초록 ▼

A launch tube made using fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) includes a FRP tube having an inside wall, where the inside wall has a groove near a lower end of the tube. A bottom made of FRP is molded for engagement with the tube at the groove. After forming the tube with the groove, a mold is placed

A launch tube made using fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) includes a FRP tube having an inside wall, where the inside wall has a groove near a lower end of the tube. A bottom made of FRP is molded for engagement with the tube at the groove. After forming the tube with the groove, a mold is placed inside the tube adjacent to the groove, and resin-coated fiberglass matting is laid on the mold. A fibrous material is placed over the fiberglass matting and a nonporous bag seals the fiberglass matting. A vacuum is drawn in the bag, and atmospheric air pressure compresses the fiberglass matting, forcing it into the groove. A counter-mold can be used instead of vacuum setting to compress the fiberglass matting. A compound, such as Sheet Molding Compound (SMC), Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) or Low Pressure Molding Compound (LPMC) is applied between the mold and counter-mold presses. Pressure and temperature are applied to the mold and counter-mold to position the bottom with the tube. The bottom has a convex surface, and the convex surface and the inside wall of the tube define a chamber for receiving explosive propellants.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for making a launch tube, comprising: forming a tube having an inside wall; positioning a slot in the inside wall of the tube; placing a mold inside the tube adjacent the slot; laying a compound on the mold; compressing the compound against the mold and into the slot; and curing

1. A method for making a launch tube, comprising: forming a tube having an inside wall; positioning a slot in the inside wall of the tube; placing a mold inside the tube adjacent the slot; laying a compound on the mold; compressing the compound against the mold and into the slot; and curing the compound. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of compressing uses a counter-mold press. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is a Low Pressure Molding Compound. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of compressing includes subjecting the compound to a pressure in the range of 200 psi to 300 psi. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of heating the compound to a temperature in the range of 250° F. to 350° F. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is a molding compound. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of compressing includes subjecting the compound to a pressure in the range of 200 psi to 300 psi. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of heating the compound to a temperature in the range of 250° F. to 350° F. 9. The method of claim 2, wherein the compound is a molding compound. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of compressing includes subjecting the compound to a pressure in the range of 50 psi to 150 psi. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of heating the compound to a temperature in the range of 200° F. to 300° F. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the mold has a concave surface. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the cured compound has a relatively uniform thickness. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the slot is a groove in the inside wall of the tube. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the tube is formed from a fiberglass reinforced polymer. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is a Sheet Molding Compound. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of compressing includes subjecting the compound to a pressure in the range of 200 psi to 300 psi. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of heating the compound to a temperature in the range of 250° F. to 350° F. 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is a Bulk Molding Compound. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of compressing includes subjecting the compound to a pressure in the range of 200 psi to 300 psi. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of heating the compound to a temperature in the range of 250° F. to 350° F. 22. The method of claim 2, wherein the compound is a Low Pressure Molding Compound. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of compressing includes subjecting the compound to a pressure in the range of 50 psi to 150 psi. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of heating the compound to a temperature in the range of 200° F. to 300° F.