Nanomanipulation Experiments Exploring Frictional and Mechanical 
Properties of Carbon Nanotubes

In many cases in experimental science, the instrument interface becomes a limiting factor in the efficacy of carrying out unusual experiments or prevents the complete understanding of the acquired data. We have developed an advanced interface for scanning probe microscopy (SPM) that allows intuitive rendering of data sets and natural instrument control, all in real time. The interface, called the nanoManipulator, combines a high-performance graphics engine for real-time data rendering with a haptic interface that places the human operator directly into the feedback loop that controls surface manipulations. Using a hand-held stylus, the operator moves the stylus laterally, directing the movement of the SPM tip across the sample. The haptic interface enables the user to “feel” the surface by forcing the stylus to move up and down in response to the surface topography. In this way the user understands the immediate location of the tip on the sample and can quickly and precisely maneuver nanometer-scale objects. We have applied this interface to studies of the mechanical properties of nanotubes and to substrate-nanotube interactions. The mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes have been demonstrated to be extraordinary. They have an elastic modulus rivaling that of the stiffest material known, diamond, while maintaining a remarkable resistance to fracture. We have used atomic-force microscopy (AFM) to manipulate the nanotubes through a series of configuration that reveal buckling behavior and high-strain resilience. Nanotubes also serve as test objects for nanometer-scale contact mechanics. We have found that nanotubes will roll under certain conditions. This has been determined through changes in the images and through the acquisition of lateral force during manipulation. The lateral force data show periodic stick-slip behavior with a periodicity matching the perimeter of the nanotube.

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Nanomanipulation for Material Properties, Substrate Interactions and Devices

Microscopy and Microanalysis ◽

10.1017/s1431927600021802 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 4 (S2) ◽

pp. 336-337

Author(s):

R. Superfine ◽

M. R. Falvo ◽

G. J. Clary ◽

S. Paulson ◽

R. M. Taylor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Scanning Probe Microscopy ◽

High Performance ◽

Feedback Loop ◽

Haptic Interface ◽

Limiting Factor ◽

Experimental Science ◽

Time Data ◽

Instrument Control ◽

Graphics Engine

In many cases in experimental science, it is true that the instrument interface becomes a limiting factor in the efficacy of carrying out unusual experiments, or prevents the complete understanding of the acquired data. We are developing an advanced interface for Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) which allows intuitive rendering of datasets and natural instrument control, all in real-time. The interface, called the nanoManipulator, combines a high performance graphics engine for real-time data rendering with a haptic interface which places the human operator directly into the “feedback loop” that controls surface manipulations. In practice, the user holds a stylus in hand. By moving the stylus laterally, the user directs the movement of the SPM tip across the sample. The haptic interface enables the user to “feel” the surface by forcing the stylus to move up and down in response to the surface topography.

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Carbon Nanotubes: A Status Report

The Electrochemical Society Interface ◽

10.1149/2.f06994if ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 34-37

Author(s):

Shekhar Subramoney

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Materials Science ◽

Status Report ◽

Nanometer Scale ◽

Light Weight ◽

Aspect Ratios ◽

Typical Aspect ◽

Oil Crisis

To begin with, one could ask “Why are we so interested in nanometer scale hollow tubes of carbon with typical aspect ratios of about 100?” From a materials science perspective, the oil crisis of the 1970s provided a major impetus for the development of materials that combined light weight with exceptional mechanical properties.

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Novel Design of Heterogeneous Automation Controller Based on Real-Time Data Distribution Service Middleware to Avoid Obsolescence Challenges

Journal of Circuits System and Computers ◽

10.1142/s0218126616501115 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 25 (09) ◽

pp. 1650111 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sadiq M. Sait ◽

Ghalib A. Al-Hashim

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Data Distribution ◽

Partial Replacement ◽

Limiting Factor ◽

Input Output ◽

Process Automation ◽

Time Data ◽

Automation Systems ◽

Real Time Data ◽

Data Distribution Service

Oil and gas processing facilities utilize various process automation systems with proprietary controllers. As the systems age; older technologies become obsolete resulting in frequent premature capital investments to sustain their operation. This paper presents a new design of automation controller to provide inherent mechanisms for upgrades and/or partial replacement of any obsolete components without obligation for a complete system replacement throughout the expected life cycle of the processing facilities. The input/output racks are physically and logically decoupled from the controller by converting them into distributed autonomous process interface systems. The proprietary input/output communication between the conventional controller CPU and the associated input/output racks is replaced with standard real-time data distribution service middleware for providing seamless cross-vendor interoperable communication between the controller and the distributed autonomous process interface systems. The objective of this change is to allow flexibility of supply for all controller’s subcomponents from multiple vendors to safeguard against premature automation obsolescence challenges. Detailed performance analysis was conducted to evaluate the viability of using the standard real-time data distribution service middleware technology in the design of automation controller to replace the proprietary input/output communication. The key simulation measurements to demonstrate its performance sustainability while growing in controller’s size based on the number of input/output signals are communication latency, variation in packets delays, and communication throughput. The overall performance results confirm the viability of the new proposal as the basis for designing cost effective evergreen process automation solutions that would result in optimum total cost of ownership capital investment throughout the systems’ life span. The only limiting factor is the selected network infrastructure.

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Bacterial Flagellum versus Carbon Nanotube: A Review Article on the Potential of Bacterial Flagellum as a Sustainable and Green Substance for the Synthesis of Nanotubes

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13010021 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 21

Author(s):

Charles Ng Wai Chun ◽

Husnul Azan Tajarudin ◽

Norli Ismail ◽

Baharin Azahari ◽

Muaz Mohd Zaini Makhtar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Carbon Nanotube ◽

Basal Body ◽

Research Area ◽

Review Article ◽

Nanometer Scale ◽

Structural Components ◽

Bacterial Flagellum ◽

Bacterial Flagella

Bacterial flagella are complex multicomponent structures that help in cell locomotion. It is composed of three major structural components: the hook, the filament and basal body. The special mechanical properties of flagellar components make them useful for the applications in nanotechnology especially in nanotube formation. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nanometer scale tube-shaped material and it is very useful in many applications. However, the production of CNTs is costly and detrimental to the environment as it pollutes the environment. Therefore, bacterial flagella have become a highly interesting research area especially in producing bacterial nanotubes that could replace CNTs. In this review article, we will discuss about bacterial flagellum and carbon nanotubes in the context of their types and applications. Then, we will focus and review on the characteristics of bacterial flagellum in comparison to carbon nanotubes and subsequently, the advantages of bacterial flagellum as nanotubes in comparison with carbon nanotubes.

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Fabrication and Properties of Macroscopic Carbon Nanotube Assemblies Transforming from Aligned Nanotubes

Journal of Nanomaterials ◽

10.1155/2015/907954 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Y. N. Zhang ◽

G. Z. Sun ◽

L. X. Zheng

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Electrical Conductivity ◽

Radial Direction ◽

Nanometer Scale ◽

Intrinsic Properties ◽

Aligned Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Cnt Arrays ◽

Individual Cnts ◽

Time Ease

Macroscale assemblies of well-aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can inherit intrinsic properties from individual CNTs and at the same time ease handling difficulties that occur at nanometer scale when dealing with individual CNTs. Herein, simple fabrication processes are introduced to produce a variety of macroscale CNT assemblies, including well-aligned CNT bundles, CNT films, and CNT fibers, from the same starting material: spinnable CNT arrays. The electrical and mechanical properties of the as-prepared CNT assemblies have been investigated and compared. It is found that CNT films show an electrical conductivity of 145~250 S cm−1which is comparable to CNT fibers, but two orders magnitude higher than that of conventional Bucky paper. CNT fibers exhibit diameter dependent tensile strength which is mainly attributed to the nonuniform twisting along the radial direction of fibers.

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Investigation of Operator Feedback in Human-Machine Haptic Interfaces for Steer-by-Wire Transportation Systems

Dynamic Systems and Control, Parts A and B ◽

10.1115/imece2004-59213 ◽

2004 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

U. Mandhata ◽

R. Parker ◽

J. Wagner ◽

D. Dawson ◽

B. Post

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Force Feedback ◽

Transportation Systems ◽

Haptic Interface ◽

Data Logging ◽

Time Data ◽

Mechatronic Systems ◽

Power Steering ◽

Steer By Wire ◽

Hydraulic Power Steering

The application of haptic technology to the human-vehicle interface permits customization based on the operator’s needs, mission requirements, and surrounding environment. In mechatronic systems, haptics typically encompass force reflecting devices through the integration of sensors, actuators, and real time microprocessor control algorithms. Some transportation-based haptic interface technology examples include ground vehicles, electric wheelchairs, remote-controlled drones, aircraft, and mobile robots. Drive-by-wire vehicles and tele-operated robots can benefit from haptic concepts through the provision of tunable force feedback using servo-motors to upgrade traditional systems such as hydraulic power steering and non-force feedback joysticks. In addition, haptics can potentially improve the operator’s performance and overall system safety. In this paper, driver interface feedback has been studied on a steer-by-wire haptic interface platform integrated with a virtual reality driving environment. Operator performance over a prescribed series of driving maneuvers and feedback settings has been investigated through real time data logging and post-test questionnaires. Finally, external observations have been made on individual driver behavior when subjected to varying steering feedback configurations.

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Ambulatory Assessment

European Psychologist ◽

10.1027/1016-9040.14.2.109 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 109-119 ◽

Cited By ~ 66

Author(s):

Ulrich W. Ebner-Priemer ◽

Timothy J. Trull

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Clinical Psychology ◽

Real Life ◽

Ambulatory Assessment ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Affective Valence ◽

Time Data ◽

Physiological Processes ◽

Context Specific ◽

Questionnaire Studies

Convergent experimental data, autobiographical studies, and investigations on daily life have all demonstrated that gathering information retrospectively is a highly dubious methodology. Retrospection is subject to multiple systematic distortions (i.e., affective valence effect, mood congruent memory effect, duration neglect; peak end rule) as it is based on (often biased) storage and recollection of memories of the original experience or the behavior that are of interest. The method of choice to circumvent these biases is the use of electronic diaries to collect self-reported symptoms, behaviors, or physiological processes in real time. Different terms have been used for this kind of methodology: ambulatory assessment, ecological momentary assessment, experience sampling method, and real-time data capture. Even though the terms differ, they have in common the use of computer-assisted methodology to assess self-reported symptoms, behaviors, or physiological processes, while the participant undergoes normal daily activities. In this review we discuss the main features and advantages of ambulatory assessment regarding clinical psychology and psychiatry: (a) the use of realtime assessment to circumvent biased recollection, (b) assessment in real life to enhance generalizability, (c) repeated assessment to investigate within person processes, (d) multimodal assessment, including psychological, physiological and behavioral data, (e) the opportunity to assess and investigate context-specific relationships, and (f) the possibility of giving feedback in real time. Using prototypic examples from the literature of clinical psychology and psychiatry, we demonstrate that ambulatory assessment can answer specific research questions better than laboratory or questionnaire studies.

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