Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring an environment history of a component using an indicator array that includes energy exposure indicator pads direct-printed onto a surface of the component in a geometric pattern. Each of the plurality of energy exposure indicator pads in the geometric pattern may include a mechanochromic material, a first thermochromic indicator responsive within a first temperature range, a second thermochromic indicator responsive within a second temperature range, and a third thermochromic indicator responsive within a third temperature range, provided that the first, second, and third temperature ranges are distinct from one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a composite structure having integrated electronics. A flexible electronic substrate is heated with the flexible electronic substrate positioned relative to a composite laminate. A vacuum is applied to cause the flexible electronic substrate to conform to and bond to the composite laminate, thereby forming an electronic composite panel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring an environment history of a component using an indicator array that includes energy exposure indicator pads direct-printed onto a surface of the component in a geometric pattern. Each of the plurality of energy exposure indicator pads in the geometric pattern may include a mechanochromic material, a first thermochromic indicator responsive within a first temperature range, a second thermochromic indicator responsive within a second temperature range, and a third thermochromic indicator responsive within a third temperature range, provided that the first, second, and third temperature ranges are distinct from one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an aerosol. An apparatus may comprise an inner chamber, an outer chamber located around the inner chamber, and a wave generating device associated with the outer chamber. The inner chamber may be configured to hold a mixture that is to be converted into an aerosol within the inner chamber. The outer chamber may be configured to hold a fluid. The wave generating device may be configured to generate waves that propagate through the fluid into the mixture to stir the mixture.

Abstract: A part is manufactured by introducing magnetic particles into a matrix material, and orienting the particles by coupling them with an electromagnetic field. The matrix material is solidified in patterned layers while the particles remain oriented by the field.

Abstract: A structure is provided having a substrate and a direct write deposited lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor assembly deposited on the substrate. The PZT nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor assembly has a PZT nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor with a PZT nanoparticle ink deposited onto the substrate via an ink deposition direct write printing process. The PZT nanoparticle ink does not require a high temperature sintering/crystallization process once deposited. The PZT nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor assembly further has a power and communication wire assembly coupled to the PZT nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor. The power and communication wire assembly has a conductive ink deposited onto the substrate via the ink deposition direct write printing process.

Abstract: A structure is provided having a substrate and a direct write deposited lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor assembly deposited on the substrate. The PZT nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor assembly has a PZT nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor with a PZT nanoparticle ink deposited onto the substrate via an ink deposition direct write printing process. The PZT nanoparticle ink does not require a high temperature sintering/crystallization process once deposited. The PZT nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor assembly further has a power and communication wire assembly coupled to the PZT nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor. The power and communication wire assembly has a conductive ink deposited onto the substrate via the ink deposition direct write printing process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an aerosol. An apparatus may comprise an inner chamber, an outer chamber located around the inner chamber, and a wave generating device associated with the outer chamber. The inner chamber may be configured to hold a mixture that is to be converted into an aerosol within the inner chamber. The outer chamber may be configured to hold a fluid. The wave generating device may be configured to generate waves that propagate through the fluid into the mixture to stir the mixture.

Abstract: The disclosure provides in one embodiment a system for monitoring structural health of a structure. The system has a structure to be monitored for structural health. The system further has a distributed network of nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor assemblies deposited onto the structure. Each assembly has a plurality of nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensors and a plurality of conductive ink power and communication wire assemblies interconnecting the plurality of sensors. The system further has an ink deposition apparatus depositing the distributed network of nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor assemblies onto the structure. The system further has an electrical power source providing electrical power to the distributed network. The system further has a data communications network retrieving and processing structural health data of the structure via one or more signals from the sensors.

Abstract: The disclosure provides in one embodiment a method of fabricating a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor. The method has a step of formulating a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticle ink. The method further has a step of depositing the PZT nanoparticle ink onto a substrate via an ink deposition process to form a PZT nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor.

Abstract: A part is manufactured by introducing magnetic particles into a matrix material, and orienting the particles by coupling them with an electromagnetic field. The matrix material is solidified in patterned layers while the particles remain oriented by the field.

Abstract: The disclosure provides in one embodiment a method of fabricating a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor. The method has a step of formulating a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticle ink. The method further has a step of depositing the PZT nanoparticle ink onto a substrate via an ink deposition process to form a PZT nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor.

Abstract: The disclosure provides in one embodiment a system for monitoring structural health of a structure. The system has a structure to be monitored for structural health. The system further has a distributed network of nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor assemblies deposited onto the structure. Each assembly has a plurality of nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensors and a plurality of conductive ink power and communication wire assemblies interconnecting the plurality of sensors. The system further has an ink deposition apparatus depositing the distributed network of nanoparticle ink based piezoelectric sensor assemblies onto the structure. The system further has an electrical power source providing electrical power to the distributed network. The system further has a data communications network retrieving and processing structural health data of the structure via one or more signals from the sensors.