Abstract: A method of integrating an electric motor or generator as part of an aircraft engine shaft. The motor is used to rotate the rotor so as to cool the rotor in a temperature gradient. The generator is used to provide power to the aircraft. In one or more examples, a power generation device includes a gas turbine engine including a rotor shaft and a first casing around the rotor shaft; a transmission connecting the rotor shaft to a gearbox, the transmission comprising a drive shaft and a second casing around the drive shaft; and a brushless DC motor integrated with the engine and including one or more permanent magnets and one or more coils.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flow control device. The flow control device comprises a sheet made from a shape memory alloy. The flow control device also comprises at least one slit through the sheet. At least the one slit defines at least one flap in the sheet. The flow control device further comprises at least one electrically-resistive trace printed on the sheet at least one of on or adjacent at least the one flap. Upon receipt of an electrical current, at least the one electrically-resistive trace configured to generate heat for deforming at least the one flap relative to the sheet and opening an aperture formed in the sheet.

Abstract: A composite sandwich structure for a vehicle includes a first sheet that has a first surface and an opposing second surface. The composite sandwich structure also includes a second sheet opposite the first sheet and a core coupled between the first and second sheets. The core is formed from a shape memory alloy and is configured to reversibly transform between (a) a substantially fully austenite state in response to the composite sandwich structure being within an expected operating temperature range and being subjected to a relatively low transverse force, and (b) an at least partially martensite state in response to the composite sandwich structure being within the expected operating temperature range and being subjected to a relatively high transverse force. Each of a plurality of first portions of the core correspondingly changes shape to accommodate the application of the relatively high force, such that the core reversibly deforms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an actuator for effectuating a shape memory alloy (SMA). The actuator includes a body including shape memory alloy. The body includes a plurality of segments. The actuator also includes a plurality of heaters that are each configured to maintain a predetermined temperature based on a predetermined resistance of the heater when a voltage is applied to the heater. Each heater of the plurality of heaters is associated with a different segment of the plurality of segments. A segment of the plurality of segments is effectuated in response to increasing a temperature of the heater associated with the segment.

Abstract: A method of integrating an electric motor or generator as part of an aircraft engine shaft. The motor is used to rotate the rotor so as to cool the rotor in a temperature gradient. The generator is used to provide power to the aircraft.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flow control device. The flow control device comprises a sheet made from a shape memory alloy. The flow control device also comprises at least one slit through the sheet. At least the one slit defines at least one flap in the sheet. The flow control device further comprises at least one electrically-resistive trace printed on the sheet at least one of on or adjacent at least the one flap. Upon receipt of an electrical current, at least the one electrically-resistive trace configured to generate heat for deforming at least the one flap relative to the sheet and opening an aperture formed in the sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an actuator for effectuating a shape memory alloy (SMA). The actuator includes a body including shape memory alloy. The body includes a plurality of segments. The actuator also includes a plurality of heaters that are each configured to maintain a predetermined temperature based on a predetermined resistance of the heater when a voltage is applied to the heater. Each heater of the plurality of heaters is associated with a different segment of the plurality of segments. A segment of the plurality of segments is effectuated in response to increasing a temperature of the heater associated with the segment.

Abstract: A composite sandwich structure for a vehicle includes a first sheet that has a first surface and an opposing second surface. The composite sandwich structure also includes a second sheet opposite the first sheet and a core coupled between the first and second sheets. The core is formed from a shape memory alloy and is configured to reversibly transform between (a) a substantially fully austenite state in response to the composite sandwich structure being within an expected operating temperature range and being subjected to a relatively low transverse force, and (b) an at least partially martensite state in response to the composite sandwich structure being within the expected operating temperature range and being subjected to a relatively high transverse force. Each of a plurality of first portions of the core correspondingly changes shape to accommodate the application of the relatively high force, such that the core reversibly deforms.