The Boeing Company

Quynhgiao Nguyen Le

Robert B Greegor

Shahnaz Shokri

Brent Arthur Whiting

Terrell D Riley

Christopher Lamar Broadbent

Alexandra Elena Corona

Ralph E Dufresne

David F Feider

John A Mittleider

Noel Timothy Gerken

Jeffrey Denys Morgan

Bruce A Hooke

Eric Yuen-Jun Chan

Julie M Drexler

James Francis Kirchner

Carol Elizabeth Anway

Benjamin Emerson Carl Koltenbah

Michael B Nicholas

Kim Marie Larson

Michael H E Ware

Eric Richard Steele

Yuing Huang

Mary S Ayyadurai

Ron Murakami

Michael H Ware

Benjamin E Koltenbah

Kim M Larson

Terrell Diane Riley

Eric R Steele

An integrated surface protection system includes a single layer comprising an electrically conductive network and a fiber reinforcement material.

Integrated surface protection system, composite structure, and method for protecting the same

A method and apparatus comprising a first composite layer and a second composite layer in which the second composite layer is associated with the first composite layer. The first composite layer and the second composite layer form a structure. The second composite layer has a conductivity configured to dissipate an electric charge on a surface of the structure and limit a flow of an electrical current in the second composite layer in which the electrical current is caused by an electromagnetic event.

Electric charge dissipation system for aircraft

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic ('CFRP') composite layups and processes for manufacturing CFRP composite layups that integrate z-conductivity features directly into CFRP composite layups during the manufacturing processes for lightning protection, more particularly, inherent edge glow protection from lightning direct effects, and electrical current flow path control. CFRP composite layups are configured during the manufacturing processes to provide inter-ply electrical connections between composite plies of the CFRP composite layups, therefore avoiding the need for add-on protection features that result in significant cost and weight penalties.

Enhancing z-conductivity in carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite layups

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of static dissipative coatings. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the methods of making static dissipative, preferably non-chromium-containing, coatings comprising carbon nanotubes, the coatings themselves, and structures comprising such coatings.

Methods for making static dissipative coatings

A fastener includes an elongated shaft having a first end, a second end, and a shaft body, a head portion, and a threaded portion. At least one inner feed channel extends through the head portion and the shaft body and terminates proximal to the threaded portion. The fastener has a plurality of flutes formed along and circumferentially spaced around an outer surface of the shaft body and an outer surface of the head portion. Each flute has a first end and extends from a first location proximal to the threaded portion, along the outer surface of the shaft body, and radially outward along the outer surface of the head portion. The fastener further has one or more lateral feed channels formed laterally through the shaft body and connecting the inner feed channel to at least two opposing flutes on the outer surface of the shaft body.

Conformal clearance fit fastener, fastener system, and method for composite structures

An aircraft component incorporated in a current return network (CRN) employs a composite structural element having a web. At least one flange is connected to the web. At least one metallic conductive layer is integrated with and extends the length of the web. The at least one metallic layer is configured to electrically bond to an aircraft system and provide a ground path.

Integrated current return network in composite structures

A system and method for testing a material system may include a support structure for mounting the material system, and a electromechanical device operably connected to the support structure, wherein the electromechanical device applies an electromechanical-induced force to the material system, and wherein the electromechanical-induced force causes a displacement in the material system equivalent to material displacement from thermal stress in significantly less time.

System and method for testing a material system

A fastener for improved electrical contact with a composite structure and improved distribution of electric current to the composite structure. The fastener includes an elongated shaft having a first end with a head portion, a second end with a threaded portion, and a shaft body therebetween. At least one feed channel extends from an opening at the threaded portion, through the shaft body, and terminates proximal to the head portion. The shaft body radially expands upon pressure injection of a resin filler into the feed channel, when the fastener is installed in a corresponding fastener hole formed in the composite structure. Upon radially expanding, the outer surface of the shaft body makes contact with an inner hole surface of the corresponding fastener hole, resulting in the fastener providing electrical contact with the composite structure and providing distribution of electric current.

Expandable, resin filled fastener, fastener system, and method for composite structures

The present disclosure is directed to conductive, translucent water-borne conductive coatings comprising a water-borne lubricant coating base material, an amount of PEDOT:PSS solution, and an amount of metal-containing nanowire, methods for making the same, and articles coated with such coatings.

Conductive water borne coatings and methods for enhancing coating conductivity

A multilayer composite structure with integrated fastener-to-conductive layer surface lightning protection interconnection employs a conductive layer with an inner surface and a plurality of chamfered recesses forming countersinks in an outer surface. A carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite layer is disposed on the inner surface of the conductive layer and conforms to the surface shape. A plurality of holes extend through the plurality of chamfered recesses in the conductive layer and the adjoining CFRP composite layer in a manner such that the conductive layer defines a countersink portion extending into the openings of the plurality of holes. The chamfered recesses in the conductive layer provides an electrically conductive surface area that contacts conductive countersunk fasteners installed within the plurality of holes to enable current sharing between groups of neighboring fasteners.

Methods for diverting lightning current from skin fasteners in composite, non-metallic structures

Methods include applying an electric charge to a coating material that includes carbon nanotubes and a carrier, such as paint, and depositing the electrically charged coating material to a substrate. In some methods, the applying includes utilizing an electrostatic sprayer. In some methods, the substrate is isolated from ground during the depositing. In some methods, the substrate is an insulator. Some methods result in regions of carbon nanotubes that are substantially longitudinally aligned after the depositing. Coated substrates may include a coating with carbon nanotubes that are substantially longitudinally aligned and in some examples that are arranged in a zig-zag pattern. Aircraft, spacecraft, land vehicles, marine vehicles, wind turbines, and apparatuses that may be susceptible to lightning strikes or other types of electromagnetic effects and that include a coated substrate also are disclosed.

Methods of coating substrates with electrically charged conductive materials, electrically conductive coated substrates, and associated apparatuses

Conductive water-borne coatings and methods for enhancing coating conductivity

Methods include applying an electric charge to a coating material that includes carbon nanotubes and a carrier, such as paint, and depositing the electrically charged coating material to a substrate. In some methods, the applying includes utilizing an electrostatic sprayer. In some methods, the substrate is isolated from ground during the depositing. In some methods, the substrate is an insulator. Some methods result in regions of carbon nanotubes that are substantially longitudinally aligned after the depositing. Coated substrates may include a coating with carbon nanotubes that are substantially longitudinally aligned. Aircraft, spacecraft, land vehicles, marine vehicles, wind turbines, and apparatuses that may be susceptible to lightning strikes or other types of electromagnetic effects and that include a coated substrate also are disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Bellevue, WA, United States of America

Quynhgiao Nguyen Le