Abstract: Systems and methods for 4D printing of composites are described herein. A composite layer arrangement is obtained for forming a composite laminate having a substantially flat profile. A plurality of composite layers are deposited according to the composite layer arrangement to form the composite laminate. The composite laminate is activated to produce a curved composite structure.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of dispersing nanoparticles into a destination material includes providing a plurality of nanoparticles suspended in a carrier, adding a solvent to the plurality of nanoparticles suspended in a carrier, removing at least some of the carrier to yield the plurality of nanoparticles suspended in the solvent, mixing the nanoparticles suspended in the solvent with a destination material, and removing at least some of the solvent from the mixture of nanoparticles suspended in the solvent and the destination material.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of dispersing nanoparticles into a destination material includes providing a plurality of nanoparticles suspended in a carrier, adding a solvent to the plurality of nanoparticles suspended in a carrier, removing at least some of the carrier to yield the plurality of nanoparticles suspended in the solvent, mixing the nanoparticles suspended in the solvent with a destination material, and removing at least some of the solvent from the mixture of nanoparticles suspended in the solvent and the destination material.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of dispersing nanoparticles into a destination material includes providing a plurality of nanoparticles suspended in a carrier, adding a solvent to the plurality of nanoparticles suspended in a carrier, removing at least some of the carrier to yield the plurality of nanoparticles suspended in the solvent, mixing the nanoparticles suspended in the solvent with a destination material, and removing at least some of the solvent from the mixture of nanoparticles suspended in the solvent and the destination material.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of dispersing nanoparticles into a destination material includes providing a plurality of nanoparticles suspended in a carrier, adding a solvent to the plurality of nanoparticles suspended in a carrier, removing at least some of the carrier to yield the plurality of nanoparticles suspended in the solvent, mixing the nanoparticles suspended in the solvent with a destination material, and removing at least some of the solvent from the mixture of nanoparticles suspended in the solvent and the destination material.

Abstract: An electrically conductive adhesive sheet for joining structural elements, the adhesive sheet comprising Bucky paper impregnated with an adhesive resin is provided. A method of forming an electrically conductive joint between structural elements and a process of making an electrically conductive adhesive sheet for joining structural elements are also provided.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite structural member includes a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite material in which adjacent layers are bonded to one another, wherein the structural member exhibits a non-linear stress-strain response when mechanically loaded to failure. A helicopter landing gear includes a pair of skids and one or more cross members extending between the pair of skids. The one or more cross members includes a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite material in which adjacent layers are bonded to one another, wherein the cross members exhibit non-linear stress-strain responses when mechanically loaded to failure.

Abstract: A self-healing material comprises a matrix embedded with micro-pockets of a healing-agent releasable by a crack in the matrix. The healing-agent is able to bond to the matrix to repair the crack. The healing-agent is contained in microcapsules. A corresponding catalyst for the healing-agent is embedded in the matrix and contained in a plurality of microcapsules as an emulsion. The emulsion comprises an oil, a perfluorated solvent, a hydrophobic ionic liquid, or mixtures thereof. A method of manufacturing the self-healing material comprises the steps of identifying an operational temperature range of the material, providing at least one substance as the healing-agent, which substance remaining substantially in a liquid state within the operational temperature range, identifying an operational evaporation rate of the healing-agent and providing the substance with a curing time according to the evaporation rate.

Abstract: An electrically conductive adhesive sheet for joining structural elements, the adhesive sheet comprising Bucky paper impregnated with an adhesive resin is provided. A method of forming an electrically conductive joint between structural elements and a process of making an electrically conductive adhesive sheet for joining structural elements are also provided.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite structural member includes a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite material in which adjacent layers are bonded to one another, wherein the structural member exhibits a non-linear stress-strain response when mechanically loaded to failure. A helicopter landing gear includes a pair of skids and one or more cross members extending between the pair of skids. The one or more cross members includes a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforced, organic matrix, composite material in which adjacent layers are bonded to one another, wherein the cross members exhibit non-linear stress-strain responses when mechanically loaded to failure.

Abstract: A self-healing material comprises a matrix embedded with micro-pockets of a healing-agent releasable by a crack in the matrix. The healing-agent is able to bond to the matrix to repair the crack. The healing-agent is contained in microcapsules. A corresponding catalyst for the healing-agent is embedded in the matrix and contained in a plurality of microcapsules as an emulsion. The emulsion comprises an oil, a perfluorated solvent, a hydrophobic ionic liquid, or mixtures thereof. A method of manufacturing the self-healing material comprises the steps of identifying an operational temperature range of the material, providing at least one substance as the healing-agent, which substance remaining substantially in a liquid state within the operational temperature range, identifying an operational evaporation rate of the healing-agent and providing the substance with a curing time according to the evaporation rate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-metallic reinforcement member (10) such as a rod to be embedded in a structure of material such as concrete (30). This member comprises a longitudinal main body (20) having an outer surface (14) and spaced apart embossments (22) formed along its length and being integral therewith. When this member (10) is embedded in concrete (30), the embossments (22) mechanically interlock with the concrete (30). This reinforcement member (10) may be made of a plastic material such as thermoplastic resin so as to be bendable. The outer surface (14) may comprise layers of fiber reinforcement (18). Also disclosed herein is a process of making such a reinforcement member (10).