Abstract: A three-dimensional printing system includes a build platform, a movement mechanism, a coating module, a consolidation module, and a controller. The controller is configured to (1) operate the movement mechanism and the coating module to deposit a new powder layer over an upper surface of the build platform or powder, (2) operate the consolidation module to selectively consolidate the new powder layer, and (3) repeat (1) and (2) until a three-dimensional article is fabricated from a plurality of layers. Step (1) includes, at least one of the plurality of layers (a) operate the movement mechanism and the coating module to deposit a first sublayer of powder having a thickness T1 over the upper surface, and (b) operate the movement mechanism and the coating module to deposit a second sublayer of powder having at thickness T2 over the first sublayer of powder. T2 is less than 20% of T1.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing system includes a build platform, a movement mechanism, a coating module, a consolidation module, and a controller. The controller is configured to (1) operate the movement mechanism and the coating module to deposit a new powder layer over an upper surface of the build platform or powder, (2) operate the consolidation module to selectively consolidate the new powder layer, and (3) repeat (1) and (2) until a three-dimensional article is fabricated from a plurality of layers. Step (1) includes, at least one of the plurality of layers (a) operate the movement mechanism and the coating module to deposit a first sublayer of powder having a thickness T1 over the upper surface, and (b) operate the movement mechanism and the coating module to deposit a second sublayer of powder having at thickness T2 over the first sublayer of powder. T2 is less than 20% of T1.

Abstract: A transformable obstacle assembly is described. Embodiments of the transformable obstacle assembly include a dual rail structure and a pair of support structures. Typically, the dual rail structure can include a first rail, a second rail, a plurality of ribs, and a pair of panels. The plurality of ribs can be implemented to couple the first rail to the second rail. To elevate the dual rail structure of the ground, the pair of support structures can be coupled to opposite ends of the dual rail structure. In one embodiment, a height of the support structures can be altered to raise and lower the dual rail structure. Typically, the dual rail structure can be implemented in either a horizontal orientation or a vertical orientation.

Abstract: A transformable obstacle assembly is described. Embodiments of the transformable obstacle assembly include a dual rail structure and a pair of support structures. Typically, the dual rail structure can include a first rail, a second rail, a plurality of ribs, and a pair of panels. The plurality of ribs can be implemented to couple the first rail to the second rail. To elevate the dual rail structure of the ground, the pair of support structures can be coupled to opposite ends of the dual rail structure. In one embodiment, a height of the support structures can be altered to raise and lower the dual rail structure. Typically, the dual rail structure can be implemented in either a horizontal orientation or a vertical orientation.

Abstract: A wing may include a flexible leading edge skin segment having segment ends positioned adjacent to upper and lower leading edge wing skins to form a skin assembly. The upper leading edge wing skin may be positioned between the leading edge skin segment and an upper main wing skin. The lower leading edge wing skin may be positioned between the leading edge skin segment and a lower main wing skin. The wing may include a deployment device configured to flex the upper and lower leading edge wing skins thereby causing the leading edge skin segment to exhibit a rolling motion.