Abstract: There is disclosed a method of fabricating a composite structure (6). The method comprises the steps of: providing a pair of preforms (1, 2), each comprising a plurality of reinforcing fibers (3); providing an intermediate layer (4) of resiliently deformable material between said preforms (1,2) to space said preforms apart from one another such that each preform (1,2) bears against a respective side (5) of the intermediate layer (4); providing a curable matrix material around said fibers (3); and curing said matrix material to form said plastic composite structure (6). Also disclosed is a composite structure (6) having at least two layers of fiber-reinforced plastic (1,2) which are bonded to respective sides (5) of an intermediate layer (4) of resiliently deformable material, the intermediate layer (4) being arranged to space the two layers of fiber-reinforced plastic (1,2) from one another.

Abstract: A method of providing through-thickness reinforcement of a laminated material which includes a matrix material including a step of creating a locally heated zone in the laminated material so as to locally soften the matrix material by focussing a set of at least two energy beams at a location where through-thickness reinforcement is required and a step of inserting a reinforcement element through the thickness of the laminated material at the location of the locally heated zone to through-thickness reinforce the laminated material.

Abstract: A composite component having a body formed from a plurality of fiber reinforced non-metallic layers. The body includes a delamination region configured so as to permit delamination; and a deflector region configured so as to resist delamination. In the event of delamination, delamination is deflected to and continues to propagate in the delamination region.

Abstract: A retainer plate is provided for retaining a dovetail root of a fan blade of a gas turbine engine in a corresponding axially-extending slot in the rim of a fan disc. In use, the plate locates in a cavity formed at an end of the slot such that a first side of the plate is arranged for contact with an axial end face of the dovetail root and an opposite second side of the plate is arranged for contact with an abutment surface of the cavity to limit axial movement of the root along the slot. The retainer plate is a unitary component and has a layered structure including a first layer at the first side of the plate, a second layer at the second side of the plate, and an intermediate layer between the first and the second layers.

Abstract: A retainer plate is provided for retaining a dovetail root of a fan blade of a gas turbine engine in a corresponding axially-extending slot in the rim of a fan disc. In use, the plate locates in a cavity formed at an end of the slot such that a first side of the plate is arranged for contact with an axial end face of the dovetail root and an opposite second side of the plate is arranged for contact with an abutment surface of the cavity to limit axial movement of the root along the slot. The retainer plate is formed from fiber-reinforced composite material, at least a portion of the composite material being reinforced by 3D-woven fiber tows.

Abstract: A method of through-thickness reinforcing a laminated material is disclosed, in which a reinforcing element is coated with a thermoplastic layer. The reinforcing element is inserted into a base material, and a matrix material, such as a polymeric, is included in the base material. The combination is then cured, or heated, such that the thermoplastic layer and the matrix material diffuse into each other, thereby forming an interphase region around the reinforcing element. This interphase region helps to prevent cracks from propagating from the reinforcing element.

Abstract: A composite component having a body formed from a plurality of fibre reinforced non-metallic layers. The body comprises a delamination region configured so as to permit delamination; and a deflector region configured so as to resist delamination. In the event of delamination, delamination is deflected to and continues to propagate in the delamination region.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerofoil body comprising a root portion and a tip portion, each having a pressure surface and a suction surface. The pressure surface and suction surface of the root and/or tip portion each comprise a respective ridge portion. Each ridge portion has an inclined first face and an oppositely inclined second face. Each ridge portion may be, for example, a triangular or semi-circular prism.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of fabricating a composite structure (6). The method comprises the steps of: providing a pair of preforms (1, 2), each comprising a plurality of reinforcing fibres (3); providing an intermediate layer (4) of resiliently deformable material between said s preforms (1,2) to space said preforms apart from one another such that each preform (1,2) bears against a respective side (5) of the intermediate layer (4); providing a curable matrix material around said fibres (3); and curing said matrix material to form said plastic composite structure (6). Also disclosed is a composite structure (6) having at least two layers of fibre-reinforced plastic (1,2) which are bonded to respective sides (5) of an intermediate layer (4) of resiliently deformable material, the intermediate layer (4) being arranged to space the two layers of fibre-reinforced plastic (1,2) from one another.

Abstract: A retainer plate is provided for retaining a dovetail root of a fan blade of a gas turbine engine in a corresponding axially-extending slot in the rim of a fan disc. In use, the plate locates in a cavity formed at an end of the slot such that a first side of the plate is arranged for contact with an axial end face of the dovetail root and an opposite second side of the plate is arranged for contact with an abutment surface of the cavity to limit axial movement of the root along the slot. The retainer plate is formed from fibre-reinforced composite material, at least a portion of the composite material being reinforced by 3D-woven fibre tows.

Abstract: A retainer plate is provided for retaining a dovetail root of a fan blade of a gas turbine engine in a corresponding axially-extending slot in the rim of a fan disc. In use, the plate locates in a cavity formed at an end of the slot such that a first side of the plate is arranged for contact with an axial end face of the dovetail root and an opposite second side of the plate is arranged for contact with an abutment surface of the cavity to limit axial movement of the root along the slot. The retainer plate is a unitary component and has a layered structure including a first layer at the first side of the plate, a second layer at the second side of the plate, and an intermediate layer between the first and the second layers.

Abstract: A method of providing through-thickness reinforcement of a laminated material which includes a matrix material including a step of creating a locally heated zone in the laminated material so as to locally soften the matrix material by focussing a set of at least two energy beams at a location where through-thickness reinforcement is required and a step of inserting a reinforcement element through the thickness of the laminated material at the location of the locally heated zone to through-thickness reinforce the laminated material.

Abstract: A method of through-thickness reinforcing a laminated material is disclosed, in which a reinforcing element is coated with a thermoplastic layer. The reinforcing element is inserted into a base material, and a matrix material, such as a polymeric, is included in the base material. The combination is then cured, or heated, such that the thermoplastic layer and the matrix material diffuse into each other, thereby forming an interphase region around the reinforcing element. This interphase region helps to prevent cracks from propagating from the reinforcing element.