Abstract:
An internal combustion engine is provided having a cylinder case with at least one cylinder bore wall defining at least one cylinder bore. At least one piston is reciprocally movable within the at least one cylinder bore. The at least one piston includes at least one skirt portion preferably having a barrel-shaped profile. The cylinder bore wall has an oleophobic characteristic, while the at least one skirt portion has an oleophilic characteristic. The oleophobic and oleophilic characteristic is produced by at least one of coating and machining the at least one cylinder bore wall and the at least one skirt portion, respectively.
Abstract:
An apparatus is provided having an active material forming a surface thereof in contact with a rheological fluid. The active material is controllable to vary a surface geometry thereof between a rough or nonsmooth surface geometry to increase drag, and achieve an increase in stress transmitted through the fluid, when a field is applied, while allowing a smooth surface geometry and an associated reduction in stress transmitted through the fluid when the field is removed. A method of enhancing performance of an apparatus that includes a rdeological fluid is also provided.
Abstract:
Electromagnetic forming methods suitable for creating surface features on a shape memory alloy are described. Features may be created over a range of scales, including those suitable for the generation of holographic images. Features, images, or patterns may be made capable of reversibly appearing and disappearing as a result of changes in temperature and may include temperature sensitive displays for automotive and other applications.
Abstract:
One exemplary embodiment comprises a load transfer device that includes a composite component having a variable and controllable surface roughness. The component may comprise a base substrate, a compliant layer over the base substrate, and a top layer over the compliant layer. The complaint layer and the top layer may act cooperatively to reversibly generate wrinkles in response to changes in temperature of the composite component.
Abstract:
A method for forming an aperture includes stamping an aperture into the article using a pellet, and refining aperture shape(s) and/or aperture dimensions. Methods for forming articles having reduced residual compressive stress are also disclosed. Very generally, the methods include establishing a diamond coating on at least a portion of a substrate, and applying a stress-relief process to the diamond coating, the substrate, or combinations thereof.
Abstract:
The hot stretch forming of sheet metal alloys, such as highly deformable aluminum alloy materials, is improved by using a lubricant comprising bismuth between the forming tool and the engaged surface of the sheet metal. A precursor of bismuth, such as bismuth subsalicylate, may be dispersed in a liquid and applied to the sheet metal before the sheet is heated to its forming temperature. Other lubricants such as boron nitride may be combined with the bismuth precursor. The precursor compound is decomposed to bismuth (or bismuth and carbon in the case of bismuth subsalicylate) which lubricates contact between the surface(s) of the sheet and the forming tool during forming and removal of the formed part from the tool.
Abstract:
A method for forming a two-way shape memory surface includes thermomechanically training a shape memory alloy under substantially constant indentation strain. Thermomechanical training includes removeably securing an indenter to a surface of the shape memory alloy in its martensite phase, so that an indent is formed in the surface. The shape memory alloy is then heated to its austenite phase while the indenter is secured thereto. The shape memory alloy is then quenched to its martensite phase while the indenter is secured thereto. After thermomechanical training, the shape memory alloy surface exhibits a first indent depth when in its martensite phase, and a second, different indent depth when in its austenite phase. Also disclosed herein is a method for forming one-way and two-way reversible surface protrusions on shape memory alloys.
Abstract:
A method for embedding a hydrophilic and electrically conductive layer into a flow field plate or bipolar plate for a fuel cell. In one embodiment, the layer is niobium doped titanium oxide in a powder form. The method includes mixing the powder material in a suitable solution, such as a solvent. The solution is deposited on a substrate, such as a stainless steel substrate, by any suitable process, such as brushing. The substrate is then heated so that the solvent evaporates to leave a coating of the powder material. The substrate is then positioned in a die press and is stamped to the shape of the bipolar plate, where the stamping operation embeds the powder material into an outer surface of the bipolar plate.
Abstract:
A magnetorheological fluid containing magnetorheological particles which are resistant to oxidation having regions rich in diffused nitrogen located therein and a method for producing such magnetorheological fluid.