Patent ID: 6972064

Claim:
A method of forming a laminar structure comprising: providing a length of substantially continuous composite tape, the composite tape exhibiting a specified nominal width; wrapping the substantially continuous composite tape about a mandrel including initiating the wrapping of the mandrel by orienting the substantially continuous composite tape at a first specified cross-sectional angle relative to a centerline of the mandrel and continuing to wrap the mandrel such that the substantially continuous composite tape forms a plurality of laminar plies; and inducing at least one change in a cross-sectional angle of the substantially continuous composite tape other than in response to mandrel shape relative to the centerline of the mandrel while wrapping the substantially continuous composite tape about the mandrel including arranging the plurality of laminar plies to comprise a first ply, a second ply adjacent the first ply, and a third ply adjacent to the second ply, wherein a portion of a first surface of the first ply is in contact with at least a portion of a first surface of the second ply, a second portion of the first surface of the first ply is in contact with a portion of a first surface of the third ply, and wherein at least a portion of a second, opposing surface of the second ply is in contact with a second portion of the first surface of the third ply.