Abstract: Reusable quick-release fastener systems include fasteners composed of a neat polymer such as an elastomer or a shape memory polymer. The fasteners may be of any number of geometrical shapes, with each pair of fastening devices having mating geometries that are compatible with one another. The fastening devices provide an easy and nearly silent closure mechanism. The fastener systems can be used to attach one part to another or to act as the closure mechanism for an article comprising the fastener system, such as a pocket, a box, or a container, for example.

Abstract: Methods for using a reusable quick release fastener system include engaging and disengaging fastening devices composed of elastomers or shape memory polymers and their composites wherein the fastening devices may be of any number of geometrical shapes such that the mating geometries of each device are compatible with one another. The fastening devices provide an easy and near silent closure mechanism for a container, for example. Thus, the methods for using reusable quick release fastener systems including the fastening devices made of elastomers or shape memory polymers can be used to attach one part to another or to quietly close a pocket, box, or other container, for example.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a SMP apparatus from within a cured composite part. The method may comprise the steps of triggering the SMP apparatus from a rigid state to a malleable state, inducing a pressure differential that drives the SMP apparatus, in the malleable state, away from the cured composite part and toward an inner mandrel tool, and removing the inner mandrel tool with the SMP apparatus resting thereon out of the cured composite part. The inner mandrel tool may comprise an outer surface having varying contours such that a surface area of the outer surface is great enough to prevent the SMP apparatus from folding over onto itself or creasing when driven toward the inner mandrel tool. A maximum straight line distance between points on the outer surface may be small enough to allow the inner mandrel tool clearance for removal from the cured composite part.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present airfoil systems comprise an airfoil with a leading edge, a trailing edge, an upper surface, a lower surface, and a skin surface, at least one structural element located within said airfoil, wherein said structural element supports the skin surface having an upper skin portion and a lower skin portion wherein said structural element can change its shape in response to external stimulus during flight operations, and an actuating means for selectively altering the curvature of said structural element which alters the curvature of said upper skin portion and of said lower skin portion to cause nonlinear deflection of said skin surface between an extreme raised position through a neutral position to an extreme lowered position; whereby the outer surface curvature of said airfoil and said skin surface is smooth and continuous over substantially the entirety thereof at all positions of said skin surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a SMP apparatus from within a cured composite part. The method may comprise the steps of triggering the SMP apparatus from a rigid state to a malleable state, inducing a pressure differential that drives the SMP apparatus, in the malleable state, away from the cured composite part and toward an inner mandrel tool, and removing the inner mandrel tool with the SMP apparatus resting thereon out of the cured composite part. The inner mandrel tool may comprise an outer surface having varying contours such that a surface area of the outer surface is great enough to prevent the SMP apparatus from folding over onto itself or creasing when driven toward the inner mandrel tool. A maximum straight line distance between points on the outer surface may be small enough to allow the inner mandrel tool clearance for removal from the cured composite part.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for engaging and disengaging a releasable fastener system, comprising fastening devices composed of elastomers or shape memory polymers and their composites wherein the fastening devices may be of any number of geometrical shapes limited only by the fact that each pair of fastening devices are designed such that the mating geometries of each device are compatible with one another. This disclosure relates to an apparatus and process for an easy and near silent closure mechanism for a container. Specifically this application deals with the use of elastomers or shape memory polymers as the connection devices in a fastener system which can be used to attach one part to another or act as the closure mechanism for a pocket, box, or other container.

Abstract: Morphing an aerodynamic body's geometry in situ can optimize its aerodynamic properties, increasing range, reducing fuel consumption, and improving many performance parameters. The aerodynamic load exerted on the body by the flow is one such parameter, typically characterized as lift or drag. It is the aim of the present disclosure to teach the use of passive adaptive morphing structures to manage these aerodynamic loads.