Abstract:
A system and method is disclosed for detecting defects in the surface of a workpiece such as a fiberglass or composite part. A light source is positioned to direct light at the workpiece at an oblique angle with respect to the surface of the workpiece. At least one camera is positioned to detect light reflected from the workpiece and to generate a light signal corresponding to the reflected light. A polarizing lens is positioned between each of the at least one cameras and the workpiece. A processor is coupled to each of the at least one cameras to receive the corresponding light signals. The processor is programmed to process the light signals to detect any defects in the surface of the workpiece based on relative magnitudes of the received light signal. A video display and a printer are preferably coupled to the processor to show any detected defects.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for managing heating of a window system. The apparatus comprises a dimmable window panel and a heating system. The dimmable window panel has an inner portion and an outer portion around the inner portion. The heating system is thermally connected to the outer portion of the dimmable window panel.
Abstract:
Described herein is an apparatus for controlling an actuator made from a shape-memory alloy includes a first layer made from a thermally conductive material and a second layer. The second layer is made from a thermally conductive material. The apparatus also includes at least one thermoelectric heater positioned between the first and second layers. Additionally, the apparatus includes at least one thermoelectric cooler positioned between the first and second layers.
Abstract:
A heated roller shade system is provided. The heated roller shade system includes a roller located in a cavity defined between an inner wall of a vehicle and an outer wall of the vehicle. The roller shade system also includes a shade coupled to the roller. The roller is configured to selectively move the shade between a deployed position and an open position. The roller shade system also includes a heating mechanism coupled to at least one of the roller and the shade. The heating mechanism facilitates increasing a temperature of at least one of the roller and the shade.
Abstract:
An example system for inspecting a surface includes a laser, an optical system, a gated camera, and a control system. The laser is configured to emit pulses of light, with respective wavelengths of the pulses of light varying over time. The optical system includes at least one optical element, and is configured to direct light emitted by the laser to points along a scan line one point at a time. The gated camera is configured to record a fluorescent response of the surface from light having each wavelength of a plurality of wavelengths at each point along the scan line. The control system is configured to control the gated camera such that an aperture of the gated camera is open during fluorescence of the surface but closed during exposure of the surface to light emitted by the laser.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for ultrasonic imaging of composite parts. One embodiment is a method that includes providing an object having multiple layers of fibers and resin, inducing ultrasonic waves at locations along the object, and attenuating the ultrasonic waves at the regions due to regions interspersed among the layers that each exhibit an elastic modulus distinct from an elastic modulus of the fibers and distinct from an elastic modulus of the matrix. The method further includes receiving the attenuated ultrasonic waves, and analyzing the attenuated ultrasonic waves to determine depths of the regions.
Abstract:
A flexoelectricity ultrasonic (UT) transducer imaging system is disclosed comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer, a plurality of flexoelectricity UT transducers, and a multiplexer. The PTFE layer includes a front and back surface and the plurality of flexoelectricity UT transducers is attached to the back surface of the PTFE layer. Each UT transducer has a front-end and back-end and the front-end of each flexoelectricity UT transducer is attached to the back surface of the PTFE layer. The flexoelectricity UT transducers are arranged along the back surface of the PTFE layer as a two-dimensional array and each flexoelectricity UT transducer is configured to vibrate in a normal direction to the back surface of the PTFE layer. The multiplexer in signal communication with each flexoelectricity UT transducer, where the flexoelectricity UT transducers are sandwiched between the multiplexer and the PTFE layer.
Abstract:
An example laser system includes a laser, a plurality of pulse stretchers coupled together in series, a feedback module, and a lens assembly. The plurality of pulse stretchers is configured to stretch pulse widths of laser pulses provided by the laser and to output stretched laser pulses. The feedback module includes a pulse delay comparator that is configured to compare a first laser pulse of the laser pulses to a corresponding first stretched laser pulse of the stretched laser pulses. The feedback module also includes a computing device that is configured to determine, based on a result of the comparing by the pulse delay comparator, an adjustment to a pulse stretcher of the plurality of pulse stretchers, and apply the adjustment to the pulse stretcher so as to modify a shape of a second stretched laser pulse of the stretched laser pulses.
Abstract:
An example system for inspecting a surface includes a laser, an optical system, a gated camera, and a control system. The laser is configured to emit pulses of light, with respective wavelengths of the pulses of light varying over time. The optical system includes at least one optical element, and is configured to direct light emitted by the laser to points along a scan line one point at a time. The gated camera is configured to record a fluorescent response of the surface from light having each wavelength of a plurality of wavelengths at each point along the scan line. The control system is configured to control the gated camera such that an aperture of the gated camera is open during fluorescence of the surface but closed during exposure of the surface to light emitted by the laser.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for enhanced vacuum bags. One embodiment is a method that includes placing a laminate comprising uncured fiber reinforced polymer onto a mandrel, laying up a vacuum bag, which includes integral ultrasonic transducers within a gas-impermeable layer, atop the laminate, and sealing the vacuum bag to the mandrel. The method also includes drawing a vacuum on the laminate via the vacuum bag, removing gas between the integral ultrasonic transducers and the laminate, and interrogating the laminate with the integral ultrasonic transducers.