Minimal weight composites using open structure

摘要

Preforms for open structured (lattice) composite tubular members manufactured from large (i.e. high filament count) prepreg yarns on a conventional maypole braiding machine, and subsequently cured to produce fiber reinforced composites of high strength and light weight.

主权项

1. An open structure composite member comprised of a plurality of jacketed yarns each comprised of a plurality of tows pre-impregnated with resin and defining a core formed from at least twenty thousand (20,000) axially aligned filaments, the tows hexagonally packed within a jacket, wherein the plurality of jacketed yarns are braided and cured to form an open structure composite member, and wherein the open structure composite member is braided at a rate of at least one meter per minute.