Abstract: An x-ray backscattering imaging system creating a backscatter image representing a structure is disclosed. The system includes a drum rotatable about an axis of rotation at a rotational speed, a radioactive source, a container, at least one collimator, at least one light emitting element, and a plurality of backscatter detectors. The radioactive source is connected to the drum and generates x-ray beams. The container houses the radioactive source and is constructed of a material that substantially blocks the x-ray beams generated by the radioactive source. The collimator is defined by the container and has a length and an aperture, where the collimator filters a stream of x-rays generated by the radioactive source such that the x-ray beams traveling substantially parallel with respect to the length of the collimator pass through the aperture. The light emitting element generates visible light and is positioned to direct the visible light into the collimator.

Abstract: A method may include scanning a surface of a composite workpiece with multiple electromagnetic pulses, each of the multiple electromagnetic pulses being associated with a respective location on the surface of the composite workpiece.

Abstract: A bondline characteristic determination system comprises a plurality of graphene sensors and a plurality of graphene lines. The plurality of graphene sensors is positioned within a bondline of a composite structure. The plurality of graphene sensors is formed of graphene doped with a noble gas. The plurality of graphene lines electrically connects the plurality of graphene sensors external to the composite structure.

Abstract: A vehicle examination system includes an axle inspection system that is configured to inspect an axle of a vehicle. The axle inspection system includes an ultrasound scanning assembly, and an axle coupler that retains the ultrasound scanning assembly. The axle coupler is configured to moveably secure the ultrasound scanning assembly to the axle. An axle inspection control unit is in communication with the ultrasound scanning assembly. The axle inspection control unit is configured to control the ultrasound scanning assembly to ultrasonically scan the axle for anomalies as the vehicle moves.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to utilize nanostructures for process monitoring and feedback control. In one example, a method includes forming a layer of material including nanostructures distributed therein. Each nanostructure includes a quantum dot and a shell encompassing the quantum dot. The shells and quantum dots are configured to emit a first and second wavelength, respectively, in response to an excitation signal. The method further includes applying the excitation signal to at least a portion of the layer of material. The method further includes detecting an emitted signal from the portion of the layer of material, where the emitted signal is provided by at least a subset of the nanostructures in response to the excitation signal. The method further includes determining whether a manufacturing characteristic has been satisfied based at least on a wavelength of the emitted signal. Related systems and products are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic dimmable window is heated by a graphene heating element formed on a transparent panel aligned with and proximal to the electronic dimmable window. The heating element is controlled by a thermostatic control circuit printed on the transparent panel.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for non-destructive testing that includes a cavity. The apparatus also includes an input element coupled with the cavity and configured to receive a laser beam and to direct the laser beam into the cavity. The apparatus additionally includes multiple output elements formed in the cavity and spaced apart along the cavity. Each output element of the multiple output elements is configured to direct a portion of the laser beam out of the cavity such that each portion of the laser beam directed out of a respective one of the multiple output elements has a substantially similar intensity.

Abstract: A method of laser bond inspection is provided. The method includes applying a thermochromatic energy-absorbing material to an inspection site of a test article. The method includes delivering a first amount of energy to the inspection site using a laser. The first amount of energy generates stresses in the test article. The method includes absorbing the first amount of energy into the thermochromatic energy-absorbing material to produce an observable thermal response that correlates to the first amount of energy.

Abstract: A system and method for the detection of foreign object debris materials or defects on and/or under a surface (e.g., outer ply) of a composite part being formed by a composite layup machine. A gantry moves over the composite part along a predetermined length thereof. A thermal excitation source fixed to the gantry directs infrared radiation across the width of the surface of the composite part. A infrared camera fixed to the gantry a predetermined distance away from the thermal excitation source scans the surface as the gantry moves to detect and output scan information thereof. A controller is coupled to the thermal excitation source and to the infrared camera. The controller processes the sequence of infrared images to identify a foreign object debris material or defect located on and/or under the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for inspecting structural integrity of a part. The apparatus includes a body and at least one sensor. The body is movable relative to the part. The at least one sensor is coupled to the body and includes a plurality of nanotubes configured to generate electrical signals when acted upon by an acoustic shockwave propagating through the part. The electrical signals are proportional to an intensity of the acoustic shockwave.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of inspecting a part for defects. The method includes applying an electromagnetic field to the part using a defect detection coil and one or more noise cancelation coils. The method also includes detecting feedback received in response to applying the electromagnetic field. The method includes adjusting settings corresponding to the one or more noise cancelation coils, in response to the feedback, to reduce electromagnetic noise.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to fabricate a composite part formed of a plurality of pieces of composite material in accordance with a predefined weight requirement. In the context of a system, a source of electromagnetic signals configured to impinge upon a supply of composite material is provided. The system also includes a detector to capture the electromagnetic signals following propagation through the supply of composite material during which at least some of the electromagnetic signals are absorbed by the composite material in a manner proportional to the density of the composite material. The system further includes a computing system to generate a weight distribution map of the supply of composite material based upon the electromagnetic signals captured following propagation through the supply. The weight of a plurality of pieces of composite material cut from the supply of composite material and combined into a composite part is determinable.

Abstract: A plurality of micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) transducers in a phased array are coupled to a flexible substrate using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for conformal ultrasound scanning. Each transducer comprises a cantilever, magnetic material deposited on the cantilever, and a solenoid positioned relative to the magnetic material. The carbon nanotubes are grown on the cantilever and mechanically couple the transducer to one side of the flexible substrate. The other side of the flexible substrate is applied to a surface of a part under inspection, and the transducers are electrically connected to a processer to cause movement of the cantilevers when the solenoids are energized by the processor. The movement of the cantilevers results in movement of the carbon nanotubes, which imparts a force to the flexible substrate that results in ultrasound waves, which permeate the part. Returns from the ultrasound waves are interpreted by the processor to generate images of the part.

Abstract: Described herein is a motor comprising a first rotatable member and an anchor, spaced apart from the first rotatable member. The motor also comprises a belt, in tension about the first rotatable member and the anchor. The belt is co-rotatably engaged with the first rotatable member. Further, the belt is made from a shape-memory alloy. Additionally, the motor comprises a thermal regulation device, positioned between spaced-apart first and second portions of the belt. The thermal regulation device is also configured to concurrently cool the first portion of the belt to contract the first portion of the belt and heat the second portion of the belt to expand the second portion of the belt. Concurrent contraction and expansion of the first and second portions of the belt cause rotation of the belt.

Abstract: A method of laser bond inspection is provided. The method includes applying a thermochromatic energy-absorbing material to an inspection site of a test article. The method includes delivering a first amount of energy to the inspection site using a laser. The first amount of energy generates stresses in the test article. The method includes absorbing the first amount of energy into the thermochromatic energy-absorbing material to produce an observable thermal response that correlates to the first amount of energy.

Abstract: An imaging system for generating three dimensional image data using X-ray backscattering from one side of a structure is provided. The imaging system includes at least one X-ray source, at least one rotating collimator coupled to the at least one X-ray source, an X-ray detector, and a controller coupled to the at least one X-ray source, the at least one rotating collimator and the X-ray detector. The controller is configured to emit X-rays from the at least one X-ray source through the at least one rotating collimator towards the one side of the structure. Additionally, the controller is configured to detect backscattered X-rays from the one side of the structure, using the X-ray detector, at a plurality of depths within the structure. Additionally, the controller is configured to generate three dimensional image data of the structure based on the detected backscattered X-rays.

Abstract: A witness material for monitoring an environmental history of an object may include a material containing a dye of a type that fluoresces in response to actinic radiation in one or both of a shift in color and a change in intensity when subjected to a predetermined stress above a predetermined level; and the material forming a coating on one or more of an outer container for the object, an inner container for the object, a tape that is applied to an outer container for the object, a tape that is applied to an inner container for the object, a shrink wrap enclosing the object, an outer surface of the object, and an inner surface of the object.

Abstract: A heated roller shade system is provided. The heated roller shade system includes a roller located in a cavity defined between an inner wall of a vehicle and an outer wall of the vehicle. The roller shade system also includes a shade coupled to the roller. The roller is configured to selectively move the shade between a deployed position and an open position. The roller shade system also includes a heating mechanism coupled to at least one of the roller and the shade. The heating mechanism facilitates increasing a temperature of at least one of the roller and the shade.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a light-emitting diode (LED). A first carbon nanotube (CNT) is coupled to and extends from the LED. A second CNT is coupled to and extends from the LED. The first and second CNTs are configured to generate a voltage difference across the LED when the first and second CNTs are exposed to an electromagnetic (EM) field having a frequency within a predetermined range. The LED is configured to emit light when the voltage difference is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a structure. Electromagnetic radiation is sent to a surface on a structure from an electromagnetic radiation emission system. A response is filtered to the electromagnetic radiation using a filter located inside of a borescope inspection housing. The filter is configured to pass a number of wavelengths in a response to the electromagnetic radiation directed at the surface on the structure. Data is generated from the number of wavelengths from the number of wavelengths passed through the filter using a sensor array. A two-dimensional image of the surface on the structure is generated with a group of graphical indicators indicating a group of inconsistencies not visible to a naked eye. The two-dimensional image is generated using data from a sensor array.