Abstract:
In order to discriminate between laminar flow and turbulent flow states, andto provide an indication, e.g.to a pilot of an aircraft of air flow over an aircraft wing, a sensor mounted on the wing provides an analogue signal of airflow, and an intermittency value of the analogue signal is derived in analogue circuitry including an AC coupling of the signal to an integrator for integrating the signal for a preset time. The integrated value is compared with a threshold value to indicate whether the intermittency represents quiet laminar flow or noisy turbulent flow.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an integrated heat exchanger in a composite fibre reinforced polymer material, more preferably to a structural integrated heat exchanger which may be used for replacement panels. The integrated heat exchangers may comprise a solid or fluidic heat exchanger material which is able to transfer heat around the structure. The heat exchanger may be selected to transfer excess heat away from the device or transfer heat into the device. The device comprising at least one fibre ply, wherein said ply is substantially encapsulated in a binder matrix to form a fibre reinforced polymer composite, wherein said device comprises at least one elongate void which comprises at least one heat exchanging medium.
Abstract:
A method for electroless metal deposition on a surface in a finely dimensioned space (e.g. the bore of a hollow fibre) comprises introducing into said space an electroless plating solution that has a nil or relatively low plating rate at normal room temperature, and there after heating said structure to an elevated temperature for a period sufficient to cause metal to plate on the wall surface. The steps of introducing and heating may be repeated as necessary to build up a required thickness.
Abstract:
Composite structural components are disclosed that include electrically conducting fibres providing signal power paths to electrical components disposed on or adjacent the material. The signal paths may therefore be embedded in the structural component. Also disclosed is a flexible or drapable fabric containing electrically conducting fibres for similar purposes, and materials for making up said structure and fabrics and methods for the production thereof.
Abstract:
A sensor device for sensing air flow speed at the exterior of an aircraft, comprising a substrate having an upper side on which is mounted a diaphragm over an aperture or recess in the substrate, the diaphragm being thermally and electrically insulative, and mounting on its upper surface a heating element comprising a layer of resistive material, and wherein electrical connections to the heating element are buried in the diaphragm and/or the substrate, and provide electrical terminals at the lower side of the substrate. The heating element is exposed to the environment, but the remaining electrical parts of the device are not exposed. Portions of a conductive substrate may be cut or etched away to define a conductive pillar. Signals may be transmitted through the conductive pillar from one surface carrying the sensor element to the other surface carrying contact pads.
Abstract:
A method of forming a surface of micrometer dimensions conforming to a desired contour for a MEMS device, the method comprising providing a crystalline silicon substrate with a recess in an upper surface, providing a thinner layer of crystalline silicon over the upper surface of the substrate, fusion bonding the layer to the substrate under vacuum conditions, and applying heat to the layer and applying atmospheric pressure on the layer, such as to plastically deform the diaphragm within the recess to the desired contour. The substrate may form the fixed electrode of an electrostatic MEMS actuator, operating on the zip principle.
Abstract:
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an object for moving through a fluid, the object comprising: an outer housing, arranged to be exposed to a hydrostatic pressure exerted by the fluid; a strain gauge, arranged to obtain an indication of the hydrostatic pressure, wherein a first part of the strain gauge is arranged to be in contact with the outer housing, such that the strain gauge is arranged to obtain an indication of the hydrostatic pressure by obtaining an indication of the strain on the housing.
Abstract:
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuse system for a projectile for a ranged weapon, the fuse system comprising:a pressure sensor system for sensing an air pressure of an environment in which the fuse system is present; a control system arranged to receive a signal from the pressure sensor system, and to at least initiate arming of the fuse system conditional on the received signal.
Abstract:
According to the invention there is provided a fluidic port (8-9) for a refillable structural composite electrical energy storage device(l), and a method of producing same. The device may be a battery or supercapacitor with first and second electrodes (2,3) which are separated by a separator structure (6), wherein the device contains an electrolyte (4) which may further contain active electrochemical reagents. The fluidic port allows the addition, removal of electrolyte fluids, and venting of any outgassing by products.
Abstract:
Un producto gaseoso (10), que incluye: por lo menos una celda metal-aire recargable (12) que puede funcionar para proporcionar el producto gaseoso; y una disposición de colector, teniendo la disposición de colector una estructura de entrada (14, 18), una estructura de salida (16, 20) y una o varias válvulas (14a, 16a, 18a, 20a), permitiendo la estructura de entrada (14, 18) que se introduzca una atmósfera de alimentación en la celda metal-aire (12), transportando la estructura de salida (16, 20) el producto gaseoso a un punto previsto de utilización (70, 64) para proporcionar de ese modo una función de mejora medioambiental, y controlando dichas una o varias válvulas (14a, 16a, 18a, 20a) el suministro de gas a la celda metal-aire (12) y/o el transporte del producto gaseoso desde la celda metal-aire.