Abstract: An advanced reflexive structure system is disclosed. The reflexive system mimics the pain withdrawal reflex on which the human body relies. The reflexive system incorporates a continuous health and performance monitoring system via an embedded dielectric film, an adaptive composite structure based on shape memory composite material, and an intelligence system which will be interfaced with both the health/performance sensors and the adaptive structure. When activated shape memory polymer will recover its structural integrity via shape recovery and a reptation healing process. These features enable the use of SMP as an adaptive structure in the proposed reflexive system. The development of a reflexive system for structures will enable increased safety and security and demonstrate a better understanding of integrated performance systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of an aerodynamic structural insert frame comprise a leading edge, a trailing edge opposite the leading edge, and at least one cavity between the leading edge and trailing edge, wherein the aerodynamic structural insert frame is configured to deflect upon activation by an external stimulus; at least one deformable buckling member extending the distance between opposite edges of the cavity, wherein the deflection of the aerodynamic structural insert frame is configured to trigger deflection of the deformable buckling member; a pivot region; and at least one stopper bar attached to and extending from one edge of the cavity a distance less than the distance between opposite edges of the cavity, wherein the stopper bar is configured to stop the deflection of the aerodynamic structural insert and the buckling member when the stopper bar strikes an opposite edge of the cavity.

Abstract: An advanced reflexive structure system is disclosed. The reflexive system mimics the pain withdrawal reflex on which the human body relies. The reflexive system incorporates a continuous health and performance monitoring system via an embedded dielectric film, an adaptive composite structure based on shape memory composite material, and an intelligence system which will be interfaced with both the health/performance sensors and the adaptive structure. When activated shape memory polymer will recover its structural integrity via shape recovery and a reptation healing process. These features enable the use of SMP as an adaptive structure in the proposed reflexive system. The development of a reflexive system for structures will enable increased safety and security and demonstrate a better understanding of integrated performance systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present airfoil systems comprise an airfoil with a leading edge, a trailing edge, an upper surface, a lower surface, and a skin surface, at least one structural element located within said airfoil, wherein said structural element supports the skin surface having an upper skin portion and a lower skin portion wherein said structural element can change its shape in response to external stimulus during flight operations, and an actuating means for selectively altering the curvature of said structural element which alters the curvature of said upper skin portion and of said lower skin portion to cause nonlinear deflection of said skin surface between an extreme raised position through a neutral position to an extreme lowered position; whereby the outer surface curvature of said airfoil and said skin surface is smooth and continuous over substantially the entirety thereof at all positions of said skin surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present airfoil structural insert comprise an airfoil structural insert frame, a skin surface disposed about the airfoil structural insert frame, at least one attachment point operable for coupling to an aerodynamic structure, a leading edge disposed on one end of the airfoil structural insert frame, a trailing edge disposed on an opposite end of the airfoil structural insert frame, and at least one structural element configured to support the skin surface, wherein said structural element undergoes at least one nonlinear shape change from a first shape to a deflected shape.

Abstract: Morphing an aerodynamic body's geometry in situ can optimize its aerodynamic properties, increasing range, reducing fuel consumption, and improving many performance parameters. The aerodynamic load exerted on the body by the flow is one such parameter, typically characterized as lift or drag. It is the aim of the present disclosure to teach the use of passive adaptive morphing structures to manage these aerodynamic loads.

Abstract: Morphing an aerodynamic body's geometry in situ can optimize its aerodynamic properties, increasing range, reducing fuel consumption, and improving many performance parameters. The aerodynamic load exerted on the body by the flow is one such parameter, typically characterized as lift or drag. It is the aim of the present disclosure to teach the use of passive adaptive morphing structures to manage these aerodynamic loads.

Abstract: An advanced reflexive structure system is disclosed. The reflexive system mimics the pain withdrawal reflex on which the human body relies. The reflexive system incorporates a continuous health and performance monitoring system via an embedded dielectric film, an adaptive composite structure based on shape memory composite material, and an intelligence system which will be interfaced with both the health/performance sensors and the adaptive structure. When activated shape memory polymer will recover its structural integrity via shape recovery and a reptation healing process. These features enable the use of SMP as an adaptive structure in the proposed reflexive system. The development of a reflexive system for structures will enable increased safety and security and demonstrate a better understanding of integrated performance systems.