Abstract: A collator device for receiving finished ammunition cartridges in a non-oriented condition and orienting them into a stream of aligned ammunition cartridges for downstream manufacturing or packaging processes. The device incorporates a flat, circular collator plate which rotates inside a collator can with an upstanding circular sidewall. The collator plate upper surface forms a series of radially orienting vanes. Ammunition apertures are formed around the perimeter of the collator plate interleaved between the vanes. As the collator plate is rotated, the apertures receive ammunition cartridges aligned in either a radially inward or radially outward position. Features of the apertures cause the cartridges to drop in an aligned condition as the apertures pass over a slot in the collator can backing plate. Numerous features are provided to enhance throughput and reduce damage to the components as they are handled and processed in the device.

Abstract: A method for building an aerodynamic structure, an aerodynamic structure, and a vehicle that includes the aerodynamic structure are provided. The method includes providing a structure with at least one substantially-flat exterior surface. The method also includes attaching blocks of rigid fibrous insulation to the at least one substantially-flat outer surface of the structure. Outward-facing surfaces of the blocks of rigid fibrous insulation extend past a target outer mold line of a final aerodynamic shape. The method also includes machining the outward-facing surfaces of the attached blocks to the outer mold line.

Abstract: A method for building an aerodynamic structure, an aerodynamic structure, and a vehicle that includes the aerodynamic structure are provided. The method includes providing a structure with at least one substantially-flat exterior surface. The method also includes attaching blocks of rigid fibrous insulation to the at least one substantially-flat outer surface of the structure. Outward-facing surfaces of the blocks of rigid fibrous insulation extend past a target outer mold line of a final aerodynamic shape. The method also includes machining the outward-facing surfaces of the attached blocks to the outer mold line.

Abstract: A method for building an aerodynamic structure, an aerodynamic structure, and a vehicle that includes the aerodynamic structure are provided. The method includes providing a structure with at least one substantially-flat exterior surface. The method also includes attaching blocks of rigid fibrous insulation to the at least one substantially-flat outer surface of the structure. Outward-facing surfaces of the blocks of rigid fibrous insulation extend past a target outer mold line of a final aerodynamic shape. The method also includes machining the outward-facing surfaces of the attached blocks to the outer mold line.

Abstract: A method for building an aerodynamic structure, an aerodynamic structure, and a vehicle that includes the aerodynamic structure are provided. The method includes providing a structure with at least one substantially-flat exterior surface. The method also includes attaching blocks of rigid fibrous insulation to the at least one substantially-flat outer surface of the structure. Outward-facing surfaces of the blocks of rigid fibrous insulation extend past a target outer mold line of a final aerodynamic shape. The method also includes machining the outward-facing surfaces of the attached blocks to the outer mold line.

Abstract: A thermal protection system for a vehicle may include a substantially rigid, relatively thin outer aeroshell, a relatively low density insulation layer, and a resiliently compressible conformal layer. The vehicle may include a substructure. The aeroshell may be configured to be fastened to the substructure. The insulation layer may be disposed against the aeroshell. The conformal layer may be disposable against the insulation layer. The conformal layer may be compressively preloaded against the substructure when the aeroshell is fastened to the substructure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining stiffness of a plate-like structure including a monolithic or composite laminate plate entails disposing a device for generating an acoustical pulse against a surface of the plate and disposing a detecting device against the same surface spaced a known distance from the pulse-generating device, and using the pulse-generating device to emit a pulse so as to create an extensional wave in the plate. The detecting device is used to determine a time of flight of the wave over the known distance, and the wave velocity is calculated. A Young's modulus of the plate is determined by a processor based on the wave velocity. Methods and apparatus for evaluating both isotropic plates and anisotropic laminates are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining stiffness of a plate-like structure including a monolithic or composite laminate plate entails disposing a device for generating an acoustical pulse against a surface of the plate and disposing a detecting device against the same surface spaced a known distance from the pulse-generating device, and using the pulse-generating device to emit a pulse so as to create an extensional wave in the plate. The detecting device is used to determine a time of flight of the wave over the known distance, and the wave velocity is calculated. A Young's modulus of the plate is determined by a processor based on the wave velocity. Methods and apparatus for evaluating both isotropic plates and anisotropic laminates are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining stiffness of a composite laminate plate entails disposing a device for generating an acoustical pulse against a surface of the plate and disposing a detecting device against the same surface spaced a known distance from the pulse-generating device, and using the pulse-generating device to emit a pulse so as to create an extensional wave in the plate. The detecting device is used to determine a time of flight of the wave over the known distance, and the wave velocity is calculated. A Young's modulus of the plate is determined based on the wave velocity. Methods for both anisotropic and quasi-isotropic laminates are disclosed.