Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc.

Other

Orbital Atk, Inc.

Brian Russell Christensen

Benjamin W C Garcia

David R Nelson

Marcus A Darais

Elizabeth K Bonderson

Braden Day

Thomas Loveless

A multi-component structure includes a first hybrid metal composite structure, a second hybrid metal composite structure, and a joint structure. The first and second hybrid metal composite structures include layers, each layer comprising a fiber composite material structure including a fiber material dispersed within a matrix material and at least one metal ply located between layers of the layers. The joint structure extends between and connects the first hybrid metal composite structure and the second hybrid metal composite structure. Additionally, the joint structure exerts a clamping force on the first and second hybrid metal composite structures and to reduce gaps between the layers, between the layers and the at least one metal ply, and between the joint structure and the first and second hybrid metal composite structures to less than half a thickness of the at least one metal ply.

Hybrid metal composite structures, joint structures, and related methods

A hybrid metal composite (HMC) structure comprises a first tier comprising a first fiber composite material structure, a second tier longitudinally adjacent the first tier and comprising a first metallic structure and a second fiber composite material structure laterally adjacent the first metallic structure, a third tier longitudinally adjacent the second tier and comprising a third fiber composite material structure, and a fourth tier longitudinally adjacent the third tier and comprising a second metallic structure and a fourth fiber composite material structure laterally adjacent the second metallic structure. At least one lateral end of the second metallic structure is laterally offset from at least one lateral end of the first metallic structure most proximate thereto. Methods of forming an HMC structure, and related rocket motors and multi-stage rocket motor assemblies are also disclosed.

Hybrid metal composite structures, rocket motors including hybrid metal composite structures, and related methods

A hybrid metal composite (HMC) structure comprises tiers comprising fiber composite material structures, and additional tiers longitudinally adjacent one or more of the tiers and comprising perforated metallic structures and additional fiber composite material structures laterally adjacent the perforated metallic structures. Methods of forming an HMC structure, and related rocket motors and multi-stage rocket motor assemblies are also disclosed.

Hybrid metal composite structures, rocket motors and multi stage rocket motor assemblies including hybrid metal composite structures, and related methods

An improved vehicle propulsion system using a hybrid variable reluctance motor (VRM) system which allows for: diversified power sources for typical roadway vehicles, and gradual fleet and roadway implementation. In one embodiment, all of the components that are required for a typical vehicle to use the hybrid VRM system can be intergraded in a non-obstructive manner into typical vehicle components. In one embodiment, the vehicle operator selectively determines the amount of propulsive energy that comes from the on-board engine and the amount that comes from the VRM system.

Hybrid variable reluctance motor propulsion system

A method of forming a hybrid metal composite structure including at least one metal ply. The method includes forming at least one metal ply, forming the at least one metal ply comprising forming at least one perforation in the at least one metal ply, abrasively blasting at least one surface of the at least one metal ply to coarsen the at least one surface of the metal ply, and exposing the at least one metal ply to at least one of an acid or a base. The method further includes disposing at least one fiber composite material structure adjacent the at least one metal ply. Related methods of forming a portion of a rocket case and related hybrid metal composite structures are also disclosed.

Hybrid metal composite structures, rocket cases, and related methods

A dome connector for a flywheel rim to shaft attachment is provided. The dome connector includes a helically wound composite band that extends from a first port to a second port. The helically wound composite band has a helical angle in relation to a line perpendicular to a center of axis of the dome connector. The helical angle is selected to at least in part achieve a desired stiffness in the dome connector.

Growing community of inventors

Willard, UT, United States of America

Brian Russell Christensen