초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for the production of composite material parts by aligning reinforcing fibers through application of electric fields. The fibers are in the form of rods preimpregnated with a matrix material or coated with a sizing, and aligned within a dielectric alignment fluid. By providin

An apparatus and method for the production of composite material parts by aligning reinforcing fibers through application of electric fields. The fibers are in the form of rods preimpregnated with a matrix material or coated with a sizing, and aligned within a dielectric alignment fluid. By providing appropriate electrodes, an electric field is created which mimics the stress lines exhibited by the final composite part when under stress. The reinforcing fibers align to the electric field, thereby aligning to the stress lines.

대표청구항 ▼

In a tank with a bottom containing a dielectric fluid, a method of manufacturing a composite material part, wherein prepreg rods are aligned into an orientation corresponding to stress lines of the composite material part the method comprising the steps of: a) placing an electrode at at least one lo

In a tank with a bottom containing a dielectric fluid, a method of manufacturing a composite material part, wherein prepreg rods are aligned into an orientation corresponding to stress lines of the composite material part the method comprising the steps of: a) placing an electrode at at least one location corresponding to load bearing surfaces of a desired composite material part; b) applying an electric field between the electrodes, wherein the electric field follows flow lines corresponding to the stress lines; c) dispersing prepreg rods having a density greater than that of the dielectric fluid onto the dielectric fluid; and d) collecting a mat of aligned prepreg rods as they fall to the bottom of the tank and forming the same into a composite material part.