Abstract: A test coupon having node bonds is disclosed. In some aspects, the method includes a first foil and a second foil, stripes of adhesive serially disposed across a width of the first foil or the second foil and coupling the first foil and second foil to one another to form node bonds, and a first adherend coupled to the first foil and a second adherend coupled to the second foil such that the first foil and the second foil are provided between the first adherend and the second adherend, the first adherend and the second adherend being connectable to load blocks of a test apparatus capable of loading the test coupon to determine characteristics of each of the node bonds formed from the stripes of adhesive. A method for testing node bonds and a related apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A test coupon having node bonds is disclosed. In some aspects, the method includes a first foil and a second foil, stripes of adhesive serially disposed across a width of the first foil or the second foil and coupling the first foil and second foil to one another to form node bonds, and a first adherend coupled to the first foil and a second adherend coupled to the second foil such that the first foil and the second foil are provided between the first adherend and the second adherend, the first adherend and the second adherend being connectable to load blocks of a test apparatus capable of loading the test coupon to determine characteristics of each of the node bonds formed from the stripes of adhesive. A method for testing node bonds and a related apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shape memory structure includes a plurality of bases directly attached to a composite structure and arranged along a first line at a first edge of the composite structure. A plurality of buckle-shaped shape memory structures are attached to corresponding ones of the plurality of bases, such that first ends of the plurality of buckle-shaped shape memory structures are raised relative to the composite structure. Second ends of the plurality of buckle-shaped shape memory structures are directly attached to the composite structure along a second line at a second edge of the composite structure, the second edge being opposite the first edge. When activated, the shape memory structure changes from a buckled shape to an original shape to cause the composite structure to assume a deployed shape; when deactivated, the shape memory structure to resumes a buckled shape and the composite structure an undeployed shape.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a shape of a composite structure. A shape memory structure associated with the composite structure is activated. The shape memory structure changes from a buckled shape to an original shape and causes the composite structure to change from an undeployed shape to a deployed shape. The shape memory structure is deactivated. The shape memory structure changes from the original shape to the buckled shape in response to a load from the composite structure and causes the composite structure to change from the deployed shape to the undeployed shape.

Abstract: A method for directing electrical current to prevent sparking from the interaction between a composite structure and lightning or static electrical charge, the method including the steps of forming a hole in a composite structure; and positioning a bushing into the hole to create an interference fit between the bushing and the composite structure, wherein the bushing is formed of a material that has a coefficient of thermal expansion close to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the composite structure and the bushing provides an electrical path between a fastener disposed in the bushing and the composite structure.

Abstract: An apparatus installed on an aircraft, comprising: a sleeve or duct having a trailing lip area; a plurality of petals arranged side by side with gaps therebetween, one end of each petal being attached or pivotably coupled to the lip area; and a plurality of elastomeric seals configured and disposed to close the gaps between adjacent petals. Each elastomeric seal comprises a first portion that moves with a portion of a first petal that is in contact therewith, a second portion that moves with a portion of a second petal that is in contact there, and a third portion which is stretched as the first and second petals move further apart from each other. Petal deflection is actuated by a system comprising a flexible member, a motor, a shaft driven by the motor, and an arm projecting from the shaft. One end of the flexible member is attached to the arm, the flexible member being movable to deflect the petals inward in response to a shaft rotation.

Abstract: A method for directing electrical current to prevent sparking from the interaction between a composite structure and lightning or static electrical charge, the method including the steps of forming a hole in a composite structure; and positioning a bushing into the hole to create an interference fit between the bushing and the composite structure, wherein the bushing is formed of a material that has a coefficient of thermal expansion close to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the composite structure and the bushing provides an electrical path between a fastener disposed in the bushing and the composite structure.

Abstract: An apparatus installed on an aircraft, comprising: a sleeve or duct having a trailing lip area; a plurality of petals arranged side by side with gaps therebetween, one end of each petal being attached or pivotably coupled to the lip area; and a plurality of elastomeric seals configured and disposed to close the gaps between adjacent petals. Each elastomeric seal comprises a first portion that moves with a portion of a first petal that is in contact therewith, a second portion that moves with a portion of a second petal that is in contact there, and a third portion which is stretched as the first and second petals move further apart from each other. Petal deflection is actuated by a system comprising a flexible member, a motor, a shaft driven by the motor, and an arm projecting from the shaft. One end of the flexible member is attached to the arm, the flexible member being movable to deflect the petals inward in response to a shaft rotation.