Abstract: A method of forming a bonded structure is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method includes curing a first part on a first tool to a first degree of cure, the first degree of cure (DOC) being a partially cured state, removing the partially cured first part from the first tool, assembling the partially cured first part and a second part into a structure, and curing the structure to form a bonded structure, where the partially cured first part is cured to a second degree of cure (DOC) that is greater than the first DOC.

Abstract: A method of depositing aluminum onto a substrate is disclosed. In this method, the substrate is disposed as cathode in an electrochemical cell with an anode and a liquid electrodeposition composition comprising an ionic liquid and a source of aluminum, and aluminum is electroplated onto the substrate. Residual water content in the electroplating bath is controlled by exposure to light in the presence of a photo-oxidation catalyst to decompose the water or species associated with water.

Abstract: A method of depositing aluminum onto a substrate is disclosed. In this method, the substrate is disposed as cathode in an electrochemical cell with an anode and a liquid electrodeposition composition comprising an ionic liquid and a source of aluminum, and aluminum is electroplated onto the substrate. Residual water content in the electroplating bath is controlled by exposure to light in the presence of a photo-oxidation catalyst to decompose the water or species associated with water.

Abstract: A variable diameter rotor blade assembly includes a rotor hub with multiple rotor blades each having an outboard blade section telescopically mounted to an inboard blade section. A reeling assembly includes a strap drum that extends and retracts a strap attached to each of the outboard blade sections to selectively change the diameter of the rotor blade assembly. The strap includes a body portion extending toward the drum and a termination portion attached to each of the outboard blade sections. The termination portion is made from a rigid fiber reinforced composite that has a higher rigidity than the body portion. A transition region is formed between the body portion and the termination portion and is made from a flexible matrix-fiber composite that has a higher rigidity than the body portion and a lower rigidity than the rigid fiber reinforced composite.

Abstract: A variable diameter rotor blade assembly includes a rotor hub with multiple rotor blades each having an outboard blade section telescopically mounted to an inboard blade section. A reeling assembly includes a strap drum that extends and retracts a strap attached to each of the outboard blade sections to selectively change the diameter of the rotor blade assembly. The strap includes a body portion extending toward the drum and a termination portion attached to each of the outboard blade sections. The termination portion is made from a rigid fiber reinforced composite that has a higher rigidity than the body portion. A transition region is formed between the body portion and the termination portion and is made from a flexible matrix-fiber composite that has a higher rigidity than the body portion and a lower rigidity than the rigid fiber reinforced composite.