Structurally Efficient, Low-Cost Joining Techniques

Z-axis stitching offers improved performance and greatly increased damage tolerance for composite to composite joints (CTC). Z-axis stitching is employed in aircraft applications using complex, double-sided stitch machinery developed by NASA. This technology is very expensive, but offers increased damage tolerance to airframe structures. The team has identified stitching technology which could offer similar improvements for large, thick marine composites structures at a fraction of the cost of aerospace double-sided stitching. This technology has benefits for large marine structures compared to conventional double-sided stitching. The team proposes to develop and demonstrate this technology for CTC joints of large marine laminates. The team assembled are experts in their respective fields: SCI-resin infusion manufacturing, MSC- composites design, Dr. Ing. Juergen Wittig- z-axis stitching technology. Furthermore, opportunities exist to combine this technology with CNC gantry/robot systems to make in-mold stitching of large compound curvature structures automated.