Abstract: A method of determining stress within a composite structure is provided which includes coupling a sensor to a composite structure under load having embedded therein a plurality of particles, wherein the particles at room temperature are paraelectric or ferroelectric, transmitting an electromagnetic radiation to the sensor, thereby generating an electromagnetic field into the composite structure, sweeping frequency from a first frequency to a second frequency in a pulsed manner, receiving reflected power from the composite structure, determining the resonance frequency of the sensor, and translating the resonance frequency of the sensor to stress within the composite structure.

Abstract: A method of determining stress within a composite structure is provided which includes coupling a sensor to a composite structure under load having embedded therein a plurality of particles, wherein the particles at room temperature are paraelectric or ferroelectric, transmitting an electromagnetic radiation to the sensor, thereby generating an electromagnetic field into the composite structure, sweeping frequency from a first frequency to a second frequency in a pulsed manner, receiving reflected power from the composite structure, determining the resonance frequency of the sensor, and translating the resonance frequency of the sensor to stress within the composite structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling flow with electrical pulses are disclosed. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment includes an aerodynamic body having a flow surface exposed to an adjacent air stream, and a flow control assembly that includes a first electrode positioned at least proximate to the flow surface and a second electrode positioned proximate to and spaced apart from the first electrode. A dielectric material can be positioned between the first and second electrodes, and a controller can be coupled to at least one of the electrodes, with the controller programmed with instructions to direct air-ionizing pulses to the electrode, and provide a generally steady-state signal to the electrode during intervals between the pulses.