Abstract: A barrierless device and method for generating streamer discharge is provided including solid/liquid electrodes for free radical generation at high efficiency. A first electrode, including periodically positioned discharge ignition tips is deposed in proximity to a second electrode, creating a discharge gap with no dielectric barrier layer in between. The discharge gap includes an inlet and an outlet. Streamers with proximity constraints emerge from the first electrode and propagate through the discharge gap towards the second electrode by supplying either positive or negative pulse voltage to the first electrode, resulting in interaction of the streamer heads with the discharge gas and generation of radicals. Optionally, the second electrode is a liquid which interacts with the streamer head to generate additional radicals. The device can either be used to cause fast chemical reaction within the discharge gap or the generated radical gas can be removed for utilization outside the discharge gap.

Abstract: A braking assembly for inhibiting rotation of a wheel around a rotation axis is provided. The braking assembly includes a drive gear, an actuator, an electric braking assembly, a mechanical braking assembly including a brake pad, and a brake rotor fixedly coupled to the wheel. The drive gear rotates with the wheel and includes a pinion. The electric braking assembly includes a coil surrounding the rotation axis, and a magnetic disc assembly concentric with the coil and configured to rotate relative to the coil. The magnetic disc assembly includes a plurality of magnets at a perimeter of the disc. The actuator engages the pinion to inhibit rotation of the magnets and generate an electro motive force to inhibit rotation of the wheel. The actuator engages the brake pad to contact the rotor and inhibit rotation between the wheel and the brake pad.

Abstract: Provided are methods and devices for forming high nitrogen steel. The processes include heating a steel precursor to a temperature that transforms the steel into an austenite of FCC wherein the heating is in a nitrogen containing atmosphere. After an optional nitrogen uptake time, the precursor is further heated to a temperature above the T?N of the steel yet below the melting point of the steel thereby preserving a solid and creating a solid solution of nitrogen. The second temperature is optionally maintained for a nitride conversion time, optionally wherein the nitride conversion time is too short to result in sintering of the steel. The process further includes rapid quenching of the precursor powder to maintain the nitrogen solid solution and prevent nitride formation thereby forming a high nitrogen steel with little to no nitride content and including nitrogen in solid solution.

Abstract: Provided are materials that include one or more metals in solid solution with a level of nitrogen that is at a concentration higher than the a solubility limit of nitrogen in the alloy in a liquid state at atmospheric pressure. The materials may be utilized as a protective layer on a substrate, such as an Al containing substrate. Also provided are methods of forming the solid solution materials and articles employing them on a surface of a substrate.

Abstract: A barrierless device and method for generating streamer discharge is provided including solid/liquid electrodes for free radical generation at high efficiency. A first electrode, including periodically positioned discharge ignition tips is deposed in proximity to a second electrode, creating a discharge gap with no dielectric barrier layer in between. The discharge gap includes an inlet and an outlet. Streamers with proximity constraints emerge from the first electrode and propagate through the discharge gap towards the second electrode by supplying either positive or negative pulse voltage to the first electrode, resulting in interaction of the streamer heads with the discharge gas and generation of radicals. Optionally, the second electrode is a liquid which interacts with the streamer head to generate additional radicals. The device can either be used to cause fast chemical reaction within the discharge gap or the generated radical gas can be removed for utilization outside the discharge gap.

Abstract: A cold spray apparatus for applying a coating of particles to a substrate includes a nozzle assembly having a plurality of inner passages terminating at a common exit. The nozzle assembly includes a particle supply members in communication with the inner passages. The particle supply members supply the particles to flow and accelerate through the inner passages and out of the nozzle assembly via the common exit toward the substrate to be coated thereon. Furthermore, each inner passage includes a laser that emits a laser beam that is transmitted through the inner passage. The laser heats at least one of the particles and the substrate to promote coating of the substrate with the particles.

Abstract: A cold spray apparatus for applying a coating of particles to a substrate includes a nozzle assembly having a plurality of inner passages terminating at a common exit. The nozzle assembly includes a particle supply members in communication with the inner passages. The particle supply members supply the particles to flow and accelerate through the inner passages and out of the nozzle assembly via the common exit toward the substrate to be coated thereon. Furthermore, each inner passage includes a laser that emits a laser beam that is transmitted through the inner passage. The laser heats at least one of the particles and the substrate to promote coating of the substrate with the particles.