Abstract: A load bearing connective damper for service in tensile, compression, and torsion as a shock and vibration isolation mounting device. Dampers are constructed using a multidimensionally braided textile shape and a viscoelastic material disposed in the interstrand spaces of the textile shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impregnation and processing technique for dry fiber composite preform net shapes and ensures maximum mechanical properties in finished structural fiber reinforced composite parts especially in water, and results in composite parts with a low internal void content. The proposed process is not dependent on any pumping action whether due to vacuum or positive pressure to cause the resin to flow into and around the skeletal structure of the dry fiber preform. The process is essentially dependent on the concept of gravity flow in a sandwiched apparatus wherein neat resin cast sheets are placed on both faces of a dry fiber preform shape to create a prepregged (i.e., infiltrated) structure.

Abstract: A damage assessment system consisting of a three-dimensional grid of opti fibers for locating and assessing damage in plastic composite structures. A optical fiber grid system is implanted in a composite structure during its fabrication and becomes integrated with it. The optical fiber grid experiences an identical load/damage condition as the structure itself. Using a system of interrogation based on optoelectronics, passage or continuity of light throughout the system can be monitored for light attenuation or interruption. Highly stressed fibers would attenuate light while broken fibers would interrupt or hinder light transmission. By monitoring a number of optical fiber ends, the extent of damage in three dimensions can be determined.