Composite Pipe Material Layout for Stiff Conductive Bends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Composite fuel pipes in aerospace and automotive applications face challenges in balancing electrical conductivity and stiffness, particularly in complex geometries, where pressurized flow can cause deformation and disconnection from end connectors due to inadequate stiffness and potential electrical discharge issues from lightning strikes.
Innovation Solution
A fibre-reinforced polymer composite pipe design featuring a continuous first material with electrically conductive fibre reinforcement or additives for electrical conductivity and a discontinuous second material with carbon fibre reinforcement for increased stiffness at non-linear portions, ensuring no discontinuity in electrical conduction while providing enhanced axial stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If carbon fibre reinforcement is used to increase stiffness at non-linear portions, then axial stiffness is improved, but electrical conductivity becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material compositions to different regions of the pipe. Carbon fibre reinforcement is concentrated at non-linear portions (bends) where stiffness is needed, while linear portions use a different fibre mix that provides appropriate electrical resistivity. This local differentiation allows each region to have optimized properties for its specific functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials with different fibre reinforcements in different sections. The first portion contains fibre reinforcement designed for electrical resistivity control, while the second portion at non-linear sections contains carbon fibre reinforcement for enhanced stiffness. This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of electrical and mechanical properties in different regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pipe is formed with complex geometries including bends, then adaptability is improved, but deformation under pressurized flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reinforces only the non-linear portions (bends) with carbon fibre reinforcement rather than the entire pipe. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary stiffness to prevent deformation at bend sections while maintaining the overall complex geometry and adaptability of the pipe system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the pipe into distinct portions: linear sections with standard reinforcement and non-linear sections with enhanced carbon fibre reinforcement. This segmentation allows the pipe to maintain complex geometries while providing targeted structural support where needed to prevent deformation under pressure.
3Strength
If fibre reinforcement is used to increase strength, then strength is improved, but electrical conductivity control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects and places different fibre reinforcement types in different locations. In linear portions, fibre reinforcement is chosen and oriented to provide both structural strength and appropriate electrical resistivity. In non-linear portions, carbon fibre reinforcement is used to maximize strength while accepting higher conductivity, as these sections are electrically grounded or shielded.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials with carefully selected fibre reinforcements and polymer matrices. By combining different fibre types (glass, carbon, aramid) and adjusting their orientation, volume fraction, and distribution, the patent achieves both high structural strength and controlled electrical resistivity properties in the composite structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves tailored electrical conductivity and increased stiffness at non-linear portions, preventing deformation and maintaining electrical continuity, thus addressing the need for composite pipes with complex geometries that can withstand pressurized flow and lightning strikes.
Implementation Method 1
the first material being a fibre reinforced polymer material comprising fibre reinforcement in a polymer matrix and having an electrical resistivity determined by an electrically conductive fibre reinforcement and/or an electrically conductive additive in the polymer matrix
Implementation Method 2
the second material being a carbon fibre reinforced polymer material comprising carbon fibre reinforcement in a polymer matrix and having an elastic modulus provided by the carbon fibre reinforcement
Data Source
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AI summary
A fibre reinforced polymer composite pipe (1) comprising: a first end (1a) and a second end (1b), the pipe (1) defining a central axis running in a longitudinal direction from the first end (1a) to the second end (1b), and the pipe (1) including at least one non-linear portion (6) along the central axis between the first end (1a) and the second end (1b); a first material (2) extending continuously from the first end (1a) to the second end (1b), the first material (2) being a fibre reinforced polymer material comprising fibre reinforcement in a polymer matrix and having an electrical resistivity determined by an electrically conductive fibre reinforcement and/or an electrically conductive additive in the polymer matrix; and a second material (4) arranged at the at least one non-linear portion (6) and extending discontinuously between the first end (1a) and the second end (1b), the second material (4) being a carbon fibre reinforced polymer material comprising carbon fibre reinforcement in a polymer matrix and having an elastic modulus provided by the carbon fibre reinforcement, wherein the elastic modulus of the second material (4) is greater than the elastic modulus of the first material (2) in the longitudinal direction.