COMPOSITE SHIMS HAVING A LAMINATE STRUCTURE

摘要

A composite shim is provided having a laminate structure that includes a composite layer having at least one circumferential fiber. The composite layer may be in combination with composite layers with radially oriented fibers, uniaxially oriented fibers, and/or biaxially extending fibers. By employing such laminate structures, the present invention may provide shims that have the desired strength and stiffness characteristics of metallic shims while possessing the beneficial weight characteristics generally associated with composite shims. Laminated bearings containing such composite shims are also provided.