Thermoplastic tape compaction device
- Oak Ridge, TN
A device for bonding a thermoplastic tape to a substrate to form a fully consolidated composite. This device has an endless chain associated with a frame so as to rotate in a plane that is perpendicular to a long dimension of the tape, the chain having pivotally connected chain links with each of the links carrying a flexible foot member that extends outwardly from the chain. A selected number of the foot members contact the tape, after the heating thereof, to cause the heated tape to bond to the substrate. The foot members are each a thin band of metal oriented transversely to the chain, with a flexibility and width and length to contact the tape so as to cause the tape to conform to the substrate to achieve consolidation of the tape and the substrate. A biased leaf-type spring within the frame bears against an inner surface of the chain to provide the compliant pressure necessary to bond the tape to the substrate. The chain is supported by sprockets on shafts rotatably supported in the frame and, in one embodiment, one of the shafts has a drive unit to produce rotation such that the foot members in contact with the tape move at the same speed as the tape. Cooling jets are positioned along the frame to cool the resultant consolidated composite.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- Assignee:
- Martin Marietta Energy System, Inc. (Oak Ridge, TN)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5376220
- OSTI ID:
- 869672
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Method and apparatus for producing composites of materials exhibiting thermoplastic properties
Method and apparatus for producing composites of materials exhibiting thermoplastic properties
Related Subjects
tape
compaction
device
bonding
substrate
form
consolidated
composite
endless
chain
associated
frame
rotate
plane
perpendicular
dimension
pivotally
connected
links
carrying
flexible
foot
extends
outwardly
selected
contact
heating
heated
bond
band
metal
oriented
transversely
flexibility
width
length
conform
achieve
consolidation
biased
leaf-type
spring
bears
inner
surface
provide
compliant
pressure
supported
sprockets
shafts
rotatably
embodiment
drive
unit
produce
rotation
move
speed
cooling
jets
positioned
cool
resultant
rotatably supported
pivotally connected
inner surface
drive unit
extends outwardly
extends outward
thermoplastic tape
consolidated composite
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