Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting corrosion in pipes are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for detecting corrosion in an object includes an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) having a ferromagnetic core and a plurality of permanent magnets arranged peripherally around the ferromagnetic core. The permanent magnets are arranged to produce a magnetic field through the ferromagnetic core. The apparatus also includes a coil between the ferromagnetic core and the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for specimen inspection using ultrasonic wave generation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for inspecting a solid object using ultrasound includes: a pulser having pulser ports for outputting electrical signals. The apparatus also includes a switching array for receiving the signals from the pulser ports as individual channels, and routing the signals to individual elements of a transmitter array. The apparatus also includes the transmitter array, where each element of the transmitter array generates ultrasound in the solid object in response to the signal received from the switching array.

Abstract: Growth of single crystal epitaxial films of the perovskite crystal structure by liquid- or vapor-phase means can be accomplished by providing single-crystal perovskite substrate materials of improved lattice parameter match in the lattice parameter range of interest. Current substrates do not provide as good a lattice match, have inferior properties, or are of limited size and availability because cost of materials and difficulty of growth. This problem is solved by the single-crystal perovskite solid solutions described herein grown from mixtures with an indifferent melting point that occurs at a congruently melting composition at a temperature minimum in the melting curve in the pseudo-binary molar phase diagram. Accordingly, single-crystal perovskite solid solutions, structures, and devices including single-crystal perovskite solid solutions, and methods of making single-crystal perovskite solid solutions are described herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-destructive testing of specimens are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) includes an electro-permanent magnet (EPM) configured to controllably apply a biasing magnetic flux to a target location. The EPM includes a hard magnet, and a soft magnet at least partially enclosing the hard magnet. The EPM also includes a magnetizing coil having a plurality of turns at least partially encircling the soft magnet. The magnetizing coil is configured to controllably magnetically bias the soft magnet when a current is applied to the magnetizing coil.

Abstract: Growth of single crystal epitaxial films of the perovskite crystal structure by liquid- or vapor-phase means can be accomplished by providing single-crystal perovskite substrate materials of improved lattice parameter match in the lattice parameter range of interest. Current substrates do not provide as good a lattice match, have inferior properties, or are of limited size and availability because cost of materials and difficulty of growth. This problem is solved by the single-crystal perovskite solid solutions described herein grown from mixtures with an indifferent melting point that occurs at a congruently melting composition at a temperature minimum in the melting curve in the pseudo-binary molar phase diagram. Accordingly, single-crystal perovskite solid solutions, structures, and devices including single-crystal perovskite solid solutions, and methods of making single-crystal perovskite solid solutions are described herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for printed multifunctional skin are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a smart device includes providing a structure, placing a sensor over an outer surface of the structure, and placing conductive traces over the outer surface of the structure. The conductive traces electrically connect the sensor to electronics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspection of pipelines are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) transceiver (TRX) for inspecting a pipe includes a multichannel EMAT transmitter (TX) having multiple collocated transmitter coils. The EMAT TX can generate forward-propagating ultrasound waves and backward-propagating ultrasound waves. The forward-propagating ultrasound waves have higher amplitude than the backward-propagating ultrasound waves. The EMAT TRX also includes a multichannel EMAT receiver (RX) having multiple receiver coils that can receive the ultrasound waves transmitted by the EMAT TX through the pipe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting corrosion under insulation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for detecting corrosion in an object includes an electrically conductive excitation unit disposed around the object, and a source of electrical power connected to the excitation unit. The source of electrical power causes an alternating current in the excitation unit. The apparatus also includes a carrier that carries the excitation unit, and a magnetic sensor unit that is carried by the carrier or by the excitation unit. The sensor detects changes in magnetic flux.

Abstract: Systems and methods for printed multifunctional skin are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a smart device includes providing a structure, placing a sensor over an outer surface of the structure, and placing conductive traces over the outer surface of the structure. The conductive traces electrically connect the sensor to electronics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for specimen inspection using ultrasonic wave generation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for inspecting a solid object using ultrasound includes: a pulser having pulser ports for outputting electrical signals. The apparatus also includes a switching array for receiving the signals from the pulser ports as individual channels, and routing the signals to individual elements of a transmitter array. The apparatus also includes the transmitter array, where each element of the transmitter array generates ultrasound in the solid object in response to the signal received from the switching array.

Abstract: Systems and method for active control of stationary vortices for aerodynamic structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for active control of vortices over a solid surface includes: generating vortices proximate to the solid surface; sensing locations of vortices by printed skin sensors; and maintaining the vortices in their fixed spanwise positions with respect to the solid surface by actuation of printed skin actuators.

Abstract: Growth of single crystals of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and other perovskites is accomplished by liquid phase epitaxy onto a substrate of suitable structural and lattice parameter match. A solvent and specific growth conditions for stable growth are required to achieve the desired proportions of Zr and Ti.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-destructive testing of specimens are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) includes an electro-permanent magnet (EPM) configured to controllably apply a biasing magnetic flux to a target location. The EPM includes a hard magnet, and a soft magnet at least partially enclosing the hard magnet. The EPM also includes a magnetizing coil having a plurality of turns at least partially encircling the soft magnet. The magnetizing coil is configured to controllably magnetically bias the soft magnet when a current is applied to the magnetizing coil.

Abstract: Growth of single crystals of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and other perovskites is accomplished by liquid phase epitaxy onto a substrate of suitable structural and lattice parameter match. A solvent and specific growth conditions for stable growth are required to achieve the desired proportions of Zr and Ti.

Abstract: Systems and methods for printed multifunctional skin are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a smart device includes providing a structure, placing a sensor over an outer surface of the structure, and placing conductive traces over the outer surface of the structure. The conductive traces electrically connect the sensor to electronics.

Abstract: A device for measuring the deflection of pavement under an applied load includes a longitudinally extending member mounted on a mobile carriage. A load wheel is mounted near the first end of the longitudinally extending member below a load platform. A first distance sensor is mounted near the load wheel to measure the depth of a deflection basin created by the wheel at a target location disposed on the pavement. A second distance sensor mounted at a predetermined distance from the first sensor to measure distance to the target location when the second distance sensor is positioned proximate to the target location. The device further includes a target designator for designating the target location and a target detector for detecting a position of the target location.

Abstract: The systems, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein provide access to systems located within a closed structure, such that the systems are traditionally difficult for humans to access. Exemplary structures include an engine compartment, airplane wing, or fuselage. This access allows a system located within the structure to be electrically coupled with an electrical I/O device located outside the structure. Access to a system located within the closed structure is provided by way of a hole.