Abstract: A thermal insulation system for an aircraft that includes leading surfaces is provided. The thermal insulation system includes a carrier and a container. The carrier has an interior surface that includes a first plurality of magnets that generate a first magnetic field, and an exterior surface that is thermally coupled to the leading surfaces of the aircraft. The container is surrounded by the interior surface of the carrier, has an exterior surface including a second plurality of magnets that generate a second magnetic field oriented opposite the first magnetic field, and has an interior that includes electronics. The first magnetic field and the second magnetic field generate a gap between the carrier and the container to reduce a heat transfer from the leading surfaces to the electronics during operation of the aircraft.

Abstract: An acoustic metamaterial including cells to digitally process an incoming sound waveform, and to produce a corresponding response sound waveform as a function of a frequency and a phase of the incoming sound waveform, to produce a total response sound waveform that, when combined with the incoming sound waveform, modifies the incoming sound waveform.

Abstract: A light detection system may include a light detecting assembly including a plurality of light detectors. Each light detector may include a substrate, a mirror coupled to the substrate, and a light-receiving tube coupled to the substrate. The light-receiving tube may include a sensor positioned at a first end, a light-transmissive opening at a second end that is opposite from the first end, and a plurality of partitions that are configured to block transmission of light energy. A central light path extends through the light-receiving tube. The system may also include a control unit in communication with the light detecting assembly. The control unit is configured to determine one or more of a direction of light emitted from a light source, a position of the light source, or an intensity of light emitted from the light source based on one or more light detection signals received from the light detecting assembly.

Abstract: A method for detecting an icing condition using an apparatus comprising a piezoelectric material and a vibration detector. The piezoelectric material has a surface proximate to a surface of a vehicle. The piezoelectric material is configured to vibrate. The vibration detector is configured to detect a change in vibrations in the piezoelectric material that indicates a presence of an icing condition on the surface of the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A high intensity light source blocking system for a vehicle operated by a crew member within a cockpit includes an crew member position or eye-position detection system, a transparent dynamic-darkening display covering a window in the crew member cockpit, and a scene imager configured to detect a presence of a high intensity light source and an emanation direction relative to the crew member cockpit. A computing device is connected to the position or eye-position detection system, the transparent dynamic-darkening display and the scene imager, and controls the darkening of a portion of the dynamic-darkening display upon the occurrence of either the high intensity light source having an intensity value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or the crew member position or eye-position being subject to either a direct portion of the high intensity light source or a substantial reflection thereof off a surface within the crew member cockpit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an icing condition. The apparatus comprises a piezoelectric material and a vibration detector. The piezoelectric material has a surface proximate to a surface of a vehicle. The piezoelectric material is configured to vibrate. The vibration detector is configured to detect a change in vibrations in the piezoelectric material that indicates a presence of an icing condition on the surface of the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: An acoustic metamaterial including cells to digitally process an incoming sound waveform, and to produce a corresponding response sound waveform as a function of a frequency and a phase of the incoming sound waveform, to produce a total response sound waveform that, when combined with the incoming sound waveform, modifies the incoming sound waveform.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for electromagnetic projectile launching are described. In one example, a projectile for use with an electromagnetic launcher includes an armature configured to couple to a payload and configured for acceleration by the electromagnetic launcher. The armature includes a superconductor material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an icing condition. The apparatus comprises a piezoelectric material and a vibration detector. The piezoelectric material has a surface proximate to a surface of a vehicle. The piezoelectric material is configured to vibrate. The vibration detector is configured to detect a change in vibrations in the piezoelectric material that indicates a presence of an icing condition on the surface of the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A system for determining ionization susceptibility including a sample, an x-ray generator configured to generate a pulsed x-ray beam, and focusing optics disposed between the sample and the x-ray generator, the focusing optics being configured to focus the pulsed x-ray beam into a spot on the sample.

Abstract: A system for determining ionization susceptibility including a sample, an x-ray generator configured to generate a pulsed x-ray beam, and focusing optics disposed between the sample and the x-ray generator, the focusing optics being configured to focus the pulsed x-ray beam into a spot on the sample.