Self-transforming structures

Abstract

A self-transforming structure is formed from a flexible, fibrous composite having a weave pattern of fibers woven at intersecting angles, the weave pattern having a boundary and one or more axes for the fibers, and an added material coupled to the flexible, fibrous composite to form a structure, wherein the flexible, fibrous composite and the added material have different expansion or contraction rates in response to an external stimulus to cause the structure to self-transform, and wherein the added material has a grain pattern oriented relative the weave pattern of the flexible, fibrous composite. Applications of the self-transforming structures include aviation, automotive, apparel/footwear, furniture, and building materials. One particular example is for providing adaptive control of fluid flow, such as in a jet engine air inlet.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.