Abstract:
A flexible composite includes a ply having a non-orthogonal orientation. The flexible composite may be a component of a flexible assembly. The flexible assembly may be any number of fabric-based assemblies such as a radome cover of a radome, a belt for an industrial machine, an expanision joint to connect ducts of a factory, and/or a roof or skylight of a structure (notably permanent structures). The ply may be individually stabilized by a stabilizing agent such as a matrix material. The ply may be woven and may include warp yarns and fill yarns.
Abstract:
A method for forming a material having an individually stabilized ply includes providing a ply having a non-orthogonal orientation. A stabilizing agent is then applied to maintain the orientation of the ply. The stabilizing agent could alternately be applied before forming the ply. The ply may be woven in a non-orthogonal orientation, or may have its orientation changed to the final non-orthogonal orientation. Changing may occur over multiple steps and may include using an accumulator and/or payout station to change the orientation.