United States of America As Represented by the Administrator of Nasa

Ronald K Penner

Emilie J Siochi

Jin Ho Kang

Travis L Turner

Joseph G Smith, Jr

Christopher J Wohl, Jr

Charles J Camarda

Donald Roy Pettit

Larry D Franklin

Emille J Siochi

Provided are methods of preparing an electrically activated shape memory polymer composite capable of thermal shape reformation using electric power to heat the composite through its matrix glass transition temperature. The methods may include providing a polymer matrix component comprising a diglycidyl ether resin and at least one curing agent, adding into the polymer matrix component at least one nano-filler component, sonication and mixing the polymer matrix component and the nano-filler component to form a mixture, curing the mixture under curing conditions, and laminating the cured mixture with at least one elastic laminated layer.

Method for preparing an electrically-activated shape memory polymer composite

Provided is an electrically activated shape memory polymer composite capable of thermal shape reformation using electric power to heat the composite through its matrix glass transition temperature. The composite includes an adaptable polymer matrix component using a diglycidyl ether resin, at least one substantially well-dispersed conductive or magnetic nano-filler component, and at least one elastic, laminated layer. Also provided are methods of preparing the composite and methods of activating the composite. A shape reformation of the composite is triggered by applying an electric field at DC and/or at a frequency above about 1 &#x3bc;Hz for a sufficient time.

Electric field activated shape memory polymer composite

A process to modify a surface to provide reduced adhesion surface properties to mitigate insect residue adhesion. The surface may include the surface of an article including an aircraft, an automobile, a marine vessel, all-terrain vehicle, wind turbine, helmet, etc. The process includes topographically and chemically modifying the surface by applying a coating comprising a particulate matter, or by applying a coating and also topographically modifying the surface by various methods, including but not limited to, lithographic patterning, laser ablation and chemical etching, physical vapor phase deposition, chemical vapor phase deposition, crystal growth, electrochemical deposition, spin casting, and film casting.

Modified surface having low adhesion properties to mitigate insect residue adhesion

Methods and tool for simultaneously forming a bore in a work piece and forming a series of threads in said bore. In an embodiment, the tool has a predetermined axial length, a proximal end, and a distal end, said tool comprising: a shank located at said proximal end; a pilot drill portion located at said distal end; and a mill portion intermediately disposed between said shank and said pilot drill portion. The mill portion is comprised of at least two drill-tap sections of predetermined axial lengths and at least one transition section of predetermined axial length, wherein each of said at least one transition section is sandwiched between a distinct set of two of said at least two drill-tap sections. The at least two drill-tap sections are formed of one or more drill-tap cutting teeth spirally increasing along said at least two drill-tap sections, wherein said tool is self-advanced in said work piece along said formed threads, and wherein said tool simultaneously forms said bore and said series of threads along a substantially similar longitudinal axis.

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Hampton, VA, United States of America

Ronald K Penner