Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for producing a volume of substantially all armchair nanotubes of a preselected chirality for fabricating yarn consisting of substantially all metallic conducting armchair tubes. The systems and methods can be used for the synthesis of (10,10), (11,11), and (12,12) metallic armchair carbon nanotubes and potentially other chiralities. The elements of the present disclosure include: (i) a carbon source that provides substantial numbers of ethylene and acetylene radicals in combination with a high population of ethylene groups and a small amount of methane, (ii) a hydrogen to carbon ratio sufficient to “passivate” all other chiral growth sites to a higher degree than armchair growth sites, and (iii) a CVD process that can be tuned to create a well-controlled population of catalyst with tight diameter distribution with sparse modal distribution that falls within a range of the desired single wall diameters.

Abstract: A fabric containing nanotubes which is impervious to viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens; which is self-sterilizing and reusable; and a method of producing the same are disclosed. The fabric can be used to construct facemasks, gloves, protective suits, protective habitats, continuous air filtration/sterilization systems or any other type of protective clothing or structure. The fabric may have integrated temperature monitoring sensors. The fabric may be made into patches which may be integrated into existing articles of clothing. When connected to an electrical power source, either via built-in electrical connections or by induction, the active layer which is one of the components of the fabric will heat to a temperature high enough to eliminate potential biological contamination from viruses, bacteria and other microbial threats. Combining the CNT active layer with an insulating layer will allow a garment to be continuously worn or used without needing removal during multiple sterilization cycles.

Abstract: A fabric containing nanotubes which is impervious to viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens; which is self-sterilizing and reusable; and a method of producing the same are disclosed. The fabric can be used to construct facemasks, gloves, protective suits, protective habitats, continuous air filtration/sterilization systems or any other type of protective clothing or structure. The fabric may have integrated temperature monitoring sensors. The fabric may be made into patches which may be integrated into existing articles of clothing. When connected to an electrical power source, either via built-in electrical connections or by induction, the active layer which is one of the components of the fabric will heat to a temperature high enough to eliminate potential biological contamination from viruses, bacteria and other microbial threats. Combining the CNT active layer with an insulating layer will allow a garment to be continuously worn or used without needing removal during multiple sterilization cycles.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite comprising nanotubes; a method of producing the same; and a composition, for example a metal alloy, used in such composites and methods, are disclosed. A method for continuously infiltrating nanotube yarns, tapes or other nanotube preforms with metal alloys using a continuous process or a multistep process, which results in a metal matrix composite wire, cable, tape, sheet, tube, or other continuous shape, and the microstructure of these infiltrated yarns or fibers, are disclosed. The nanotube yarns comprise a multiplicity of spun nanotubes of carbon (CNT), boron nitride (BNNT), boron (BNT), or other types of nanotubes. The element that infiltrates the nanotube yarns or fibers can, for example, be alloyed with a concentration of one or more elements chosen such that the resulting alloy, in its molten state, will exhibit improved wetting of the nanotube material.

Abstract: Fiber emitters, such as carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns, are used to create infrared (IR) transmitters that can operate at high data rates, can shift spectral response, and can emit polarized light, for example by alignment of the fiber emitters in close proximity and in parallel directions. These fiber emitters can, for example, be used in patches that can be bonded to fabric or to an object, or can be woven into fabric during fabrication of a textile. The fiber emitters can be used in a variety of methods, including for friend or foe identification, communications, and identification of objects.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for producing a volume of substantially all armchair nanotubes of a preselected chirality for fabricating yarn consisting of substantially all metallic conducting armchair tubes. The systems and methods can be used for the synthesis of (10,10), (11,11), and (12,12) metallic armchair carbon nanotubes and potentially other chiralities. The elements of the present disclosure include: (i) a carbon source that provides substantial numbers of ethylene and acetylene radicals in combination with a high population of ethylene groups and a small amount of methane, (ii) a hydrogen to carbon ratio sufficient to “passivate” all other chiral growth sites to a higher degree than armchair growth sites, and (iii) a CVD process that can be tuned to create a well-controlled population of catalyst with tight diameter distribution with sparse modal distribution that falls within a range of the desired single wall diameters.

Abstract: Fiber emitters, such as carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns, are used to create infrared (IR) transmitters that can operate at high data rates, can shift spectral response, and can emit polarized light, for example by alignment of the fiber emitters in close proximity and in parallel directions. These fiber emitters can, for example, be used in patches that can be bonded to fabric or to an object, or can be woven into fabric during fabrication of a textile.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes a deformable core contained within an outer casing. Ends of the core protrude from the casing for connection to a frame or other structure. A length of the deformable core between its ends, referred to as the gauge or yielding section, is capable of deforming during an earthquake or blast loading. The gauge section is differentially heat treated from the ends so that the gauge section has a lower yield strength than the ends. The casing provides containment of the core to prevent buckling of the core. A metal foil interface or unbonding layer is provided between the deformable core and the casing so that the deformable core does not bind to the casing. The buckling restrained brace provides significant performance improvements over prior art BRBs coupled with simplified assembly.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes a deformable core contained within an outer casing. Ends of the core protrude from the casing for connection to a frame or other structure. A length of the deformable core between its ends, referred to as the gauge or yielding section, is capable of deforming during an earthquake or blast loading. The gauge section is differentially heat treated from the ends so that the gauge section has a lower yield strength than the ends. The casing provides containment of the core to prevent buckling of the core. A metal foil interface or unbonding layer is provided between the deformable core and the casing so that the deformable core does not bind to the casing. The buckling restrained brace provides significant performance improvements over prior art BRBs coupled with simplified assembly.

Abstract: Continuous pultrusion of prepreg material systems is provided. A prepreg material, comprising fibers infiltrated with a partially cured resin, is introduced into a pultrusion die with a barrier layer between surfaces of the prepreg material and facing inner surfaces of the die. The prepreg material and the barrier layers are continuously pulled through the pultrusion die. The barrier layer is removed from each surface of the prepreg material after exiting the die.

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator device has one or more connecting elements of a superelastic shape memory alloy composite material extending between a base member, configured to mount to a structure or ground, and a mounting member, configured to support equipment or machinery. The superelastic shape memory alloy composite material is formed of a plurality of superelastic wires embedded in an elastomeric matrix material.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes a deformable core contained within an outer casing. Ends of the core protrude from the casing for connection to a frame or other structure. A length of the deformable core between its ends, referred to as the gauge or yielding section, is capable of deforming during an earthquake or blast loading. The gauge section is differentially heat treated from the ends so that the gauge section has a lower yield strength than the ends. The casing provides containment of the core to prevent buckling of the core. A metal foil interface or unbonding layer is provided between the deformable core and the casing so that the deformable core does not bind to the casing. The buckling restrained brace provides significant performance improvements over prior art BRBs coupled with simplified assembly.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes a deformable core contained within an outer casing. Ends of the core protrude from the casing for connection to a frame or other structure. A length of the deformable core between its ends, referred to as the gauge or yielding section, is capable of deforming during an earthquake or blast loading. The gauge section is differentially heat treated from the ends so that the gauge section has a lower yield strength than the ends. The casing provides containment of the core to prevent buckling of the core. A metal foil interface or unbonding layer is provided between the deformable core and the casing so that the deformable core does not bind to the casing. The buckling restrained brace provides significant performance improvements over prior art BRBs coupled with simplified assembly.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes a deformable core contained within an outer casing. Ends of the core protrude from the casing for connection to a frame or other structure. A length of the deformable core between its ends, referred to as the gauge or yielding section, is capable of deforming during an earthquake or blast loading. The gauge section is differentially heat treated from the ends so that the gauge section has a lower yield strength than the ends. The casing provides containment of the core to prevent buckling of the core. A metal foil interface or unbonding layer is provided between the deformable core and the casing so that the deformable core does not bind to the casing. The buckling restrained brace provides significant performance improvements over prior art BRBs coupled with simplified assembly.

Abstract: Continuous pultrusion of prepreg material systems is provided. A prepreg material, comprising fibers infiltrated with a partially cured resin, is introduced into a pultrusion die with a barrier layer between surfaces of the prepreg material and facing inner surfaces of the die. The prepreg material and the barrier layers are continuously pulled through the pultrusion die. The barrier layer is removed from each surface of the prepreg material after exiting the die.

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator device has one or more connecting elements of a superelastic shape memory alloy composite material extending between a base member, configured to mount to a structure or ground, and a mounting member, configured to support equipment or machinery. The superelastic shape memory alloy composite material is formed of a plurality of superelastic wires embedded in an elastomeric matrix material.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes a deformable core contained within an outer casing. Ends of the core protrude from the casing for connection to a frame or other structure. A length of the deformable core between its ends, referred to as the gauge or yielding section, is capable of deforming during an earthquake or blast loading. The gauge section is differentially heat treated from the ends so that the gauge section has a lower yield strength than the ends. The casing provides containment of the core to prevent buckling of the core. A metal foil interface or unbonding layer is provided between the deformable core and the casing so that the deformable core does not bind to the casing. The buckling restrained brace provides significant performance improvements over prior art BRBs coupled with simplified assembly.

Abstract: A reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) composite material has improved impact resistance. The RCC composite material is formed from a fiber reinforcement of layers or plies of thin ply carbon fiber fabric impregnated with a carbon matrix. Carbon nanotube reinforcement in the matrix further improves impact resistance. The stacking arrangement of the plies of the thin ply fabric also further improves impact resistance.

Abstract: A reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) composite material has improved impact resistance. The RCC composite material is formed from a fiber reinforcement of layers or plies of thin ply carbon fiber fabric impregnated with a carbon matrix. Carbon nanotube reinforcement in the matrix further improves impact resistance. The stacking arrangement of the plies of the thin ply fabric also further improves impact resistance.

Abstract: An extendable wing system for a fluid-born body has a forward wing and an aft wing pivotably coupled together at a location outward of their wing roots. A linkage mechanism mounted on the body provides both pivoting of the wing roots about a pivot point and translation of the wing roots and their pivot points to extend the joined wings from a stowed position to a deployed position. Translation of the forward wing root pivot point allows the stowed wing system to occupy additional space toward the nose of the body, thereby allowing use of wings having a longer wingspan and greater aspect ratio. The linkage mechanism can also be used to incorporate flight control, such as roll and pitch control, directly into the wing system. In another embodiment, the wings can incorporate actuator elements on or within the wings to effect flight control by deformation of the wing structure.