Abstract: A Non-Scanning Computed Tomography Imaging Spectropolarimeter (NS-CTISP) measures all spatial, spectral and polarimetric information simultaneously in an image scene allowing measurement of dynamically changing scenes. In particular, NS-CTISP uses division of aperture to polarimetrically analyze each divided image, all of which are thereafter diffracted to measure irradiance on a focal plane array. The Stokes object cube data for each voxel is thereafter estimated from an inverse of the voxel polarimetric calibration matrix for the optical components.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a high temperature superconductor is disclosed. The method includes depositing, by pulsed laser deposition, alternating layers of YBa2Cu3O7-x (Y123) and Y2BaCuO5-y (Y211). The Y211 layers are characterized by a multiplicity of nanosized globular inclusions, effectively enhancing flux pinning and thus increasing current transport.

Abstract: A method of controlling the resistivity of gallium nitride is disclosed. The method incorporates an MBE system and utilizes solid source gallium, gaseous source nitrogen and solid source Buckminster Fullerene C60 as a carbon dopant for the GaN film. A desired, predetermined GaN film resistivity can be created during the growth process by selecting the temperature of the effusion cell containing the C60 within a predetermined range so as to impart the desired resistivity in the GaN film.

Abstract: A method of repairing cracked aircraft structures is disclosed. The method includes determining the net loading of an area to be repaired and then identifying a repair patch layup including a low CTE composite layer and a high CTE metal layer that will impart a loading effect opposite thereto.

Abstract: A aircraft weapons bay acoustic resonance suppression system for reducing undesirable acoustic resonances within an open weapons bay of an aircraft in flight is described. The system includes a rod mounted upon and spaced a distance from an extensible aircraft spoiler. The rod has a hollow core and includes a multiplicity of apertures axially aligned into two groups, placed at the point of fluid separation. A multiplicity of synthetic jets are received within the rod, each jet in fluid communication with a corresponding aperture. The jets combine to form first and second perturbation elements. The perturbation elements are sinusoidally driven out of phase at high frequencies by an actuator. This effectively creates a high frequency forcing of the airstream which is amplified by the airflow, creating a violent shedding. Advantageously, this violent shedding dramatically reduces acoustic resonance within the weapons bay of the aircraft.

Abstract: A passive thermal spreader and method of fabrication are disclosed. The passive thermal spreader includes a heat transfer plate formed from laminated plates including an internal sealed thermosyphon defined within the interface of the plates. The preferred embodiment of the passive thermal spreader selected to illustrate the invention includes a pair of distinct thermosyphons defined within the interface of three laminated, stacked plates. Each thermosyphon includes a plurality of channels arranged boustrophedonically. Each of the channels includes an elongate straight portion and an end turn portion for connection to the adjacent channel elongate straight portion. Each elongate straight portion includes a channel divider. The channel divider directly contributes to the high performance of the thermal spreader of the present invention by assisting the transport of the working fluid.

Abstract: A method of depositing nanoparticles for flux pinning into a superconducting material is described. According to the method of the present invention, a target made of superconducting material and a substrate are placed in the deposition chamber of a pulsed laser deposition apparatus. A first, moderate vacuum level is established in the chamber and the target is irradiated with light from a pulsed, high energy laser. By virtue of the moderate vacuum level, the material ejected from the target is slowed sufficiently to agglomerate into nanoparticles having the same composition as the target material. These nanoparticles are deposited upon the substrate. A uniform layer of superconducting material is deposited on the substrate by evacuating the deposition chamber to a second, high vacuum level and performing the pulsed laser deposition process again. The nanoparticles thus deposited within the superconducting material act as a flux pinning mechanism.

Abstract: A high frequency pulsed fuel injector is disclosed. The fuel injector incorporates a resonance tube in outlet fluid communication with a fuel nozzle. During operation the resonance tube provides a pulsating output which is directed into the fuel nozzle. The pulsating output of the resonance tube perturbs the flow of fuel in the fuel nozzle, effectively breaking it up into discrete slugs or chunks for subsequent combustion in a combustion chamber. The combustion process is greatly enhanced by this breakup of the fuel jet, improving combustion efficiency as well as reducing undesirable emissions.

Abstract: A jet noise suppressor is disclosed. The jet noise suppressor includes first and second high frequency pulse injection units located exteriorly of the turbine engine exhaust nozzle. The pulse injection units are located oppositely, diametrically across the exhaust nozzle. The pulse injection units include a resonance tube in outlet fluid communication with an injector nozzle. High pressure gas is supplied to the resonance tubes. A second source of high pressure gas includes a switch for supplying an alternating flow of high pressure gas to the injector nozzles. The combination of the high frequency pulses emitted from the injection units with the alternating low frequency, high amplitude mode of injection across the exhaust nozzle, provides a dramatic reduction of noise as well as exhaust temperature.

Abstract: A method of imparting birefringence in a III-V compound semiconductor for sustaining the non linear optical process of second harmonic generation, a birefringent III-V compound semiconductor, and a product of the process are described.

Abstract: A wing mounted yaw control device is disclosed. The wing mounted yaw control device includes a spoiler hingedly mounted on a first wing surface and a deflector hingedly mounted on a second wing surface. A deployment mechanism is provided to effect simultaneous deployment of the spoiler and deflector. During operation, the spoiler and deflector are selectively deployed in order to impart an unbalanced drag force on one wing, thereby imparting the desired yaw moment to an aircraft in flight.

Abstract: Certain transient events such as hard landings, high g-rate turns, thermal conditions, and high turbulence may cause rubbing events inside the gas turbine that result from the flexure of the engine shafts. In order to prevent permanent damage to the engine or operational interference, brush seals are used such that the tips of the stator blades and the tips of the respective opposing annular brush seals, and the tips of the rotor blades and the tips of the respective opposing annular brush seals define substantial radial clearances that provide gaps that remain open under all regular and normal operating conditions of the gas engine.

Abstract: A high power density alkaline electrochemical capacitor cell includes a pair of titanium nitride powder electrodes fabricated by subjecting titanium hydride powder to a controlled flow of ammonia vapor. A porous separating membrane for containing an electrolyte is attached to a first surface of the pair of powder electrodes. A conductive termination is attached to the second side of each of the powder electrodes. The electrodes have a high surface area and are electrochemically stable in strong alkaline electrolyte. The capacitor cell can be hermetically sealed and is capable of long-term cyclical operation over a wide range of operating temperatures (−55° C. to +100° C.) while providing high-density energy storage.

Abstract: An aircraft weapons bay high frequency acoustic suppression apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an extendable spoiler retractably received within an aircraft weapons bay. An injector unit is received within the spoiler for injecting high frequency pulses of pressurized gas into the airstream. The injector unit includes a resonance tube in outlet fluid communication with an nozzle. The pulsating output of the resonance tube perturbs the flow of pressurized gas in the nozzle, effectively breaking it up into discrete slugs or pulses which then exit the nozzle and enter the airstream. The high frequency perturbation of the airflow across the weapons bay, created by the aircraft weapons bay high frequency acoustic suppression apparatus of the present invention effectively suppresses undesirable acoustic resonance within the open weapons bay.

Abstract: A friction damped turbine blade is disclosed. The turbine blade is formed of segments configured so as to form an assemblage corresponding to the airfoil shaped body. Each of the segments is in slidable contact with an adjacent segment. During turbine operation, the segments rub against one another due to the stresses placed on the blade, imparting frictional damping to the turbine blade.

Abstract: A finned heat exchanger is disclosed. The heat exchanger includes a unitary fin array with a multiplicity of fin banks. Each of the fin banks include a plurality of raised, folded fins for heat transfer. The fin banks extend in a transverse direction and are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The fin banks are retained within the fin array by looped expansion turns. The fin array is mounted on a dielectric substrate base. A closed flow channel for directing a flow of coolant is created by adding a cap to the substrate base.

Abstract: An aircraft weapons bay acoustic suppression apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus reduces or eliminates acoustic resonance within an open cavity of an aircraft such as a weapons bay of an aircraft in flight. The apparatus includes an oscillatable spoiler plate which is extended into the airstream. At least one shaker is placed in operative engagement with the spoiler plate in order to oscillate the spoiler plate at high frequencies and high amplitudes to seed the shear layer with frequencies which directly complete with the natural frequency of the shear layer vortices. In this way, the damage arising from natural shear layer vortices can reduced or canceled within the weapons bay.

Abstract: A passively cooled electromechanical actuator is disclosed. The passively cooled electromechanical actuator includes a rotor having an output shaft rotatably received within a stator. A pair of inner supports connect the stator to a pair of mounting platforms. The mounting platforms are attached to the inner surfaces of an aircraft wing and are in thermal communication therewith. A pair of closed, capillary tube thermosyphons containing a working fluid are in thermal communication with the stator, the inner supports and the mounting platforms. During operation, the thermosyphons receive heat from the stator and transport it to the mounting platforms whereupon it is convected or radiated to the atmosphere from the aircraft wings. The inner supports have a phase change material received within for providing temporary thermal energy storage during transient conditions.

Abstract: A micro channel heat pipe and method of fabrication are disclosed. The micro channel heat pipe includes a wire cloth wick having micro capillary channels formed by a corrugation extrusion process. The wick is inserted into the heat pipe housing in a shrink fit, enhancing heat transfer. The porous nature of the wire cloth wick permits free passage of the working fluid within both the closed and open micro capillary channels, doubling the number of micro capillary channels available for heat transference.

Abstract: A method of growing a SiC film within an MBE system is disclosed. The method includes charging a first crucible with a quality of C60, and coating a second crucible with a layer of SiC. The second crucible is charged with a quantity of solid Si. The crucibles are installed into first and second effusion cells which are placed within the MBE growth chamber. A substrate is prepared by cleaning and polishing and loaded into the MBE growth chamber. The substrate and effusion cells are heated and a layer of SiC is grown by MBE onto the substrate.