This invention relates generally as indicated to an end closure for composite pressure vessels which provides for the effective transfer of reaction loads between the end closure and composite side wall structure.
Pressure vessels such as used, for example, in fluid actuators for flight controls for aircraft and other high pressure applications may be constructed of composite fiber materials to reduce the weight of the vessels without sacrificing strength. In such pressure vessels, provision must be made for transferring loads that are introduced at the end closures therefor to the load reacting longitudinal fibers of the composite side wall structure. Heretofore, this has been accomplished in various ways such as by adhesively connecting the longitudinal fibers to the end closures, by providing pins on the end closures about which the longitudinal fibers are wrapped, or by providing an interfering ramped surface on the end closures engaged by the ends of the longitudinal fibers and interspersing hoop windings within and around the longitudinal fibers radially outwardly of the ramped surface. Each of these methods may cause difficulties due to the relative inefficiency of the resulting joints. The use of a ramped surface is relatively efficient but does not allow for the transfer of torsional loads from the end closure to the load reacting longitudinal tension fibers.