Abstract: A method for constructing a compensated composite structure, including a support tube coupled to a flexure plate and enclosing a capacitor plate, includes selecting a material for the support tube whereby the coefficient of expansion is larger than that of the material of the capacitor plates. Further, the method includes selecting the lengths of the support tube and the capacitor plate such that the composite structure is insensitive to changes in temperature.

Abstract: An accelerometer system includes a capacitor plate fixed within a housing and a flexure plate positioned substantially parallel to the capacitor plate a distance therefrom. The distance varies in response to acceleration forces acting upon the flexure plate such that the flexure plate and the capacitor plate generate a capacitance signal. A magnet is coupled to the flexure plate and generates a magnetic field, which moves as the flexure plate flexes. A coil winding around the flexure plate generates a second magnetic field as a function of capacitance signal, thus opposing the flexure plate magnetic field, and thereby returning the flexure plate to a null position.

Abstract: An accelerometer system includes a capacitor plate fixed within a housing and a flexure plate positioned substantially parallel to the capacitor plate a distance therefrom. The distance varies in response to acceleration forces acting upon the flexure plate such that the flexure plate and the capacitor plate generate a capacitance signal. A magnet is coupled to the flexure plate and generates a magnetic field, which moves as the flexure plate flexes. A coil winding around the flexure plate generates a second magnetic field as a function of capacitance signal, thus opposing the flexure plate magnetic field, and thereby returning the flexure plate to a null position.

Abstract: A precision flexure plate includes a flat disk positioned between two capacitor plates and supported by S-shaped beams. Deflection of the disk due to gravitational loads and resulting capacitance change is used to measure the accelerations in the direction perpendicular to the disk.

Abstract: A precision flexure plate includes a flat disk positioned between two capacitor plates and supported by S-shaped beams. Deflection of the disk due to gravitational loads and resulting capacitance change is used to measure the accelerations in the direction perpendicular to the disk.

Abstract: A method for constructing a compensated composite structure, including a support tube coupled to a flexure plate and enclosing a capacitor plate, includes selecting a material for the support tube whereby the coefficient of expansion is larger than that of the material of the capacitor plates. Further, the method includes selecting the lengths of the support tube and the capacitor plate such that the composite structure is insensitive to changes in temperature.

Abstract: A thrusting rail-joint assembly for joining and rapidly separating two host structures is disclosed. Each of the two host structures may include a fairing structure, and is connected to a latching member, which may include a rail segment. An outer latching member, having a first joining end and a first latching end, is secured to the first host structure at the first joining end. The outer latching member includes a number of latching arms at the first latching end. The latching arms extend from the outer latching member in a direction from the first joining end to the first latching end. An inner latching member has a second joining end and a second latching end. The inner latching member is secured to the second host structure at the second joining end, and has a number of recesses at the second latching end. The recesses are adapted to receive the latching arms when the outer latching member is latched onto the inner latching member.

Abstract: An automotive connecting rod made with lightweight alloy such as aluminum, having substantially improved durability and fatigue strength without weight penalty. The fatigue life of the beam section connecting two ends of the rod is increased by providing a special small bolt made with a very high tensile strength material, such as steel, built into the beam section to provide more favorable cyclic load variation at that region. A proper preload is provided to the bolt. The bolt size, its preload, and cross-sectional area of the beam section is calculated by an optimization method which includes the steps of taking into consideration the strength and fatigue characteristics of the lightweight alloy and bolt material used, as well as engine parameters such as stroke, rod length, piston and rod weight, operating temperature and RPM.