Abstract: In-line material analyzers may include feed guides for guiding a material through the analyzer. An actuator may be positioned and configured to contact the material proximate to the feed guides. The state of the actuator, and the force applied by the actuator to the material, may be detected. The state of the actuator, the force applied by the actuator, or both may be utilized to determine one or more properties of the material. Such a determination may be made without removing the material from a production or other manufacturing line, such as, for example, while the material remains contiguous with a source from which the material is extruded.

Abstract: An energy conversion system for use in a rifle with a barrel and a handguard includes an interface with a curved surface that conforms substantially to a curvature of the barrel such that the curved surface receives heat from the barrel. The interface further includes a substantially flat mounting surface and a heat-conducting material disposed between the curved surface and the substantially flat mounting surface to conduct the heat from the curved surface to the substantially flat mounting surface. Moreover, a spring is positioned to be between the interface and the handguard to apply a force to the interface so that the curved surface substantially maintains contact with the barrel. A thermoelectric generator is secured to the substantially flat mounting surface and includes a positive lead and a negative lead.

Abstract: An energy conversion system for use in a rifle with a barrel and a handguard includes an interface with a curved surface that conforms substantially to a curvature of the barrel such that the curved surface receives heat from the barrel. The interface further includes a substantially flat mounting surface and a heat-conducting material disposed between the curved surface and the substantially flat mounting surface to conduct the heat from the curved surface to the substantially flat mounting surface. Moreover, a spring is positioned to be between the interface and the handguard to apply a force to the interface so that the curved surface substantially maintains contact with the barrel. A thermoelectric generator is secured to the substantially flat mounting surface and includes a positive lead and a negative lead.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber reinforced energetic composite is provided. The method includes providing a mold or mandrel defining a shape for the fiber reinforced energetic composite, providing an impregnated fiber layup over the mold or mandrel, and curing the impregnated fiber layup. The impregnated fiber layup includes a fiber layup and polymer resin, the fiber layup formed from a plurality of reinforcing fiber layers and an energetic polymer nanocomposite disposed adjacent one or more of the reinforcing fiber layers with the polymer resin impregnated within the reinforcing fiber layers. The energetic polymer nanocomposite includes core-shell nanoparticles entrained in a thermoplastic polymer matrix where the core-shell nanoparticles include a core made of metal and at least one shell layer made of metal oxide disposed on the core or a core made of metal oxide and at least one shell layer made of metal disposed on the core.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced energetic composite is provided. The fiber reinforced energetic composite includes reinforcing fiber embedded in a cured polymer matrix and energetic polymer nanocomposite disposed in the reinforcing fiber. The energetic polymer nanocomposite including core-shell nanoparticles entrained in a polymer matrix. The core-shell nanoparticles include a core made of a metal and at least one shell layer made of a metal oxide disposed on the core or a core made a metal oxide and at least one shell layer made of a metal disposed on the core. The method of making a fiber reinforced energetic composite is also provided. Further, a composite container made of fiber reinforced energetic composite is further provided.