Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping a planar surface to a curved surface. One such method comprises providing a planar lattice pattern having identical regular polygon shapes which can be truss support modules for supporting a curved surface structure. Method further include determining respective positions of the nodal points of the identical polygon shapes by placing a starting nodal point on an axis of symmetry of the planar lattice pattern and iteratively positioning each nodal point in relation to already placed neighboring nodes to make a distance between a currently positioned nodal point optimally close with a set value of the planar lattice pattern. Method still further comprises forming a curved lattice pattern of the truss support module based on the positions of the nodal points of the identical polygon shapes.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for mapping a planar surface to a curved surface. One such method comprises providing a planar lattice pattern having identical regular polygon shapes which can be truss support modules for supporting a curved surface structure. Method further include determining respective positions of the nodal points of the identical polygon shapes by placing a starting nodal point on an axis of symmetry of the planar lattice pattern and iteratively positioning each nodal point in relation to already placed neighboring nodes to make a distance between a currently positioned nodal point optimally close with a set value of the planar lattice pattern. Method still further comprises forming a curved lattice pattern of the truss support module based on the positions of the nodal points of the identical polygon shapes.

Abstract: An aircraft is configured for flight in an atmosphere having a low density. The aircraft includes a fuselage, a pair of wings, and a rear stabilizer. The pair of wings extends from the fuselage in opposition to one another. The rear stabilizer extends from the fuselage in spaced relationship to the pair of wings. The fuselage, the wings, and the rear stabilizer each present an upper surface opposing a lower surface. The upper and lower surfaces have X, Y, and Z coordinates that are configured for flight in an atmosphere having low density.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of hot tapping a conduit and inserting a sensor is disclosed wherein the conduit is hot tapped and the sensor inserted in one step. The apparatus includes a first cavity, a propellant disposed in a first end of the first cavity, a plunger, and a second cavity adapted to contain a sensor. The plunger includes a shearing surface and an aperture. The propellant propels the plunger from the first end of the first cavity towards the second end of the first cavity, creating an aperture in the conduit. When the plunger is disposed at the second end of the first cavity, the first and second cavity are in fluid communication with each other and the apertures in the plunger and the conduit are aligned with the second cavity, and the sensor is then automatically propelled through into the conduit by the propellant.