Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to thermally driven actuator systems including a thermally driven element and one or more heating elements coupled to and in thermal contact with the thermally driven element. The thermally driven element can be capable of being selectively reconfigured in shape based on a thermal strain or temperature driven phase change. The one or more heating elements can be configured to selectively and independently apply heat to one or more of a plurality of different regions of the thermally driven element to selectively raise a temperature or temperatures of the selected region or regions of the thermally driven element to selectively reconfigure the shape of the thermally driven element.

Abstract: An integrated system for assessing the condition and management of a structural platform or a plurality of platforms includes a Structural Health Monitoring System (SHM), an Operational loads Monitoring System (OLM), a static, fatigue and damage tolerance analysis (FDTA) subsystem, a databank storing a maintenance plan, and a subsystem configured for damage and repair management (iSRM). The SHM may include a plurality of transducers, including a plurality of pairs of actuators and sensors; a generator device configured to excite at least one of said sensors to produce ultrasonic guided waves; and a signal processor device configured to receive the signals reflected from damage identification. The Operational loads Monitoring System (OLM) may comprise parametric models using flight parameter data. The static, fatigue and damage tolerance analysis (FDTA) subsystem may be configured to use parametric models using Finite element Models results and abacus.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to thermally driven actuator systems including a thermally driven element and one or more heating elements coupled to and in thermal contact with the thermally driven element. The thermally driven element can be capable of being selectively reconfigured in shape based on a thermal strain or temperature driven phase change. The one or more heating elements can be configured to selectively and independently apply heat to one or more of a plurality of different regions of the thermally driven element to selectively raise a temperature or temperatures of the selected region or regions of the thermally driven element to selectively reconfigure the shape of the thermally driven element.

Abstract: An integrated system for assessing the condition and management of a structural platform or a plurality of platforms includes a Structural Health Monitoring System (SHM), an Operational loads Monitoring System (OLM), a static, fatigue and damage tolerance analysis (FDTA) subsystem, a databank storing a maintenance plan, and a subsystem configured for damage and repair management (iSRM). The SHM may include a plurality of transducers, including a plurality of pairs of actuators and sensors; a generator device configured to excite at least one of said sensors to produce ultrasonic guided waves; and a signal processor device configured to receive the signals reflected from damage identification. The Operational loads Monitoring System (OLM) may comprise parametric models using flight parameter data. The static, fatigue and damage tolerance analysis (FDTA) subsystem may be configured to use parametric models using Finite element Models results and abacus.

Abstract: Structural analysis automation allows the implementation of more detailed or accurate analysis methodology that reflects the actual behavior of the damaged or repaired structure and consequently improves the resulting damage disposition for example by Increasing the allowable damages and structural repairs applicability, increasing the allowable damage limits causing the reduction of unnecessary installation of structural repairs, optimizing repairs and increasing fly-by periods and inspection intervals.