Abstract: A method for desensitizing a metal alloy such as an aluminum (Al) alloy is presented. The surface of the alloy is treated by controlled laser beam irradiation. The scanning laser beam heats the alloy to reach a relative low temperature between a solvus temperature and a soften/annealing temperature of the metal alloy to controllably reduce the degree of sensitization (DOS) of the metal alloy. The locally rapid heating and cooling effects produced by scanning the laser can improve the future sensitization resistance of the metal alloy, reduce the average desensitization temperature applied, and maintain the mechanical properties of Al alloy at the same time.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling chemical concentration in a direct injection agricultural sprayer system monitors initial chemical concentration output from a chemical tank, carrier flow from a carrier tank, and mixed chemical concentration at nozzles of the spray system downstream of individual mixing points of the nozzles. Flow from the carrier tank and/or the chemical tank are controlled to target a set concentration at each of the nozzles. The initial chemical concentration establishes maximum concentration and a calibration curve for a chemical being applied and the mixed chemical concentration establishes an applied concentration in view of the calibration curve. A system is provided for the method.

Abstract: In an aspect, a method of forming a photoactive device comprises: providing a perovskite-surfactant solution, said perovskite-surfactant solution comprising a perovskite ink and a surfactant; and coating said perovskite-surfactant solution onto a receiving surface of a substrate thereby forming a layer of said photoactive device; wherein said layer comprises a perovskite material; and wherein an active area of said photoactive device is at least 1 cm2.

Abstract: A continuous-time recurrent neural network (CTRNN) is described that exploits the nonlinear dynamics of micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) devices to model a neuron in accordance with a neuron rate model that is the basis for dynamic field theory. Each MEMS device in the CTRNN is configured to simulate a neuron population by exploiting the characteristics of bi-stability and hysteresis inherent in certain MEMS device structures. In an embodiment, the MEMS device is a microbeam or cantilevered microbeam device that is excited with an alternating current (AC) voltage at or near an electrical resonance frequency associated with the MEMS device. In another embodiment, the MEMS device is an arched microbeam device that is excited with a direct current voltage and exhibits snap-through behavior due to the physical design of the structure. A CTRNN can be implemented using a number of MEMS devices that are interconnected, the connections associated with varying connection coefficients.

Abstract: Systems for and methods for improving mechanical properties of ceramic material are provided. The system comprises a heat source for heating the ceramic material to a temperature greater than a brittle-to-ductile transition temperature of the ceramic material; a probe for mounting the ceramic material and configured to extend the ceramic material into the heat source; a plasma-confining medium and a sacrificial layer disposed between the ceramic material and the plasma-confining medium; and an energy pulse generator such as a laser pulse generator. The sacrificial layer is utilized to form plasma between the ceramic material and the plasma-confining medium.

Abstract: In an example, a conductive concrete structure disclosed. The conductive concrete can include a plurality of conductive side structures defining an interior of the conductive concrete structure and a plurality of conductive concrete partitions disposed within the interior of the conductive concrete structure. The plurality of conductive concrete partitions are arranged to define a labyrinth within the conductive concrete structure.

Abstract: A wind energy to compressed fluid conversion system has a compressor to compress fluid when the wind energy exceeds a capacity limit of the generator. Instead of trimming blades to create mechanical spillage, excess energy is converted and stored, and can furnish power when the generator experiences a capacity vacancy.

Abstract: An in-line fiber-optic sensing element, a system, and methods for detecting strain using a fiber optic sensor are described that include using at least two chirped grating structures. In an implementation, an in-line fiber-optic sensing element that employs example techniques in accordance with the present disclosure includes an optically transmissive fiber including a core and an outer layer; a Fabry-Perot cavity defined by a portion of the optically transmissive fiber and two chirped fiber-Bragg grating structures, where the two chirped grating structures are separated and are configured to reflect light.

Abstract: A barrier system (100) includes first and second barrier segments (102) connected to one another such that crash energy is absorbed. The connection between the segments includes a pair of wedge-shaped connectors (202) disposed between angled faces (118) formed at the opposing ends of the segments. Elastic pads (700) are sandwiched between the respective segment faces and connectors (202).

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor, a process for utilizing a fiber optic sensor, and a process for fabricating a fiber optic sensor are described, where a double-side-polished silicon pillar is attached to an optical fiber tip and forms a Fabry-Pérot cavity. In an implementation, a fiber optic sensor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment includes an optical fiber configured to be coupled to a light source and a spectrometer; and a single silicon layer or multiple silicon layers disposed on an end face of the optical fiber, where each of the silicon layer(s) defines a Fabry-Pérot interferometer, and where the sensor head reflects light from the light source to the spectrometer. In some implementations, the fiber optic sensor may include the light source coupled to the optical fiber, a spectrometer coupled to the optical fiber, and a controller coupled to the high-speed spectrometer.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a fiber optic bolometer device. In an implementation, a fiber optic bolometer device includes an optical fiber and a silicon layer that comprises a Fabry-Pérot interferometer. The silicon layer includes a first surface and a second surface. The fiber optic bolometer device includes a reflective dielectric film disposed over the first surface of the silicon layer where the reflective dielectric film is adjacent to an end face of the optical fiber. The fiber optic bolometer device also includes an absorptive coating disposed over the second surface of the silicon layer (e.g., the surface distal to the end face of the optical fiber).

Abstract: A system and method for connecting precast concrete structures includes anchoring a sleeve within a pocket formed in one of the concrete structures, and placing the concrete structures in contact with one another such that the pocket is diposed around a protruding end of a shear connector embedded in the other concrete structure. A bridge is inserted around the protruding end of the shear connector and a fastener is installed onto the protruding end of the shear connector to engage the bridge and urge the bridge in abutting relation with a lip of the sleeve. The pocket is then filled with a grout.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to form compositionally graded BHJ structures utilizing solvent-fluxing techniques. In implementations, the systems and methods described herein involve a high boiling point additive, a solution of a polymer donor and an acceptor, a substrate material, a working solvent, and a flux solvent for formation of compositionally graded BHJ structures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating high-energy beams of electrons or x-rays through laser wakefield acceleration to remotely examine containers is disclosed. By scanning the beam of electrons or x-rays across a container, an inspector can remotely determine whether the containers contain items of interest, such as special nuclear materials, without having to manually inspect the contents of the container. The invention can be compact enough to be portable, which provides for the flexibility to examine a variety of different containers under a variety of different conditions.

Abstract: Techniques are described that may be implemented in an adaptive control device to regulate multiple zone environmental units based upon multiple temperature values and multiple airflow values, where each temperature value and each airflow value is related to the temperature and the airflow in a specific zone. In an implementation, the input interface of the adaptive control device is configured to receive multiple temperature values and multiple air flow values from multiple zone sensors. The adaptive control device may calculate multiple operational values based on the multiple temperature values and the multiple air flow values. An operational value indicates a power state (e.g. power on/power off) for a zone environmental unit's fan, compressor, heater, exhaust fan, and damper. The adaptive control device's output interface is operable to transmit multiple sequencing commands to the plurality of zone environmental units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of selecting derivative strategies, where candidate derivative strategies are selected from a set of essentially all possible derivative strategies available for an underlying, based upon a user's market sentiment for an underlying, to perform favorably under the foreseen conditions being most appropriate to the user's strategic intent and the choices afforded by the relevant markets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing and predicting treatment outcomes of medical procedures such as vascular interventions and reconstructions are disclosed. An illustrative system for analyzing and predicting therapeutic outcomes of medical procedures comprises a relational database configured for classifying and storing patient specific input data for multiple patients, a fluid-solid interaction biomechanical model configured for performing a biomechanics simulation and generating biomechanics data, and a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A pile splice section for a spliced prestressed concrete pile includes a prestressed concrete element including a first end and a second end and a plurality of tendons that extend from the first end to the second end. A first end assembly at the first end of the prestressed concrete element includes a first plate coupled to the plurality of tendons. The first end assembly further includes a plurality of internally threaded fasteners embedded in the first end of the prestressed concrete element that are engagable via apertures extending through the first plate. A second end assembly at the second end of the prestressed concrete element includes a second metal plate coupled to the plurality of tendons. The second end assembly further includes a plurality of apertures extending through the second plate and accessible via pockets proximate the second end of the prestressed concrete element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating high-energy beams of electrons or x-rays through laser wakefield acceleration to remotely examine containers is disclosed. By scanning the beam of electrons or x-rays across a container, an inspector can remotely determine whether the containers contain items of interest, such as special nuclear materials, without having to manually inspect the contents of the container. The invention can be compact enough to be portable, which provides for the flexibility to examine a variety of different containers under a variety of different conditions.