Abstract: A method for laser-processing a metallic surface to produce a functionalized metallic surface comprises: providing a material substrate having the surface; and applying a pulsed laser beam to a region of the surface, the pulsed laser beam being applied at a non-normal angle to the surface, wherein material in the region of the surface ablates due to the applied pulsed laser beam and wherein at least a portion of the ablated material redeposits on the surface to produce one or more material-coated structures angled at the non-normal angle with respect to the surface, wherein the surface having the one or more material-coated structures is the functionalized surface. The functionalized metallic surface has broadband directional emissivity independent of polarization.

Abstract: A method for laser-processing a metallic surface to produce a functionalized metallic surface comprises: providing a substrate having the metallic surface; applying a pulsed laser beam with a controlled fluence to a region of the metallic surface in an environment containing oxygen, wherein metal material in the region of the metallic surface ablates due to the applied pulsed laser beam and wherein at least a portion of the ablated metal material oxidizes and redeposits on the metallic surface to produce one or more oxidized-metal-coated structures; wherein the metallic surface having the one or more oxidized-metal-coated structures is the functionalized metallic surface. Optionally, the functionalized metallic surface has a higher hemispherical emissivity than the metallic surface free of the oxidized-metal-coated structures and prior to applying the pulsed laser beam under otherwise identical conditions.

Abstract: A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a solid structure configure to contact each of a material in a liquid phase and a material in a vapor phase, the solid structure including a plurality of microstructures protruding at angles relative to a horizontal plane; and a layer of nanoparticles positioned on the plurality of microstructures, the layer of nanoparticles having a composition that is at least one of a same material as the plurality of microstructures and an oxide of the same material as the plurality of microstructures, the plurality of microstructures defining one or more valleys, each of the one or more valleys positioned between the layer of nanoparticles of adjacent microstructures of the plurality of microstructures, the one or more valleys configured to govern at least one of a size and a shape of a bubble of the material in the vapor phase.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for propelling a liquid droplet in a Leidenfrost state. A microfluidic device embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a solid structure having a patterned surface, the patterned surface including at least a first patterned region having a first Leidenfrost temperature with respect to a fluid material and a second patterned region having a second Leidenfrost temperature with respect to the fluid, the first patterned region adjacent to the second patterned region, the first patterned region defining a path over which a droplet of the fluid is configured to travel in a Leidenfrost state.

Abstract: A torch comprising a functional combination of: 1) an ignition system having an internal bluff body wall, said ignition system having an open end and an end in which is present a spark plug; and 2) an elongated fuel line that is secured to said torch so that heat easily passes from hot gas and flame inside said torch thereinto during use, wherein the fuel line has a fuel flow “swirl” producing element therewithin; and 3) a thermocouple secured in place inside the torch to monitor temperature at a relatively high temperature location therein, such that if the temperature decreases while fuel is still flowing a signal is generated to provide a spark to the spark plug.

Abstract: A monolithic heat-transfer device can include a container wall configured to retain a working fluid, where the container wall is formed of a single material. The container wall also includes an interior surface configured to be in fluid communication with the working fluid. The monolithic heat-transfer device also includes a channel disposed in the interior surface of the container wall, where the channel comprises a microstructure and a nanostructure. The microstructure and the nanostructure are materially contiguous with the single material forming the container wall. In some embodiments, the nanostructure comprises one or more layers of nanoparticles. The monolithic heat-transfer device can be configured as a heat pipe, which can be constructed from the container wall and a second container wall joined together and sealed to one another to contain the working fluid (e.g., using laser welding, electron beam welding (EBW), and so forth).

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of finely ground particulates coated with a barrier, or other desirable film wherein the coated particulates exhibit a diameter of less than 10 microns. In an exemplary embodiment, large coated particulates are introduced into a fluid energy, or jet mill, along with smaller, uncoated particulates. As the particulates collide within the mill they are comminuted, and an amount of coating is transferred from the coated particulates to the uncoated ones such that they become sufficiently coated and size-reduced to a desired size. Alternatively, uncoated particulates are milled and coated during their milling. Still alternatively, uncoated particulates are milled and subsequently directed through an atomized mist of coating material wherein the size of the mist droplets are as large, or larger than the directed particulates.

Abstract: Melt fracture is reduced, without the necessity of polymer processing-aid additives specifically designed to alleviate exit region surface melt fracture phenomenon, by heating at least a portion of the die through which the polymer is extruded. The die exit region is maintained at a temperature above the bulk melt temperature of the polymer extruded through the die exit hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mitigating blast compression waves is disclosed. The apparatus has a housing having an open end, and a piston slidably received in the open end of the housing in a substantially airtight engagement therewith. The piston and the housing define an interior wherein a compressible substance is confined. When a blast wave impacts the impact face of the piston and drives the piston toward the base of the housing, a shock wave is induced in the compressible substance. The shock wave is reflected by the base of the enclosure and the interior surface of the piston to mitigate the impact of the blast wave.