Claims
- 1. A method for strengthening a length of resinous tape impregnated with continuous fiber columns, comprising the steps of:
- supporting the tape in a continuous curve along the entire length of the tape;
- stretching the tape at the ends thereof in the direction of fiber columns; and
- staging the tape, while being supported and stretched, so that the fiber columns are straightened and retained in a straightened condition thereafter.
- 2. A strengthening method as recited in claim 1, wherein said step of supporting comprises:
- coating an upwardly-facing convex surface with a lubricating film; and
- laying the tape in a continuous curve about the coated surface.
- 3. A strengthening method as recited in claim 2, wherein said step of stretching comprises:
- clamping the tape transverse to the direction of the fiber columns near the end of the coated surface; and
- weighting the clamped taped to apply a load force thereupon in in the direction of the fiber columns.
- 4. A strengthening method as recited in claim 3, wherein said step of staging comprises:
- heating the tape to an elevated temperature for a predetermined period of time to gradually advance curing of the resinous content of the tape.
STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST
The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.
US Referenced Citations (11)
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
2229548 |
May 1973 |
DEX |