Vibration-induced nanoscale friction modulation on piezoelectric materials

Mechanical vibration, as an alternative of application of solid/liquid lubricants, has been an effective means to modulate friction at the macroscale. Recently, atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments and model simulations also suggest a similar vibration-induced friction reduction effect for nanoscale contact interfaces, although an additional external vibration source is typically needed to excite the system. Here, by introducing a piezoelectric thin film along the contact interface, we demonstrate that friction measured by a conductive AFM probe can be significantly reduced (more than 70%) when an alternating current (AC) voltage is applied. Such real-time friction modulation is achieved owing to the localized nanoscale vibration originating from the intrinsic inverse piezoelectric effect, and is applicable for various material combinations. Assisted by analysis with the Prandtl—Tomlinson (P—T) friction model, our experimental results suggest that there exists an approximately linear correlation between the vibrational amplitude and the relative factor for perturbation of sliding energy corrugation. This work offers a viable strategy for realizing active friction modulation for small-scale interfaces without the need of additional vibration source or global excitation that may adversely impact device functionalities.

Evaluation of tool performance and wear through vibration signature analysis in drilling of IS3048 steel

In this paper, a connection between vibration amplitude and tool wear when drilling of IS3048 steel utilizing different dimensioned tools is dissected through tests. Discriminant features, which are sensitive to drill wear and breakage, were developed. These were discovered to be somewhat impervious toward sensor location and cutting conditions. In the process, the vibration amplitude features a checking highlight dependent on ascertaining both the tools and their performance over vibrations, which was discovered to be somewhat powerful for on-line identification of drill tool breakage in both frequency and time domains. These vibrational amplitude signal features are directly affected, related to the tool geometry, which give higher chances of tool selection criteria during the drilling process. The experiments were carried out using solid carbide tool with change in tool geometry under dry conditions where the vibration amplitude for both is evaluated. The results revealed that cutting tool vibrational amplitude and tool wear were relatively dependent showing the tool selection of suitable tool geometry.

Pulsating fields of a thin film in a static magnetic field under vertical vibrations

In the present paper a dynamics of a thin ferrofluid film under the vertical vibration in a static magnetic field is examined. The vibrational amplitude is assumed to be greater than film thickness so that vibrational force is greater than magnetic and gravitational forces. The pulsating part and the averaged part of the hydrodynamics fields are obtained. The solution of pulsating part for the traveling surface wave is found. The equation for the averaged surface profile is found.

Ultrasonic control of neurite outgrowth direction

This study investigated a method to control neurite outgrowth direction using ultrasound vibration. An ultrasound cell culture dish comprising a glass-bottom culture surface and a glass disc with an ultrasound transducer was fabricated, and undifferentiated neuron-like PC12 cells were grown on the dish as an adherent culture. The 78 kHz resonant concentric flexural vibration mode of the dish was used to quantitatively evaluate the neurite outgrowth direction and length. Time-lapse imaging of cells was performed for 72 h under ultrasound excitation. Unsonicated neurites grew in random directions, whereas neurite outgrowth was circumferentially oriented during ultrasonication in a power-dependent manner. The neurite orientation correlated with the spatial gradient of the ultrasound vibration, implying that neurites tend to grow in directions along which the vibrational amplitude does not change. Ultrasonication with 30 Vpp for 72 h increased the neurite length by 99.7% compared with that observed in unsonicated cells.

Simulation of Onset of the Capillary Surface Wave in the Ultrasonic Atomizer

The novel drug delivery system refers to the formulations and technologies for transporting a pharmaceutical compound in the body as it is needed to safely achieve its desired therapeutic effects. In this study, the onset vibrational amplitude of capillary surface waves for ultrasonic atomization spray is explained based on Faraday instability. Using ultrasonic frequency, the vibrational amplitude approached a critical point, and the liquid surface broke up into tiny drops. The micro-droplets were are steadily and continuously formed after the liquid feeding rate was optimized. The simulation study reported a minimum vibrational amplitude or onset value of 0.38 μm at 500 kHz frequency. The required minimum energy to atomize the drops was simulated by COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software. The simulation result agreed well with the numerical results of a subharmonic vibrational model that ocurred at 250 kHz frequency on the liquid surface. This newly designed single frequency ultrasonic atomizer showed its true physical characteristic of resonance on the fluid surface plane. Hence, this research will contribute to the future development of a single-frequency ultrasonic nebulizer and mechatronics for the generation of uniform atomized droplets.

Numerical Analysis of Ultrasonic Nebulizer for Onset Amplitude of Vibration with Atomization Experimental Results

In this study, the onset amplitude of the initial capillary surface wave for ultrasonic atomization of fluids has been implemented. The design and characterization of 485 kHz microfabricated silicon-based ultrasonic nozzles are presented for the concept of economic energy development. Each nozzle is composed of a silicon resonator and a piezoelectric drive section consisting of three Fourier horns. The required minimum energy to atomize liquid droplets is verified by COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software to clarify experimental data. The simulation study reports a minimum vibrational amplitude (onset) of 0.365 μm at the device bottom under the designated frequency of 485 kHz. The experimental study agrees well with the suggested frequency and the amplitude concerning the corresponding surface vibrational velocity in simulation. While operating, the deionized water was initially atomized into microdroplets at the given electrode voltage of 5.96 V. Microdroplets are steadily and continuously formed after the liquid feeding rate is optimized. This newly designed ultrasonic atomizer facilitates the development of capillary surface wave resonance at a designated frequency. A required vibrational amplitude and finite electric driving voltage promote not only the modern development in the green energy industry, but also the exploration of noninvasive, microencapsulated drug delivery and local spray needs.

Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Validation on Galloping of Iced Transmission Lines in a Moderating Airflow

Galloping of an iced transmission line subjected to a moderating airflow has been analysed in this study, and a new form of galloping is discovered both theoretically and experimentally. The partial differential equations of the iced transmission line are established based on the Hamilton theory. The Galerkin method is then applied on the continuous model, and a discrete model is derived along with its first two in-plane and torsional modes. A trapezoidal wind field model is built through the superposition of simple harmonic waves. The vibrational amplitude is generally observed to be more violent when the wind velocity decreases, except in the 2nd in-plane mode. Furthermore, the influence of the declining wind velocity rates on galloping is analysed using different postdecline wind velocities and the duration of the decline in wind velocities. Subsequently, an experiment has been carried out on a continuous model of an iced conductor in the wind tunnel dedicated for galloping. The first two in-plane modal profiles are observed, along with their response to the moderating airflow. Different declining rates of the wind velocity are also verified in the wind tunnel, which show good agreement with the results simulated by the mathematical model. The sudden increase in the galloping amplitude poses a significant threat to the transmission system, which also improves the damage mechanism associated with the galloping of a slender, a long structure with a noncircular cross-section.

Atomic Force Microscopy

This chapter discusses atomic force microscopy (AFM), focusing on the methods for atomic force detection. Although the force detection always requires a cantilever, there are two types of modes: the static mode and the dynamic mode. The general design and the typical method of manufacturing of the cantilevers are discussed. Two popular methods of static force detection are presented. The popular dynamic-force detection method, the tapping mode is described, especially the methods in liquids. The non-contact AFM, which has achieved atomic resolution in the weak attractive force regime, is discussed in detail. An elementary and transparent analysis of the principles, including the frequency shift, the second harmonics, and the average tunneling current, is presented. It requires only Newton’s equation and Fourier analysis, and the final results are analyzed over the entire range of vibrational amplitude. The implementation is briefly discussed.

Workpiece Vibration in Feed Direction Assisted Electrochemical Cutting Using Tube Electrode With Inclined Holes

Electrochemical cutting using tube electrode with inclined holes is a machining method that directly and obliquely injects electrolyte into the machining gap through inclined jet-flow holes on the sidewall of a tube electrode, allowing the electrochemical cutting of a workpiece. To improve the machining efficiency and accuracy of this cutting technique, a method of workpiece vibration in feed direction assisted electrochemical cutting is proposed in which workpiece vibration along the feed direction rapidly and periodically changes the machining gap. The near-instantaneous increases in the machining gap promotes the waste electrolyte containing electrolytic products to flow down the machining gap. At the same time, the electrochemical reaction time under the non-uniform flow field caused by the inclined downward injection of electrolyte is reduced. The flow field simulation of electrolyte in machining gap indicates that the near-instantaneous increases in the machining gap can improve the flow velocity of electrolyte. Experiment demonstrates that the average feed rate can be increased by 50% and the machining efficiency is superior to that of electrochemical cutting assisted by workpiece non-vibration in feed direction. The difference between the upper and lower slit widths is reduced and the machining accuracy is improved. The effect of the vibrational amplitude and frequency on the machining result is also investigated. Finally, an array slice structure is fabricated on a stainless steel block with a cross-section of 10 mm × 10 mm at average feed rate of 6 mm/s using a vibrational amplitude and frequency of 0.1 mm and 1.5 Hz, respectively.

A Three-Dimensional Lump Model on Performances of the Stapes Displacement under Different Mechanics Property Conditions of a Middle Ear

In this article, a three-dimensional (3D) lumped model of the human auditoria peripherals that consisted of four masses equipped with five major springs and major dashpots is presented. This model will support the quantitative basis for construction of a human middle ear physical model. This 3D lumped model consists of a human ear bone model having a similar working principle as the tiny mechanical structure. The 3D lumped model's parameters were identified using previous anatomical data, and then constructed via a parameter optimizing process using 16 springs and dashpots that represent the tiny mechanical structure's five connections. The computational results showed the sensitivity priority of the five connections to the stapes displacement with a variety of sound frequencies. Moreover, a detailed discussion of the five connections' mechanical properties affecting the magnitude of the stapes displacement was also shown in this paper. As a result of increasing the stiffness in the joint of the middle ear bone connection, the stapes' vibrational amplitude was increased. However, the magnitude of the value of the four masses reacts in a manner that is opposite to stapes displacement. Some specific frequency ranges of the voice properties to the mass and connector systems are also discussed in this paper. The details of the individual mass or joint activity to the stapes displacement at various frequency ranges are also presented. The model's behaviors were calculated using the software ANSYS workbench 15.0, Solid works 2017, and the MATLAB R2015a. Our findings provide a relevant reference for related medical research.