Macro-patterned materials and structures for vehicle arresting systems

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to macro-patterned materials and methods of their use in connection with vehicle arresting systems. Certain embodiments provide 3-D folded materials, honeycombs, lattice structures, and other periodic cellular material structures, that can be used for arresting vehicles. The materials can be engineered to have properties that allow them to reliably crush in a predictable manner under pressure from a vehicle. The materials can be formed into various shapes and combined in various ways in order to provide the desired properties.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 947,194, filed Mar. 3, 2014, titled “The use of Macro-patterned materials structures for vehicle arresting systems,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to macro-patterned materials and methods of their use in connection with vehicle arresting systems. Certain embodiments provide 3-D folded materials, honeycombs, lattice structures, and other periodic cellular material structures, that can be used for arresting vehicles. The materials can be engineered to have properties that allow them to reliably crush in a predictable manner under pressure from a vehicle. The materials can be formed into various shapes and combined in various ways in order to provide the desired properties.BACKGROUND[0003]Aircraft can and do overrun the ends of runways, raising ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This invention is about creating systems to stop vehicles from moving. It uses special materials that can be shaped and combined in different ways to reliably crush when pressure is applied. The materials can be formed into various shapes and combined in different ways to provide the desired properties. The technical effect is the ability to create effective vehicle arresting systems using special structures engineered to perform their duties in a predictable and reliable way.

Problems solved by technology

Aircraft can and do overrun the ends of runways, raising the possibility of injury to passengers and destruction of or severe damage to the aircraft.

These runways may be situated such that water, roadways, or other obstacles prevent economical compliance with the one thousand foot overrun requirement.

However, soil surfaces are not the best solution for arresting moving vehicles (i.e. aircraft), primarily because their properties are unpredictable.

When a vehicle enters the arrestor zone, its wheels will sink into the material, which is designed to create an increase in drag load.

For example, phenolic foam may be disadvantageous in that is has a “rebound” characteristic, resulting in return of some energy following compression.

Cellular concrete has density and compressive strength properties that may vary with time and that could be difficult to maintain in production due to the innate properties of its variable raw materials and subsequent hydration process.

Foamed glass can be difficult to control in uniformity.

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