Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes, by a computing system of a vehicle, determining a first temperature of a control unit of the vehicle, wherein the control unit and one or more components of the vehicle are interconnected through a thermal network, determining a thermal objective for the control unit based on the first temperature of the control unit, selecting, based on the thermal objective for the control unit, at least a first component from the one or more components, and sending one or more signals to one or more actuators within the thermal network to enable a heat-transfer fluid to flow between (1) a first portion of the thermal network thermally coupled to the control unit and (2) a second portion of the thermal network thermally coupled to the selected first component.

Abstract: An igniter system and method for igniting a propellant by an optical energy source. The igniter system including an igniter composite and a propellant. The igniter composite including a reactive component and a fluoropolymer. The propellant is coupled to the igniter composite. The igniter composite has a composition including nano-aluminum at ideal stoichiometry in polyvinylidene fluoride. The igniter composite is configured to achieve a sustained ignition from a wavelength emitted from the optical energy source. The wavelength is between around 250 nanometers to around 1100 nanometers.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media provide a cooling component including an underbody wheel well fan that is installed in proximity to the wheel well at each side of the front wheels. Specifically, an apparatus for vehicle radiator cooling control is provided, including a first suction component disposed in proximity to a first wheel well at a first side of a vehicle, a first tube component having a first end connected to the first suction component and a second end extended to a direction towards a back of the vehicle, and a first fan component connected to the second end of the first tube component.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a storage system includes one or more platforms to stow compute units of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle in a storage compartment of the vehicle. The platform is configured to support a compute unit of the vehicle to avoid a crumple zone of the vehicle. The crumple zone of the vehicle is designed to crumple when colliding with an object. The storage system also includes one or more shear fasteners configured to fasten the compute unit to the platform. The one or more shear fasteners are configured to break in a predetermined direction in response to a predetermined amount of lateral force. The breakage of the one or more shear fasteners decouples the compute unit from the platform in a controlled direction.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media provide a cooling component including an underbody wheel well fan that is installed in proximity to the wheel well at each side of the front wheels. Specifically, an apparatus for vehicle radiator cooling control is provided, including a first suction component disposed in proximity to a first wheel well at a first side of a vehicle, a first tube component having a first end connected to the first suction component and a second end extended to a direction towards a back of the vehicle, and a first fan component connected to the second end of the first tube component.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media provide a provide an apparatus for initializing cooling circulation with a de-gas pumping system in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a de-gas tank filled with cooling liquid, disposed at a first height within a chamber of the vehicle, a pump connected with the de-gas tank via a pipe, disposed at a second height lower than the first height within the chamber, and a filling reservoir disposed in proximity to the pump and at a substantially similar height with the second height within the chamber.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a storage system includes one or more platforms to stow compute units of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle in a storage compartment of the vehicle. The platform is configured to support a compute unit of the vehicle to avoid a crumple zone of the vehicle. The crumple zone of the vehicle is designed to crumple when colliding with an object. The storage system also includes one or more shear fasteners configured to fasten the compute unit to the platform. The one or more shear fasteners are configured to break in a predetermined direction in response to a predetermined amount of lateral force. The breakage of the one or more shear fasteners decouples the compute unit from the platform in a controlled direction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a system for harvesting energy and cooling an automotive sensing unit, the system comprising a solar-energy collecting panel, a turbine, and an electrical energy storage device. The solar-energy collecting panel shields the sensor device from solar irradiation while converting solar energy to electrical energy for storage in the storage device. The turbine converts convective heat flow from the sensor device into electrical energy for storage in the storage device. The stored electrical energy in the storage device can be further used to power an active cooling system for the sensor device. The stored electrical energy can also be further used to power other systems of the host vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes, by a computing system of a vehicle, determining a first temperature of a control unit of the vehicle, wherein the control unit and one or more components of the vehicle are interconnected through a thermal network, determining a thermal objective for the control unit based on the first temperature of the control unit, selecting, based on the thermal objective for the control unit, at least a first component from the one or more components, and sending one or more signals to one or more actuators within the thermal network to enable a heat-transfer fluid to flow between (1) a first portion of the thermal network thermally coupled to the control unit and (2) a second portion of the thermal network thermally coupled to the selected first component.

Abstract: An electric match including nanoscale particulates of an energetic material and a binder is provided. The energetic material can be a nanoscale thermite metal/metal oxide mixture, a nanoscale intermetallic material mixture, or a nanoscale fuel and oxidant mixture.

Abstract: Nanoporous metal foams are prepared by ignition of high nitrogen transition metal complexes. The ammonium salts of iron(III) tris[bi(tetrazolato)-amine], cobalt(III) tris(bi(tetrazolato)amine), and high nitrogen compounds of copper and silver were prepared as loose powders, pressed into pellets and wafers, and ignited under an inert atmosphere to form nanoporous metal foam monoliths having very high surface area and very low density.

Abstract: An electric match including nanoscale particulates of an energetic material and a binder is provided. The energetic material can be a nanoscale thermite metal/metal oxide mixture, a nanoscale intermetallic material mixture, or a nanoscale fuel and oxidant mixture.

Abstract: Mixtures of high explosives with materials that readily absorb microwaves ignite more readily when exposed to microwave energy than the corresponding neat explosives. A charge of HMX (0.5 gram) mixed with carbon nanotubes (1 percent by mass) ignited with 7.5 joules at an average rate of 750 W for 10 milliseconds. To raise a charge of the same mass of neat HMX to an autoignition temperature of 200 degrees Celsius would require much more energy (about 110 joules) for a longer duration (about 150 milliseconds).

Abstract: Tungsten trioxide hydrate (WO3.H20) was prepared from a precursor solution of ammonium paratungstate in concentrated aqueous hydrochloric acid. The precursor solution was rapidly added to water, resulting in the crash precipitation of a yellow white powder identified as WO3.H20 nanosized platelets by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Annealing of the powder at 200° C. provided cubic phase WO3 nanopowder, and at 400° C. provided WO3 nanopowder as a mixture of monoclinic and orthorhombic phases.