Abstract: Embodiments of the present airfoil systems comprise an airfoil with a leading edge, a trailing edge, an upper surface, a lower surface, and a skin surface, at least one structural element located within said airfoil, wherein said structural element supports the skin surface having an upper skin portion and a lower skin portion wherein said structural element can change its shape in response to external stimulus during flight operations, and an actuating means for selectively altering the curvature of said structural element which alters the curvature of said upper skin portion and of said lower skin portion to cause nonlinear deflection of said skin surface between an extreme raised position through a neutral position to an extreme lowered position; whereby the outer surface curvature of said airfoil and said skin surface is smooth and continuous over substantially the entirety thereof at all positions of said skin surface.

Abstract: The disclosed device primarily consists of a band, ring, or other piece of shape memory polymer (SMP) or SMP composite in various embodiments that allows or disallows containment. When the SMP reaches its transition temperature (Tg) the SMP provides the means for releasing containment of the pressurized material so as to prevent ignition or explosion of hazardous material. At normal operating temperatures, the SMP is in a deformed shape maintaining an environmental seal to protect the contents of the container. When environmental conditions cause the SMP or SMP composite to exceed its Tg, specified by the operating requirements, the SMP returns to its memory shape in a controlled geometry, rather than simply melting. The return of the SMP to its memory shape causes the venting of the container in different manners depending on which embodiment is utilized.

Abstract: The disclosed device primarily consists of a band, ring, or other piece of shape memory polymer (SMP) or SMP composite in various embodiments that allows or disallows containment. When the SMP reaches its transition temperature (Tg) the SMP provides the means for releasing containment of the pressurized material so as to prevent ignition or explosion of hazardous material. At normal operating temperatures, the SMP is in a deformed shape maintaining an environmental seal to protect the contents of the container. When environmental conditions cause the SMP or SMP composite to exceed its Tg, specified by the operating requirements, the SMP returns to its memory shape in a controlled geometry, rather than simply melting. The return of the SMP to its memory shape causes the venting of the container in different manners depending on which embodiment is utilized.

Abstract: A method of repairing a composite component having a damaged area including: laying a composite patch over the damaged area; activating the shape memory polymer resin to easily and quickly mold said patch to said damaged area; deactivating said shape memory polymer so that said composite patch retains the molded shape; and bonding said composite patch to said damaged part.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present airfoil structural insert comprise an airfoil structural insert frame, a skin surface disposed about the airfoil structural insert frame, at least one attachment point operable for coupling to an aerodynamic structure, a leading edge disposed on one end of the airfoil structural insert frame, a trailing edge disposed on an opposite end of the airfoil structural insert frame, and at least one structural element configured to support the skin surface, wherein said structural element undergoes at least one nonlinear shape change from a first shape to a deflected shape.

Abstract: Tunable perforate acoustic liners are disclosed using shape memory materials, which allow the acoustic liners to tune for multiple frequencies across a wide range, unlike current designs which are limited to specific frequencies or small ranges. The liner will be initiated through a sensor and feedback loop to monitor the current acoustic environment and initiate geometry change needed to more effectively attenuate engine noise.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment utilizes metal coated high strain fabric reinforcement including but not limited to fiberglass, cotton fiber, or other materials that can undergo deformation, and various resin or elastomer compounds to create a conductive polymer whose resistivity and resistance remain essentially constant under a strain of approximately 0-150% or more. Additionally, the preferred embodiment utilizes a method of imprinting, depositing, etching, or embossing a design or pattern of conductive metal on fabric used in composites. The use of designs of conductive metals wrapped around a deformable core and the unique features of elastomeric polymers allows for their use as a flexible circuit board, formable heaters, and other various uses.

Abstract: The disclosed device primarily consists of a band, ring, or other piece of shape memory polymer (SMP) or SMP composite in various embodiments that allows or disallows containment. When the SMP reaches its transition temperature (Tg) the SMP provides the means for releasing containment of the pressurized material so as to prevent ignition or explosion of hazardous material. At normal operating temperatures, the SMP is in a deformed shape maintaining an environmental seal to protect the contents of the container. When environmental conditions cause the SMP or SMP composite to exceed its Tg, specified by the operating requirements, the SMP returns to its memory shape in a controlled geometry, rather than simply melting. The return of the SMP to its memory shape causes the venting of the container in different manners depending on which embodiment is utilized.

Abstract: The presently disclosed device provides a method and means for ensuring that containers of all types and sizes are vented or purged to atmospheric or environmental conditions upon the interior or exterior of the container reaching a critical temperature pressure, or humidity. Specifically, the presently disclosed invention integrates shape memory polymer (SMP) based, thermally activated fasteners into the venting systems. The result is a venting system that increases munitions safety without compromising the venting effectiveness, structural integrity, or the required bullet/fragment impact resistance requirements of the system.

Abstract: The design of a high efficiency, variable performance vaneaxial fan, requires the utilization of typical fan and single stage compressor design methodologies. To be able to replace multiple fans, the variable vaneaxial fan design must be capable of operation at several different flow rates and total pressures. These operation points can be met by varying motor revolutions per minute (RPM) or geometric parameters such as the hub diameter, tip diameter, as well as blade geometry including number of blades, pitch, spacing, and length. An ideal design with variable performance can replace a family of current fan designs by providing the capability for efficient operation over a range of flow rates and total pressures. This level of variability would not only allow the fan to respond to changing environmental conditions but also to be fit into systems with different characteristics.

Abstract: The shape memory polymers disclosed are a reaction product of at least one reagent containing two active amino-hydrogen or two active phenolic-hydrogen with at least one multifunctional cross linking reagent which contains at least three or more active amino- or phenolic-hydrogen or is a reagent containing at least three glycidyl ether moieties which is then further mixed with at least one diglycidyl ether reagent whereupon the resulting mixture is cured and has a glass transition temperature higher than 00 C. This reaction creates crosslinking between the monomers and polymers such that during polymerization they form a crosslinked thermoset network.

Abstract: The present discovery shows how to make a self-crosslinking SMP. Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) can be formulated as a castable coating. This process allows the polymer to dissolve in solvent, and as the solvent evaporates the polymers self-crosslink at room temperature in air, creating a copolymer coating wherein the copolymer coating is an SMP. This technology has coating applications where shape memory would be an asset: from shape memory textile and fabric to self-healing coatings for vehicles and morphing skins for aircraft.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for engaging and disengaging a releasable fastener system, comprising fastening devices composed of elastomers or shape memory polymers and their composites wherein the fastening devices may be of any number of geometrical shapes limited only by the fact that each pair of fastening devices are designed such that the mating geometries of each device are compatible with one another. This disclosure relates to an apparatus and process for an easy and near silent closure mechanism for a container. Specifically this application deals with the use of elastomers or shape memory polymers as the connection devices in a fastener system which can be used to attach one part to another or act as the closure mechanism for a pocket, box, or other container.

Abstract: Cyanate ester shape memory polymers (SMP). The polymers are preferably formed via reaction of a multifunctional cyanate ester and a mono functional cyanate ester and exist, in one inventive aspect, in the form of a cross-linked thermoset network. Optional catalysts and structural modifiers may be added to the reaction moieties to help control the glass transition temperature of the resulting SMP to greater than 0° C., preferably from about 150° C.-300° C.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the unique shape recovery properties of shape memory materials, especially shape memory polymers, to provide an inexpensive and easily identified method of determining when a product has been exposed to environmental conditions that would make it likely that the product has expired or is unfit for use. By allowing the shape memory material to alter its shape from a deformed shape to a memory shape in response to exposure to environmental conditions while attached to a visual indication device a viewer can easily determine if a product has expired.

Abstract: The currently disclosed device is a novel poly(azidoaminoether)-based energetic polymer utilizing a chemical design that possesses great versatility in tailoring properties such as endothermicity, oxygen balance, flexibility, toughness, and crystallinity. Furthermore, this new chemical design will also be compatible with current polyisocyanate curing chemistry. These attributes will give such novel polymers great potential in meeting the demands of a highly energetic, yet insensitive propellant binder. This material's tailorable mechanical properties and oxygen balance as well as its backwards compatibility with current diisocyanate crosslinking methods make this novel polymer an ideal energetic binder material for use in a variety of munition systems.

Abstract: The presently disclosed formula utilizes a composition of a rigid, semi-crystalline polymer, such as polybutylene terephthalate, and an amorphous polymer, such as poly(vinyl acetate), to create a thermoplastic shape memory polymer that can be processed through methods such as extrusion and injection molding, which require high heat. The polybutylene terephthalate acts as a cross-linker for the poly(vinyl acetate), therefore the thermoplastic shape memory polymer that is created has a much higher melting point and greater heat stability than other shape memory polymers.

Abstract: Patches consisting of transparent or translucent shape memory material can be manufactured so as to affect repair of transparent or translucent parts that have been damaged. These patches can be used to cover cracks and holes or provide additional structural support for the damaged parts. The patches can vary greatly in size and properties depending on the desired application.

Abstract: A method of repairing a composite component having a damaged area including: laying a composite patch over the damaged area; activating the shape memory polymer resin to easily and quickly mold said patch to said damaged area; deactivating said shape memory polymer so that said composite patch retains the molded shape; and bonding said composite patch to said damaged part.

Abstract: Morphing an aerodynamic body's geometry in situ can optimize its aerodynamic properties, increasing range, reducing fuel consumption, and improving many performance parameters. The aerodynamic load exerted on the body by the flow is one such parameter, typically characterized as lift or drag. It is the aim of the present disclosure to teach the use of passive adaptive morphing structures to manage these aerodynamic loads.