scholarly journals Liquid Metal-Based Devices: Material Properties, Fabrication and Functionalities

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3400
Author(s):  
Jian Dong ◽  
Yuanyuan Zhu ◽  
Zhifu Liu ◽  
Meng Wang
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Metal ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Strain Sensors ◽  
Electrical Stability ◽  
Nonlinear Materials ◽  
Capillary Method ◽  
Communication Device ◽  
Fluid Properties ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques

This paper reviews the material properties, fabrication and functionalities of liquid metal-based devices. In modern wireless communication technology, adaptability and versatility have become attractive features of any communication device. Compared with traditional conductors such as copper, the flow characteristics and lack of elastic limit of conductive fluids make them ideal alternatives for applications such as flexible circuits, soft electronic devices, wearable stretch sensors, and reconfigurable antennas. These fluid properties also allow for innovative manufacturing techniques such as 3-D printing, injecting or spraying conductive fluids on rigid/flexible substrates. Compared with traditional high-frequency switching methods, liquid metal (LM) can easily use micropumps or an electrochemically controlled capillary method to achieve reconfigurability of the device. The movement of LM over a large physical dimension enhances the reconfigurable state of the antenna, without depending on nonlinear materials or mechanisms. When LM is applied to wearable devices and sensors such as electronic skins (e-skins) and strain sensors, it consistently exhibits mechanical fatigue resistance and can maintain good electrical stability under a certain degree of stretching. When LM is used in microwave devices and paired with elastic linings such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), the shape and size of the devices can be changed according to actual needs to meet the requirements of flexibility and a multistate frequency band. In this work, we discuss the material properties, fabrication and functionalities of LM.

scholarly journals Highly Sensitive E-Textile Strain Sensors Enhanced by Geometrical Treatment for Human Monitoring

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 2383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi Cuong Vu ◽  
Jooyong Kim
Keyword(s):  
Form Factors ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Strain Sensors ◽  
Electronic Textiles ◽  
Smart Textiles ◽  
Electronic Manufacturing ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Textile Sensors ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques

Electronic textiles, also known as smart textiles or smart fabrics, are one of the best form factors that enable electronics to be embedded in them, presenting physical flexibility and sizes that cannot be achieved with other existing electronic manufacturing techniques. As part of smart textiles, e-sensors for human movement monitoring have attracted tremendous interest from researchers in recent years. Although there have been outstanding developments, smart e-textile sensors still present significant challenges in sensitivity, accuracy, durability, and manufacturing efficiency. This study proposes a two-step approach (from structure layers and shape) to actively enhance the performance of e-textile strain sensors and improve manufacturing ability for the industry. Indeed, the fabricated strain sensors based on the silver paste/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) layers and buffer cutting lines have fast response time, low hysteresis, and are six times more sensitive than SWCNT sensors alone. The e-textile sensors are integrated on a glove for monitoring the angle of finger motions. Interestingly, by attaching the sensor to the skin of the neck, the pharynx motions when speaking, coughing, and swallowing exhibited obvious and consistent signals. This research highlights the effect of the shapes and structures of e-textile strain sensors in the operation of a wearable e-textile system. This work also is intended as a starting point that will shape the standardization of strain fabric sensors in different applications.

scholarly journals Structural Reinforcement Effect of a Flexible Strain Sensor Integrated with Pneumatic Balloon Actuators for Soft Microrobot Fingers

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 395
Author(s):  
Satoshi Konishi ◽  
Fuminari Mori ◽  
Ayano Shimizu ◽  
Akiya Hirata
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Metal ◽  
Strain Sensor ◽  
Strain Sensors ◽  
Original Performance ◽  
Sensors And Actuators ◽  
Parylene C ◽  
Structural Reinforcement ◽  
Effective Combination ◽  
Metal Strain ◽  
Flexible Strain Sensor

Motion capture of a robot and tactile sensing for a robot require sensors. Strain sensors are used to detect bending deformation of the robot finger and to sense the force from an object. It is important to introduce sensors in effective combination with actuators without affecting the original performance of the robot. We are interested in the improvement of flexible strain sensors integrated into soft microrobot fingers using a pneumatic balloon actuator (PBA). A strain sensor using a microchannel filled with liquid metal was developed for soft PBAs by considering the compatibility of sensors and actuators. Inflatable deformation generated by PBAs, however, was found to affect sensor characteristics. This paper presents structural reinforcement of a liquid metal-based sensor to solve this problem. Parylene C film was deposited into a microchannel to reinforce its structure against the inflatable deformation caused by a PBA. Parylene C deposition into a microchannel suppressed the interference of inflatable deformation. The proposed method enables the effective combination of soft PBAs and a flexible liquid metal strain sensor for use in microrobot fingers.

scholarly journals Additive Manufacturing of Flexible Material for Pneumatic Actuators Application

Actuators ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
Miranda Fateri ◽  
João Falcão Carneiro ◽  
Achim Frick ◽  
João Bravo Pinto ◽  
Fernando Gomes de Almeida
Keyword(s):  
Material Properties ◽  
Thermoplastic Polyurethane ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Pneumatic Actuators ◽  
Geometry Design ◽  
Flexible Material ◽  
Layer Manufacturing ◽  
Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques ◽  
Circular Design

In this paper, endurance of peristaltic linear pneumatic actuators was studied using different hose geometries. Towards this goal, different hose geometries were additively manufactured using Fused Layer Manufacturing techniques of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer. Material properties of the elastomer were studied using Differential Scanning Calorimetry and the tensile test. The relations between the sample’s print temperature and build direction on the actuator endurance were investigated. Lastly, the relation between the geometry design of the PLPA actuator and its endurance is also discussed. Based on this methodology, authors present results showing that the use of a customized shaped hose with geometrical reinforcement at sides leads to a considerable rise in the hose endurance, when compared with the conventional circular design.

scholarly journals 3D Printed Chromophoric Sensors

Chemosensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 317
Author(s):  
Zachary Brounstein ◽  
Jarrod Ronquillo ◽  
Andrea Labouriau
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Stability ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Chemical Structure ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Advanced Manufacturing ◽  
Color Changes ◽  
Printed Sensors ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques

Eight chromophoric indicators are incorporated into Sylgard 184 to develop sensors that are fabricated either by traditional methods such as casting or by more advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing. The sensors exhibit specific color changes when exposed to acidic species, basic species, or elevated temperatures. Additionally, material properties are investigated to assess the chemical structure, Shore A Hardness, and thermal stability. Comparisons between the casted and 3D printed sensors show that the sensing devices fabricated with the advanced manufacturing technique are more efficient because the color changes are more easily detected.

LATTICE STRUCTURE OPTIMIZATION WITH ORIENTATION-DEPENDENT MATERIAL PROPERTIES

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-33
Author(s):  
Conner Sharpe ◽  
Carolyn Seepersad
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Lattice Structures ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Structural Applications ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques ◽  
And Performance

Abstract Advances in additive manufacturing techniques have enabled the production of parts with complex internal geometries. However, the layer-based nature of additive processes often results in mechanical properties that vary based on the orientation of the feature relative to the build plane. Lattice structures have been a popular design application for additive manufacturing due to their potential uses in lightweight structural applications. Many recent works have explored the modeling, design, and fabrication challenges that arise in the multiscale setting of lattice structures. However, there remains a significant challenge in bridging the simplified computational models used in the design process and the more complex properties actually realized in fabrication. This work develops a design approach that captures orientation-dependent material properties that have been observed in metal AM processes while remaining suitable for use in an iterative design process. Exemplar problems are utilized to investigate the potential design changes and performance improvements that can be attained by taking the directional dependence of the manufacturing process into account in the design of lattice structures.

Strengthening and Retrofitting of Motín de Oro II Bridge in Mexico

2020 ◽  
pp. 193-209
Author(s):  
Jose M. Jara ◽  
Bertha A. Olmos ◽  
Guillermo Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Material Properties ◽  
River Flow ◽  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Ambient Vibration ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Box Girder ◽  
Prone Area ◽  
Scour Protection ◽  
Ambient Vibration Measurements

This chapter presents the studies conducted to retrofit an existing bridge in a seismic prone area of Mexico. The Motín de Oro II Bridge was built in the 1970s with a continuous box girder superstructure and wall-type substructure. From the 1970s to nowadays, the design truck loads in Mexico have been substantially incremented and many bridges built in that period have required to be evaluated and, in some cases, rehabilitated and retrofitted. Firstly, the study presents the results of visual inspections of all parts of the bridge and a description of the preliminary studies conducted to determine the material properties, to evaluate the river flow characteristics and to calculate the scour depth. Secondly, the chapter discusses the initial structural analyses of the bridge subjected to the original gravitational and seismic loads and to the current loads before the intervention. These analyses allow to select the structural elements that require to be retrofitted and the best strategy to follow. Finally, the study presents results of the numerical retrofitted model and the experimental assessment of the dynamic properties based on ambient vibration measurements. Additionally, the scour protection and the general construction procedure are also described.

Lattice Structure Optimization With Orientation-Dependent Material Properties

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Conner Sharpe ◽  
Carolyn Conner Seepersad
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Lattice Structures ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Structural Applications ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques ◽  
And Performance

Abstract Advances in additive manufacturing techniques have enabled the production of parts with complex internal geometries. However, the layer-based nature of additive processes often results in mechanical properties that vary based on the orientation of the feature relative to the build plane. Lattice structures have been a popular design application for additive manufacturing due to their potential uses in lightweight structural applications. Many recent works have explored the modeling, design, and fabrication challenges that arise in the multiscale setting of lattice structures. However, there remains a significant challenge in bridging the simplified computational models used in the design process and the more complex properties actually realized in fabrication. This work develops a design approach that captures orientation-dependent material properties that have been observed in metal AM processes while remaining suitable for use in an iterative design process. Exemplar problems are utilized to investigate the potential design changes and performance improvements that can be attained by taking the directional dependence of the manufacturing process into account in the design of lattice structures.

Focussed Ion Beams from Liquid Metal Ion Sources Theory and Applications

1985 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R Kingham ◽  
Vincent J Mifsud
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Metal ◽  
Metal Ion ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Ion Beams ◽  
Ion Source ◽  
Physical Reason ◽  
Probe Size ◽  
Focussed Ion Beam ◽  
Source Current ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques

ABSTRACTA theoretical model of liquid metal ion source (LMIS) operation has been developed by Kingham and Swanson. In this paper we consider beams from LMIS on the basis of this model. In particular we consider properties such as angular intensity, energy spread and relative abundance of differently charged species of the ion beam, and the dependence of these properties on source current and elemental composition. The conclusion is that the brightest focussed beam for a given probe size is attainable at the lowest possible source current as previously stated by Swanson. LMIS sources have an onset current of typically 1-2[A and will not operate stably below this current, thus limiting the maximum focussed ion beam brightness. The physical reason for this is discussed. The relevance of these properties to fine focussed ion beam applications, particularly semiconductor processing, is discussed. Useful, and in some cases unique, device manufacturing techniques can be postulated using one or more of the momentum, energy or atomic addition properties inherant tothis type of system. Advanced research tools are discussed, together with some examples of the use of microfocussed ion beams with probe sizes down to less than 50nm. Immediate applications include: high resolution ion imaging and SIMS microanalysis; ion beam machining and microfabrication; ion beam resist exposure and ion beam mask repair.

Determining Material Properties of Nonlinear Materials From Transient Response

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shad A. Reed ◽  
Anthony N. Palazotto ◽  
William Baker
Keyword(s):  
Material Properties ◽  
Hard Coatings ◽  
Complete Agreement ◽  
Nonlinear Phenomenon ◽  
Load History ◽  
Free Response ◽  
Nonlinear Materials ◽  
Depth Study ◽  
Stiffness And Damping ◽  
Damping Treatments

Several researchers have shown that the material properties of hard coatings used in free layer damping treatments are dependent on the strain amplitude in the coating. This nonlinear phenomenon complicates the material characterization process and makes it difficult to find independent sets of data that are in complete agreement. During a recent in depth study of these materials, it became apparent that there were several other time and load history dependent nonlinearities present in these fascinating materials. These nonlinearities were observable because a free response based testing methodology was employed. Results indicate that the stiffness and damping of these materials change during the first several million loading cycles before finally stabilizing. Additionally, results suggest that the material properties are dependent on the initial condition of the free response, indicating a short term loading history dependency.

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