first angle. The first element and the upper element define a cavity for holding a payload.