Abstract: Carbon fiber reinforced steel matrix composites have carbon fiber impregnated in the steel matrix and chemically bonded to the steel. Chemical bonding is shown by the presence of a unique amorphous carbon layer at the carbon fiber/steel interface, and by canting of steel crystal edges adjacent to the interface. Methods for forming carbon fiber reinforce steel composites include sintering steel nanoparticles around a reinforcing carbon fiber structure, thereby chemically bonding a sintered steel matrix to the carbon fiber. This unique bonding likely contributes to enhanced strength of the composite, in comparison to metal matrix composites formed by other methods.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a reagent complex includes a step of ball-milling a mixture that includes: a powder of a zero-valent element; a hydride molecule; and a nitrile ligand. The method produces a reagent complex having a formula Q0.Xy.Lz, where Q0 is the zero-valent element, X is the hydride molecule, and L is the nitrile ligand. A process for synthesizing nanoparticles composed of the zero-valent element includes a step of adding solvent to the reagent complex. Crystal texture of the nanoparticles is modulated by appropriate selection of the molar ratio nitrile ligand in the reagent complex.

Abstract: Composite materials include a steel matrix with reinforcing carbon fiber integrated into the matrix, and having unreinforced regions suitable for stamping or other deformation. The composite materials have substantially lower density than steel, and are expected to have appreciable strength within regions having the reinforcing carbon fiber, while having greater deformability in unreinforced regions. Methods for forming composite steel composites includes combining at least two laterally spaced apart reinforcing carbon fiber components, such as a carbon fiber weave, with steel nanoparticles and sintering the steel nanoparticles in order to form a steel matrix with reinforcing carbon fiber integrated therein, and unreinforced regions located in the lateral spaces between carbon fiber components.

Abstract: Composite materials include a steel matrix with reinforcing carbon fiber formed of individual fibers penetrating into the matrix to substantial depth. The fibers typically have defined diameters and large ratios of penetration depth to fiber diameter. Specified methods for forming the composite materials have a unique ability to achieve the large ratios of penetration depth to fiber diameter.

Abstract: Composite materials include a steel matrix with reinforcing carbon fiber integrated into the matrix. The composite materials have substantially lower density than steel, and are expected to have appreciable strength. Methods for forming composite steel composites includes combining a reinforcing carbon fiber component, such as a woven polymer, with steel nanoparticles and sintering the steel nanoparticles in order to form a steel matrix with reinforcing carbon fiber integrated therein.

Abstract: Composite materials include a steel matrix with structural polymer integrated into the matrix. The composite materials have substantially lower density than steel, and are expected to have appreciable strength. Methods for forming composite steel composites includes combining a structural polymer component, such as a woven polymer, with steel nanoparticles and sintering the steel nanoparticles in order to form a steel matrix with structural polymer integrated therein.

Abstract: Composite materials include a steel matrix with structural polymer integrated into the matrix. The composite materials have substantially lower density than steel, and are expected to have appreciable strength. Methods for forming composite steel composites includes combining a structural polymer component, such as a woven polymer, with steel nanoparticles and sintering the steel nanoparticles in order to form a steel matrix with structural polymer integrated therein.

Abstract: Composite materials include a steel matrix with structural polymer integrated into the matrix. The composite materials have substantially lower density than steel, and are expected to have appreciable strength. Methods for forming composite steel composites includes combining a structural polymer component, such as a woven polymer, with steel nanoparticles and sintering the steel nanoparticles in order to form a steel matrix with structural polymer integrated therein.

Abstract: An actuator includes a first enclosure, a dielectric fluid in the first enclosure, and a second enclosure in fluid communication with the first enclosure. An elastic membrane defines at least a portion of the second enclosure. A first electrical conductor is positioned along a first side of the first enclosure. A second electrical conductor is positioned along a second side of the first enclosure opposite the first side. The second conductor is spaced apart from the first conductor. The conductors are connected to a power source. Application of electrical energy to the first and second conductors produces an attractive force between the conductors. Motion of the conductors toward each other pressurizes the dielectric fluid so as to force the dielectric fluid to flow from the first enclosure into the second enclosure. The flow of the dielectric fluid exerts a force on the elastic membrane which expands the elastic membrane.

Abstract: The devices and systems described herein generally relate to programmable surfaces. A set of tiles in conjunction with actuators, allow for the surface to be constantly changeable from a first shape to an unlimited variety of second shapes. Once a desired second shape is achieved, the shape can be held by actuating the actuators. The system can include detection and maintenance of the shapes of the programmable surface by controlling which of the actuators are released and when they are released.

Abstract: An actuator includes a first enclosure, a dielectric fluid in the first enclosure, and a second enclosure in fluid communication with the first enclosure. An elastic membrane defines at least a portion of the second enclosure. A first electrical conductor is positioned along a first side of the first enclosure. A second electrical conductor is positioned along a second side of the first enclosure opposite the first side. The second conductor is spaced apart from the first conductor. The conductors are connected to a power source. Application of electrical energy to the first and second conductors produces an attractive force between the conductors. Motion of the conductors toward each other pressurizes the dielectric fluid so as to force the dielectric fluid to flow from the first enclosure into the second enclosure. The flow of the dielectric fluid exerts a force on the elastic membrane which expands the elastic membrane.

Abstract: A monolithic substrate including a silica material fused to bulk copper is provided for coupling with electronic components, along with methods for making the same. The method includes arranging a base mixture in a die mold. The base mixture includes a bottom portion with copper micron powder and an upper portion with copper nanoparticles. The method includes arranging a secondary mixture on the upper portion of the base mixture. The secondary mixture includes a bottom portion with silica-coated copper nanoparticles and an upper portion with silica nanoparticles. The method includes heating and compressing the base mixture and the secondary mixture in the die mold at a temperature, pressure, and time sufficient to sinter and fuse the base mixture with the secondary mixture to form a monolithic substrate. The resulting monolithic substrate defines a first major surface providing thermal conductivity, and a second major surface providing an electrically resistive surface.

Abstract: Methods for microwave melting of fiber mixtures to form composite materials include placing the fiber mixture in a receptacle located in a microwave oven. The methods further include microwave heating the mixture, causing a heat activated compression mechanism to automatically increase compressive force on the mixture, thereby eliminating air and void volumes. The heat activated compression mechanism can include a shape memory alloy wire connecting first and second compression brackets, or one or more ceramic blocks configured to increase in volume and thereby increase compression on the mixture.

Abstract: A dynamic interface between a vehicle windshield and a structure (e.g., an A-pillar) is provided. The dynamic interface can be actively managed to allow its configuration to be selectively changed based on real-time driving environment conditions. The interface can include one or more actuators that can be selectively activated or deactivated to change the aerodynamic characteristics of the interface. When a crosswind activation condition is detected, the actuator(s) can be activated. The actuator(s) can be soft-bodied structures. The actuator(s) can include a bladder defining a fluid chamber filled with a dielectric fluid. A first conductor and a second conductor can be operatively positioned on opposite portions of the bladder. When electrical energy is supplied to the conductors, they can become oppositely charged. As a result, the conductors can be electrostatically attracted toward each other, displacing some of the dielectric fluid to an outer peripheral region of the fluid chamber.

Abstract: Orthopedic replacements include are formed at least partially of composite materials including a metal matrix with reinforcing carbon fiber integrated into the matrix. The composite materials have substantially lower density than metal, and are expected to have appreciable strength. The orthopedic replacements can include a bone attachment portion and a load bearing portion. In some versions, the orthopedic replacements can include a core formed of the composite material, with a shape completion portion, formed for example from plastic, at least partially coating the core.

Abstract: Composite materials include a non-ferrous metal matrix with reinforcing carbon fiber integrated into the matrix. The composite materials have substantially lower density than non-ferrous metal, and are expected to have appreciable strength. Methods for forming composite non-ferrous metal composites includes combining a reinforcing carbon fiber component, such as a woven polymer, with non-ferrous metal nanoparticles and sintering the non-ferrous metal nanoparticles in order to form a non-ferrous metal matrix with reinforcing carbon fiber integrated therein.

Abstract: A mirror assembly can include a mirror and one or more actuators operatively positioned to cause the position and/or the orientation of the mirror to be adjusted. The one or more actuators include a bladder. The bladder can include a flexible casing. The bladder can define a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber can contain a dielectric fluid. The one or more actuators can include a first conductor and a second conductor operatively positioned on opposite portions of the bladder. The one or more actuators can be configured such that, when electrical energy is supplied to the first conductor and the second conductor, the first conductor and the second conductor can become oppositely charged. As a result, the first conductor and the second conductor are electrostatically attracted toward each other to cause at least a portion of the dielectric fluid to be displaced to an outer peripheral region of the fluid chamber.

Abstract: An interface between two vehicle structures can be selectively sealed using an active seal. The active seal can include an outer casing and an actuator located within the outer casing. The actuator can include a bladder. The bladder can define a fluid chamber, which can contain a dielectric fluid. The actuator can include a first conductor and a second conductor operatively positioned on opposite portions of the bladder. The actuator can be activated and deactivated by selectively supplying electrical energy to the actuator. When electrical energy is supplied to the actuator, the actuator can have a reduced cross-sectional profile such that the interface is not sealed and movement of the second vehicle structure is not impeded by the seal. When electrical energy is not supplied to the actuator, the actuator can be in a non-activated condition in which the interface is substantially sealed.

Abstract: An interface between two vehicle structures can be selectively sealed using an active seal. The active seal can include an outer casing and an actuator located within the outer casing. The actuator can include a bladder. The bladder can define a fluid chamber, which can contain a dielectric fluid. The actuator can include a first conductor and a second conductor operatively positioned on opposite portions of the bladder. The actuator can be activated and deactivated by selectively supplying electrical energy to the actuator. When electrical energy is supplied to the actuator, the actuator can have a reduced cross-sectional profile such that the interface is not sealed and movement of the second vehicle structure is not impeded by the seal. When electrical energy is not supplied to the actuator, the actuator can be in a non-activated condition in which the interface is substantially sealed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a furniture module. The body defines a passenger compartment, and the furniture module includes a framing system mounted to the body in the passenger compartment and a surfacing system mounted to the framing system. The furniture module is operable to shift between a body-like form factor and a furniture form factor. In the body-like form factor, the furniture module is flattened along the body, with the framing system collapsed along the body, and the surfacing system spatially arranged along the body with the framing system. In the furniture form factor, the furniture module extends beyond the body to render on-demand furniture including a furniture frame and an overlying furniture surface, with the framing system expanded beyond the body to establish the furniture frame, and the surfacing system spatially arranged beyond the body to establish the overlying furniture surface.