Abstract: A composite assembly that includes one or more panels and integral stiffeners. The composite assembly is formed from multiple composite plies that form the one or more panels and stiffeners. The construction process uses multiple tool segments that each replicate a section of the composite assembly. Composite plies are positioned on each tool segment and then the tool segments and their composite plies are placed together. Sections of the plies that extend along the faces of the tool segments form the panel. Sections of the composite plies that extend along lateral sides of the tool segments form the stiffeners. Additional composite plies are layed up over the tool segments and composite plies to complete the process. The composite plies are then cured to form the finished composite assembly.

Abstract: An automated inspection system for composite structures is provided. The automated inspection system comprises an optical system, a database of model data, and a computer system. The optical system is configured to take a measurement of the feature in relation to a reference element. The optical system then creates image data based on the measurement of the feature. The computer system is configured to compare the image data to model data and determine whether the measurement of the feature is within selected tolerances.

Abstract: An automated inspection system for composite structures is provided. The automated inspection system comprises an optical system, a database of model data, and a computer system. The optical system is configured to take a measurement of the feature in relation to a reference element. The optical system then creates image data based on the measurement of the feature. The computer system is configured to compare the image data to model data and determine whether the measurement of the feature is within selected tolerances.

Abstract: An adaptive gate drive for an inverter includes control circuitry having a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and includes power circuitry having a plurality of FETs for operating a switching device, such as a Trench Gate Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT device). The control circuitry provides switching signals for operating the switching device. In addition, the control circuitry receives signals of output current of the IGBT device, temperature of the IGBT device, and DC link voltage. The FPGA has a plurality of operating points stored therein. Each operating point has corresponding parameters for a control signal that is used to control the turn-on or turn-off behavior of the IGBT device. During operation, the control circuitry compares the measured current, voltage and temperature operating points stored in the FPGA and sends the corresponding parameters to the gate drive circuit.

Abstract: An adaptive gate drive for an inverter includes control circuitry having a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and includes power circuitry having a plurality of FETs for operating a switching device, such as a Trench Gate Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT device). The control circuitry provides switching signals for operating the switching device. In addition, the control circuitry receives signals of output current of the IGBT device, temperature of the IGBT device, and DC link voltage. The FPGA has a plurality of operating points stored therein. Each operating point has corresponding parameters for a control signal that is used to control the turn-on or turn-off behavior of the IGBT device. During operation, the control circuitry compares the measured current, voltage and temperature operating points stored in the FPGA and sends the corresponding parameters to the gate drive circuit.