COMPOSITE ARTICLE AND METHOD OF MAKING A COMPOSITE ARTICLE

摘要

A composite article is disclosed. The composite article has a pair of spaced fit tings with outer surfaces. Each fitting has a fiber support at its outer surface. A composi te body connects the two fittings and extends over the fiber supports on the fittings. The compos ite body includes an elongate fiber extending between the fittings and over the fiber supports on the fittings. The body also includes a matrix around the fiber. The composite article may be a tur nbuckle. The fittings may be end fittings with threaded interior surfaces, the fiber supports on the two end fittings being aligned with each other. Each fiber support may comprise a pair o f flanges extending out from the outer surface of the end fitting and a pin extending betw een the flanges spaced from the outer surface of the end fittings. Alternative fiber supports ar e disclosed, such as a fiber support providing a shoulder extending outward from the outer surface of the end fitting. Each shoulder may have a curved support surface and a retaining lip, with the el ongate fiber extending over the curved support surfaces between the retaining lips and outer surfaces of the end fittings. A method of making composite bodies is also disclosed. Fittings ha ving fiber supports are provided, along with an elongate fiber. The fittings are placed in a spaced relationship with their fiber supports aligned. The elongate fiber is placed on the fiber supports of the two fittings. A matrix material is introduced over the pair of fittings a nd elongate fiber and allowed to set over the fittings and elongate fiber to form a body connectin g the two fittings.