Abstract: A vehicle launch control technique includes providing a driver interface configured to display information to and input from a driver of the vehicle and a controller in communication with the driver interface, determining a maximum available torque curve for the powertrain based on current conditions, displaying, at the driver interface, the maximum available torque curve, receiving, from the driver via the driver interface, a desired launch speed for the powertrain, receiving, from the driver via the driver interface, a desired torque curve for the powertrain, wherein the desired torque curve changes in response to changes to the desired launch speed, generating, in response to a command via the driver interface, a final desired torque curve for the powertrain, and performing launch control of the vehicle by controlling the powertrain of the vehicle according to the final desired torque curve.

Abstract: Composite shafts and methods of making the same are described. The composite shafts include a plurality of composite elements arranged about an axis. The composite elements include first and second groups arranged at offset angles ±?. The groups of composite elements are configured to cooperate to allow the shaft to be flexible under bending and/or axial load and stiff under rotational load. The hollow shaft includes one or more axisymmetric radially-outward undulating portions and one or more axisymmetric narrow portions. The composite elements of groups are connected together in the radial direction along the narrow portions and the composite elements of the groups are not connected together in the radial direction along the undulating portions.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a composite shaft includes a plurality of composite elements arranged about an axis to form a hollow shaft with at least one undulation. The plurality of composite elements incudes a first group of the composite elements arranged about the axis offset by an angle +? and a second group of the composite elements arranged about the axis offset by an angle ?? to form a web with the first group of composite elements. The first and second groups of the plurality of composite elements are configured to cooperate with one another to allow the hollow shaft to be flexible under axial load and stiff under rotational load.

Abstract: A metallic coupling for a drive shaft includes a first cylindrical flange extending axially along a center axis and a second cylindrical flange extending axially along the center axis and spaced axially from the first cylindrical flange. The metallic coupling also includes a first plurality and a second plurality of connectors. Each connector of the first plurality of connectors extends from the first cylindrical flange to the second cylindrical flange and are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the center axis. Each connector of the second plurality of connectors also extends from the first cylindrical flange to the second cylindrical flange and are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the center axis. The second plurality of connectors are radially inward from the first plurality of connectors relative to the center axis. An annular gap is radially between the first plurality of connectors and the second plurality of connectors.

Abstract: A product includes a three-dimensional scaffold structure having an open cell geometry with interconnected channels for allowing continuous communication throughout a volume of the scaffold structure. The scaffold structure is configured to enhance mechanical strength of an energetic material. A fuel material is present in the scaffold structure and/or a second material is coupled to the scaffold structure. The fuel material is configured to increase an output of energy release relative to an output of energy release from the scaffold structure having the fuel material not present.

Abstract: A vehicle launch control technique includes providing a driver interface configured to display information to and input from a driver of the vehicle and a controller in communication with the driver interface, determining a maximum available torque curve for the powertrain based on current conditions, displaying, at the driver interface, the maximum available torque curve, receiving, from the driver via the driver interface, a desired launch speed for the powertrain, receiving, from the driver via the driver interface, a desired torque curve for the powertrain, wherein the desired torque curve changes in response to changes to the desired launch speed, generating, in response to a command via the driver interface, a final desired torque curve for the powertrain, and performing launch control of the vehicle by controlling the powertrain of the vehicle according to the final desired torque curve.

Abstract: A vehicle launch control technique includes obtaining a desired launch torque curve and a desired launch speed, performing a pre-staging procedure including generating a torque reserve for a powertrain, in response to paddle shifters being a first configuration and accelerator and brake pedals being fully depressed and then controlling vehicle positioning/movement in response to driver manipulation of the brake pedal, performing a staging procedure including (a) increasing the torque reserve, (b) activating a trans brake feature to hold the vehicle stationary, and (c) increasing a speed of the powertrain to the desired launch speed, in response to (i) the paddle shifters in a different second configuration and (ii) fully releasing the brake pedal, and after the staging procedure and in response to the paddle shifters being in a different third configuration, executing a vehicle launch procedure by depleting the torque reserve according to the desired launch torque curve.

Abstract: A flexible coupling includes a first flange and a second flange, wherein in a relaxed state the first flange and the second flange are each aligned along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of first coupling members extends from the first flange. Each first coupling member includes a first and second driving beam meeting at a first node to form a topologically triangular truss. A plurality of second coupling members extend from the second flange. Each second coupling member includes a first and second driven beam extending from the second flange and meeting at a second node to form a topologically triangular truss. The first node of each of the first coupling members is connected to the second node of a respective one of the second coupling members.

Abstract: A method of testing a part includes placing a first member on a part to be tested. A second member is placed on an opposed surface of the part. One of the members has an ultrasonic transmitter and the other has an ultrasonic receiver. At least one of the members has at least one magnetic element and the other has at least one of a magnetic element or a ferromagnetic metallic element which is attracted to magnets. One of the members moves along the surface of the part such that magnetic attraction causes the other to move along the opposed surface of the part with the one of the members. A controller causes an ultrasonic signal to be sent from the transmitter through the part to be tested which is received by the receiver and then analyzed by an ultrasonic testing machine.

Abstract: A composite drive shaft includes a web-based body defining a longitudinal axis. The web-based body has a first composite layup end section, a second composite layup end section that is opposite to the first composite layup end section, a first spiral composite element extending between the first composite end section and the second composite layup end section, and a second spiral composite element extending between the first composite end section and the second composite layup end section. The first spiral composite element and the second composite spiral element are embedded into the first composite layup end section, and the second composite layup end section. The first composite spiral element and the second composite spiral element are arranged in a bi-directional orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. The first spiral composite element and the second spiral composite element are arranged at pre-determined angles and possess a uni-directional fiber-reinforced polymer-matrix composite structure.

Abstract: A testing device includes a first member to be positioned on one surface of a part to be tested. A second member to be positioned on an opposed surface of the part to be tested. One of the first and second members have an ultrasonic transmitter and the other has an ultrasonic receiver. At least one of the first and second members have at least one magnetic element and the other of the first and second member have at least one magnetic or at least one ferromagnetic metallic element such that when one of the first and second members moves along the surface of the tested part the other of the first and second members will move along an opposed surface with the one of the members.

Abstract: A flexible diaphragm coupler includes a flange having a central support and a flange element extending radially outwardly from the central support. The flange element includes a rim portion having an axially facing surface. The axially facing surface includes a plurality of interlock elements. A diaphragm member is disposed between the first flange and the second flange. The diaphragm member includes a diaphragm element. The diaphragm element includes a central support element and a disc member extending radially outwardly from the central support element. The disc member includes a rim element having an axially facing surface portion including a plurality of interlock members that connect with the plurality of interlock elements.

Abstract: A drive shaft body has an axial cross-sectional shape, which includes a plurality of undulations increasing a drive shaft body diameter through an infinite number of diameters across at least 15% of an axial length between axial ends. There is at least one reinforcing belt associated with adjacent ones of the plurality of undulations. In another drive shaft, a drive shaft body has an axial cross-sectional shape which includes undulations increasing a drive shaft body diameter through an infinite number of diameters across at least 15% of an axial length between the axial ends. The undulations extend along a non-zero angle relative to a circumferential direction defined relative to a drive axis of the drive shaft, such that the undulations form a spiral with an intermediate smaller diameter spiral portion. There is at least one reinforcing belt associated with at least one of the undulations and the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A split streaming system and method are provided in which a stream of data (that can be video, audio or textual data) is split and sent over a plurality of stream reflectors to a stream recipient. Each stream reflector performs time gradient replacement to manage the split streaming.

Abstract: A drive shaft for transferring torque including a tubular insert extending along an axis and defining a first layer of the drive shaft including at least one straight portion and at least one undulation, wherein the tubular insert includes a first material having a first deformation temperature, and a polymeric tubular covering defining a second layer of the drive shaft surrounding the tubular insert including a second material having a deformation temperature lower than the deformation temperature of the first material, wherein the covering includes at least one straight portion adjacent to the straight portion of the tubular insert and at least one undulation adjacent to the at least one undulation of the tubular insert.

Abstract: A rifle having a ring mount system including a lower receiver connected to an upper receiver having a barrel; a handguard mounted over and around the barrel, the handguard having a mounting aperture; a barrel nut concentrically provided between the barrel and the handguard; one or more fasteners to secure the handguard to the barrel nut; a keyway groove formed annularly on the barrel nut to receive the fasteners when assembled. The fasteners pass through the mounting aperture of the handguard and securely rest in the keyway groove to align the handguard to the barrel nut and the barrel. The handguard includes a core surrounded by one or more exterior layers defining a shape of the handguard. The core is formed a predetermined thickness and allows the one or more exterior layers to form a desired exterior shape.

Abstract: A rifle having a receiver alignment system includes an upper receiver and a lower receiver configured to engage with each other in an assembled configuration by aligning and pressing an exterior portion of the upper receiver into an interior portion of the lower receiver. A cavity is defined within the interior portion of the lower receiver configured to receive the upper receiver. A lug positioned on the upper receiver defines an alignment groove formed on a lower surface of the lug. A plunger pin is provided in a hole defined within the interior portion of the lower receiver. The plunger pin is configured to engage with the alignment groove and generate a spring-loaded tension when the upper receiver and the lower receiver are engaged in an assembled configuration.

Abstract: A split streaming system and method are provided in which a stream of data (that can be video, audio or textual data) is split and sent over a plurality of stream reflectors to a stream recipient. Each stream reflector performs time gradient replacement to manage the split streaming.

Abstract: A rifle having a receiver alignment system includes an upper receiver and a lower receiver configured to engage with each other in an assembled configuration by aligning and pressing an exterior portion of the upper receiver into an interior portion of the lower receiver. A cavity is defined within the interior portion of the lower receiver configured to receive the upper receiver. A lug positioned on the upper receiver defines an alignment groove formed on a lower surface of the lug. A plunger pin is provided in a hole defined within the interior portion of the lower receiver. The plunger pin is configured to engage with the alignment groove and generate a spring-loaded tension when the upper receiver and the lower receiver are engaged in an assembled configuration.

Abstract: A magazine limit block is provided having a base configured to fit within an interior of a magazine body and a tapered main body configured to guide and support a spring within an interior of a magazine body. The tapered main body extends upwardly from the base. A notch is formed at a top surface of the limit block and is configured to accommodate and provide space for a connection point of the spring and a follower. The main body is configured to occupy space within a magazine body to limit a number of rounds of ammunition that fit inside the magazine and guides the spring during cycling.