Aerospace

A strain rate monitor integrating the sensing and data collection functions using floating-gate circuitry so efficient that the electrical power generated by the piezo sensing element itself is sufficient for the entire device. This allows the complete monitor to be small enough to embed directly into the structure being monitored.

A method of producing a composite material with double the energy absorption capability of current composites.

The invention incorporates xGnP or other carbon-based nano-materials to make SMC composites for multi-functional, structural and non-structural application.

The invention provides a coating of carbon-based nanomaterials, such as exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP), to achieve a certain conductivity for non-conductive fiber or fillers. In addition, xGnP can be integrated at low concentrations into fabricated coated fibers or filler reinforced hybrid composites to attain certain conductivity and other desirable functionalities.

A patch antenna whose radiation pattern can be adjusted using a feedback signal to meet variable operational criteria.