Abstract: Structural members containing energy storage are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first spring unit having a first plate spaced from a second plate and a first biasing element positioned between the first plate and the second plate. The first biasing element enables the first plate to move relative to the second plate in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. A second spring unit has a third plate spaced from a fourth plate and a second biasing element positioned between the third plate and the fourth plate. The second biasing element enables the third plate to move relative to the fourth plate along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. A battery is positioned between the first spring unit and the second spring unit.

Abstract: Structural members containing energy storage are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first spring unit having a first plate spaced from a second plate and a first biasing element positioned between the first plate and the second plate. The first biasing element enables the first plate to move relative to the second plate in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. A second spring unit has a third plate spaced from a fourth plate and a second biasing element positioned between the third plate and the fourth plate. The second biasing element enables the third plate to move relative to the fourth plate along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. A battery is positioned between the first spring unit and the second spring unit.

Abstract: A system for changing a shape a structural spar includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of adjoining structural strips axially aligned to form the structural spar. At least one of the structural strips is formed from a shape memory alloy. The system also includes a temperature control system to control a temperature of the at least one shape memory alloy strip. Heat applied to the at least one shape memory alloy strip causes the structural spar to twist or bend.

Abstract: Within examples, systems for enhanced performance blades for rotor craft are provided and methods for operation. An example system for a rotary device is provided comprising a rotor blade coupled to a rotor hub. The system also comprises an air channel disposed within the rotor blade, where the air channel is sealed proximate to a distal end of the rotor blade. The system also comprises an inlet positioned at a proximal end of the rotor blade, where the inlet is in fluid communication with the air channel. The system also comprises a plurality of outlets positioned along the rotor blade, where each of the plurality of outlets are in fluid communication with the air channel.

Abstract: Within examples, systems for enhanced performance blades for rotor craft are provided and methods for operation. An example system for a rotary device is provided comprising a rotor blade coupled to a rotor hub. The system also comprises an air channel disposed within the rotor blade, where the air channel is sealed proximate to a distal end of the rotor blade. The system also comprises an inlet positioned at a proximal end of the rotor blade, where the inlet is in fluid communication with the air channel. The system also comprises a plurality of outlets positioned along the rotor blade, where each of the plurality of outlets are in fluid communication with the air channel.

Abstract: A system for changing a shape a structural spar includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of adjoining structural strips axially aligned to form the structural spar. At least one of the structural strips is formed from a shape memory alloy. The system also includes a temperature control system to control a temperature of the at least one shape memory alloy strip. Heat applied to the at least one shape memory alloy strip causes the structural spar to twist or bend.