A device (10) comprising a carrier material (14) and a matrix material (12) deposited onto the carrier material in a pattern that leaves a predetermined amount of space (18) between each deposition of matrix material.

A multi-material joint and a method of making thereof. The multi-material joint includes a first member comprising a first metal or metal alloy that is secured to a second member comprising a second metal or metal alloy that is different than the first metal or metal alloy. A sealant is positioned between the first member and the second member that galvanically insulates the first member from the second member. The sealant comprises a liquid elastomer and a foaming agent.

A connecting joint for attaching a wind turbine rotor blade to a rotor hub includes a bolt having a blade end configured to be coupled to the rotor blade and a hub end configured to be coupled to the rotor hub. The bolt includes a neck region adjacent the blade end, wherein the neck region has a cross dimension less than a cross dimension of the blade end of the bolt. A wind turbine blade having such a connecting joint is also disclosed. Additionally, a method of making the connecting joint is disclosed.

A connecting joint for attaching a wind turbine blade to a rotor hub includes an insert configured to be coupled to the wind turbine blade. The insert includes a main body having an outer surface configured to interface with the blade, a first tubular extension extending from the main body and having inner and outer surfaces configured to interface with the blade, and a second tubular extension extending away from the main body and having inner and outer surfaces configured to interface with the blade. A wind turbine blade having such a connecting joint is also disclosed. Additionally, a method of making a wind turbine blade including the connecting joint is disclosed.

A method or apparatus for joining a first component to a second component with an amalgamation plate includes heating the first component, the second component, the amalgamation plate, or combinations thereof, with either a joining tool or a heating element. The components are attached to the amalgamation plate with the joining tool, such that the first component, amalgamation plate, and the second component are fixedly attached to one another, and the amalgamation plate may be substantially surrounded by the first component and the second component, such that it is hidden from exposure. Portions of the amalgamation plate may be embedded into the components via rotation and/or linear force. A portion of the amalgamation plate may be recessed within the joining tool or an anvil before attaching the amalgamation plate to the either component.

A composite material includes: a substrate and a polymer layer which are interconnected by an adhesion promoter layer. The adhesion promoter layer is obtainable by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) at least partially using a mixture of precursor compounds containing an unsaturated hydrocarbon and an organosilicon compound. In an embodiment, the substrate includes a metal substrate or a polymer substrate.

A process for joining fiber composite materials using self-piercing rivets. The process includes contacting first and second panels. The second panel is a fiber composite material. The process further includes elevating a temperature of only a fastening portion of the second panel. The process also includes placing the first and second panels on a die and joining the first and second panels with one or more rivets while the fastening portion is at an elevated temperature.

A lightweight joining includes a first member that has a first surface and a second surface 1b arranged on the back side of the first surface 1a, and a second member made of a resin material, the first member having a first hole that extends through the first member between the first surface and the second surface, the second member covering a region including the first hole on the first surface of the first member, a region including the first hole on the second surface of the first member, and an inner wall of the first member formed by the first hole, the second member being thus joined to the first member, and the second member having a second hole a diameter of which is smaller than that of the first hole such that the second hole fits into the first hole.

A tank (e.g., an underground storage tank), and manufacturing methods therefore, may include a tank body having an exterior surface. A component is mounted on at least a non-planar portion of the exterior surface of the tank body using an adhesive (e.g., an MMA adhesive). For example, the component may be positioned on the non-planar portion of the exterior surface of the tank body after application of adhesive and pressure may be applied to maintain the position of the component on the non-planar portion of the exterior surface of the tank body as the adhesive is cured. The pressure may be removed upon curing of the adhesive and formation of a structural bond may occur at the adhesive interface between the mounting surface of the component and the non-planar portion of the exterior surface of the tank body.

Various embodiments relate to plastic-metal junctions and methods of making the same via laser-assisted joining. The present invention provides a method of forming a junction between a metal form and a solid plastic. The method can include laser treating a surface of a metal form to generate a feature (e.g., a plurality of at least one of pores and grooves) in the surface of the metal, wherein the laser has an angle of incidence with the surface of the metal of other than 0 degrees. The method can include contacting the metal surface including the feature with a flowable resin composition. The method can include curing the flowable resin composition to form the solid plastic, to provide the junction between the metal form and the solid plastic.