scholarly journals Feature Focus: Skyscrapers in a Microworld

2000 ◽  
Vol 122 (03) ◽  
pp. 64-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leo O’Connor ◽  
Harry Hutchinson
Keyword(s):  
Microelectromechanical Systems ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
X Ray ◽  
3D Cad ◽  
University Of Wisconsin ◽  
Manufacturing Methods ◽  
New Applications ◽  
The University ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Advanced Research Projects Agency

This article reviews to enrich the variety of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) to open new applications and markets. Established manufacturing methods for most MEMS were developed for electronics, and so the microcromachines turned out that way generally look like chips. The selection of materials is usually limited, and height, measured in microns, often remains in the single digits and rarely exceeds 20. Work at the University of Wisconsin in Madison is proceeding with a process that uses deep X-ray lithography. The technique is derived from an established micromanufacturing process known as LIGA, an acronym derived from the German terms for lithography, electroforming, and molding. LIGA, which has been around for a while, produces relatively tall micromachines by a method that radiates X-ray-sensitive materials to create molds. EFAB is being developed by USC’s Information Sciences Institute with funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. To support commercialization of the process, the Institute has established the EFAB Consortium, which intends to give interested partners the option of acquiring prototype micro devices fabricated from their own 3D CAD designs.

Development of Standard X-Ray Beams for Calibration of Radiobiology Cabinet and Conformal Irradiators

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily J. King ◽  
Natalie N. Viscariello ◽  
Larry A. DeWerd
Keyword(s):  
Monte Carlo Code ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Energy Agency ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Measurement Models ◽  
Dose Determination ◽  
University Of Wisconsin ◽  
Free Air ◽  
Accurate Dose ◽  
The University

This work seeks to develop standard X-ray beams that are matched to radiobiology X-ray irradiators. The calibration of detectors used for dose determination of these irradiators is performed with a set of standard X rays that are more heavily filtered and/or lower energy, which leads to a higher uncertainty in the dose measurement. Models of the XRad320, SARRP, and the X-ray tube at the University of Wisconsin Medical Radiation Research Center (UWMRRC) were created using the BEAMnrc user code of the EGSnrc Monte Carlo code system. These models were validated against measurements, and the resultant modeled spectra were used to determine the amount of added filtration needed to match the X-ray beams at the UWMRRC to those of the XRad320 and SARRP. The depth profiles and half-value layer (HVL) simulations performed using BEAMnrc agreed to measurements within 3% and 3.6%, respectively. A primary measurement device, a free-air chamber, was developed to measure air kerma in the medium energy range of X rays. The resultant spectra of the matched beams had HVL's that matched the HVL's of the radiobiology irradiators well within the 3% criteria recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the average energies agreed within 2.4%. In conclusion, three standard X-ray beams were developed at the UWMRRC with spectra that more closely match the spectra of the XRad320 and SARRP radiobiology irradiators, which will aid in a more accurate dose determination during calibration of these irradiators.

Experiments using a light gas gun to investigate the impact melting of gunshot residue analogues

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Spathis ◽  
M. C. Price
Keyword(s):  
Physical State ◽  
Gunshot Residue ◽  
Ignition Process ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Gas Gun ◽  
High Purity Silicon ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract In this set of experiments, the versatility of the University of Kent's light gas gun was utilised to obtain a selection of corroborative data regarding the formation and impact of metallic gunshot residues onto high purity silicon wafers. The results from the two experiments are presented. The first experiment investigated how the formation of metallic residues varied as gunshot residue analogues traversed through air under a range of pressures from 0.056 millibar (5.6 Pa) to 1 bar (100 kPa), using solely the energy released during primer ignition; the second involved firing a metallic powder mix of pre-determined composition (via a split-sabot) under vacuum at two velocities- 500 ms-1 and 2000 ms-1. This ensured that there was no ignition or heating of the powders, unlike the first experiment, and so the morphology of the particles collected would be solely due to impact. The residues on the substrates were then analysed using a cold Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscope (FEG) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) detector. By separating the ignition process of the primers from the residue impacts, it allows for a closer look into the formation of these particles and helps determine whether their varied morphologies are due to the heating caused during the activation and combustion of the primer or whether its due to impact melting. This information can aid in the understanding of metallic particle formation in different pressure environments and give insight into the physical state of firearm residues when they impact a surface. Hydrocode modelling was also incorporated to corroborate the results observed during these experiments and gave results which mimicked the experimental data.

Control of jaw orientation and position in mastication and speech

1994 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 1528-1545 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Ostry ◽  
K. G. Munhall
Keyword(s):  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Joint Space ◽  
Start Time ◽  
Jaw Movements ◽  
X Ray ◽  
University Of Wisconsin ◽  
Trial Basis ◽  
Average Rotation ◽  
Jaw Position ◽  
The University

1. The kinematics of sagittal-plane jaw motion were assessed in mastication and speech. The movement paths were described in joint coordinates, in terms of the component rotations and translations. The analysis focused on the relationship between rotation and horizontal translation. Evidence was presented that these can be separately controlled. 2. In speech, jaw movements were studied during consonant-vowel utterances produced at different rates and volumes. In mastication, bolus placement, compliance, and size as well as chewing rate were manipulated. Jaw movements were recorded using the University of Wisconsin X-ray microbeam system. Jaw rotation and translation were calculated on the basis of the motion of X-ray tracking pellets on the jaw. 3. The average magnitudes of jaw rotation and translation were greater in mastication than in speech. In addition, in speech, it was shown that the average rotation magnitude may vary independent of the horizontal translation magnitude. In mastication, the average magnitude of vertical jaw translation was not dependent on the magnitudes of jaw rotation or horizontal jaw translation. 4. The magnitude of rotation and horizontal jaw translation tended to be correlated when examined on a trial by trial basis. Some subjects also showed a correlation between jaw rotation and vertical jaw translation. However, the proportion of variance accounted for was greater for all subjects in the case of rotation and horizontal translation. 5. Joint space paths in both mastication and speech were found to be straight. The pattern was observed at normal and fast rates of speech and mastication and for loud speech as well. Straight line paths were also observed when subjects produced utterances that had both the syllabic structure and the intonation pattern of speech. The findings suggest that control may be organized in terms of an equilibrium jaw orientation and an equilibrium jaw position. 6. Departures from linearity were also observed. These were typically associated with differences during jaw closing in the end time of rotation and translation. Start time differences were not observed in jaw closing and the movement paths were typically linear within this region.

Influence of age on masonry bond strength and mortar microstructureThis article is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue on Masonry.

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 1433-1442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heber Sugo ◽  
Adrian W. Page ◽  
Stephen Lawrence
Keyword(s):  
Bond Strength ◽  
Microstructural Change ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Initial Increase ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
The University ◽  
Effect Of Age ◽  
Selection Of

The effect of age on bond strength and mortar microstructure was investigated as part of an ongoing masonry bond strength research program at The University of Newcastle. Previous work has shown that both strength losses and strength gains occur with age. The potential loss of bond strength with time has structural implications as the design of masonry using the Australian masonry standard AS 3700–2001 is based on the 7 d bond strength. In this investigation, a single mortar-and-unit combination (dry pressed clay and 1:1:6 mortar) cured under ambient laboratory conditions was studied. Bond strength was determined at ages ranging from 3 to 365 d using a small-scale uniaxial tension test. Maximum bond strength was observed to occur at 180 d with strength minima occurring at 90 and 365 d. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to further identify the mortar constituents and hydration levels. Changes in the density of the paste microstructure were observed up to 28 d, which correlated with the initial increase in bond strength. No other microstructural change to account for the strength variations between 28 and 365 d could be observed using these techniques.

The Trouble with Insect Cyborgs

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Dodd
Keyword(s):  
Department Of Defense ◽  
Microelectromechanical Systems ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Sociological Approach ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
The Creation ◽  
As If ◽  
Advanced Research Projects Agency

Abstract This paper examines recent developments in the construction of insect cyborgs by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (darpa), a branch of the u.s. Department of Defense, as part of its Hybrid Insect Microelectromechanical Systems (hi-mems ) project. It takes a sociological approach in order to account for the processes involved in the creation of insect cyborgs, arguing that such creatures should be seen as the outcome of social, as well as technological, conditions. The paper critically reflects on the ethical implications of the hi-mems project and discusses the philosophical repercussions of treating insects as if they are machines.

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