Abstract: A composite membrane assembly may include a plurality of stacked composite plies. Each composite ply may include a main body of reinforced fibers connected together with a resin. The main body may include a base connected to an opposed boundary surface through opposed ends and opposed sides. At least one non-orthogonal cut is formed through a thickness of the main body from the base to the boundary surface. The non-orthogonal cut(s) is staggered with respect to at least one other non-orthogonal cut of an adjacent composite ply so that the non-orthogonal cut(s) does not form a contiguous linear cut with the other non-orthogonal cut(s) of the adjacent composite ply.

Abstract: An aircraft comprises a forward-facing aircraft section including composite aircraft skin and a substructure for the skin. The substructure includes a plurality of hoop-shaped composite frames. The frames are designed to deflect elastically under bird impact loads.

Abstract: A unidirectional reinforcement and a method of producing a unidirectional reinforcement that may be used in applications where high quality and strength is required. The unidirectional reinforcement includes transversely arranged discrete Z-direction resin flow facilitating means running back and forth between the longitudinal edges of the sheets, and traveling between the groups of rovings and between the top and bottom surfaces of the unitary web.

Abstract: A unidirectional reinforcement and a method of producing a unidirectional reinforcement for use in applications where high quality and strength is required. The unidirectional reinforcement includes transversely arranged thin discrete flow passage formed to ensure resin flow properties in a direction transverse to the direction of the unidirectional rovings. Thin discrete flow passage forming means are secured on the unidirectional rovings by means of additional yarns running on the thin discrete flow passage forming means and transverse thereto.

Abstract: Provided is a prepreg including: a fiber layer containing unidirectionally arranged carbon fibers impregnated with a first thermosetting resin; and a resin layer disposed on at least one side of the fiber layer and containing a second thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic resin that is insoluble in the second thermosetting resin. The prepreg is configured such that the areal weight of fibers and the weight fraction of resin in the prepreg are 120 to 300 g/m2 and 25 to 50 mass %, respectively, and in the case where a plurality of prepregs are laid up, and the coefficient of interlayer friction is measured every 10° C. in a temperature range of 40 to 100° C. at a pull-out speed of 0.2 mm/min under a perpendicular stress of 0.8 bar, the temperature at which the coefficient of interlayer friction is 0.02 or less is present within a temperature range of 40 to 100° C.

Abstract: A powder resin layered nonwoven material and a method of construction thereof are provided. The method includes forming a nonwoven web; applying a powder resin material on the nonwoven web to form a coated portion of the nonwoven web; and cross-lapping the nonwoven web to sandwich separate powder resin layers of the powder resin material between layers of the nonwoven web.

Abstract: A lightweight composite panel, and resisting to impacts and to peeling, comprising: a honeycomb core in poly(p-phenyleneterephthalamide), on either side of which are positioned two skins each comprising: an internal ply comprising: a fabric of glass fiber E in contact with the honeycomb core; and a web of unidirectional carbon fibers oriented along a first direction; an external ply, in contact with the corresponding internal ply, comprising: a web of unidirectional carbon fibers oriented along a second direction different from the first direction, the web of each external ply facing the web of the corresponding internal ply; and a fabric of glass fiber E. The fabrics of glass fiber are impregnated with at least 70% by weight of epoxy resin, and have a mass of less than or equal to 30 g/m2. The webs of carbon fibers have an elastic modulus comprised between 275 and 300 GPa, are pre-impregnated with between 30% and 40% by weight of epoxy resin, and have a mass of less than or equal to 100 g/m2.

Abstract: Woven fabrics are formed from high tenacity fibers or tapes that are loosely interwoven with adhesive coated filaments, to composite articles formed therefrom, and to a continuous process for forming the composite articles.

Abstract: An impact absorbing assembly comprises a CFRP part including a first portion and a second portion that are connected by a metal bending hinge connector. The metal bending hinge connector bends in response to an impact force being applied to the assembly to inhibit the CFRP part from cracking. The metal bending hinge connector may be a tubular member that defines an opening extending from a first end to a second end of the tubular member. The tubular member receives the first CFRP part in the first end and the second CFRP part in the second end. The impact absorbing assembly may be, for example, a longitudinally extending rail or a sub-frame arm.

Abstract: By taking into account the difficulty in smoothly bending along the shape of, for example, a care bed, there is provided a three-dimensional net-like structure made from polyethylene having a swelling ratio dependent on a shear rate such as to be 0.93 to 1.16 at a shear rate of 24.3 sec?1 and 1.15 to 1.34 at a shear rate of 608 sec?1 and having an MFR of 3 to 35 g/10 min and a density of 0.82 to 0.95 g/cm3 and configured to have a spring structure of filaments randomly brought into contact with and tangled with one another, have a three-dimensional striped sparse-dense configuration in a lateral direction relative to an extrusion direction. The swelling ratio is shown as D2/D1 against shear rate when a molten thermoplastic resin is extruded to filaments from a capillary having a tube inner diameter D1 of 1.0 mm and a length of 10 mm and D2 denotes a diameter of cross section of the filaments extruded and cooled down.

Abstract: A stringer made of composite material for reinforcing aircraft skin panels. Plies are introduced at 90° in a segment close to the stringer run-out, and progressively reducing the number of plies at 0°, such that the majority of the number of plies is at 90° in an segment adjacent to the run-out, so the stiffness of the run-out is reduced, and the load it supports is also therefore reduced. This is an alternative solution to the solutions already existing for getting the stringer run-outs to support a smaller load, thereby reducing both the risk of the plies of the stringer peeling off and the risk of separation between stringer and skin panel. A method of manufacturing said stringer is also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade using pre-fabricated stacks of reinforcing material is described. The stacks 14 comprise a plurality of plies of fiber material, joined together along a side edge to form a spine. The opposite edges of the stack are left unjoined so that the plies can separate and slide across one another. In doing so, the stacks can be stored flat, but on installation into a curved mold 12 profile, the plies may slide to adopt the curved shape of the mold. The stacks extend from a point near the leading or trailing edge of the mold to an intermediate point on the mold surface. The stacks may be used to construct the thickened root section of a wind turbine blade.

Abstract: A ballistic composite armor article includes a multi-layer hard armor sheet that has at least first and second unidirectional yarn monolayers. The second unidirectional yarn monolayer is transversely oriented with respect to the first unidirectional yarn monolayer, and there is at least one polymeric binder layer arranged adjacent to and stabilizing at least one of the first and second unidirectional yarn monolayers. The yarns of the first and second unidirectional yarn monolayers include respective fiber bundles that have a lateral spread factor ranging from negative lateral spread to a positive lateral spread of less than 306%.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer particles directly cross-linked together or cross-linked via a separate and independent polymer network to form an inter-penetrating network are disclosed herein, along with methods of manufacturing and use as interleaf tougheners of pre-pregs and composite articles.

Abstract: A hybrid sandwich ceramic matrix composite (CMC) may comprise a first facesheet, a second facesheet, and a core between and bonded to both of the first facesheet and the second facesheet. The first facesheet and the second facesheet may each include filaments in a ceramic matrix. The hybrid sandwich CMC may be configured for exposure to a thermal gradient in which the first facesheet is exposed to a higher temperature environment than the second facesheet. The first facesheet and the second facesheet may have at least closely matching coefficients of thermal expansion, and the first facesheet may have a higher compressive strength than the second facesheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a body made of composite material such as a shell of a helmet. Said body constitutes a multilayer structure where each layer is formed by superposed strata comprising portions of fabrics preimpregnated with thermoplastic resin in which at least some of said layers are formed by woven or non-woven LFRTP-type preimpregnated fabrics. The outer layer is formed by strata of portions of “veil” type or “felt” type fabrics, with non-woven and non-oriented fibers of lengths comprised between 5 and 20 mm. In the method, the multilayer structure arranged in a mold is subjected to the action exerted by a bag that is inflated due to pressure occupying the cavity of the mold.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an article (e.g., a vapor-permeable, substantially water-impermeable multilayer article) that includes a nonwoven substrate and a film supported by the nonwoven substrate. The film includes a polyolefin, a nanoclay, and a pore-forming filler.

Abstract: A fiber-containing polymer film contains a host polymer and fibrous substances. The fiber-containing polymer film has an orientation area where the fibrous substances are oriented in a direction substantially parallel to a main surface of the fiber-containing polymer film and in substantially the same direction.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and composite fuel tank for manufacturing a structure is provided. A first composite layer and a second composite layer are placed on a mold. The second composite layer and the first composite layer are cured. The first composite layer and the second composite layer form the structure. The second composite layer is configured to dissipate an electric charge on a surface of the structure.

Abstract: A water-permeable woven geotextile fabric for providing soil reinforcement and/or stabilization, for example as an underlayment in road construction, utilizes a series of round warp fibers, in combination with a series of flat warp fibers, across the width of the fabric to increase water flow while still providing desired filtration. In particular, the round warp fibers form angles that allow greater amounts of water to pass through the fabric. In addition, using both round and flat warp fibers results in increased roughness of the fabric surface, which makes the fabric more resistant to being pulled out of the soil when pulled on. Furthermore, one or more of the round and/or flat warp fibers can include a color selected for high visibility to the human eye in daylight conditions.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube composite film includes a carbon nanotube film and a polymer material composited with the carbon nanotube film. The carbon nanotube film includes a number of carbon nanotube linear units spaced from each other and a number of carbon nanotube groups spaced from each other. The carbon nanotube groups are combined with the carbon nanotube linear units. The polymer material is coated on surfaces of the carbon nanotube linear units and the carbon nanotube groups.

Abstract: Multi-axial fabrics (including hybrid, multi-axial fabrics) and polymer-fiber laminates are disclosed. Bodies (e.g., cylindrical and/or flanged bodies) incorporating the fabrics and/or laminates are also disclosed. The bodies exhibit improved performance and/or reduced costs for connecting applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing thread 1, 5, 10, 16 for sewing together reinforcing fibers, in particular to form a fiber preform, for the production of a fiber-reinforced composite component by means of impregnation with a curable polymer material. According to the invention, the fixing thread 1, 5, 10, 16 has an interface 4, 9, 15, 19 for locally increasing the ductility of a matrix formed by the curable polymer material and has at least one core thread 2, 6, 11, 12, 17, so as in particular to reduce the tendency for microcracks to form in the matrix of the finished composite component in the regions where the fixing threads 1, 5, 10, 16 penetrate. The interface 4 may be formed, for example, by an enclosure of the core thread 1 by a thermoplastic polymer material, for example by polyethylene, polypropylene or the like.

Abstract: A new class of high modulus polypropylene multifilament fiber and/or yarn is provided. Such a multifilament fiber and/or yarn exhibits an exceptional combination of high strength and toughness with low weight and density. The inventive fibers thus permit replacement of expensive polymeric fibers within certain applications with lower cost alternatives, or replacement of high density components with such low density fibers, without sacrificing strength or durability. Such multifilament fibers are produced through melt-spinning processes and exhibit highly unique microstructures therein, including significant void volumes, interspersed and crossed voids, and nanofilament bridges within such voids. Such microstructural characteristics appear to impart the exceptional properties noted above.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing member has a structure in which a plurality of fiber reinforced resin layers are layered in a thickness direction of said member and includes as the plurality of fiber reinforced resin layers, at least a plurality of unidirectional materials each including unidirectionally aligned reinforcing fibers and a resin and a plurality of cross materials each including a reinforcing fiber woven fabric and a resin, wherein lengths of the plurality of unidirectional materials in an external-loading direction are sequentially changed.

Abstract: A new class of high modulus polypropylene multifilament fiber and/or yarn is provided. Such a multifilament fiber and/or yarn exhibits an exceptional combination of high strength and toughness with low weight and density. The inventive fibers thus permit replacement of expensive polymeric fibers within certain applications with lower cost alternatives, or replacement of high density components with such low density fibers, without sacrificing strength or durability. Such multifilament fibers are produced through melt-spinning processes and exhibit highly unique microstructures therein, including significant void volumes, interspersed and crossed voids, and nanofilament bridges within such voids. Such microstructural characteristics appear to impart the exceptional properties noted above.

Abstract: A composite laminate is made by providing at least a first composite ply and a second composite ply, each having longitudinally oriented fibers in a thermoplastic matrix. The second composite ply is disposed on, and in transverse relation to, the first composite ply. Preferably, the second ply is disposed at 90° relative to the first ply. An article can be manufactured by providing a core material and applying a reinforcing material to a portion of the core material. The reinforcing material is a reinforcing composite ply or a composite laminate as described herein. Optionally, the core material is a prepreg that may be a composite laminate.

Abstract: This invention is method of producing a creping cylinder adhesive comprising: contacting a dry form PVOH with a liquid form PVA at a temperature of less than 80° C., maintaining the PVOH and PVA at a temperature of between 90-95° C. until the PVOH is completely dissolved into a medium, and allowing the medium to cool to below 80° C.

Abstract: A film stack made from compacted green films and capable of being sintered to form a ceramic component with monolithic multi-layer structure is disclosed. The film stack includes a functional layer comprising a green film comprising a functional ceramic and a tension layer comprising a green film comprising a dielectric material. The tension layer is directly adjacent to the functional layer in the multi-layer structure. The multilayer structure also includes a first metallization plane and a second metallization plane. The functional layer is between the first metallization plane and the second metallization plane.

Abstract: A laminated body is provided that exhibits impact resistance, wear resistance and scratch resistance, and which enables a reduction in weight together with a reduction in the dielectric constant. The laminated body 100 includes a first tabular member 10 configured from a ceramic material and having a first thickness t1, and a second tabular member 20 configured from a polymer material and having a second thickness t2. The laminated body 100 withstands a falling-ball impact breaking test from a height that is higher than that exhibited by a single layer body that is configured from the ceramic material and of a thickness t3 that is the sum of the first thickness t1 and the second thickness t2.

Abstract: Solid, flexible composite structures may include a textile arrangement of at least one textile layer constructed of textile fibers and having a distribution of pores formed therein, with a first resin filling pores having a pore diameter equal to or less than a pore diameter threshold, and a second resin bonded to the first resin and substantially filling pores having a pore diameter greater than the pore diameter threshold. Some embodiments include a rigid first resin such as an epoxy, and a flexible second resin such as a silicone. Methods of producing composite structures may include selectively filling, in a textile layer having a number of pores formed therein, only those pores having a pore diameter equal to or less than a pore diameter threshold, with a first resin, and substantially filling the remaining pores in the textile layer with a second resin.

Abstract: A carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic prepared by impregnating a matrix resin into a sheet-like base material includes discontinuous carbon fibers, wherein a content ratio of carbon fibers having lengths of 10 mm or longer in the base material is 60 wt % or more relative to a total amount of the carbon fibers, and an average value of orientation degrees of carbon fibers contained in the base material is 2-10.

Abstract: A cover member of an illuminating unit is formed of a film insert molded product, in which a film is disposed on a decorative face. The film is arranged so an end part of the film is positioned in front of an end part of the decorative face, whereby a film end protecting area formed of an exposed part of a molded resin layer is provided between the end part of the decorative face and the end part of the film, and a surface of the film end protecting area is made flush with the surface of the film. A corner between the end part of the decorative face and an end face of the molded resin layer is set to be an acute angle, and the end face of the molded resin layer functions as a contact face with respect to a ceiling trim.

Abstract: A joined body of dissimilar aluminum alloy materials includes a first Al—Mg—Si aluminum alloy material, a second Al—Mg—Si aluminum alloy material, and a single Al—Mg aluminum alloy material. The joined body of dissimilar aluminum alloy materials is formed by welding the first Al—Mg—Si aluminum alloy material and the second Al—Mg—Si aluminum alloy material to the single Al—Mg aluminum alloy material. The Al—Mg aluminum alloy material and the first Al—Mg—Si aluminum alloy material are joined by arc welding. The Al—Mg aluminum alloy material and the second Al—Mg—Si aluminum alloy material are joined by friction-stir welding.

Abstract: A mammalian tissue scaffold and method for making a tissue scaffold including a rigid scaffold body of biocompatible glass fibers bonded together and in special alignment to define open channels within the scaffold to allow fluid flow into and within the scaffold.

Abstract: A sound panel includes a frame, the frame having a front end and a back end; an absorption member, the absorption member having a front end and a back end; a first board, the first board having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the first board facing the front end of the frame and the front end of the absorption member, the first board fastened to one of the front end of the frame or the front end of the absorption member; and a second board, the second board having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the second board facing the back end of the frame and the back end of the absorption member, the second board fastened to one of the back end of the frame or the back end of the absorption member.

Abstract: Methods creating composite preforms with a three-dimensional weaving pattern include stacking material layers and then connecting them with interlayer reinforcements. First and second layers are aligned and separated by a first layer spacing. First interlayer reinforcements are then inserted through at least the first and the second layers. At least a third layer is aligned with at least the first and second layers. Second interlayer reinforcements are inserted through at least the second and third layers, using the first layer spacing between the first and second layers to manipulated the second interlayer reinforcements during insertion. Following the insertion of at least the second interlayer reinforcement, this layer spacing is closed to bring the first and second layers into contact. Further layers and interlayer reinforcements may be added, using additional layer spacings to manipulate additional interlayer reinforcements to form complex three-dimensionally woven composite preforms.

Abstract: Provided is an advanced grid structure manufactured by a lamination step of laminating a first tape prepreg group, a second tape prepreg group, and a third tape prepreg group repeatedly in the stated order on a forming die, in which grooves (2, 3, 4) in a lattice shape are formed in three directions, so as to provide crossing regions (7, 8, 9) in which two tape prepreg groups overlap each other, and a heating forming step of forming a laminate by heating under pressure. In the lamination step, the first tape prepreg group, the second tape prepreg group, and the third tape prepreg group are respectively laminated as one layer in crossing regions (7, 8, 9) so that a tape width is maintained, and laminated in non-crossing regions (2a, 3a, 4a) in a state of being folded as two layers in a width direction thereof.

Abstract: A product sheet of composite material can be made by disposing composite materials of composite material in adjacent (side-by-side) relation with each other. The composite materials comprise fibers in a thermoplastic matrix material. The adjacent composite materials are bonded together to provide a product sheet of composite material. Preferably, a cross ply of composite material is disposed on the composite materials. The cross ply may be a unidirectional sheet and the fibers in the cross ply may be disposed in transverse relation to the fibers in the composite materials.

Abstract: A liquid absorber that is constituted mainly by fibers, includes fusion bondable resin, and is configured to absorb liquid, includes a first surface having a largest surface area, and a second surface perpendicular to the first surface. The second surface includes a surface low in degree of fusion bond of the fusion bondable resin and a surface high in degree of fusion bond of the fusion bondable resin that has a higher degree of fusion bond of the fusion bondable resin than the surface low in degree of fusion bond, and at least a part of the surface low in degree of fusion bond absorbs the liquid.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite material (11) is constructed by laminating a plurality of fiber bundle layers formed of a reinforced fiber to form a laminated fiber bundle layer and further impregnating the laminated fiber bundle layer with a matrix. At either side of a neutral surface (16), the number of +? layers which are fiber bundle layers having a fiber orientation angle of +? and the number of ?? layers which are fiber bundle layers having a fiber orientation angle of ?? are the same, the order of laminating the fiber bundle layers is inversely symmetrical with respect to the standard surface, and the number of other fiber bundle layers disposed between the +? and ?? layers at either side of the standard surface is the same.

Abstract: In accordance with the present teachings, a method of producing composite having a 3A Q3D reinforcement phase is disclosed. The method of producing the composite provides producing a three-dimensionally woven configuration where a first fiber from a first sheet of reinforcement phase is interwoven or mechanically linked with at least one of an adjacent second layer and then back into the first sheet. The linking fibers are passed between layers at an acute angle generally less than about 10 degrees. The method includes impregnating the woven construction with a curable polymer such as epoxy.

Abstract: Doctor blade material, which is composed of a number of layers that are connected to each other and include at least a frame layer. The frame layer, includes outer layers on both sides and is constructed of carbon fiber and/or mineral fiber, e.g. glass fiber, basalt fiber, et cetera. The outer layers include carbon fiber. The outer layer is a compact-multiaxial layer composed of a surface layer containing carbon fiber and of two or more support layers. The surface layer includes carbon fibers that are at a 90° angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the doctor blade, wherein the fibers in the first support layer following the surface layer are at an angle between (?70°)-(?20°) or (+20°)-(+70°) with respect to the fibers of the surface layer. The fibers in the second support layer following this are at an angle between (+20°)-(+70°) or (?70°)-(?20°) with respect to the fibers of the surface layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to reinforcing fiber scrims, comprising multi-layer, multiaxial scrims, which each comprise individual fibers arranged next to each other in a layer, wherein at least two layers are at an angle to one each other in the layer plane and are connected by a fixing means. To improve the processing of the multiaxial scrims and significantly reduce the processing time, at least two prefabricated MD scrims are arranged at an angle in a layer plane and connected to each other. Thus a reinforcing fiber scrim is provided, which has at least two individual fiber scrims and which, for a 0° position of the individual MD scrims, has six individual fiber scrims. The number of MD scrims arranged one over the other can be arbitrarily increased so that an increased layer structure is already present when the reinforcing fiber scrim is produced.

Abstract: Provided is an advanced grid structure manufactured by a lamination step of laminating a first tape prepreg group, a second tape prepreg group, and a third tape prepreg group repeatedly in the stated order on a forming die, in which grooves (2, 3, 4) in a lattice shape are formed in three directions, so as to provide crossing regions (7, 8, 9) in which two tape prepreg groups overlap each other, and a heating forming step of forming a laminate by heating under pressure. In the lamination step, the first tape prepreg group, the second tape prepreg group, and the third tape prepreg group are respectively laminated as one layer in crossing regions (7, 8, 9) so that a tape width is maintained, and laminated in non-crossing regions (2a, 3a, 4a) in a state of being folded as two layers in a width direction thereof.

Abstract: The fiber direction of a carbon fiber material of a test object is detected by means of the polarization direction of light reflected by the test object. If, for example, non-polarized light impinges upon carbon fibers, light reflected by the fibers is polarized in fiber direction.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a cementitious composite material for in-situ hydration that includes a mesh layer, a cementitious material, a sealing layer, and a containment layer. The mesh layer includes a plurality of fibers arranged in a nonwoven configuration and forms a mat having a first side and an opposing second side. The cementitious material is disposed within the mesh layer and includes a plurality of cementitious particles. The sealing layer is disposed along the first side of the mesh layer and is coupled to the plurality of fibers. The containment layer is disposed along the opposing second side of the mesh layer and is configured to prevent the plurality of cementitious particles from migrating out of the mesh layer.

Abstract: An anisotropic wound drape for treating a wound on a patient includes a flexible sheet for placing over a tissue site The flexible sheet includes a first isotropic zone, and a second isotropic zone. The first isotropic zone and the second isotropic zone are configured to provide the flexible sheet with anisotropic stretching properties. The anisotropic drape may used as part of a reduced-pressure wound treatment system. Other systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: A woven preform used to reinforce a composite structure which includes a central portion having a plurality of interwoven layers. The preform also includes first and second end portions having a plurality of independent woven layers that are integrally woven with the plurality of interwoven layers in the central portion and which extend along the entire length the preform. Interspersed between the plurality of independent woven layers in the first and second end portions are bias plies.

Abstract: A woven preform used to reinforce a composite structure which includes a central portion having a plurality of inter-woven layers. The preform also includes first and second end portions having a plurality of independent woven layers that are integrally woven with the plurality of interwoven layers in the central portion and which extend along the entire length the preform. Interspersed between the plurality of independent woven layers in the first and second end portions are bias plies.