STRETCHABLE FIBER-BASED COMPOSITE-MATERIAL

摘要

An axially stretchable fiber-reinforced composite material, comprising an elastically deformable matrix having a low modulus of elasticity, and a fabric core encapsulated by the matrix. The core comprises first fibers interlaced with second fibers, with the first fibers being in a non-parallel orientation relative to the material's longitudinal axis, and the second fibers are non-parallel relative to the first fibers when the composite material is in a retracted position. The composite material is stretchable between the retracted and extended positions. The fibers have a high modulus of elasticity. The composite material has a non-linear modulus relative to elongation of the composite material between the retraced and extended positions. Movement of the material toward the extended position causes the first and second fibers to rotate relative to each other and in a direction toward alignment with the longitudinal axis, and the matrix material biases the composite material toward the retracted position.

主权项

1. A fiber-reinforced composite material axially stretchable between retracted and extended positions, the material comprising:
an elastically deformable matrix having a first modulus of elasticity; and a core comprising fabric having a side edge and a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the side edge, the fabric being encapsulated in the matrix, the fabric comprising first fibers interlaced with second fibers, the first fibers being in a non-parallel orientation relative to the longitudinal axis, and the second fibers being in a non-parallel orientation relative to the first fibers when the material is in the retracted position, wherein at least the first fibers have a second modulus of elasticity greater than the first modulus of elasticity and exceeding approximately 2 Mpsi; wherein the composite material stretches and moves away from the retracted position toward the extended positions upon application of an axial load substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the composite material has a non-linear stress curve relative to elongation of the composite material between the retraced and extended positions, and movement of the material toward the extended position causes the first and second fibers to rotate relative to each other and in a direction toward alignment with the longitudinal axis, and the matrix material biasing the composite material toward the retracted position.