Abstract: An apparatus includes a thermally conductive interface assembly including a first component associated with a first interface surface and a second component associated with a second interface surface. The apparatus also includes a shape memory alloy component coupled to the thermally conductive interface assembly and configured to move one or more components of the thermally conductive interface assembly between a first state and a second state based on a temperature of the shape memory alloy component. In the first state, the first interface surface is in physical contact with the second interface surface, and in the second state, a gap is defined between the first interface surface and the second interface surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a thermally conductive interface assembly including a first component associated with a first interface surface and a second component associated with a second interface surface. The apparatus also includes a shape memory alloy component coupled to the thermally conductive interface assembly and configured to move one or more components of the thermally conductive interface assembly between a first state and a second state based on a temperature of the shape memory alloy component. In the first state, the first interface surface is in physical contact with the second interface surface, and in the second state, a gap is defined between the first interface surface and the second interface surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a thermally conductive interface assembly including a first component associated with a first interface surface and a second component associated with a second interface surface. The apparatus also includes a shape memory alloy component coupled to the thermally conductive interface assembly and configured to move one or more components of the thermally conductive interface assembly between a first state and a second state based on a temperature of the shape memory alloy component. In the first state, the first interface surface is in physical contact with the second interface surface, and in the second state, a gap is defined between the first interface surface and the second interface surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a thermally conductive interface assembly including a first component associated with a first interface surface and a second component associated with a second interface surface. The apparatus also includes a shape memory alloy component coupled to the thermally conductive interface assembly and configured to move one or more components of the thermally conductive interface assembly between a first state and a second state based on a temperature of the shape memory alloy component. In the first state, the first interface surface is in physical contact with the second interface surface, and in the second state, a gap is defined between the first interface surface and the second interface surface.

Abstract: In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an aerospace vehicle includes a frame, an actuable multifunctional cellular structure connected to the frame, the actuable multifunctional cellular structure including a first face member and a second face member, and a shape memory alloy core coupled to the first face member and the second face member, and wherein, at least one of the first face member and the second face member is a graded thermal structure configured so that heat transferred through the graded thermal structure in a predetermined thermal pattern to the shape memory alloy core effects a predetermined change in a shape of the shape memory alloy core and effects a change in shape of the actuable multifunctional cellular structure.

Abstract: A thermal energy harvesting system employs a hot flow conduit and a cold flow conduit with a flow routing device interruptibly interconnecting the hot flow conduit and cold flow conduit with a flow casing. At least one shape memory actuator (SMA) tube is in fluid contact with the flow casing and fixed at a first end. The flow routing device sequentially supplies hot flow from the hot flow conduit and cold flow from the cold flow conduit inducing rotation of the at least one SMA tube at a second end. A generator or alternator is operably connected to the second end of the at least one SMA tube.

Abstract: Shape memory alloy-actuated propeller blades and shape memory alloy-actuated propeller assemblies are disclosed. An example propeller blade includes a propeller body, a plate coupled to the propeller body, a torque transfer member, and a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. The torque transfer member has a distal end attached to the plate such that the torque transfer member applies to the plate at least a portion of a torque applied to the torque transfer member at a proximal end of the torque transfer member. The SMA actuator has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the SMA actuator is attached to the torque transfer member. The proximal end of the SMA actuator is coupled to the propeller body such that the distal end is mated to the propeller body. The SMA actuator is configured to apply the torque to the proximal end of the torque transfer member in response to an application of heat to the SMA actuator.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated aerostructure operable to dynamically change shape according to flight conditions is disclosed. Deformable structures are actuated by SMA actuators that are coupled to face sheets of the deformable structures. Actuating the SMA actuators produces complex shape changes of the deformable structures by activating shape changes of the SMA actuators. The SMA actuators are actuated via an active or passive temperature change based on operating conditions. The SMA actuated aerostructure can be used for morphable nozzles such as a variable area fan nozzle and/or a variable geometry chevron of a jet engine to reduce engine noise during takeoff without degrading fuel burn during cruise.

Abstract: A scalable multi-element shape memory alloy (SMA) rotary motor employs a plurality of SMA tubes. A ratcheting gear transmission couples the plurality of SMA tubes in parallel to a common output. A controller provides power to a plurality of heaters associated with each of the plurality of SMA tubes, sequentially heating selected heaters to provide continuous rotational motion of the common output.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosed vortex generator may include a flap, a bearing configured to be mounted on a surface, an axle retained in the bearing, the flap attached to the axle such that the flap rotates relative to the bearing about the axle, and an actuator made of a shape memory alloy attached to the flap and to a support, the actuator shaped to receive the axle therethrough, such that a change in temperature of the actuator causes the actuator to rotate the flap relative to the bearing.

Abstract: In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an aerospace vehicle includes a frame, an actuable multifunctional cellular structure connected to the frame, the actuable multifunctional cellular structure including a first face member and a second face member, and a shape memory alloy core coupled to the first face member and the second face member, and wherein, at least one of the first face member and the second face member is a graded thermal structure configured so that heat transferred through the graded thermal structure in a predetermined thermal pattern to the shape memory alloy core effects a predetermined change in a shape of the shape memory alloy core and effects a change in shape of the actuable multifunctional cellular structure.

Abstract: Shape memory alloy-actuated propeller blades and shape memory alloy-actuated propeller assemblies are disclosed. An example propeller blade includes a propeller body, a plate coupled to the propeller body, a torque transfer member, and a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. The torque transfer member has a distal end attached to the plate such that the torque transfer member applies to the plate at least a portion of a torque applied to the torque transfer member at a proximal end of the torque transfer member. The SMA actuator has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the SMA actuator is attached to the torque transfer member. The proximal end of the SMA actuator is coupled to the propeller body such that the distal end is mated to the propeller body. The SMA actuator is configured to apply the torque to the proximal end of the torque transfer member in response to an application of heat to the SMA actuator.

Abstract: A thermal energy harvesting system employs a hot flow conduit and a cold flow conduit with a flow routing device interruptibly interconnecting the hot flow conduit and cold flow conduit with a flow casing. At least one shape memory actuator (SMA) tube is in fluid contact with the flow casing and fixed at a first end. The flow routing device sequentially supplies hot flow from the hot flow conduit and cold flow from the cold flow conduit inducing rotation of the at least one SMA tube at a second end. A generator or alternator is operably connected to the second end of the at least one SMA tube.

Abstract: A scalable multi-element shape memory alloy (SMA) rotary motor employs a plurality of SMA tubes. A ratcheting gear transmission couples the plurality of SMA tubes in parallel to a common output. A controller provides power to a plurality of heaters associated with each of the plurality of SMA tubes, sequentially heating selected heaters to provide continuous rotational motion of the common output.

Abstract: A rotational actuator assembly employs a first torsion actuator having a shape memory alloy (SMA) tube with a first trained twist direction and a second torsion actuator having a SMA tube with an opposite trained twist direction collinear with the first torsion actuator with abutting proximal ends. A central fitting joins the proximal ends. A control system for temperature control of the first torsion actuator and second torsion actuator about an average temperature provides combined antagonistic rotation of the central fitting.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for shape memory alloy weapon fairings. The shape memory alloy weapon fairings are formed from a shape memory alloy and are configured to change shape in response to temperature changes. At a first temperature, the shape memory alloy weapon fairing has a first shape and at a second temperature, the shape memory alloy has a second shape. Upon deployment of a weapon including the shape memory alloy weapon fairing, the shape memory alloy weapon fairing is heated by the weapon and/or air friction. The shape memory alloy weapon fairing changes shape in response to the temperature change and provides a fairing for one or more structures of the weapon. In some implementations, the fairing covers a protuberance or other connection mechanism of the weapon.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated aerostructure operable to dynamically change shape according to flight conditions is disclosed. Deformable structures are actuated by SMA actuators that are coupled to face sheets of the deformable structures. Actuating the SMA actuators produces complex shape changes of the deformable structures by activating shape changes of the SMA actuators. The SMA actuators are actuated via an active or passive temperature change based on operating conditions. The SMA actuated aerostructure can be used for morphable nozzles such as a variable area fan nozzle and/or a variable geometry chevron of a jet engine to reduce engine noise during takeoff without degrading fuel burn during cruise.

Abstract: First and second aircraft structures are bonded together with an adhesive including strain-sensitive magnetostrictive material.

Abstract: First and second aircraft structures are bonded together with an adhesive including strain-sensitive magnetostrictive material.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for shape memory alloy weapon fairings. The shape memory alloy weapon fairings are formed from a shape memory alloy and are configured to change shape in response to temperature changes. At a first temperature, the shape memory alloy weapon fairing has a first shape and at a second temperature, the shape memory alloy has a second shape. Upon deployment of a weapon including the shape memory alloy weapon fairing, the shape memory alloy weapon fairing is heated by the weapon and/or air friction. The shape memory alloy weapon fairing changes shape in response to the temperature change and provides a fairing for one or more structures of the weapon. In some implementations, the fairing covers a protuberance or other connection mechanism of the weapon.