Abstract: Methods of preparing phthalonitrile coating compositions are provided, including phthalonitrile sprays, phthalonitrile pastes, and phthalonitrile composite films. In embodiments, such a method comprises, heating a phthalonitrile precursor composition comprising a bisphthalonitrile compound to a temperature and for a period of time to form a phthalonitrile prepolymer composition comprising a bisphthalonitrile prepolymer; cooling the phthalonitrile prepolymer composition to ambient temperature and pulverizing the phthalonitrile prepolymer composition to form particles; combining the particles with a liquid medium to form a phthalonitrile solution; optionally, adding an additive to the phthalonitrile solution; and mixing the phthalonitrile solution to form a phthalonitrile coating composition.

Abstract: A method and a system can be used for reporting proximity between technicians in an assembly environment. The method includes monitoring, by a proximity server, a distance between a first proximity detector and a second proximity detector based on a first signal and a second signal. The first proximity detector is configured to generate the first signal, and the second proximity detector is configured to generate the second signal.

Abstract: A hybrid power system for an aircraft. The hybrid power system comprises a high-voltage DC (HVDC) bus and a generator-motor system configured to (1) selectively receive electric power from the HVDC bus to assist in providing propulsion and (2) provide electric power to the HVDC bus during regulated power extraction. An LPS generator/motor is coupled with an LPS shaft of an engine. An HPS generator/motor is coupled with an HPS shaft of the engine. A first AC/DC converter is connected to the LPS generator/motor and the HVDC bus. A second AC/DC converter is connected to the HPS generator/motor, the first AC/DC converter, and the HVDC bus. An electric motor is connected to the HVDC bus and configured to provide propulsion and/or electric power. Further, AC and DC distribution systems are connected to the HVDC bus. A control system is configured to selectively control connections to the HVDC bus.

Abstract: A lightning strike protection (LSP) apparatus includes a first layer of fiber glass. The LSP apparatus also includes a second layer positioned on the first layer. The second layer includes carbon nanotubes (CNT). The LSP apparatus also includes a third layer positioned on the second layer. The third layer includes a surfacer. The LSP apparatus also includes a fourth layer positioned on the third layer. The fourth layer also includes the fiber glass. The LSP apparatus also includes a fifth layer positioned on the fourth layer. The fifth layer includes a primer. The LSP apparatus also includes a sixth layer positioned on the fifth layer. The sixth layer includes an outer surface material.

Abstract: An air duct system includes an air duct having a main body. The main body of the air duct defines a passageway and an outer surface. The air duct system also includes one or more thermoelectric generators. Each thermoelectric generator includes a hot side and a cold side, and the hot side of the thermoelectric generator is positioned along the outer surface of the air duct.

Abstract: An aircraft includes an airfoil and a hinge member to rotatably couple the airfoil to a structure of an aircraft. The hinge member defines at least a portion of a rotational axis. The aircraft also includes an indexing mechanism coupled to the airfoil and configured to, in a first state, inhibit rotation of the airfoil about the rotational axis, and in a second state, to permit rotation of the airfoil about the rotational axis between a first position and a second position that is angularly indexed relative to the first position. The aircraft further includes an actuator to selectively change a state of the indexing mechanism from the first state to the second state, from the second state to the first state, or both.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite structure is presented. A charge is placed on a charge support surface of a charge forming table in a planar orientation, the charge support surface formed by a plurality of surfaces of a plurality of charge forming fingers. A number of charge forming fingers of the plurality of charge forming fingers is actuated to form a curvature into the charge. The charge having the curvature is removed from the charge forming table. The charge having the curvature is placed onto a tool having a matching surface curvature.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling aircraft roll operations are disclosed. An example system includes an aileron actuator including a mode selector valve to control fluid flow through the aileron actuator, and a valve spring coupled to the mode selector valve, the valve spring to adjust the mode selector valve from the active position to a block position, the block position to prevent fluid flow through the aileron actuator, a wing cable system coupled to the aileron actuator, a wing actuator coupled to the wing cable system, the wing actuator to control displacement of the aileron of the aircraft in response to the mode selector valve being in the block position, and a differential linkage coupled to the wing actuator and the aileron, the differential linkage to translate the displacement of the wing actuator into rotational movement to adjust the aileron from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibition composition includes a carrier and a Schiff base in admixture with the carrier. The carrier includes at least one of water, a hydrocarbon solvent, and a binder.

Abstract: A method for forming an electromagnetic shielding material includes causing a first portion of a matrix material to enter a target region of a magnetic field, thereby causing first ferromagnetic particles within the first portion of the matrix material to move such that first longitudinal axes of the first ferromagnetic particles become more aligned with the magnetic field. The method also includes curing the first portion of the matrix material within the target region of the magnetic field and thereafter causing a second portion of the matrix material to enter the target region of the magnetic field, thereby causing second ferromagnetic particles within the second portion of the matrix material to move such that second longitudinal axes of the second ferromagnetic particles become more aligned with the magnetic field. The method also includes curing the second portion of the matrix material within the target region of the magnetic field.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for compacting objects onto tools. One embodiment is a method for compacting an object onto a rigid tool. The method includes placing an object onto a surface of a rigid tool, disposing an end effector over the object, spreading linkages of the end effector, causing a scroll of material between the linkages to be disposed atop the object while surrounding the object, and applying a negative pressure to the scroll that offsets air leaks between the scroll and the object, thereby forming a suction hold that compacts the object onto the rigid tool.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide technology for wayfinding assistance for visually-impaired passengers, including short-range transmitters distributed within a passenger cabin of an aircraft, a transit vehicle or a vessel, each short-range transmitter located proximate to a respective waypoint in the passenger cabin to transmit a signal identifying the respective waypoint in the passenger cabin, and a client application to, responsive to passing within a range of one of the plurality of short-range transmitters, receive a first transmission from the short-range transmitter and emit one or more of a first audible signal or a first haptic signal, based on the first transmission, as wayfinding assistance to a user of the client device. The technology can also include a mid-range transmitter located proximate to a service area in the passenger cabin, to transmit a signal providing at least one of a status of or a location of the service area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking the location of a non-destructive inspection (NDI) scanner using scan data converted into images of a target object. Scan images are formed by aggregating successive scan strips acquired using one or two one-dimensional sensor arrays. An image processor computes a change in location of the NDI scanner relative to a previous location based on the respective positions of common features in partially overlapping scan images. The performance of the NDI scanner tracking system is enhanced by: (1) using depth and intensity filtering of the scan image data to differentiate features for improved landmark identification during real-time motion control; and (2) applying a loop-closure technique using scan image data to correct for drift in computed location. The enhancements are used to improve localization, which enables better motion control and coordinate accuracy for NDI scan data.

Abstract: Presented are passive temperature control systems for thermal management of electrical components, methods for making/using such thermal management systems, and aircraft equipped with smart-material activated temperature control systems for passive cooling of battery modules. A thermal management system is presented for passively cooling an electrical component stored inside a module housing. The thermal management system includes a cooling chamber that movably attaches adjacent a module housing that contains an electrical component, such as a rechargeable battery module. The cooling chamber contains a sublimable cooling agent, such as dry ice. A biasing member biases the cooling chamber away from the module housing. A smart material actuator is attached to and interposed between the cooling chamber and module housing.

Abstract: A method for real-time surface imperfection detection for additive manufacturing and 3-D printing parts is provided. The method includes directing a first light radiation using one or more illumination sources, wherein the first light radiation illuminates a target area of a part being manufactured in a uniform chromatic light such that the target area appears to have a substantially uniform monochromatic color; capturing a current image of a second light radiation that is scattered or reflected by the target area using one or more feedback cameras; and analyzing the current image of the second light radiation using at least one of the one or more feedback camera with a previously acquired image to determine whether a surface imperfection exists or does not exist.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for ultrasonic imaging of composite parts. One embodiment is a method that includes providing an object having multiple layers of fibers and resin, inducing ultrasonic waves at locations along the object, and attenuating the ultrasonic waves at the regions due to regions interspersed among the layers that each exhibit an elastic modulus distinct from an elastic modulus of the fibers and distinct from an elastic modulus of the matrix. The method further includes receiving the attenuated ultrasonic waves, and analyzing the attenuated ultrasonic waves to determine depths of the regions.

Abstract: Truncated flap support fairings with active flow control system for aircraft and related methods are disclosed herein. An example aircraft includes a wing having a fixed wing portion, a flap moveably coupled to the fixed wing portion, a flap support fairing coupled to a bottom of the flap, the flap support fairing having an aft end, and an active flow control system including a nozzle. The nozzle is to eject high velocity air in a streamwise direction from the aft end of the flap support fairing.

Abstract: A rework part for a composite structure is described. The rework part comprises an upper composite layer comprising an upper perimeter that extends beyond a damaged area of the composite structure, and a bottom composite layer between the composite structure and the upper composite layer, the bottom composite layer comprising a bottom perimeter that extends beyond the upper perimeter of the upper composite layer. The rework part further comprises a bottom adhesive layer adhering the bottom composite layer to the composite structure, and a rework part adhesive layer bonding the upper composite layer to either the bottom composite layer or to an intermediate composite layer.

Abstract: Modules, systems and methods that disinfect surfaces using ultraviolet (UV) light are disclosed. In one aspect, a UV light-emitting module comprises an enclosure including an aluminum rear wall comprising a ventilation opening and a face plate spaced from the rear wall and comprising a light-transmitting aperture. Four aluminum sidewalls extend between the rear wall and the face plate, with at least one sidewall comprising a ventilation opening. At least one aluminum UV light emitter support within the enclosure is electrically coupled to plurality of UV light emitters. A thermally conductive and electrically insulating separator is located between the support and the rear wall. At least one electrical conductor extends through the rear wall and the separator into the support, and an electrically insulating bushing extends between the conductor and surfaces of the rear wall.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an inspection system and method for inspecting an optical surface of a laser scanner, the system including a directional optical source and an optical detector. The method includes moving one of the laser scanner or the inspection system to a position in which a beam axis of the directional optical source extends across but does not intersect the optical surface, between the optical surface of and the optical detector. The method further includes emitting a light beam from the directional optical source, across the optical surface so that light from the light beam is incident on debris disposed on the optical surface. The method further includes collecting the light at the optical detector to form an image that indicates presence of the debris on the optical surface of the laser scanner; and generating feedback to alert a user of the presence of the debris.