This section was written by Steven Ashley, Associate Editor. Engineers at Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, N.M., and Composite Optics Inc. in San Diego have developed a technique for fabricating lightweight composite satellite structures that snap together like children s toys. The new procedure is two-thirds faster and 60 percent less costly than other fabrication methods. Composite Optics fabricated the structure and performed the static testing.
Flexibility is the key to a comfortable, watertight fit.
This compound is very supple, yet it's so strong that we also use it for straps and snorkel mouthpieces. It makes an excellent seal without irritating the skin, and doesn't have a noticeable odor. It's also important for these masks to resist taking a compression set. They may be stored for long periods between uses, and silicone retains its shape and flexibility over an extended time. Lomeli said that clarity of the silicone was a factor in material selection.