Abstract: A blunt force sensor array for application to a non-planar surface includes a flexible thin-film substrate, a plurality of force sensors secured to the flexible thin-film substrate proximate to a center measurement point, a strain gauge secured on the flexible thin-film substrate proximate to the center measurement point, and a sensor interface configured to connect to external measurement and control circuitry. The sensor interface may be electrically connected to each of the force sensors and the strain gauge via traces disposed on the flexible thin-film substrate. The flexibility and shape of the flexible thin-film substrate may permit the blunt force sensor array to be applied to the non-planar surface to detect forces and strains experienced by the non-planar surface in response to a blunt force event on the non-planar surface.

Abstract: An air bearing for use with flight simulators or spin stabilized projecti having a primary axis of rotation. The device includes a fixedly mounted frame. In the frame is a hemispherical first stator defining an interior spherical space having a center on the primary axis of rotation of the projectile. A hemispherical first rotor is positioned about the center in said spherical space and is uniformly separated from the first stator by a first air gap. A cylindrical second stator is mounted on the first rotor and defines an interior cylindrical space having an axis co-existent with the primary axis. A cylindrical second rotor is positioned about the primary axis in said cylindrical space and is separated from the second stator by a second air gap. An air supply means is positioned to supply air to the first air gap in an amount sufficient to support said first rotor in said first stator and to supply air to said second air gap in an amount sufficient to support said second rotor in said second stator.