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(11) | EP 0 605 915 A3 |
(12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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(54) | Fail-safe composite-cast metal structure and method |
(57) A method for manufacturing a structural component (100) includes forming a groove
(104) in an outer surface of a fibre-reinforced body (102). Molten metal is introduced
to an exposed surface of the groove (104) and to a predetermined portion of the outer
surface of the body (102). The cast metal (106) is cooled in a controlled manner to
thermally alter sufficient resin (103) in the body (102) so as to create a secure
interconnection of the cast metal (106) on the body (102). The cast metal (106) adjacent
the groove (104) is sized so that it will fail prior to separation of the cast metal
(106) from the body (102) under excessive tensile loads. A portion (108A) of the cast
metal (106) remains on the body (102) so that elongation of the component significantly
exceeds ultimate elongation of the fibre-reinforced body (102) and the cast metal
(106). |