Abstract: A polymer coating applied to a load bearing or contact surface of objects such as skis and snowboards is provided. The polymer coating is a drag reducing, water soluble long chain polymer such as polyethylene oxide. The polymer coating is applied to the contact surface of the object and dissolves into the thin layer of water that forms between the contact surface and a water-containing surface over which the object is passed. The polymer readily dissolves in the thin water layer, decreasing the friction between the contact surface of the ski or snowboard and the surface of the snow or ice.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a structure is built on a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted at the surface of the structure. A piece of single crystal silicon is mounted on the PCB and is in contact with the structure. An infrared source directly illuminates the silicon while an infrared detector is focused thereon to monitor isochromatic fringe patterns projected from the silicon as a direct indication of stress at the surface. One or more other sensors are coupled to the PCB for collecting data indicative of other physical conditions experienced by the structure. A wireless system communicates with each such sensor so that the data so collected can be received at a remote location.

Abstract: A stress detection apparatus is provided. A piece of semiconductor grade, ngle crystal silicon mounted on the material is illuminated by an infrared source with radiation having a wavelength in the range of 800-1100 nanometers. An infrared detector monitors the photoelastic effects of illuminating the single crystal silicon with the radiation.

Abstract: A piece of single crystal silicon is embedded in a material such that the licon is flush with the surface thereof. The silicon is illuminated with infrared radiation having a wavelength in the range of 800-1100 nanometers. Isochromatic fringe patterns projected from the silicon are monitored as a direct indication of the amount of stress experienced at the surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite part is provided. A polymer material s formed into a shape whose outer surface has a desired part configuration. A base coating is applied to substantially all of the outer surface leaving at least one access to the polymer material. The base coating includes a selected metal existing as a constituent thereof. The same selected metal is then sprayed in atomized form on the base coating covered outer surface. The selected metal in atomized form molecularly bonds only to the selected metal existing as a constituent of the base coating. The polymer material is then contacted with a polymer solvent by means of the access. The polymer solvent molecularly breaks down the polymer material such that it exits the access. As a result, the selected metal in atomized form bonded with the selected metal existing as a constituent of the base coating forms a metallic shell substantially void of the polymer material.

Abstract: Electromagnets are disposed in an elastomeric coating affixed to a body esed to a fluid. Controllable magnetic forces created by the electromagnets produce a wavy-wall configuration in the surface of the coating which may be static, dynamic, or static in part and dynamic in part, and which interfaces with the fluid to controllably alter noise, turbulence and drag characteristics of the body mechanically. Electrodes may be fixed on the surface of the coating to produce electric force fields for interacting with the magnetic fields and the wavy-wall, to produce magnetohydrodynamically generated Lorentz forces which controllably further alter noise, turbulence and drag characteristics of the body.

Abstract: The submersible vehicle system of the present invention comprises a unitary ndersea vehicle composed of a rigid hull submersible mated to an inflated auxiliary submersible. Both the rigid hull submersible and the auxiliary submersible may be initially stored aboard a mother vessel. The auxiliary submersible is provided with one or more compartments for storing fuel and/or ballast, either positive or negative.

Abstract: An articulated control surface for flight control utilizes a moldable conl surface that is shaped by contracting and elongating shape memory alloys embedded within the control surface. The shape memory alloys contract when heated via an applied electric current and elongate when cooled, i.e., the electric current is removed. The resulting control surface is capable of generating a curved control surface without any electro/mechanical or hydraulic control systems.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for providing a communication link between separate submersibles and, in particularly, for providing communication between a launched submersible and a host submersible. A thread of polyelectrolytic material is provided in electrical communication with a launched submersible prior to launch and payed out and stretched as the launched submersible extends a distance from the host submersible to permit secure communication between the submersible, transmission of command signals for guidance and arming/disarming, from the host to the launched submersible, and to receive data from deployed sensors. The conductive thread includes an organic solvent having dispersed therein a first polymer consisting of a water insoluble polymer that serves as the conductive polymer backbone and a second polymer consisting of a semi-water soluble high molecular weight polymer that effectively surrounds the conductive polymer backbone.

Abstract: A means and method for simultaneously reducing drag and noise of a high-sd underwater vehicle is provided. Water is admitted through a water intake scoop in the nose of the vehicle and a polymer powder-gas combination is injected into the water stream in the scoop. The water, polymer and gas are mixed in a mixing chamber into which the scoop empties and are ejected through a circumferential ejector disposed at the minimum pressure point.