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:
A computer-implemented method of determining moisture content of a composite structure is provided. The method includes performing a thermal analysis calculation on the composite structure to determine a temporal surface temperature profile of the composite structure based on temporal environmental parameter profiles, wherein the surface temperature profile is determined independently of a moisture content of the composite structure. The method also includes performing a moisture content analysis calculation on the composite structure to determine a moisture content of the composite structure, wherein the moisture content analysis calculation is based on the determined temporal surface temperature profile and a thickness of the composite structure. The thermal analysis calculation is performed iteratively with a first time period and the moisture content analysis calculation is performed iteratively with a second time period that is longer than the first time period.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus comprising a laser unit and a controller. The laser unit is configured to generate a number of laser beams. The controller is configured to operate the laser unit to generate the number of laser beams resulting in a desired level of heating of a composite patch that cures the composite patch on a composite structure.
Abstract:
Described herein is an apparatus for non-destructive testing that includes a cavity. The apparatus also includes an input element coupled with the cavity and configured to receive a laser beam and to direct the laser beam into the cavity. The apparatus additionally includes multiple output elements formed in the cavity and spaced apart along the cavity. Each output element of the multiple output elements is configured to direct a portion of the laser beam out of the cavity such that each portion of the laser beam directed out of a respective one of the multiple output elements has a substantially similar intensity.
Abstract:
Chopped fiber composite systems and methods are disclosed. Sorting systems include a conveyor, an imager, a plurality of receptacles, a pneumatic device, and controller. Molding systems include a conveyor, an imager, a mold, a pneumatic device, and a controller. The controller directs the pneumatic device to alter the freefall of chopped fiber composite pieces based on characteristics of the chopped fiber composite pieces as they drop from the conveyor and into a receptacle or a mold. Sorting and molding methods include dropping chopped fiber composite pieces, detecting characteristics of the dropping pieces, and directing the pieces based on the detected characteristics.
Abstract:
A method of determining an allowable moisture content of a composite structure includes performing a thermal analysis on the composite structure to determine a surface temperature profile of the composite structure. The surface temperature profile is determined independently of a moisture content of the composite structure. The method also includes performing a moisture analysis on the composite structure to determine an allowable moisture content of the composite structure such that the moisture analysis is based on the determined surface temperature profile.
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 computer-implemented method of determining moisture content of a composite structure is provided. The method includes performing a thermal analysis calculation on the composite structure to determine a temporal surface temperature profile of the composite structure based on temporal environmental parameter profiles, wherein the surface temperature profile is determined independently of a moisture content of the composite structure. The method also includes performing a moisture content analysis calculation on the composite structure to determine a moisture content of the composite structure, wherein the moisture content analysis calculation is based on the determined temporal surface temperature profile and a thickness of the composite structure. The thermal analysis calculation is performed iteratively with a first time period and the moisture content analysis calculation is performed iteratively with a second time period that is longer than the first time period.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus comprising a laser unit and a controller. The laser unit is configured to generate a number of laser beams. The controller is configured to operate the laser unit to generate the number of laser beams resulting in a desired level of heating of a composite patch that cures the composite patch on a composite structure.