Abstract: Systems and methods related to the determination of one or more mechanical characteristics of a structural element are generally described. In some embodiments, a mechanical characteristic (e.g., a crack, a deformation, an inclusion, etc.) can be determined based at least in part upon the determination of a temperature generated, for example, by passing a current through a network of structures within the structural element. For example, in some embodiments, the structural element can comprise a network of electrically conductive nanostructures and, in some cases, a primary structural material that is not substantially electrically conductive. An electrical current can be passed through the network of electrically conductive nanostructures (e.g., by passing current through an electrical circuit comprising the network of electrically conductive nanostructures). This may result in resistive heating (also known as Joule-effect heating) of the nanostructure network.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to handling and/or isolating nanotubes and other nanostructures are generally described. In some embodiments, a polymer can be exposed to a collection of agglomerated nanostructures to produce individuated nanostructures. The polymer can comprise one or more pendant groups capable of participating in a pi-pi interaction with at least a portion of the agglomerated nanostructures to produce individuated nanostructures. Individuated nanostructures can be isolated from nanostructures that remain agglomerated. In some cases, individuated nanostructures can be freeze dried to provide, for example, a plurality of nanostructures in solid form. The systems and methods described herein may be so effective in maintaining separation between individuated nanostructures that pluralities of dried nanostructures can be re-suspended in a fluid after they are dried, in some cases with relatively low forces applied during re-suspension.