Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a detection system for detecting a failure in a fluid path of a fluid system, the detection system including: at least one pipe comprising a pipe wall which defines a fluid path for the transfer of fluid and at least one electrically conductive element extending along the at least one pipe and which forms an electrical signal path for a first electrical signal which indicates a state of the at least one pipe; and, an electrical terminal electrically connected to the at least one electrically conductive element so that the first electrical signal is transmitted to the electrical terminal via the electrical signal path.

Abstract: An automated method for producing a fibrous preform on a tool surface. Such fibrous preform is configured to receive liquid resin via resin infusion. A disposable layer containing a small amount of radiation absorbing material is placed onto the tool surface prior to the automated placement of the first ply of dry fibrous material. Particles of a polymeric or resinous binder are applied on an exposed surface of the disposable layer to enhance adhesion of the first ply. The dry fibrous material may be in the form of elongated, narrow-width fiber tapes or broader fabrics that can be deposited onto the tool surface by an automated placement method. The disposable layer may be in the form of a flexible polymeric film, a release film, a peel ply or a polymer-coated glass cloth.

Abstract: An automated method for producing a fibrous preform on a tool surface. Such fibrous preform is configured to receive liquid resin via resin infusion. A disposable layer containing a small amount of radiation absorbing material is placed onto the tool surface prior to the automated placement of the first ply of dry fibrous material. Particles of a polymeric or resinous binder are applied on an exposed surface of the disposable layer to enhance adhesion of the first ply. The dry fibrous material may be in the form of elongated, narrow-width fiber tapes or broader fabrics that can be deposited onto the tool surface by an automated placement method. The disposable layer may be in the form of a flexible polymeric film, a release film, a peel ply or a polymer-coated glass cloth.

Abstract: A curable prepreg ply formed by applying two outer resin films to the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of a layer of resin-impregnated reinforcement fibers. The outer resin films contains insoluble toughening particles, and partially soluble or swellable toughening particles, but the resin matrix which impregnates the reinforcement fibers does not contain the same toughening particles. The insoluble toughening particles are insoluble in the resin matrix of the resin films upon curing of the prepreg ply. The partially soluble or swellable toughening particles are partially soluble or swellable in the resin matrix of the resin films upon curing of the prepreg ply, but remain as discreet particles after curing.

Abstract: A curable prepreg ply formed by applying two outer resin films to the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of a layer of resin-impregnated reinforcement fibers. The outer resin films contains insoluble toughening particles, and partially soluble or swellable toughening particles, but the resin matrix which impregnates the reinforcement fibers does not contain the same toughening particles. The insoluble toughening particles are insoluble in the resin matrix of the resin films upon curing of the prepreg ply. The partially soluble or swellabbe toughening particles are partially soluble or swellable in the resin matrix of the resin films upon curing of the prepreg ply, but remain as discreet particles after curing.

Abstract: A method for shaping dry preform material prior to resin infusion is disclosed. The starting material to be shaped is a preform blank (e.g. flat sheet) of dry, fibrous material. The shaping process is a vacuum forming process that relies on controlling the vacuum pressure and deformation speed to produce a shaped preform with three-dimensional configuration. The purpose of the shaping process described herein is to enable an automated process to replace the conventional hand lay-up operation.

Abstract: A method for shaping dry preform material prior to resin infusion is disclosed. The starting material to be shaped is a preform blank (e.g. flat sheet) of dry, fibrous material. The shaping process is a vacuum forming process that relies on controlling the vacuum pressure and deformation speed to produce a shaped preform with three-dimensional configuration. The purpose of the shaping process described herein is to enable an automated process to replace the conventional hand lay-up operation.

Abstract: A curable prepreg ply formed by applying two outer resin films to the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of a layer of resin-impregnated reinforcement fibers. The outer resin films contains insoluble toughening particles, and partially soluble or swellable toughening particles, but the resin matrix which impregnates the reinforcement fibers does not contain the same toughening particles. The insoluble toughening particles are insoluble in the resin matrix of the resin films upon curing of the prepreg ply. The partially soluble or swellable toughening particles are partially soluble or swellable in the resin matrix of the resin films upon curing of the prepreg ply, but remain as discreet particles after curing.