A self-stressing shape memory alloy (SMA)/fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite patch is disclosed that can be used to repair cracked steel members or other civil infrastructures. Prestressed carbon FRP (CFRP) patches have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional methods of repair. However, prestressing these patches typically requires heavy and complex fixtures, which is impractical in many applications. This disclosure describes a new approach in which the prestressing force is applied by restraining the shape memory effect of nickel titanium niobium alloy (NiTiNb) SMA wires. The wires are subsequently embedded in an FRP overlay patch. This method overcomes the practical challenges associated with conventional prestressing.

A method for manufacturing an external component for horology or jewellery made of a composite material including a reinforcement formed of a preferably perforated structure and a matrix composed of a synthetic material, the method including the successive steps consisting in: a) making a 3D file of the reinforcement, b) forming the reinforcement by additive manufacturing, c) embedding all or part of the reinforcement in the synthetic material. An external component for horology or jewellery can be made of a composite material including a matrix composed of a synthetic material and a reinforcement having a perforated structure obtained by additive manufacturing.

A golf club head includes a striking face, a crown and a sole. The crown and/or the sole includes an FRP member formed by a fiber reinforced plastic that contains a fiber and a matrix resin. The FRP member has an average flexural modulus of greater than or equal to 25 GPa. The fiber may contain a carbon fiber. The carbon fiber may have a tensile elastic modulus of greater than or equal to 300 GPa. The fiber may contain a metallic fiber. The FRP member may have a resin content of less than or equal to 40% by weight. The matrix resin may have a glass transition temperature of higher than or equal to 150° C.

A method for forming a heater on a substrate includes feeding a heater wire into a heating zone, the heater wire being in contact with a dielectric material within the heating zone, and coaxially co-extruding the heater wire and the dielectric material from the heating zone through a nozzle and onto a substrate such that the heater wire and the dielectric material form a heater for heating the substrate.

A method for forming a heater on a substrate includes feeding a heater wire into a heating zone, the heater wire being in contact with a dielectric material within the heating zone, and coaxially co-extruding the heater wire and the dielectric material from the heating zone through a nozzle and onto a substrate such that the heater wire and the dielectric material form a heater for heating the substrate.

Composite fabrication system and associated methods. In one embodiment, a composite fabrication system comprises a molding tool that includes a forming surface at least partially disposed within a constrained space, and a foamable material that expands inside of the constrained space to form an expanded material that presses a layup of one or more composite layers against the molding tool. The composite fabrication system further comprises a curing device configured to cure the layup to form a composite part, and a cutting wire embedded in the constrained space that is heated and configured to cut the expanded material into pieces that are removable from the constrained space.

Composite fabrication system and associated methods. In one embodiment, a composite fabrication system comprises a molding tool that includes a forming surface at least partially disposed within a constrained space, and a foamable material that expands inside of the constrained space to form an expanded material that presses a layup of one or more composite layers against the molding tool. The composite fabrication system further comprises a curing device configured to cure the layup to form a composite part, and a cutting wire embedded in the constrained space that is heated and configured to cut the expanded material into pieces that are removable from the constrained space.

Composite fabrication system and associated methods. In one embodiment, a composite fabrication system comprises a molding tool that includes a forming surface at least partially disposed within a constrained space, and a foamable material that expands inside of the constrained space to form an expanded material that presses a layup of one or more composite layers against the molding tool. The composite fabrication system further comprises a curing device configured to cure the layup to form a composite part, and a cutting wire embedded in the constrained space that is heated and configured to cut the expanded material into pieces that are removable from the constrained space.

Composite fabrication system and associated methods. In one embodiment, a composite fabrication system comprises a molding tool that includes a forming surface at least partially disposed within a constrained space, and a foamable material that expands inside of the constrained space to form an expanded material that presses a layup of one or more composite layers against the molding tool. The composite fabrication system further comprises a curing device configured to cure the layup to form a composite part, and a cutting wire embedded in the constrained space that is heated and configured to cut the expanded material into pieces that are removable from the constrained space.

A preform-charge fixture creates a preform charge, which is a partially consolidated assemblage of preforms that can be efficiently transferred to a mold to create a finished part in a molding process, such as compression molding. In the illustrative embodiment, the preform-charge fixture includes peripheral cleats that are movable towards a central cleat to create a small gap therebetween that receives and constrains preforms in a desired position. The fixture also includes clamps, which are operable to engage an uppermost layer of preforms in the gap and apply a slight amount of downward pressure thereto to assure that the preforms are properly seated. The fixture also accommodates an energy source that heats the preforms so that, in conjunction with downforce applied by the clamps and/or gravity, the preforms can be tacked together, forming the preform charge.