Abstract: An example apparatus includes a wall having an opening and a panel attached to the wall over the opening. The panel includes a shape-memory material (SMM). An example method includes bending the panel away from the wall via the panel at least partially changing from a first crystal phase to a second crystal phase. The panel bends away from the wall in response to a temperature of the panel increasing. The method further includes bending the panel toward the wall via the panel at least partially changing from the second crystal phase to the first crystal phase. The panel bends toward the wall in response to the temperature of the panel decreasing.

Abstract: An aircraft flap system and an associated method are provided to facilitate ground roll breaking without compromising in-flight performance. The aircraft flap system includes a first flap and a panel pivotally attached to the first flap, such as to a rearward portion of the first flap. The aircraft flap system also includes an actuator configured to controllably position the panel in a stowed position and in a deployed position. In the stowed position, the panel serves as a continuation of the first flap, thereby contributing to the lift provided by the first flap during flight. Conversely, in the deployed position, a panel is articulated relative to the first flap, thereby reducing or eliminating the lift otherwise provided by the flap, following landing of the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft flap system and an associated method are provided to facilitate ground roll breaking without compromising in-flight performance. The aircraft flap system includes a first flap and a panel pivotally attached to the first flap, such as to a rearward portion of the first flap. The aircraft flap system also includes an actuator configured to controllably position the panel in a stowed position and in a deployed position. In the stowed position, the panel serves as a continuation of the first flap, thereby contributing to the lift provided by the first flap during flight. Conversely, in the deployed position, a panel is articulated relative to the first flap, thereby reducing or eliminating the lift otherwise provided by the flap, following landing of the aircraft.

Abstract: A spoiler flap is pivotably mounted to the rearward portion of a wind turbine blade or wing to control or influence air flow over the surface of the blade or wing. The spoiler flap has forward and rearward edges. The spoiler flap can be pivoted to simultaneously raise the forward edge (into low pressure flow) and lower the rearward edge of the spoiler flap (into high pressure flow). The extent to which the spoiler flap is pivoted determines the extent to which the air flow over the surface of the blade or wing is influenced. When the spoiler flap is fully deployed or pivoted, it serves as a braking device. When it is only partially pivoted, it serves the function of power modulation.