Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a sealant material. A nozzle system may be positioned relative to a structure using a robotic device. The sealant material may be applied in a number of streams onto a structure using the nozzle system and the robotic device to form a sealant deposit having a desired shape in which the sealant material has a viscosity greater than a selected threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a sealant material. A nozzle system may be positioned relative to a structure using a robotic device. The sealant material may be applied in a number of streams onto a structure using the nozzle system and the robotic device to form a sealant deposit having a desired shape in which the sealant material has a viscosity greater than a selected threshold.

Abstract: A method for preparing ultra-fine, submicron grain titanium or titanium-alloy articles (78) used for joining or assembling of detail components. Coarse-grained titanium or titanium-alloy materials (52) are severely mechanically deformed using cryogenic milling into an ultra-fine, submicron grain powder, degassed and consolidated under controlled pressure and temperature. The resulting fasteners, articles, or components manufactured from such material have improved material performance characteristics associated with this ultra-fine, submicron grain material structure.

Abstract: A method for preparing ultra-fine, submicron grain titanium or titanium-alloy articles (78) used for joining or assembling of detail components. Coarse-grained titanium or titanium-alloy materials (52) are severely mechanically deformed using cryogenic milling into an ultra-fine, submicron grain powder, degassed and consolidated under controlled pressure and temperature. The resulting fasteners, articles, or components manufactured from such material have improved material performance characteristics associated with this ultra-fine, submicron grain material structure.

Abstract: A fastener and an associated fastening method are provided to securely join at least two structural elements to form a structural assembly. Although the fastener can join a variety of different types of structural elements, the fastener is particularly well adapted to join composite panels, superplastically-formed/diffusion-bonded panels, honeycomb panels and hollow core panels since the fastener can securely join these structural elements without crushing or otherwise damaging the structural assembly. The fastener can also be mounted in blind installations, while providing a relatively smooth head following installation. In addition, the fastener can securely join structural elements while tolerating variations in the thicknesses of the structural elements.