Abstract: A fastener for a turbine engine includes a bolt and a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) cap mechanically secured to the bolt. CMC components are attached to an exhaust nozzle case with the fasteners. The fastener includes a bolt made of metal and having a head. A CMC cap is located on the head of the bolt and secured to the bolt by a mechanical device. The mechanical device allows the CMC cap to have a different thermal expansion than the bolt. The CMC cap also acts as a thermal shield for the bolt, aiding in the reduction of a heat signature of the turbine engine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pump with a housing including a pump chamber and an impeller positioned within the pump chamber. The pump also includes a socket with a wear plate, an inner ring, and an outer ring. The wear plate at least partially defines the pump chamber. The impeller is in contact with the wear plate. An outer surface of the outer ring is coupled to the housing. An inner surface of the outer ring receives a bearing. The inner ring receives a seal. A portion of the housing is molded over an end of the socket.

Abstract: An ice strike sheathing ring (4) including several fiber compound layers for the fan casing of an aircraft gas turbine features breaking points (7) at a certain regular distance, so that, in case of destruction of the ice strike sheathing ring due to extreme ice strike, fragments of small size will be produced which together with the engine airflow will pass the exit guide vanes downstream of the fan without blocking the engine airflow or reducing engine thrust. With fiber compound layers enclosing a cavity or a core, the breaking points designed as slots (9) and/or assembly holes (8) are located in the inner wall (20) of the ice strike sheathing ring facing the engine airflow, while the outer wall (21) of the ice strike sheathing ring adjoining the fan casing is firmly attached to the latter via an adhesive film and a threaded safety connection.

Abstract: An attachment method and flange for connecting a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component, such as a gas turbine shroud ring (36, 68), to a metal support structure. A CMC flange (20A) may be formed by attaching a wedge-shaped block (26) of a ceramic material to a CMC wall structure (22), and wrapping CMC layers (24) of the wall structure (22) at least partly around the block (26), forming the flange (20A) with an inner oblique face (34) and an outer face (35) normal to the wall structure. An adjacent support structure, such as a metal support ring (40A), may abut the outer face (35) of the CMC flange (20A) and be clamped or bolted to the CMC flange (20A).

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal pump (10) for liquids, comprising a pump spiral housing (12) and a pump wheel (28), which is driven by an integrated electromotor (14, 20, 34, 36), whereby the rotational axis thereof (29) is arranged in a coaxial in relation to the rotational axis (37) of the pump wheel (28). The pump spiral housing (12) is sealed by a sealing ring (72) and is connected to the motor housing by means of a bayonet catch (74, 78) and covers the front side thereof. According to the invention, the motor housing (14) is pot-shaped and is made of plastic and the base thereof (13) which is oriented towards the pump spiral housing (12) forms a common housing wall in relation to the pump spiral housing (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of machine parts which are at least partially provided with a mineral casting. The mineral casting is carried out in a liquid state in at least one part of a housing element (1, 2) of the machine part acting as a casting mould, such that the mineral casting, after hardening, forms a lining element adapted to the inner contour of the housing element (1, 2). The aim of the invention is to enable the mineral cast lining elements (5) to be adapted as accurately as possible to the inner contour of the outer housing (1, 2) without any risk of destroying the mineral cast body (5) occurring when pumps are produced or operated. According to the invention, the inner surfaces of the housing element (1, 2) are treated with a separating means (3) prior to the casting out operation.

Abstract: A compressor comprises a compressor wheel (8) mounted for rotation within a compressor housing (4,5), which an annular outlet passage (15) defined between opposing annular wall surfaces. A portion (20) of at least one of the wall surfaces is resiliently flexible such that operational pressure changes within the outlet passage (15) cause the resilient wall surface portion to flex.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for varying the high flow and low pressure operating range of a centrifugal blower. Centrifugal blowers are designed and rated for a certain capacity at a certain speed. The present invention provides an apparatus for varying, regulating, or adjusting an inlet capacity of a centrifugal blower. Without the need to redesign or change any blower components, the blower operating range may be changed without affecting blower efficiency. No aerodynamic performance is lost at low flow conditions.

Abstract: A selectively configured volute for incorporation into a centrifugal pump of the volute type is disclosed for use in processing heavy duty slurries that are characterized by containing particularly large and/or abrasive particulates that are known to degrade the pump casing or pump casing liner. The configured volute of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in connection with the use of an impeller having expelling vanes that aggressively pump out slurry from the seal face of the pump. The configured volute of the present invention provides resistance to wear when processing heavy duty slurries and provides stable flow performance and improved pump performance.

Abstract: A boat impeller seal assembly for preventing leakage of debris into the impeller assembly between the impeller housing and the impeller mount. The boat impeller seal assembly includes an impeller assembly including an impeller housing having an open end and also having a bore being disposed therethrough and further having an annular flange being disposed at the open end; and also includes an impeller mount being connected to the impeller housing and having an open end and also having a bore being disposed therethrough and further having an annular flange being disposed at the open end thereof; and further includes a wear seal member being securely and removably disposed in the impeller housing and the impeller mount for preventing debris from entering the impeller housing through the connection between the impeller housing and said impeller mount.

Abstract: An abrasion-resistant liner assembly for the suction branch of a centrifugal pump of the type having a suction connection for mating with a suction source, and a relief annulus formed in the suction connection, including a cylindrical liner, a groove formed in the outer surface of the liner and extending circumferentially around the liner, a seat ring positioned within the groove, and a seat ring holder positioned adjacent the seat ring on the inner end of the liner, wherein when the liner is positioned within the suction branch and the suction flange is mated with a suction source, the seat ring projects into the relief annulus, and the seat ring holder prevents axial movement of the liner.

Abstract: A hydraulic turbine drive with a multi-material turbine wheel. The turbine wheel is mounted on a shaft defining a shaft material. The blades and a portion of the turbine wheel are comprised of a high strength thermoplastic material having a thermal expansion coefficient substantially higher than the thermal expansion coefficient of the shaft material. The thermoplastic portion of the wheel is radially at least partially contained in a first containing wheel having a thermal expansion coefficient higher than that of the plastic material and lower than that of the shaft. The first containing wheel may also be radially contained in one or more additional containing wheels each having a thermal expansion coefficient higher than that of the first containing wheel. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are the drive wheels for supercharger systems for internal combustion systems. In a particular preferred embodiment the drive wheel is a part of a single shaft hybrid supercharger system.

Abstract: An abrasion-resistant liner assembly for the suction branch of a centrifugal pump of the type having a suction connection for mating with a suction source, and a relief annulus formed in the suction connection, including a cylindrical liner, a groove formed in the outer surface of the liner and extending circumferentially around the liner, a seat ring positioned within the groove, and a seat ring holder positioned adjacent the seat ring on the inner end of the liner, wherein when the liner is positioned within the suction branch and the suction flange is mated with a suction source, the seat ring projects into the relief annulus, and the seat ring holder prevents axial movement of the liner.

Abstract: A wear resistant fuel pump for a vehicle includes a pump section having a flow channel and a rotatable impeller cooperating with said flow channel to pump fuel therethrough. The fuel pump also includes a motor section disposed adjacent the pump section and having a motor to rotate the impeller. The fuel pump further includes an outlet section disposed adjacent the motor section to allow pumped fuel to exit the fuel pump. The pump section includes a plurality of plates disposed axially adjacent to and cooperating with the impeller. At least one of the plates includes a wear insert that improves abrasion wear characteristics therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radial blower for a work apparatus and especially for a suction/blower apparatus. The radial blower has a blower wheel (2) and a blower housing (1) which at least partially surrounds the blower wheel (2). The blower housing (1) includes a peripheral wall (3) and a side wall (4). The housing includes an intake opening (6) in the region of the blower wheel axis (5) as well as a discharge stub (7) peripherally of the blower wheel (2) in the region of the peripheral wall (3). The peripheral wall (3) and the side wall (4) are lined on the side facing toward the blower wheel (2) with a wear insert (8) configured as one piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radial blower for a work apparatus and especially for a suction/blower apparatus. The radial blower has a blower wheel (2) and a blower housing (1) which at least partially surrounds the blower wheel (2). The blower housing (1) includes a peripheral wall (3) and a side wall (4). The housing includes an intake opening (6) in the region of the blower wheel axis (5) as well as a discharge stub (7) peripherally of the blower wheel (2) in the region of the peripheral wall (3). The peripheral wall (3) and the side wall (4) are lined on the side facing toward the blower wheel (2) with a wear insert (8) configured as one piece.

Abstract: A containment casing for a gas turbine engine comprising a substantially rigid casing shell arranged in operation coaxially with an axis of rotation of the gas turbine engine. The casing extending circumferentially around an array of fan rotor blades which are arranged to rotate about the engine axis. In the region of the casing where it is predicted blade impact in the event of a fan blade failure, there is at least one reinforcing rib extending substantially radially from the casing and circumscribing the outer periphery of the casing shell. The ribs providing improved strengthening of the casing. Preferably a first rib is positioned about the casing between the operational position of the trailing edge and the mid chord point of the fan blade. A second rib is axially positioned between the operational position of the mid chord point and the leading edge of the fan blade. A third rib may also be positioned axially forward of the operational position of the leading edge of the fan blade.

Abstract: A nonmetallic pump for pumping molten metal includes a base with an impeller chamber, at least one molten metal inlet opening to the base, at least one molten metal outlet opening from the base, and an impeller connected to one end of a motor driven shaft and rotatable in the impeller chamber. The base includes a shell portion and a one-piece insert formed of nonmetallic heat-resistant material disposed in the impeller chamber. The insert includes a generally circular bore in which the impeller is disposed and a wall extending so as to form a spiral-shaped volute opening around the bore. An egress channel extends from the volute opening toward the molten metal outlet opening. Also included are methods for making the insert and base.

Abstract: An abradable fan containment structure within a fan section of a turbofan engine is provided. The fan section of the turbofan engine has fan blades and an abradable fan shroud. The abradable fan shroud includes an inner fan casing circumscribing the fan blades such that the inner annular surface of the fan shroud is disposed adjacent the blade tips of the fan blades within the fan section. The inner annular surface is formed from an abradable material. The abradable material contour is substantially triangular along the axial length from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The abradable material has a contoured surface characterized by a trapezoidal shape after being worn when rubbed by the tips of the fan blades during operation of the engine.

Abstract: A blade containment system for turbomachinery includes an annular casing having an interior surface with an abrasive surface texture that is capable of dulling sharp comers and edges of impacting fan blades so as to reduce the ability of the fan blade to pierce the containment casing. The textured surface can be produced by either a plurality of protuberances attached thereto or a plurality of sharp dimples formed therein. The protuberances can be in the form of sawtooth steps, sharp spikes or pieces of a hard material impregnated in the textured surface. In one preferred embodiment, the textured surface is formed on a plurality of tiles secured to the interior surface of the containment casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit for conveying fuel from a supply tank to the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, having an electric drive motor and a flow pump (11), driven by it, which has a pump housing (16, 21) permanently connected to the unit housing (32) and forming a pump chamber (17), in which housing conveying means (12) moved by the drive motor revolve, wherein an insert (51) of wear-resistant material is disposed on the at least one housing part (16, 21) that defines the pump chamber (17), the insert forming at least part of a chamber wall (18, 19) which defines the pump chamber (17) in the direction of the axis of rotation (15) of the conveying means (12).

Abstract: A composite member has a diecast part and a hub part that consists of a harder material than the diecast part. The diecast part is attached to the hub part by diecasting within a diecast mold. The hub part has at least one end face. The at least one end face has an annular sealing projection that, during diecasting of the diecast part, rests at a surface of the diecast mold and is deformed by the diecast mold.

Abstract: A wear and shock resistant ceramic-cored composite panel (11) for use in equipment exposed to heavy abrasive materials comprising a plurality of commensurately shaped generally planar layers. The layers are comprised of and sequentially arranged in the following order: a ceramic layer (12); a first fiberglass reinforced plastic composite layer (13); a resilient core layer for absorbing impact energy imparted indirectly thereto by the heavy abrasive materials (14); and a second fiberglass reinforced plastic composite layer (16), wherein the layers are consecutively bonded together in the order set out above by an adhesive, then secured to various sites of wear inside equipment by known types of attachment or utilized as structural members themselves.

Abstract: An improved automatic pump capable of advantageously reducing manufacturing processes thereof as well as significantly preventing pressure decrease in a pump assembly by providing a pressure control tube and removing a sealing process thereof, which includes a motor for transmitting driving force to corresponding elements thereof; a working chamber formed in front of the motor, in which an impeller drivingly connected to a rotary shaft of the motor is disposed; a pump casing attachably attached to a predetermined portion of the working chamber and having a pressure tank with a predetermined size thereof; and a pressure control tube equipped with an air pressuring port disposed at a predetermined portion of the pump casing.

Abstract: A liner member for a pump comprises an inner layer of a rigid abrasion resistant material and an outer layer of an elastomer material adhesively bonded to the inner layer and forming a backing therefor. One or more metal connectors are embedded in the elastomer layer for connecting the elastomer layer (and concomitantly the abrasion resistant inner layer) to a pump casing so that the elastomer layer is sandwiched between the inner layer and the pump casing.

Abstract: A vibration damper for rotor housings includes a rubber-elastic damping band (6) that encircles the outer circumference of the rotor housing (4) in a contour fitting manner. A clamping band (7) encircles the damping band (6) and secures the damping band to the housing (4). The clamping band is made of a material having a different modulus of elasticity than the material of the rotor housing, which achieves a detuning of the vibrational system including the rotor housing and the vibration damper as components. Such a detuning reduces the vibrational tendency of the rotor housing. Frictional rubbing between the damping band and the housing surface, and between the damping band and the clamping band effectively damps or dissipates the energy of any vibration that does occur.

Abstract: A fan assembly for a gas turbine engine for aircraft has a stator casing made of a first material and an annular abradable seal structure made of a second material comprising an epoxy foam having heat expandable, thermoplastic microballoons filled with a chemical which expands when the second material is cured such that the second material bonds directly to the stator casing upon curing thereby minimizing the number of processing steps during manufacture.

Abstract: A liner of the intake casing for a water jet propulsion pump wherein the liner is made of a resilient material and is disposed internally of said casing surrounding the water impeller and is clamped in position by the pump assembly.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymer composite fuel pump housing is provided. The method calls for the application of an elastomeric material onto a mandrel surface to create a substantially continuous elastomeric layer thereon. A fiber-reinforced resin layer is added to the elastomeric layer. The application of the fiber-reinforced resin layer is accomplished by either autoclave or resin transfer molding (RTM). The fiber-reinforced layer and elastomeric layer are then subjected to curing and the mandrel is removed. The resulting fuel pump housing comprises a leak and abrasion resistant elastomeric liner bonded to the fiber-reinforced resin layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pump for pumping a viscous fluid. The pump includes a stator body and a rotor body rotatably mounted in the stator body so as to be coaxial therewith. The stator body has a wall structure having a spiral slot formed therein which communicates with a suction connection formed in the stator body for conducting the viscous fluid to be pumped into the slot. A pressure connection is formed in the stator body for conducting the viscous fluid out of the slot. The suction connection and the pressure connection open into respective peripheral annular slots which are formed between a total of at least three sealing rings on the outer surface of the stator body. The channels for liquids provided in a housing can be disposed in any rotational position relative to the stator. This affords the advantage that the pump stator can be seated with any rotational position in a receiving cylinder of the housing.

Abstract: A high temperature ceramic/metallic turbine engine includes a metallic housing which journals a rotor member of the turbine engine. A ceramic disk-like shroud portion of the engine is supported on the metallic housing portion and maintains a close running clearance with the rotor member. A ceramic spacer assembly maintains the close running clearance of the shroud portion and rotor member despite differential thermal movements between the shroud portion and metallic housing portion.

Abstract: A composite multi-stage fan stator assembly including a continuous ring composite fan case assembly supports at least one composite fan stator assembly for disposal between two respective fan rotor stages. The fan case assembly includes a forward fan case assembly and an aft fan case assembly use to mount and secure a fan stator stage axially disposed between them using hook and slot attachment means. A rotor access means comprising at least one removable vane segment in the fan stator stage and a corresponding access port through the composite fan case assembly for removing the removable vane segment is also provided.

Abstract: A replaceable lining for a centrifugal pump casing includes a continuous substantially rigid shell made of thermoset plastic resin material reinforced with woven roving fiberglass fabric sheets and randomly dispersed glass fibers. The lining also includes an elastomer layer bonded to an inner surface of the rigid shell. Both the elastomer layer and the shell have a volute section and a semicylindrical or semiconical discharge section integral therewith. The discharge section of the shell is provided along an outer surface with a set of outwardly projecting arcuate reinforcement ribs spaced along the discharge section. The ribs are integral with the shell. The shell is preformed and adhesively bonded to the elastomer layer during a compression molding step of a manufacturing process.

Abstract: Uniquely contoured interior surfaces have been found to stabilize the flow patterns through centrifugal pumps of the volute type, especially pumps having wide impellers and wide volutes for pumping slurries. The contoured interior surfaces may be provided in the pump casing, but are preferably defined by a volute liner. The interior surfaces comprise a volute region and a discharge nozzle region which both are at least in part contoured interior surfaces and which cooperate to provide a flowingly contoured interior surface of changing axial cross-section.

Abstract: Liquid pump assembly comprising a pump housing having a pump chamber, a drive shaft in the pump chamber mounting a pump rotor, a pump chamber cover and a molded member (12,18) partially defining the shape of the pump chamber (8) located on the inside surface of the pump cover (1).

Abstract: A liner for a centrifugal pump of the type made from wear resistant metal is conventional made with a step (5) in the inner surface of the liner between the junction of the side liners (2 and 3) and the volute liner (1), because of the difficulty in machining the hydraulic surface of the liner. This step (5) causes localized accelerated wear. The liner of the present invention is made with a thickening (11) of the area adjacent the joint with the side liners (2 and b 3) which thickening protrudes inwardly beyond the inner surface of the side liners (2 and 3). Upon assembly the thickening (11) is reduced to align with the inner surface of the side liners (2 and 3), to reduce localized wear on the liner.

Abstract: A protection ring of fiber material is constructed for containing or stopping fragments of a bursting structural component passing through a housing, such as a gas turbine housing through which a rotor blade fragment has burst by centrifugal force. Retaining pins are distributed around the housing zone to be protected. The fiber strands are looped around the retaining pins to form a fiber netting without any matrix material. Friction between fibers and pins is kept low so that the fibers can stretch along substantially their entire length for taking up impact energy. Thus, substantially the entire volume of the ring can participate in taking up impact energy and not only a localized ring portion that received an impact. A desirable lightweight structure is achieved.

Abstract: Uniquely contoured interior surfaces have been found to stabilize the flow patterns through centrifugal pumps of the volute type, especially pumps having wide impellers and wide volutes for pumping slurries. The contoured interior surfaces may be provided in the pump casing, but are preferably defined by a volute liner. The interior surfaces comprise a volute region and a discharge nozzle region which both are at least in part contoured interior surfaces and which cooperate to provide a flowingly contoured interior surface of changing axial cross-section.

Abstract: A rupture prevention ring consists of two coaxially arranged, spaced-apart stiff end rings wrapped in several layers of fiber cloth. Resin bonding is used around the end rings while in the intermediate area between the end rings, the fibers are not free of resin and hence not stiffened. Owing to the high energy absorption capability of the structure including the elastic yielding of the fibers without the resin, an excellent containment ability is obtained at a low weight. Fragments are effectively retained without jeopardizing the rotating blade and disk assembly of the damaged stage.

Abstract: An anti-rupture ring is slit axially at least at one location and is provided thereat with clamping devices which permit a rapid tightening and loosening of the anti-rupture ring. In one embodiment, the clamping of the anti-rupture ring can be varied hydraulically so as to minimize clearance losses in operation. The invention can be used in all types of turbo engines endangered by breakage of rotor blades, particularly in aircraft gas turbine construction, and it permits simple, damage-free mounting and a well-defined clamping of the anti-rupture ring.

Abstract: A centrifugal slurry pump casing which reduces localized wear behind the cutwater caused when the pump operates at less than the best efficiency point flow rate. By reducing the throat area (13) of the casing (12) in the region of the cutwater (14) to 30-70% of the discharge neck (17) at the discharge flange (18), recirculation and vortexing due to slurry re-entering the volute is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A slurry pump suction side liner with replaceable components is provided utilizing separate suction port assembly, wear ring assembly, wear plate assembly and backing plate assembly components connected together to form a rigid suction side liner for directing a slurry into an impeller inlet. A replaceable annular wear ring having a first wear resistant surface facing the inlet axis and a second wear resistant surface at right angles to the inlet axis is provided to maintain a predetermined gap between gap between the impeller and replaceable wear ring to prevent slurry flow between the impeller and suction side liner assembly. An annular wear plate assembly having a wear resistant surface flush with the second wear resistant surface on the wear ring assembly is also provided to extend the gap radially outward from the wear ring, which is positioned between a suction port and the impeller.

Abstract: A fan assembly which has an air inlet that combines the function of absorbing fan noise and the function of streamlining air intake. A continuous strip of sound absorbing material is mounted on a perforated support and is wrapped in an overlapping manner which, when placed with the fan, dampens fan noises, as well as allows acceleration and uniformity of distribution of incoming airflow.

Abstract: A blower has a tubular air flow guiding sleeve. An electric motor is located coaxially within the sleeve in a casing connected to the sleeve by flow-straightening blades and a propeller is fixed to a rotary shaft of the motor and placed in front of the blades. A central unit comprises the tubular casing constituting a single casting with the blades and a part of said sleeve surrounding the propeller. A length of that part around the propeller is machined concentrically to an inner surface of said casing slidably receiving the stator of the motor. A PTFE ring may be located in a recess of the sleeve in radial alignment with the propeller blade tips.

Abstract: A half-shell rubber lining for a centrifugal pump reinforced in selective regions of its outer surface with an adhesively bonded fabric mesh impregnated with a thermoset resin is disclosed.

Abstract: An abradable ceramic coated turbine shroud structure includes a grid of slant-steps isolated by grooves in a superalloy metal shroud substrate. A thin NiCrAlY bonding layer is formed on the machined slant-steps. A stabilized zirconia layer is plasma sprayed on the bonding layer at a sufficiently large spray angle to cause formation of deep shadow gaps in the zirconia layer. The shadow gaps provide a high degree of thermal strain tolerance, avoiding spalling. The exposed surface of the zirconia layer is machined nearly to the shadow gap ends. The turbine blade tips are treated to minimize blade tip wear during initial abrading of the zirconia layer. The procedure results in very close blade tip-to-shroud tolerances after the initial abrading.

Abstract: A turbine ring comprises an annular support in two parts and a ring of ceramic sectors for sealing purposes. The two parts of the support are interconnected by an axial groove and a sliding male part. Each part comprises an axial annular groove in which is engaged a respective axial edge portion of each sector. The cooperating internal radial faces respectively of the edge portion and of the groove are circumferential, while the radially outer radial face of each sector comprises at least one flat zone. The corresponding face of each groove may be polygonal.

Abstract: A fan casing of a turbofan gas turbine engine has a slot which extends generally in a circumferential direction and which has an aerofoil section. A variable pitch fan blade may be removed from the turbofan by rotating the fan blade about its axis of rotation to fine pitch setting, and rotating the fan rotor so as to align the tip of the fan blade with the slot. The fan blade is detached from the fan rotor and the tip of the fan blade is inserted radially into the slot. The root portion of the fan blade is then moved in a radially outwards and axial direction to remove the fan blade. The slot in the casing allows the fan blade to be loaded by the reverse procedure. Loading/unloading of a fan blade is made possible without removing the fan casing.

Abstract: A lined pump is provided including a casing and cover assembly forming a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. The fluid contacted surfaces of the pump are lined with PFA resin. These linings may be formed by an injection or other suitable molding process and are restrained against undesirable movement by locking plates. The locking plates may take the form of perforated metal plates attached to the pump casing and cover through which the resin flows during molding so as to become embedded in areas of the liners and lock those areas in place. Proper placement of the locking plates provides both restrained and unrestrained liner areas which permit the dissipation of built up internal stresses in the resin material due to thermal and hydraulic forces. This avoids cracking and failure while preserving the dimensional stability of the liners.

Abstract: A circumferentially extending structure 30 for containing particles having an axial component and a radial component of velocity is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of a support structure 46 and a fabric 44 wrapped under tension about the support structure such that the installed length of the fabric is greater than the free length of the fabric. In one particular embodiment the fabric is coated with a layer of epoxy resin such that the resin penetrates only the top layer of the fabric to form a shield 95 which protects the containment fabric from injury. A method for forming the circumferentially extending structure is disclosed which includes the steps of forming a support structure and wrapping a fabric about the support structure under a preload to cause an elongation of the fabric and tension in the fabric in the installed condition.