Abstract: An electrical generator converts the high blast pressures of explosives into useful electricity by capturing the explosive gases and using the high gas pressures to alternately push water hydraulically between two tanks and through water turbines connected to DC electric generators. Water expelled through a water turbine from one tank is used to fill the other tank. Batteries can be used to store the electrical energy generated, and inverters followed by transformers convert the DC electric from the turbine-generators to 110-VAC, 220-VAC, and 440-VAC. A microcomputer controller connected to various sensors and solenoid valves coordinates the timing and routing of the detonation of explosives, tank pressures, venting, valving, and load control.

Abstract: Interlaminar shear strength of an aircraft wing made of graphite-epoxy laate is significantly increased by embedding thin steel wires in preselected locations of high stress in alternating rows .+-.45.degree. to the plane of the laminate before it is cured. This cross wire reinforcement prevents brittle delamination, arrests propagation of delamination and reduces scatter of interlaminar strength.