Abstract: A turbine shroud assembly is adapted to extend around a turbine wheel mounted for rotation about a central reference axis of a gas turbine engine. The turbine shroud assembly includes a carrier segment made from metallic materials and a blade track segment made from ceramic matrix composite materials. The carrier extends at least partway about the axis. The blade track segment is supported by the carrier radially relative to the axis to define a portion of a gas path of the assembly.

Abstract: A system for controlling the clearance distance between an impeller blade tip of a centrifugal compressor and a radially inner surface of an impeller shroud in a turbine engine. The system comprises a high pressure air source, an air piston mounted between an engine casing and the shroud and adapted to receive high pressure air from the high pressure air source, a mounting arm coupling the shroud and air piston, and a slidable coupling adapted to allow axial movement of the shroud and joining the shroud to an axial member.

Abstract: A system for limiting deflection of an exhaust sidewall liner on a variable geometry exhaust duct uses a spacer and a T-bolt. The system connects the exhaust sidewall liner to the static structure on a variable geometry exhaust duct. The spacer includes a chimney having a first side and a second side opposite of the first side, an aperture extending from the first side to the second side, a flange disposed on the first side, and at least one anti-rotation tab disposed on the second side near an edge of the second side. The T-bolt includes an elongated shaft that extends along an axis and having a diameter, and a head having at least one straight edge connected to an end of the shaft. The at least one straight edge engages with the anti-ration tab, thereby preventing rotation of the stud T-bolt about the axis.

Abstract: A release device for releasing another device in an environment includes a housing containing a material matrix. A member is restrained by the material matrix and extends outside the housing. The matrix is a solid in conditions of the environment to hold the member stationary in opposition to predetermined force. The matrix softens at a predetermined softening temperature to permit relative movement between the member and the material matrix. A heating element is disposed to heat the material matrix to the predetermined softening temperature. A method for releasing a device includes attaching the device to a member extending out of the release device. The device remains attached against the predetermined force. The matrix is heated to the softening temperature in response to a communication to permit movement of the member to fully or partially release the device.

Abstract: A seal member is between a combustor around a rotor axis and a vane on a downstream side in an axial direction and defining a part of a combustion gas flow passage through which combustion gas is configured to flow, the seal member being configured to seal a gap between the combustor and the vane. The seal member has: an end face that faces the downstream side in the axial direction so as to face a lateral end face of the vane facing an upstream side in the axial direction; cooling channels through which cooling air is configured to be discharged from a plurality of openings defined in the end face in an array in a circumferential direction based on the rotor axis; and a clearance forming portion that protrudes further toward the downstream side in the axial direction than the end face in which the openings are defined.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine ceramic panel assembly includes a ceramic liner that has a slot and includes a hole. An insert is received in the slot and provides a female fastening element aligned with the hole. A method of manufacturing a ceramic panel assembly includes the steps of forming a ceramic liner with a slot, installing an insert into the slot, and securing the ceramic liner to a structure using a fastening assembly.

Abstract: A system for controlling the clearance distance between an impeller blade tip of a centrifugal compressor and a radially inner surface of an impeller shroud in a turbine engine. The system comprises a high pressure air source, an air piston mounted between an engine casing and the shroud and adapted to receive high pressure air from the high pressure air source, a mounting arm coupling the shroud and air piston, and a slidable coupling adapted to allow axial movement of the shroud and joining the shroud to an axial member.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has two connected parts that rotate together during use. The two parts have a tensile loading that acts to separate the two parts in use. The two parts may be neighbouring rotating stages of a gas turbine engine. The two parts are connected together using both a mechanical fastener and an interlocking feature. The interlocking feature may be, for example, interlocking conical surfaces and/or interlocking protrusions.

Abstract: A system for controlling the clearance distance between an impeller blade tip of a centrifugal compressor and a radially inner surface of an impeller shroud in a turbine engine. The system comprises a high pressure air source, an air piston mounted between an engine casing and the shroud and adapted to receive high pressure air from the high pressure air source, a mounting arm coupling the shroud and air piston, and a slidable coupling adapted to allow axial movement of the shroud and joining the shroud to an axial member.

Abstract: A turbine shroud for positioning radially outside of blades of a turbine rotor includes a carrier, a blade track, and a track attachment system. The blade track is moved radially outwardly into a cavity of the carrier, and the track attachment system is adjusted to block radially inward movement of the blade track out of the cavity.

Abstract: A split case for a gas turbine engine includes multiple split case portions defining a turbine engine case section. Each of the split case portions has a first and second axially aligned split flange and a circumferential flange on an axial end. Each of the circumferential flanges includes a thermal expansion relief void.

Abstract: A heat shield assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a first heat shield segment defined about an axis and a second heat shield segment defined about the axis. A double circumferential lap joint is defined between the first heat shield segment and the second heat shield segment.

Abstract: A foil assembly for a gas powered turbine includes a plurality of floating wall sectors arranged circumferentially about an axis defined by a flowpath. Each of the floating wall sectors includes a first flowpath strut component, a second flowpath strut component, a floating wall panel connected to the first flowpath strut component by a first clamp seal at a first axial joint and connected to the second flowpath strut component by a second clamp seal at a second axial joint, and a plurality of leading edge structures fore of the plurality of floating wall sectors. Each of the leading edge structures is configured to define a foil profile in conjunction with a first flowpath strut component of a first floating wall sector and an adjacent flowpath strut component of a second floating wall sector.

Abstract: A mid-turbine frame (MTF) system for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The MTF includes an inner case, an outer case and a fairing sandwiched between the inner and outer cases. The fairing includes an inner ring spaced apart from and coupled to an outer ring by a plurality of hollow struts. The hollow struts accommodate support rods that connect the inner case to the outer case. Further, the hollow struts act as turning vanes for turning the flow of gases passing from a high pressure turbine (HPT) to a low pressure turbine (LPT) for purposes of providing the correct incidence angle to the first vane of the LPT. The outer ring of the fairing includes a plurality of bosses which receive attachment pins that pass through the outer case for correctly locating the fairing with respect to the outer case and for permitting radial expansion in contraction of the fairing.

Abstract: An automotive aluminum alloy component assembly includes a first vehicle component defining a first joint region and a first cutout. The assembly also includes a second vehicle component defining a second joint region. The assembly also includes a third vehicle component defining a third joint region. Portions of the first and third joint region sandwich the second joint region. A first self-piercing rivet is disposed within the second and third components and aligned with the first cutout.

Abstract: There is provided an electric cable connection terminal. A first connection part is configured to connect the one electric cable thereto. A second connection part is configured to connect the other electric cable thereto. A waterproof member is configured to be melted to seal leading end portions of core wires of the electrics cable when being heated and configured to be solidified to waterproof the leading end portions when being cooled. An accommodation part accommodating the waterproof member therein is provided between the first and second connection parts. A thermal shrinkage member is provided to cover the first and second connection parts and the accommodation part and configured to be shrunken when being heated to closely contact the first and second connection parts and the accommodation part. When the cables are connected to the first and second connection part, respectively, the core wires are arranged at an interval.

Abstract: Provided are assemblies having composite structures interlocked with shape memory alloy structures and methods of fabricating such assemblies. Interlocking may involve inserting an interlocking protrusion of a shape memory alloy structure into an interlocking opening of a composite structure and heating at least this protrusion of the shape memory alloy structure to activate the alloy and change the shape of the protrusion. This shape change engages the protrusion in the opening such that the protrusion cannot be removed from the opening. The shape memory alloy structure may be specifically trained prior to forming an assembly using a combination of thermal cycling and deformation to achieve specific pre-activation and post-activation shapes. The pre-activation shape allows inserting the interlocking protrusion into the opening, while the post-activation shape engages the interlocking protrusion within the opening. As such, activation of the shape memory alloy interlocks the two structures.

Abstract: The invention provides a closures (106) for a compartment (100) having one or more walls (112, 114, 116, 118) and an opening (110) defined by at least one of the walls (112, 114, 116, 118). The closure (106) is associated with at least one fastener located inside the compartment (100). The fastener can hold the closure (106) in a first position (eg. closed) relative to the opening (110). The fastener is adapted to cause the closure (106) to assume a second position (eg. open) relative to the opening (110) upon receipt of a suitable signal. The closure (106) has at least one indicium (108) visible from outside the compartment (110). The indicium (108) is adapted to provide a visual indication of a status of the closure (106) or the compartment (110), such as closure open, closure closed, compartment empty, compartment occupied.

Abstract: An electrothermal deployment system may be configured for controlled release of various apparatus from their prelaunch stowage positions in small satellites. The deployment system includes a fusible line secured to a structural component of the satellite, as well as to various deployable apparatus secured to, within, or on the satellite. The deployable apparatus may include items such as solar panels and antennas. The deployment system includes an electrically resistive element such as a burn bar formed of a cylinder or tube, including a resistor pad overlying and/or incorporated within an exterior surface of the burn bar. The burn bar may be coupled to an electrical circuit configured to heat the resistor for the purpose of melting the fusible line secured in direct contact therewith, thus causing the fusible line to break to cause deployment. The fusible line is configured to remain in secure contact with the resistor until apparatus deployment.

Abstract: A method for mounting a hydrodynamic sliding bearing of a shaft, in particular a magnetic coupling pump, wherein the hydrodynamic sliding bearing includes a bearing bushing disposed between a bearing sleeve and a bearing housing includes the steps of A coating a clamping ring on at least one of its surfaces with a friction-increasing coating, B heating the clamping ring and applying to the bearing bushing so that a pre-assembly unit is formed, and C heating the bearing housing, wherein the pre-assembly unit is inserted in the bearing housing. A double pressure bond is thus advantageously provided where a radial prevention of rotation and an axial prevention of displacement is achieved without any axial pinning as prevention from rotation and axial tensioning (e.g. L-profile ring) of the bearing bushing being required.

Abstract: An assembly for and method of reinforcing interconnection between an active material wire actuator, such as a shape memory alloy wire, and structure, includes the generation and engagement of an enlarged formation affixed to or integrally formed with the actuator.

Abstract: A micro-coupling active release mechanism including a shape memory alloy (SMA) cylindrical ring that is fit into a bushing or other mating attachment creating an interference joint held in place by frictional forces. The interference joint can be released upon actuation in which the SMA cylindrical ring is heated causing it to shrink in size, relieving the frictional forces of the interference joint thereby releasing the SMA cylindrical ring from the bushing or other mating attachment.

Abstract: A flexible non-porous laminate film structure is provided comprising a textile substrate having a fluorinated film laminated thereto, which is laminated at a temperature lower than the softening point of the predominant polymeric component of the fluoropolymer fiber. The resulting product is resistant to delamination.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling includes an inner rotor and an outer rotor between which a split case is disposed. The split case has a flange which can be fixed with a counter-flange on a coupling component. The split case is made of a ceramic, whereas the coupling component and the counter-flange are formed from a metal material. Provided on the flange is a spherical elevation which engages in a corresponding, spherical indentation. A compensating element is arranged between the flange and the counter-flange and can have a spherical indentation corresponding to the spherical elevation on one of its front sides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a expansion joint to bridge an expansion gap between two parts of concrete slabs used in floor construction, especially in the manufacture of concrete floors such as for example in industrial floors. Such expansion joints are evidently required to take up the inevitable shrinkage process of the concrete and to assure that the floor elements can expand or contract such as for example occur by temperature fluctuations and resulting in a horizontal displacement of the floor panels vis-à-vis one another.

Abstract: The amorphous, or at least partially crystalline, glass-based joining material is suitable for high-temperature applications, particularly in fuel cells and/or sensors. In addition to SiO2 and B2O3 as glass formers, the joining material similarly contains BaO and CaO, whereby the amount of Al2O3 is limited. The joining material has a coefficient of linear thermal expansion of at least 7.0·10?6 K?1 in a range of 20° C. to 300° C. The joining material can be used for joining ferritic high-grade steels and/or chromium-containing alloys and/or ceramics, such as stabilized zirconium oxide and/or aluminium oxide.

Abstract: An actuator includes a capturing part, a retained part and a heating element which applies heat to the retained part or the capturing part responsive to selective application of power to the at least one heating element. The capturing part attaches to a first object and has a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The retained part attaches to a second object and has a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The retained part is insertable into the capturing part in a first state of the actuator. The retained part is held in contact with the capturing part via an interference fit to hold the first and second objects proximate to each other in a second state. The retained part is ejected from the capturing part in a third state. Applying heat via the heating element causes a transition between the second and the first or third states of the actuator.

Abstract: A non-conductive ceramic material contains a base ceramic material and at least one other ceramic material having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than that of the base material so that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the non-conductive ceramic material is identical to that of a metallic material to which it will be matched. Methods of making and using same are disclosed.

Abstract: A releasable connection connects a first component to a second component. The second component includes and is manufactured from a Shape Memory Polymer (SMP), and defines a pocket. The first component includes a portion disposed within the pocket. The pocket is deformed from an initial shape permitting insertion of the portion into the pocket to assembly the releasable connection into a connected shape wherein the pocket is deformed to secure the first component relative to the second component. The pocket is transformed from the initial shape into the connected shape by heating the SMP material of the second component to a switching temperature. Re-heating the SMP second component to the switching temperature returns the pocket back to the initial shape from the connected shape to disassembly the releasable connection.

Abstract: A system for transferring torque between modules in a concentrating solar collector array. A trough collector system includes at least two modules, each module including a reflector having a reflective surface shaped to concentrate incoming radiation onto a linear tube, and a structural lattice attached to the reflector. The modules are constrained to rotate about a common axis. A torque transfer connection directly connects the three-dimensional structural lattices of the two modules at a location removed from the axis of rotation. Torque is thus transmitted between the modules by a force couple acting on the module. Also described are a method of transferring torque between adjacent trough collector modules, and a three-dimensional structural lattice configured for use in the system and method. Mechanisms for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the array are described. A drive system is described that imparts torque to a module near an edge of the module.

Abstract: Provided is a header composition for an expansion joint system. The header composition includes a hybrid polyurea-polyurethane composition and is designed to have a short cure time at low temperatures. Also provided are an expansion joint system incorporating the hybrid polyurea-polyurethane header composition and a method for applying the header composition into the expansion joint system.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is disclosed for incorporating into a civil engineering structure, for example a concrete structure, such as a floor. The article comprises a substantially fully cured thermosetting polymer resin and a particulate aggregate material having a Mohs hardness of from 3 to 9, preferably from 5 to 8. The article optionally comprises a reinforcing fiber. The hardness of the article can be closely matched to that of the surrounding structure. The article can be ground with a diamond tool to form a smooth transition with the surrounding structure. The article is particularly suitable for incorporation into an exposed surface of the structure.

Abstract: A secure locking system includes: a case (10) having at least one transverse orifice (33) that opens to the surface of the case; a locking ring (20) having a notched wall (22), which can be locked at one end of the case; a spring (31) housed in the orifice of the case; a ball (32) installed at least partially in the orifice of the case, above the spring. The spring is made of a shape-memory material, which assumes: an elastic state when an environmental temperature is less than or equal to a critical temperature of the shape-memory material, this elastic state enabling movement of the ball in the orifice; or a hardened state when an environmental temperature is higher than the critical temperature of the shape-memory material, this hardened state preventing any movement of the ball in the orifice. A connector and connector assembly including the locking system are described.

Abstract: An assembly (10) secures to a structure (80) a panel or two juxtaposed panels (11, 12) each having a joining flange (15) in association with an edge thereof defining a longitudinal axis of the panel. The joining flanges are fastened by at least one securing element (16) that may include or have associated therewith a respective retaining member (30). For each securing element (16), a respective support element (20) is fixedly mounted to the structure and configured for slidably supporting the panels in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Each support element (20) supports opposing side walls (22, 23) forming a channel (24) dimensioned for free sliding therein of the respective securing element (16) or associated retaining member, and each panel is supported by the at least one securing element without applying lateral pressure to the side walls (22, 23) of the respective support element (20).

Abstract: A mechanical assembly such as a torque transfer strut for a rotating superconducting machine. The torque transfer strut includes a composite tube having a first end received in a clamping fitting, which may include an end housing or lug, a clamping wedge screwed onto a threaded end housing, and an annular clamping member applying a radial clamping force to the first end of the composite tube at ambient temperature. When cooled, shrinkage of the end housing in the axial direction causes the annular clamping member to maintain or increase radial clamping force, causing the clamping wedge to apply increasing radial force to an inner member deflecting outwardly a plurality of axial fingers. The first end of the composite tube remains clamped between the inner member and an outer member, together defining an annular channel receiving the first end of the composite tube.

Abstract: A stator blade carrier, particularly for a gas turbine, is provided. The stator blade carrier includes a number of axial segments and is intended to attain a particularly high degree of operational reliability and long service life. To this end, two neighboring axial segments are connected to a number of tie rods, each enclosed by a support tube, wherein a spherical disk is arranged on at least one end of the respective support tube and mounted in a conical socket supported on the respective axial segment.

Abstract: Various shape memory polymer (SMP) devices are disclosed. Many of these SMP devices can be used as attachment and/or release mechanisms for any number of different applications. These SMP devices can use various characteristics of the SMP material to allow for various shape changes. These shape changes, in some embodiments, can be used to provide for release and/or attachment devices, for example, SMP bolts, SMP screws, SMP collars, SMP pillars, SMP panels, and/or SMP rivets, to name a few. An SMP device can include a first geometric state and a second geometric shape. The first geometric shape can restrict motion of two distinct objects relative to one another and the second geometrical shape can allow motion of two distinct objects relative to one another.

Abstract: In a front sheet fixing structure configured to attach a front sheet to a housing having an opening for a display device or control panel, the front sheet is attached to an inner bottom surface of the housing so as to close the opening of the housing by means of a front metal plate having an opening corresponding to the opening of the housing and having a thermal expansion coefficient substantially equal to that of the front sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structural element for an aircraft and spacecraft, having a core which includes core regions which are uncoupled from one another by means of an expansion joint arranged between the core regions. The present invention further provides a method for producing a structural element for an aircraft or spacecraft, including the following method steps: providing a core of the structural element, which core includes core regions; and arranging an expansion joint between the core regions. The present invention relates still further to an aircraft and/or spacecraft having such a structural element.

Abstract: A micro-coupling active release mechanism including a shape memory alloy (SMA) cylindrical ring that is fit into a bushing or other mating attachment creating an interference joint held in place by frictional forces. The interference joint can be released upon actuation in which the SMA cylindrical ring is heated causing it to shrink in size, relieving the frictional forces of the interference joint thereby releasing the SMA cylindrical ring from the bushing or other mating attachment.

Abstract: A spacing connector used for assembling formworks and made up of at least one crosspiece, the crosspiece being connected, at both of its opposite ends, with at least one respective connection portion suited to make a connection with at least one panel of such formwork, the spacing connector also including at least one transpiration duct featuring two respective end openings, each of the end openings leading to a respective connection portion. Also disclosed is a formwork system including the spacing connectors.

Abstract: An attachment system for mounting a tile of a thermal protection system to a substructure includes a post assembly configured to interconnect the tile to the substructure. The post assembly may allow relative sliding movement between the tile and the substructure along a plane which is generally parallel to the tile. The attachment system facilitates installation and removal of the tile from the substructure for inspection, maintenance, and repair of the tile and/or the substructure.

Abstract: A flexible non-porous laminate film structure is provided comprising a textile substrate having a fluorinated film laminated thereto, which is laminated at a temperature lower than the softening point of the predominant polymeric component of the fluoropolymer fiber. The resulting product is resistant to delamination.

Abstract: A simple ceramic matrix composite fastening system that is utilized for attaching components of dissimilar materials, particularly, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and metallic engine components. The system is comprised of a detachable subassembly bracket fabricated from metal. The bracket has a metallic engine component attached to one end and a CMC component attached to the other end. The bracket releasably secures the CMC and the metallic component together using rivets or pins, which are inserted into holes through the CMC to securely fasten the adjoining parts.

Abstract: A releasable connection connects a first component to a second component. The second component includes and is manufactured from a Shape Memory Polymer (SMP), and defines a pocket. The first component includes a portion disposed within the pocket. The pocket is deformed from an initial shape permitting insertion of the portion into the pocket to assembly the releasable connection into a connected shape wherein the pocket is deformed to secure the first component relative to the second component. The pocket is transformed from the initial shape into the connected shape by heating the SMP material of the second component to a switching temperature. Re-heating the SMP second component to the switching temperature returns the pocket back to the initial shape from the connected shape to disassembly the releasable connection.

Abstract: An expansion joint bracket retains an expansion joint board in a 5 concrete installation. The expansion joint bracket may include a base member having multiple nail holes for securing the bracket to the earth (or sand or gravel put down prior to pouring concrete there upon). First and second board support members may run perpendicular to the base and parallel to each other to hold the expansion joint board in place. Gussets, typically triangular shaped gussets, 10 extend from the board support members to the base member. The expansion joint brackets may be disposed every 12-24 inches on the expansion joint board and concrete may be poured over the expansion joint brackets, resulting in a quick and simple concrete installation.

Abstract: A thermal compensation apparatus is disclosed including an elongated element extending from a proximal end to a distal end. A length of the elongated element from the proximal end to the distal end decreases in response to an increase in the temperature of the elongated element from a baseline temperature. The length of the elongated element increases in response to a decrease in the temperature of the elongated element from the baseline temperature. In various embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated in solar module mounting systems.

Abstract: A releasable connection connects a first component to a second component. The second component includes and is manufactured from a Shape Memory Polymer (SMP), and defines a pocket. The first component includes a portion disposed within the pocket. The pocket is deformed from an initial shape permitting insertion of the portion into the pocket to assembly the releasable connection into a connected shape wherein the pocket is deformed to secure the first component relative to the second component. The pocket is transformed from the initial shape into the connected shape by heating the SMP material of the second component to a switching temperature. Re-heating the SMP second component to the switching temperature returns the pocket back to the initial shape from the connected shape to disassembly the releasable connection.

Abstract: A cooling device for a vehicle is provided that includes a first air cooler that has a first element of a sliding seat tenon-and-mortise joint and a first element of a latching joint. The cooling device has a second air cooler connected to the first air cooler that has a second element of the sliding seat tenon-and-mortise joint and a second element of the latching joint, the elements of the latching joint and the elements of the sliding seat tenon-and mortise joint being designed in such a way that a form-locked connection between the two air coolers may be produced by the latching joint and the sliding seat tenon-and-mortise joint.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for providing passive correction for thermal effects on a mounted mechanical component. Further disclosed is a wafer inspection system employing the passive thermal effect correction apparatus.