Composite tube having co-bonded end fittings

US8713895B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Christopher T. Allen · Owens Cross Roads, US
• Patrick D. Bertrand · Woodinville, US
• Derek J. Fox · O'Fallon, US
• William B. H. Grace · Seattle, US
• Kenneth M. Harrison · Mukilteo, US
• Wesley L. Holman · Mill Creek, US
• Menelaos S. Kafkalidis · Lynnwood, US
• James R. Schnelz · Seattle, US
• Edward M. Fisher · Huntsville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 3, 2013
• Grant date: May 6, 2014
• Expiry date: Jan 15, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/139
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A structural member such as a strut includes a composite material tube having metal end fittings that are attached to the tube by co-bonded, double shear joints. The double shear bond joint construction reduces the residual stress on the bonds that result from mismatch of the coefficients of thermal expansion of the composite tube and the metal end fittings. The ends of the fittings that are bonded to the tube may include a stepped profile that functions to limit the peak stresses in the bonds.