Abstract: A coil-on-plug (COP) exciter includes a COP and a housing configured to be coupled to and positioned at least partially between the COP and an engine. The COP exciter also includes an electrode core positioned at least partially within the housing. The electrode core has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be coupled to the COP. The COP exciter also includes an electrode tip configured to be coupled to the second end of the electrode core. A voltage is conducted from the COP, through the electrode core, and to the electrode tip, which generates a spark that is configured to energize a first propellant to start the engine.

Abstract: Methods and systems to control stacked hexapod platforms for use as tools, which function with both high accuracy and high precision are provided. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include a convergence of modern control theory, and machine learning. Furthermore, some embodiments provide control algorithms to carry out autonomous in-space assembly operations using assemblers. Some embodiments provide methods and systems which combine long-reach low precision manipulators and smaller, high-precision assembler with interchangeable tools.

Abstract: Various aspects include electric generators configured to boost electrical output by leveraging electron avalanche generated by a high energy photon radiation source. In various aspects, an electric generator includes a stator and a rotor positioned within the stator, wherein the stator and rotor are configured to generate electric current when the rotor is rotated, and a high energy photon source (e.g., a gamma ray source) positioned and configured to irradiate at least a portion of conductors in the rotor or stator. In some aspects, the stator generates a magnetic field when the electric generator is operating, and the rotor includes armature windings configured to generate electric current when the rotor is rotated. In some aspects, the high energy photon source includes cobalt-60 and/or cesium-137.

Abstract: A metal junction thermoelectric device includes at least one thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element has first and second opposite sides, and a first conductor made from a first metal, and a second conductor made from a second metal. The first and second conductors are electrically interconnected in series, and the first and second conductors are arranged to conduct heat in parallel between the first and second sides. The first metal has a first occupancy state, and the second metal has a second occupancy state that is lower than the first occupancy state. A temperature difference between the first and second sides of the thermoelectric element causes a charge potential due to the difference in occupancy states of the first and second metals. The charge potential generates electrical power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact, lightweight, cost-efficient ultraviolet-visible-far infrared (UV-VIS-IR) telescope system, covering the 300 nm to 2500 nm (0.3 ?m to 2.5 ?m) spectral range, based on a fast focal-ratio, reflective optics design, and an optical coupling interface appropriate for COTS spectrometers, commensurate with about 1U-2U CubeSat payload volume.

Abstract: A composite material may be prepared from a solid polymeric binder and a solid filler by feeding into an extruder the solid polymeric binder at a first feed rate and the solid filler at a second feed rate. The extruder extrudes an extrudate of the solid polymeric binder and solid filler to form the composite material. The composite material has a binder to filler ratio determined by the first feed rate and second feed rate. The solid polymeric binder and solid filler have different densities. Feeding the solid polymeric binder at the first feed rate and the solid filler at the second feed rate distributes the solid filler substantially homogeneously throughout the composite material.

Abstract: An electromagnetic signal detector includes a photonic crystal substrate, an antenna disposed on the substrate and having an active feed region and a ground region spaced apart from one another by a gap, a photonic crystal disposed on the substrate at the gap, and an electro optic polymer disposed on the photonic crystal.

Abstract: A barrier coating system may include a super alloy or ceramic matrix composite (CMC) substrate underneath a bond coat. The barrier coating system may also include a calcium-magnesium aluminosilicate (CMAS) resistant coating configured to protect metallic, or oxide-based or silicon based components in a harsh CMAS environment.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems of providing carbon nanotubes decorated with polymer coated metal nanoparticles. Then, annealing the metal coated carbon nanotubes to reduce a quantity of hydrophilic components of the polymer coating.

Abstract: A method includes determining a predicted contrast-to-noise ratio sensitivity function (CNR SF) for crack detection of a predetermined target flaw size with the radiographic inspection system in the selected set-up. The method also includes qualifying an inspection image quality indicator (IQI) for the predetermined target flaw size for use in the radiographic inspection system in the selected set-up. The method also includes performing an inspection process. The inspection process includes selecting the qualified inspection IQI for the predetermined target flaw size. The inspection process also includes performing an inspection test on the qualified inspection IQI using the radiographic inspection system in the selected set-up. The inspection process also includes determining one or more inspection output parameters.

Abstract: A method for global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based navigation may include retrieving terrain data for a geographical region and satellite orbit data for a GNSS comprising a plurality of satellites. Then, for of a plurality of time steps in a time period and for each of a plurality of lateral positions in the geographic region, a minimum height at which each satellite is visible from the lateral position at the time step may be determined. Unique combinations of satellites visible from the lateral position at the time step may be identified and error objects indicating GNSS performance quality corresponding to the unique combination of satellites may be generated. Performance quality information may be produced based on the one or more unique combinations of satellites and the respective one or more error objects. At least one aircraft may be operated based on this performance quality information.

Abstract: The innovation presented herein provides among its embodiments, a non-pneumatic structure such as a vehicle tire, consisting of a matrix of shape memory alloy (SMA) elements. The interlocking layering pattern provides geometries which leverage the SMA material properties to accomplish performance characteristics of traditional pneumatic structures across a spectrum of possible desired uses including normal personal use, recreational use, sport use and commercial use. Embodiments include applying structural design and material properties to provide a fixed or a variable set of performance characteristics. Similar to the fruits of other space program initiatives, the innovation leverages material science developed for extra-terrestrial purposes to accomplish advances over conventional items.

Abstract: A method of providing physiological self-regulation challenges prior to participating in a series of activities or exercises at a series of predefined locations includes determining a physiological goal associated with each location. A sensing device measures a physiological state of a user, and a mobile communication device communicates to a user whether or not the user has achieved the physiological goal for the challenge. The level of difficulty of the physiological goal may be reduced if the user does not meet the goal. The physiological goal may comprise a brain state that is conducive to learning, and the sensing device may be configured to measure brain state values representing cognitive engagement. Upon achievement of each physiological goal, the participant is provided with a reward such as information concerning the current predefined location and/or information concerning the next predefined location.

Abstract: A modular system for waste treatment, water recycling, and resource recovery includes a buffer tank to receive and pre-treat raw organic waste, at least one reactor tank configured as an anaerobic bioreactor that receives and digests pre-treated waste from the buffer tank, a membrane module having a membrane configured to filter waste from the digested waste from the at least one reactor tank to produce a permeate, a permeate collection tank configured to collect and store the permeate generated by the membrane module, a pump system having a plurality of pumps, and a control system configured to monitor the flow of waste and to control the pump system to control the flow of waste between the buffer tank, the at least one reactor tank, the membrane module, and the permeate collection tank.

Abstract: A simple-hinged flap assembly for a winged aircraft includes a simple-hinged flap having a leading airfoil section pivotably connected to a trailing airfoil section via a hinge, and an active flow control (AFC) actuator assembly. The assembly is connected to or integrally formed with the flap and includes upstream and downstream AFC actuators arranged in respective first and second rows, and collectively configured to provide first and second outlet mass flowrates. The downstream AFC actuators emit the second outlet mass flowrate at a rate that substantially exceeds the first outlet mass flowrate, such that the first outlet mass flowrate preconditions a boundary layer around the simple-hinged flap assembly. A winged aircraft includes a pneumatic power supply, fuselage, a wing connected to the fuselage, and the simple-hinged flap assembly.

Abstract: Some aspects relate to methods of forming an epitaxial layer. In some examples, the methods include ejecting atoms from a molten metal sputtering material onto a heated crystalline substrate and growing a single epitaxial layer on the substrate from the ejected atoms, where the atoms are ejected with sufficient energy that the grown epitaxial layer has at least a partial rhombohedral lattice, and wherein the crystalline substrate is heated to a temperature of about 600 degrees Celsius or less, or about 500 degrees or less. Other aspects relate to materials, such as a material including a single epitaxial layer on top of a crystalline substrate, the layer including one or more semiconductor materials and having at least a partial rhombohedral lattice, or a substantially rhombohedral lattice.

Abstract: A poppet valve apparatus has a valve body with an aperture rimmed by a first sealing surface, and a valve stem with an axially oriented cup at its tip with a spring disposed within the cup. The valve plate includes a sealing surface at its perimeter and also has a central pocket which receives a spheroid. The valve stem passes through a collar which is affixed to the valve plate to trap the spheroid beneath the spring so that the plate is pivotably coupled to the valve stem and also tolerates radial and lateral excursion to allow the valve plate to self-align and seal within the valve seat.

Abstract: An arrayed waveguide for a photonic integrated circuit has a single optical path with serially connected delay lines. Different delayed optical paths or channels are periodically split off from the serially connected optical delay path. This has the net result of requiring much less space on-chip for comparable optical path differences with high spectral resolution.

Abstract: Described herein are copoly(carbonate urethanes) with tunable properties. The copoly(carbonate urethanes) are produced from the reaction between an aryl diamine and an oligomer. By varying the molecular weight of the oligomer, the mechanical and thermal properties of the copoly(carbonate urethanes) can be modified (i.e., tuned). The copoly(carbonate urethanes) can be used to produce filaments for 3D printing applications that could have tunable properties for a variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an innovative thermal design concept of tailoring the absorptance and emittance of a coating—namely silicon oxide (SiOx) coated aluminized Kapton—as a radiator coating for small, nano-satellite (i.e., CubeSat) thermal management. The present invention improves on the thermal design of existing satellites, by: a) thermally coupling all components to the baseplate to eliminate the need for heater power for the battery; b) using all six sides of the CubeSat as radiators by changing the wall material from fiberglass to aluminum; c) using a different ratio of absorptance to emittance for each side by tailoring the SiOx thickness; d) having a high emittance for the wall interior and components; and e) eliminating the need for MLIs. The elimination of the MLIs reduces the volume and increases the clearance to minimize the risk for solar array deployment and cost of the thermal control subsystem.