Inventors:
John C. Brooks - West Valley City UT
Assignee:
Edo Corporation/Fiber Science Division - Salt Lake City UT
International Classification:
B65H 8102
Abstract:
A method of constructing a collapsible mandrel for use in fabricating filament wound vessels or tanks includes the steps of preparing a rigid mandrel and supporting the mandrel on a rotatable axle, applying one or more layers of strips of rubber longitudinally on the mandrel to form an enclosure, applying coats of rubber solution over the layers, winding a layer of fibers over at least one of the layers, and curing the rubber layers. The layers are cut into two parts, removed from the rigid mandrel, and rejoined by using reinforcing straps along the seam of the joined parts. The collapsible mandrel may be used to fabricate either filament wound tanks or other collapsible mandrels, neither of which would have a seam or joint since, after constructing the tank or second mandrel on the first inflated collapsible mandrel, the first mandrel would be deflated, collapsed and removed from the interior of the tank or second mandrel. This would leave a tank or second mandrel with continuous, unbroken layers forming the shell.