Abstract: A method for securing a fitting 14 to a composite material rod 12, the method comprising forming a bore 20 in an end part of the rod 12, inserting a tool 26 into the bore 20 to cause radial expansion of the end part of the rod 12, inserting a retainer 22 into the expanded end part of the rod 12, and withdrawing the tool 26 from the end part of the rod 12, the retainer 22 serving to retain the end part of the rod 12 in an expanded condition. An assembly of a fitting 14 and composite material rod 12 is also described.

Abstract: A structural web having a fabric material element 20 that has been stitched or embroidered with a reinforcing fiber 24, the fabric material element 20 defining a peripheral region 28a, 30a, and the reinforcing fiber 24 extending onto the peripheral region 28a,30a, the fabric material element 20 and reinforcing fiber 24 being bent to take on a non-planar form with the peripheral region 28a, 30a angled to a main plane of the element 20 to define an engagement face for cooperation with another component 12, 14, and upon which at least part of the reinforcing fiber 24 is located.

Abstract: A connector arrangement for interconnecting a first component 12 and a second component 14, the connector arrangement having a connector member 16 including a first abutment face 20a shaped to cooperate with a face of the first component 12, the first abutment face 20a being provided with a series of spline teeth formations 18a, the dimensions of the first abutment face 20a being selected relative to the first component 12 such that the spline teeth formations 18a thereof dig into the material thereof, the connector member 16 further having a second abutment face 20b shaped to cooperate with a face of the second component 14, the second abutment face 20b also being provided with a series of spline teeth formations 18b, the dimensions of the second abutment face 20b being selected relative to the second component 14 such that the spline teeth formations 18b thereof dig into the material of the second component 14.

Abstract: A method of assembly of a drive shaft comprising providing a tubular member 12 of composite material form, fitting a collar 24 of composite material form to an exterior of an end part of the tubular member 12 to inwardly compress the end part of the tubular member 12, and subsequently press fitting part 14a, 16a of an end fitting 14, 16 into the interior of the end part of the tubular member 12. A drive shaft 10 manufactured in this manner is also described.

Abstract: A gear comprising an annular gear component 12, a drive transfer section 24, the drive transfer section 24 being of composite material form, the drive transfer section 24 including a flange region 28 for engagement with the gear component 12, and a hoop element 32 applying a load to the flange region 28 to compress the flange region 28 against the gear component 12 and provide support for the gear component 12.

Abstract: A fuel pipe having an elongate tubular body 12 of fiber reinforced composite material form, the material including a conductive material powder to render at least a part of the body of limited electrical conductivity, the tubular body 12 having a fitting 14 formed thereon or secured thereto to allow a part of the body 12 to be sealed to another component, wherein the fitting 14 is of an electrically non-conductive material.

Abstract: A fibre reinforced composite shaft (Co) bearing a metallic flanged end coupling (Me) attached to the outside diameter through a concentric cylindrical torsional joint, The composite tube is press fitted into a flanged metallic end coupling (Me) comprising a multiplicity of teeth (Te) running parallel to the tube axis which cut longitudinal channels into the outside diameter of the composite tube wall during the press fit process. Pairs of inverted troughs (Tr) adjacent to and running parallel to the cutting teeth in the serrated region allow space for the redistribution of the composite material and debris (Deb) formed during the press fitting process. This combined action forms a mechanical interface (In) capable of supporting torsional and axial stresses. A structural adhesive (Ad) may be applied to the joint region to form a secondary joint. In this case the composite formed between the cutting debris and the adhesive fills the trough channels.

Abstract: A fibre reinforced composite shaft bearing a metallic flanged end coupling (F1) attached to the outside diameter through a concentric cylindrical torsional joint, comprising: a)—a cylindrical end region comprising a wedge shaped inner layer of fibre (Hp) composite; b)—a layer of outer helical composite plies (He) forming the shaft and extending over the wedge shaped inner layer, wherein the layer of outer helical plies has a tapered end part overlying wedge shaped inner layer to form the cylindrical end portion, wherein all helical plies of fibre layers are exposed on an outer surface; and c)—a metallic flanged end coupling attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical end region through a primary mechanically interface (Sp) which may be splined. The joint may be strengthened by internally reinforcing the main shaft with an interference fit tubular plug (Pg) and protected from environmental degradation by inboard secondary adhesive bond (Ad).