Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an environmental control system (and method of using the same) that is capable of conveying conditioned gases toward at least one target component (e.g., an electrical or propulsion component) of a flight vehicle such as an aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicle. The environmental control system of the invention generally includes a low-weight, flexible ducting. The low weight of the ducting may make it possible for the ducting to be installed into the flight vehicle utilizing one or more attachment assemblies that may be adhered to at least one surface of the flight vehicle simply by utilizing an appropriate adhesive rather than more invasive fasteners such as screws, bolts, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a multi-layered structure which for a given external geometry a section of interest may be integrally reinforced by varying the relative proportions of the layers in that section. That is, the layers making up the structure may have varying relative proportions to the structure's overall thickness between two or more positions while the structure maintains a constant thickness between the positions. By varying the relative proportions of the structure's layers, the mechanical properties of the structure may be selectively altered from a first position to a second position without altering the structure's external profile. This is especially desirable in composite sandwich structures used in aerospace applications which often require additional reinforcement at structural interfaces.

Abstract: A method for repairing a composite structure is herein disclosed, as well as a corresponding structure repaired using such methods. The structural repair method is a new fill-and-patch-type system that generally includes forming a recess in the structure and placing both a threaded insert and a potting material in the recess. Generally after the potting material has hardened, a patch is adhered to the potting material-filled recess, and a fixture is disposed over the recess. By directing a threaded fastener through the fixture and into the threaded insert, the fixture is drawn toward the structure and compresses the patch against the filled recess via the threaded fastener being tightened to supply sufficient compressional force to assist in bonding the patch to the repaired structure.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a multi-layered structure which for a given external geometry a section of interest may be integrally reinforced by varying the relative proportions of the layers in that section. That is, the layers making up the structure may have varying relative proportions to the structure's overall thickness between two or more positions while the structure maintains a constant thickness between the positions. By varying the relative proportions of the structure's layers, the mechanical properties of the structure may be selectively altered from a first position to a second position without altering the structure's external profile. This is especially desirable in composite sandwich structures used in aerospace applications which often require additional reinforcement at structural interfaces.