A panel includes a corrugated base with base corrugations configured from first base segments and second base segments. A first of the base corrugations includes a first of the first base segments and a first of the second base segments that is non-parallel to the first of the first base segments. The first of the base corrugations forms a first channel that extends laterally between and longitudinally along the first of the first base segments and the first of the second base segments. A corrugated stringer includes a plurality of stringer corrugations arranged longitudinally along and within the first channel. The stringer corrugations are configured from first stringer segments and second stringer segments. A first of the stringer corrugations includes a first of the first stringer segments and a first of the second stringer segments that is non-parallel to the first of the first stringer segments.

A core layer suitable for a multilayer composite including at least one surface layer and one core layer, the surface layer arranged to at least partially cover the core layer and be fixedly connected thereto, wherein the core layer has elements composed of wood, which elements have plate-like regions arranged in zig-zag-shaped fashion, wherein a plate-like zig region of an element with an adjoining plate-like zag region of the element form a common edge between them, in such a way that the wood element of zig-zag-shaped form is formed, wherein elements of zig-zag-shaped form are arranged in the core layer such that two such edges of two different elements cross one another at a non-zero angle, and wherein the two elements are fixedly connected to one another at the crossing point. In one embodiment, a wood element of zig-zag-shaped form may be adhesively bonded to a planar wood element.

A panel includes a corrugated base with base corrugations configured from first base segments and second base segments. A first of the base corrugations includes a first of the first base segments and a first of the second base segments that is non-parallel to the first of the first base segments. The first of the base corrugations forms a first channel that extends laterally between and longitudinally along the first of the first base segments and the first of the second base segments. A corrugated stringer includes a plurality of stringer corrugations arranged longitudinally along and within the first channel. The stringer corrugations are configured from first stringer segments and second stringer segments. A first of the stringer corrugations includes a first of the first stringer segments and a first of the second stringer segments that is non-parallel to the first of the first stringer segments.

A core layer suitable for a multilayer composite including at least one surface layer and one core layer, the surface layer arranged to at least partially cover the core layer and be fixedly connected thereto, wherein the core layer has elements composed of wood, which elements have plate-like regions arranged in zig-zag-shaped fashion, wherein a plate-like zig region of an element with an adjoining plate-like zag region of the element form a common edge between them, in such a way that the wood element of zig-zag-shaped form is formed, wherein elements of zig-zag-shaped form are arranged in the core layer such that two such edges of two different elements cross one another at a non-zero angle, and wherein the two elements are fixedly connected to one another at the crossing point. In one embodiment, a wood element of zig-zag-shaped form may be adhesively bonded to a planar wood element.

A multi-functional composite structure has a modular design that can be altered depending on an extreme environment in which the structure will be exposed such as hazardous radiation, micro-meteoroid and orbital debris impacts, extreme temperature changes, etc. The material combinations employed in the multi-functional composite structure provide a supporting structure with low weight and maximum protection from radiation, debris impacts and temperature variations.

In one example, the present invention is directed at a panel that includes (a) a first material having an inside surface and an outside surface, (b) a second material having an inside surface and an outside surface, (c) a zig-zag web with arms and apices disposed between the first material and the second material, (d) insulation disposed between adjacent arms, (e) a composite material comprising an adhesive and particulate material, wherein the composite material is applied to (i) inside surfaces of the first material and the second material, (ii) the zig-zag web, and (iii) the insulation; and wherein the outside surfaces of the first material and the second material are each substantially planar and parallel to one another, the inside surfaces of the first material and the second material contact the apices, and the first material and the second material are the same or different.

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can comprise fabricating a substantially concrete free tower. The tower can comprise a plurality of sandwich panels. The tower can comprise a plurality of segmented sections. The plurality of segmented sections can comprise the plurality of sandwich panels. The tower can be assembled by coupling the plurality of segmented sections.

A core layer suitable for a multilayer composite including at least one surface layer and one core layer, the surface layer arranged to at least partially cover the core layer and be fixedly connected thereto, wherein the core layer has elements composed of wood, which elements have plate-like regions arranged in zig-zag-shaped fashion, wherein a plate-like zig region of an element with an adjoining plate-like zag region of the element form a common edge between them, in such a way that the wood element of zig-zag-shaped form is formed, wherein elements of zig-zag-shaped form are arranged in the core layer such that two such edges of two different elements cross one another at a non-zero angle, and wherein the two elements are fixedly connected to one another at the crossing point. In one embodiment, a wood element of zig-zag-shaped form may be adhesively bonded to a planar wood element.

A core layer suitable for a multilayer composite including at least one surface layer and one core layer, the surface layer arranged to at least partially cover the core layer and be fixedly connected thereto, wherein the core layer has elements composed of wood, which elements have plate-like regions arranged in zig-zag-shaped fashion, wherein a plate-like zig region of an element with an adjoining plate-like zag region of the element form a common edge between them, in such a way that the wood element of zig-zag-shaped form is formed, wherein elements of zig-zag-shaped form are arranged in the core layer such that two such edges of two different elements cross one another at a non-zero angle, and wherein the two elements are fixedly connected to one another at the crossing point. In one embodiment, a wood element of zig-zag-shaped form may be adhesively bonded to a planar wood element.

Light-weight, heat-managing structures feature open-cell lattice, honeycomb, and/or corrugated (prismatic) arrangements in their substructures, combined with heat pipe/heat plate arrangements for managing heat to which the structures are subjected. The structures are well suited to aerospace applications and may be employed in the leading edge of wings or other airfoil-shaped components; gas turbine engine components; rocket nozzles; and other high-heat, high-stress environments.