Abstract: A method for detecting a crack in a structural component includes receiving, with a processor, signals indicative of at least one image for a critical location in the structural component; determining, with the processor, at least one shape in the at least one image, the at least one shape being representative of a structure of the critical location; representing, with the processor, at least one region around the structure into a matrix; and applying, with the processor, image processing on the matrix to detect cracks in the at least one region of the structural component.

Abstract: An illustrative example elevator assembly includes a header beam and a first elevator cab supported by the header beam. A plurality of vertically oriented rods extend beneath the first elevator cab. A horizontally oriented mid-beam is coupled to a first one of the rods near a first end of the mid-beam and coupled to a second one of the rods near a second end of the mid-beam. A second elevator cab is situated beneath the first elevator cab and beneath the mid-beam. At least one linear actuator is supported at least partially on the mid-beam. The linear actuator selectively causes vertical movement of the second elevator cab relative to the rods.

Abstract: An illustrative example elevator assembly includes a first elevator cab and a second elevator cab. An H frame supports the first elevator cab and the second elevator cab. The H frame has a plurality of vertically oriented beams and at least one horizontally oriented beam extending between the vertically oriented beams. The at least one horizontally oriented beam is spaced from ends of the vertically oriented beams and the H frame does not have any horizontally oriented beam at either end of the vertically oriented beams. At least one linear actuator is coupled with the first elevator cab and the second elevator cab. The linear actuator is configured to selectively cause movement of the elevator cabs relative to the H frame.

Abstract: An illustrative example elevator system includes a frame, a first elevator cab, a second elevator cab, and a plurality of sheaves associated with the first and second elevator cabs, respectively. A suspension assembly suspends the first and second elevator cabs within the frame. The suspension assembly has two ends in a fixed position relative to the frame. The suspension assembly includes a positive drive load bearing member along a first portion of a length of the suspension assembly and at least one other second load bearing member. A machine includes a drive sprocket that moves the positive drive load bearing member to cause movement of the first and second elevator cabs relative to the frame.

Abstract: An illustrative example elevator assembly includes a frame having vertically oriented beams and horizontally oriented beams connected to the vertically oriented beams. A first elevator cab is supported within the frame between the vertically oriented beams. A pantograph linkage includes a plurality of links. The pantograph linkage is supported on one of the horizontally oriented beams. The pantograph linkage is connected with the first elevator cab such that different positions of the first elevator cab relative to the frame correspond to different relative positions of the links. A second elevator cab is suspended by the pantograph linkage beneath the frame. The different relative positions of the links place the second elevator cab in different positions relative to the frame.

Abstract: An illustrative example elevator assembly includes a first elevator cab and a second elevator cab. An H frame supports the first elevator cab and the second elevator cab. The H frame has a plurality of vertically oriented beams and at least one horizontally oriented beam extending between the vertically oriented beams. The at least one horizontally oriented beam is spaced from ends of the vertically oriented beams and the H frame does not have any horizontally oriented beam at either end of the vertically oriented beams. At least one linear actuator is coupled with the first elevator cab and the second elevator cab. The linear actuator is configured to selectively cause movement of the elevator cabs relative to the H frame.

Abstract: A heater assembly includes both a carbon allotrope heating element for ice protection and a metallic carrier material for lightning strike damaged protection. The carbon allotrope heating element is formed on the metallic carrier material to create an integrated heating and lighting protection assembly.

Abstract: One example of a heating element includes a first carbon nanotube (CNT) layer and a second CNT layer. At least a portion of the first CNT layer overlaps at least a portion of the second CNT layer, and the first CNT layer includes a first perforated region having a plurality of perforations. Another heating element includes a CNT sheet with a first perforated region having a plurality of perforations and a first perforation density and a second perforated region having a plurality of perforations and a second perforation density different from the first perforation density. A method of forming a heating element includes perforating a first CNT layer so that it includes a perforated region and stacking the first CNT layer with a second CNT layer such that at least a portion of the first CNT layer overlaps at least a portion of the second CNT layer.

Abstract: A compressor (22) has a housing assembly (40) with a suction port (24), a discharge port (26), and a motor compartment (60). An electric motor (42) has a stator (62) within the motor compartment and a rotor (64) within the stator. The rotor is mounted for rotation about a rotor axis (500). One or more working impellers (44) are coupled to the rotor to be driven by the rotor in at least a first condition so as to draw fluid in through the suction port and discharge the fluid from the discharge port. An inlet guide vane (IGV) array (174) is between the suction port (24) and the one or more impellers (44). One or more bearing systems (66, 68) support the rotor (64) and/or the one or more impellers (44). One or more main drain passages (120, 234 206; 120, 232, 202, 206) are coupled to the bearings to pass fluid along a drain flowpath from the bearings to a location (172) upstream of the impeller and downstream of the IGV array.

Abstract: An adjustable electric actuator system includes an actuator output, a compliance element coupled to the actuator output, and an end fitting element encapsulating at least a portion of the compliance element, wherein the compliance element is guided a first distance in a first axial direction by the actuator output, the first distance being limited by a first limitation element.

Abstract: A system for modulating turbine blade tip clearance is provided. The system may comprise an actuation control system having at least one actuator configured to modulate turbine blade tip clearance. Each actuator may comprise a solid-state motion amplification device such as a flextensional actuator. Each actuator may be in operable communication with a blade outer air seal (BOAS) segment or a BOAS mounting block. The actuators may be configured to move the BOAS segment and/or the BOAS mounting block in a radial direction from a first position to a second position to control tip clearance.

Abstract: A compound harmonic actuator is provided and includes a motor, a flex spline disposed about the motor and a wave generator radially interposable between the motor and the flex spline. The wave generator being rotatably drivable by the motor and shaped to form the flex spline into an elliptical shape with an axis such that wave generator rotations drive rotations of the axis of the ellipse of the flex spline.

Abstract: A system for modulating turbine blade tip clearance is provided. The system may comprise an actuation control system having at least one actuator configured to modulate turbine blade tip clearance between a turbine blade tip and a blade outer air seal (BOAS). Each actuator may be coupled to the BOAS. Each actuator may comprise a solid-state motion amplification device such as a flextensional actuator. The actuators may be configured to move the BOAS in a radial direction from a first position to a second position to control tip clearance.

Abstract: An auxiliary lubricant comprising a composition, the comprising intermediate molecular weight surfactant-functionalized nanoparticles dispersed in a base oil.

Abstract: A method of making monolithic carbon nanotube heater elements with geometric shape with multiple, complex curvatures is disclosed. The method includes depositing carbon nanotubes on to a forming surface, draining the carbon nanotubes, and drying the carbon nanotubes. Alternatively, the method includes thermoforming carbon nanotube sheets containing thermoplastic binders. The resulting carbon nanotube heater element is a thin, monolithic carbon nanotube heater sheet having a geometric shape with complex curvatures.

Abstract: An auxiliary lubricant comprising a composition, the comprising intermediate molecular weight surfactant-functionalized nanoparticles dispersed in a base oil.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor assembly for measuring a force quantity on a structure includes at least one piezoelectric sensor, each including an element and two electrodes each projecting outward from the element. An electronic processor of the assembly is configured to receive data from the sensor, wherein the data includes a voltage with a magnitude that is indicative of a dynamic load (i.e., amplitude modulation mode) placed upon the structure. The processor may be configured to interrogate the piezoelectric sensor for its resonant frequency change which is indicative of the load applied to the structure at low operation frequency and to which the piezoelectric sensor would not otherwise respond well. The dual mode operation of the piezoelectric sensor extends the frequency range of the strain measurement from the dynamic range to static or quasi-static range.

Abstract: An auxiliary lubricant comprising a composition, the comprising intermediate molecular weight surfactant-functionalized nanoparticles dispersed in a base oil.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement member is provided to be affixable to a metallic member. The metallic member defines a stress concentration section at which the metallic member is subject to loading in at least one direction such that stress is generated at the stress concentration section in at least one corresponding principal stress direction. The structural reinforcement member includes a polymer matrix composite (PMC) patch element and a bondline. The PMC patch element includes fibers suspended within a polymer matrix. The bondline is disposed to affix the PMC patch element to a surface of the metallic member at the stress concentration section such that the fibers extend along the principal stress direction.

Abstract: A rotor of an electric machine includes a rotor core including a rotor central core and at least one intermediate core element. A plurality of permanent magnets are located between the rotor central core and the at least one intermediate core element. The plurality of permanent magnets are secured to the rotor central core via one or more first mechanical interface connections. The one or more first mechanical interface connections are defined by a mechanical retaining feature located at one of the rotor central core or the plurality of permanent magnets, and a complimentary mechanical interface channel receptive of the mechanical retaining feature to secure the plurality of permanent magnets at the rotor central core.