EXPANSION REDUCTION OF METAL COMPONENT ASSEMBLIES USING COMPOSITES

摘要

Methods for minimizing thermal expansion in an assembly, e.g., a bearing assembly, for a vehicle are provided. The assembly has at least two components with substantially different linear coefficients of thermal expansion (CLTEs). The assembly has a polymeric composite with a first CLTE, a lightweight metal component (e.g., a housing) with a second CLTE, and a third component (e.g., a bearing component) having a third CLTE. The second CLTE is ≧25% more than the third CLTE. The first CLTE is less than or equal to the third CLTE, so that the polymeric composite structure coupled to the first surface reduces radial thermal expansion of the first metal component and minimizes separation of the second surface of the first metal component from the second component.

主权项

1. A method of minimizing thermal expansion in a component assembly for a vehicle having at least two components with substantially different linear coefficients of thermal expansion, the method comprising:
coupling a polymeric composite structure having a first coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) and a modulus of greater than or equal to about 40 GPa to a first surface of a first metal component having a second CLTE, where the first metal component further defines a second surface opposite to the first surface disposed in proximity with a second component having a third CLTE, wherein the second CLTE is greater than or equal to about 25% more than the third CLTE, while the first CLTE is less than or equal to the third CLTE, so that the polymeric composite structure coupled to the first surface reduces radial thermal expansion of the first metal component and minimizes separation of the second surface of the first metal component from the second component.