초록 ▼

The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of fiber-reinforced pressure vessels and the product produced therefrom. A vessel liner is wrapped with resin-impregnated fibers and cured according to conventional technology. The cured, fiber-wrapped liner is then subjected to a pre-treatment

The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of fiber-reinforced pressure vessels and the product produced therefrom. A vessel liner is wrapped with resin-impregnated fibers and cured according to conventional technology. The cured, fiber-wrapped liner is then subjected to a pre-treatment process comprising both elevated temperature and pressure over time. The elevation in temperature allows the resin to soften. The increased pressure imparts a tensile load in the fibers. The tensile load causes fibers to stretch and straighten in the resin. After cooling to typical operating temperatures, and when pressurized for duty, the now straightened fibers are capable of responding immediately to the tensile load and the burst strength of the vessel is increased as a result. The process can be combined with autofrettage in series or simultaneously to achieve even greater final strength.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A homogenizing process for treating a structural composite having a shape wrapped with a multitude of fibers, the fibers being embedded in resin, the resin having been cured and having an operating temperature, the fibers being placed under tension when the composite is stressed, comprising:(a) e

1. A homogenizing process for treating a structural composite having a shape wrapped with a multitude of fibers, the fibers being embedded in resin, the resin having been cured and having an operating temperature, the fibers being placed under tension when the composite is stressed, comprising:(a) elevating the temperature of the cured resin above the operating temperature to enable the fibers to be more mobile therein; (b) placing the fibers under tension; (c) maintaining the elevated temperature and fiber tension so as to permit the tensioned fibers to move sufficiently within the resin so as to permit disparate tension between individual fibers to homogenize; and (d) lowering the temperature of the resin to within the resin's operating temperature and reducing the tension of the fibers.