The Boeing Company

Kava Sirvan Crosson-Elturan

Morteza Safai

Frederick Theodore Calkins

James Henry Mabe

Moushumi Shome

William Talion Edwards

Kirk Douglas Skaggs

Matthew Todd Grimshaw

Billy Punlap Tung

Richard D Widdle

Lynn Marie Gravatt

John William Finlayson

Timothy John Suhr

Thomas Harland Bluhm

David M Siebenaler

Douglas David Gaj

Justin Thomas

A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for generating a three-dimensional model of an object of interest in an aircraft. In response to transmitting a plurality of x-rays from a set of transmission points into the aircraft, backscatter x-ray data is received. The object identified from a two-dimensional diagram of the backscatter data. Points for the object are created from the identification of the object in the received data. The points are placed at a first distance from the transmission points to form a first curve. The points are placed at a second distance from the transmission points to form a second curve. A first surface is formed from the first and second curves. A second surface is formed that intersects the first surface to form an intersection. Three-dimensional data is generated for the three-dimensional model of the object from the intersection.

Method and apparatus for generating data for three-dimensional models from x-rays

A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated aerostructure operable to dynamically change shape according to flight conditions is disclosed. Deformable structures are actuated by SMA actuators that are coupled to face sheets of the deformable structures. Actuating the SMA actuators produces complex shape changes of the deformable structures by activating shape changes of the SMA actuators. The SMA actuators are actuated via an active or passive temperature change based on operating conditions. The SMA actuated aerostructure can be used for morphable nozzles such as a variable area fan nozzle and/or a variable geometry chevron of a jet engine to reduce engine noise during takeoff without degrading fuel burn during cruise.

High stiffness shape memory alloy actuated aerostructure

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Seattle, WA, United States of America

Kava Sirvan Crosson-Elturan