COMPOSITE TUBULAR STRUCTURE, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE TUBULAR STRUCTURE AND IMPROVING THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF A CONNECTION.

摘要

A composite tubular structure (200) is described as being suitable for transmitting axial loads in compression or tension. it comprises an elongate composite member (70) with an inwardly tapered section (72) at each end and a flush nut (50) retained in each inwardly tapered section to form a connection to another component or end fitting (80). the inwardly tapered section has an inner surface (78) which follows a tapered outer surface (58) of one of the recessed nuts. each inwardly tapered section narrows the composite member in a longitudinal direction toward the end to provide a constriction that retains the nut built into it. at least one of the recessed nuts comprises a multipart nut, comprising: an inner nut (53) with a radially inner engaging surface (52) for engaging with a rod (80) and a first radially outer sliding surface (s) 1); and an inner support member (51) with a radially outer surface (58) comprising the tapered outer surface of the recessed nut and a second radially inner sliding surface (s) 2) for contacting and sliding on the first radially outer sliding surface of the inner nut. A connector or end fitting (80, 84, 86) can secure the tapered section inward with a preload. a liner (60) may be used to support the nuts during deposition of the composite member filaments to form the two inwardly tapered sections at the ends of the composite member.