| abstract |
This disclosure is directed to a boron reinforced composite structural member (108, 200, 300). The concepts and technologies illustrated in this disclosure are taught within the context of a boron reinforced aircraft keel (400, 410, 420, 504). A boron reinforced composite structural member (108, 200, 300) may be constructed of a structural member core (208, 308) and a surrounding structural member casing (212, 312). In one embodiment, the structural member core (208) includes alternating layers of boron fiber reinforced plies (202, 302a-c, 206a-d, 306a-j) and layers of interior carbon fiber reinforced plies (204a-c, 304a-c). The boron fiber reinforced plies (202, 302a-c, 206a-d, 306a-j) are oriented in a longitudinal direction, and the interior carbon fiber reinforced plies (204a-c, 304a-c) are oriented diagonally, perpendicular, and parallel to the boron fiber reinforced plies (202, 302a-c, 206a-d, 306a-j). The structural member casing (212, 312) includes layers of exterior carbon fiber reinforced plies (204a-c, 304a-cj) that substantially surround the structural member core (208, 308). |