초록 ▼

The impact absorption system uniquely features arrangement of composite structures which include fiber-reinforced high strain-to-failure viscoelastic matrix material. According to many embodiments, a gravitationally or buoyantly suspended hollow fiber-reinforced urethane reaction bumper is closely a

The impact absorption system uniquely features arrangement of composite structures which include fiber-reinforced high strain-to-failure viscoelastic matrix material. According to many embodiments, a gravitationally or buoyantly suspended hollow fiber-reinforced urethane reaction bumper is closely and anteriorly situated with respect to fiber-reinforced urethane tension tubes which are secured at the ends and disposed in an approximately vertical plane. In operation, an incoming marine vessel impacts the bumper which in turn impacts the tubes. The invention takes advantage of the great deformability, high energy absorbency and other beneficial properties of fiber-reinforced high strain-to-failure viscoelastic matrix material. Moreover, applicability/adaptability of individual bumper systems to varieties of marine vessels is made possible through analysis and arrangement/rearrangement/exchange/interchange of structural components. The bumper and the tension tubes can be designed and selected on individual and collective bases.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for absorbing the impact of a relatively moving body, said apparatus comprising at least two composite structures and at least one housing, each said composite structure including fiber-reinforced high strain-to-failure viscoelastic matrix material and having

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for absorbing the impact of a relatively moving body, said apparatus comprising at least two composite structures and at least one housing, each said composite structure including fiber-reinforced high strain-to-failure viscoelastic matrix material and having a fiber content of at least approximately fifty percent by volume, at least one said composite structure being a bumper for initially receiving said body, at least one said composite structure being an elongate deformer for consequently receiving said bumper, each said elongate deformer having two ends, said at least one housing being for securing at least one said elongate deformer at its two ends and for suspending at least one said bumper, each said bumper being situated adjacent at least one said elongate deformer, each said bumper being deformable in a buckling manner, each said bumper thereby being energy absorptive upon said initially receiving said body, each said elongate deformer being deformable in a tensile manner, each said elongate deformer thereby being energy absorptive upon said consequently receiving said bumper.