Edge Composites/Low Drag Wheel TCG
|
The Utah Center for Aeronautical Innovation and Design, UCAID, and ENVE Composites, (ex. EDGE) Ogden, UT , have completed work on their Technology Commercialization Grant from USTAR, awarded in the spring of 2010. The funds were used to instrument a testing apparatus for the development of carbon fiber bicycle wheels. Edge currently produces the lightest and strongest composite wheels in the industry. In order to verify their wheels' performance ENVE desired to add sensors and data logging capability to a brake test dynomometer. This device adds braking friction to the wheel being tested in controlled conditions while recording the total energy imparted, resulting heat expansion and wheel temperature. Tire pressure is also logged. The system developed by UCAID allows radial measurement of the wheel at specified angles to determine wheel performance all around the rim under braking conditions that exceed race conditions. |
Gas barrier for airship envelopes/packaging TCG |
Helium-impermeable membrane, applicable to lighter-than-air craft, weather and various sensing/high altitude balloons, and also usable in industries where preventing gas permeation of packaging is critical |