Abstract: A method of diagnosis and prognosis for various operative systems is provided so that maintenance can be efficiently and effectively scheduled and provided. The invention is applicable to a broad range of systems, but particularly to aircraft brake systems and tires. An aircraft brake may be modeled by attributing brake wear factor values to various parameters associated with the aircraft brake that impact wear. Over the course of time and during braking events, the brake wear factor values are summed and a running total of that sum is kept over the life of the brake. At a point in time when the sum of weighted factors exceeds a preset threshold, an indicia is generated that service is required.

Abstract: A method of diagnosis and prognosis for various operative systems is provided so that maintenance can be efficiently and effectively scheduled and provided. The invention is applicable to a broad range of systems, but particularly to aircraft brake systems and tires. An aircraft brake may be modeled by attributing brake wear factor values to various parameters associated with the aircraft brake that impact wear. Over the course of time and during braking events, the brake wear factor values are summed and a running total of that sum is kept over the life of the brake. At a point in time when the sum of weighted factors exceeds a preset threshold, an indicia is generated that service is required.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a carbon composite structure that is lightweight, structurally sound, and characterized by high heat capacity. A carbon structure is devised with cavities therein receiving a phase change medium. The phase change medium demonstrates both high energy absorption capacity and high thermal conductivity and is formed from a carbon fiber to establish a high porosity medium having a large volume fraction. The surface energy of the carbon fibers is enhanced in various ways as by deposition of a carbide former, a metallurgical coating or a precursor liquid or by electroplating or etching the surfaces of the carbon fibers. The enhanced surface energy allows for the retention of phase change material.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a carbon composite structure that is lightweight, structurally sound, and characterized by high heat capacity. A carbon structure is devised with cavities therein receiving a phase change medium. The phase change medium demonstrates both high energy absorption capacity and high thermal conductivity and is formed from a carbon fiber to establish a high porosity medium having a large volume fraction. The surface energy of the carbon fibers is enhanced in various ways as by deposition of a carbide former, a metallurgical coating or a precursor liquid or by electroplating or etching the surfaces of the carbon fibers. The enhanced surface energy allows for the retention of phase change material.

Abstract: A brake disk for an aircraft brake assembly, the assembly comprising a multi-disk stack of alternating stator and rotor brake disks wherein each disk is comprised of a carbon composite material and a specific volume of a phase change material is encapsulated within the core of the disk between its brake wear faces and distributed so as to function to enhance brake energy capacity in the operation of the brake assembly.

Abstract: A thermally balanced brake disc stack provides brake discs of greater mass at the center of the stack and of lesser mass at the opposite ends of the stack. The temperature of the high mass discs in the center of the stack will rise to a lower level than the thinner discs at the ends of the stack. However, the heat dissipation rate at the ends of the stack exceeds that at the center of such that all of the discs cool to a predetermined temperature concurrently.

Abstract: This invention provides brake clamping and declamping in response to a position feedback controlled brake actuator in which an electric torque motor drives a rotating member of a reciprocating drive mechanism to axially move another member into out of engagement with a brake pressure plate of a multi-disk brake assembly. A microprocessor controller receives electric signals indicative of (i) a pilot's command for braking, (ii) a command for brake release and antiskid braking, (iii) the position of the torque motor rotor at any instant, and (iv) the initiation of brake clamping of the multi-disk brake. The controller generates a feedback control signal to the torque motor which adjusts the motor rotor position, in revolutions, to increase or decrease brake clamping in accordance with the pilot signal and to effect brake release in accordance with an overriding antiskid signal.

Abstract: An indicator for monitoring both the temperature and the degree of wear of a brake. Specifically this invention may be used with multi-disk brakes, especially aircraft brakes. Upon brake actuation, a pressure plate compresses stationary and rotating members to provide braking. A probe member moves with and in contact with the pressure plate. The degree of wear of the brake stack is determined by the relative distance traveled by the probe. The probe member may be marked with indicia for indicating the wear or remaining brake life. The probe member also has a thermocouple embedded within it, thereby providing temperature indication of the brake stack. Signals from the thermocouple may be transmitted for indication and/or processing. Furthermore, this invention provides for modification of existing wear pins by the attachment of a thermocouple assembly.