Dominant Symmetry Plane Detection for Point-Based 3D Models

In this paper, a symmetry detection algorithm for three-dimensional point cloud model based on weighted principal component analysis (PCA) is proposed. The proposed algorithm works as follows: first, using the point element’s area as the initial weight, a weighted PCA is performed and a plane is selected as the initial symmetry plane; and then an iterative method is used to adjust the approximate symmetry plane step by step to make it tend to perfect symmetry plane (dominant symmetry plane). In each iteration, we first update the weight of each point based on a distance metric and then use the new weights to perform a weighted PCA to determine a new symmetry plane. If the current plane of symmetry is close enough to the plane of symmetry in the previous iteration or if the number of iterations exceeds a given threshold, the iteration terminates. After the iteration is terminated, the plane of symmetry in the last iteration is taken as the dominant symmetry plane of the model. As shown in experimental results, the proposed algorithm can find the dominant symmetry plane for symmetric models and it also works well for nonperfectly symmetric models.

Interfacial Sliding in Back-End Interconnect Structures in Microelectronic Devices

Deformation of interconnect structures at the back-end of microelectronic devices during processing or service can have a pronounced effect on component reliability. Here, we use atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study plastic deformation and interfacial sliding of Cu interconnects lines on Si. The behavior of both stand-alone Cu lines and lines embedded in a low K dielectric was studied. Following thermal cycling, changes were observed in the in-plane Cu line dimensions, as well as the out-of plane step height between Cu and dielectric in single layer structures. These were attributed to differential deformation of the Cu/Si and Cu/dielectric material pairs due to thermal expansion mismatch, accommodated by interfacial creep. These results are discussed in light of previous work on the mechanism of interfacial creep. Some preliminary results on the distortion of Cu lines due to package-level stresses are also presented.

Response of Empty and Fluid-Filled, Submerged Spherical Shells to Plane and Spherical, Step-Exponential Acoustic Waves

The title problem is solved through extension of a method previously formulated for plane step-wave excitation, which employs generalized Fourier series augmented by partial closure of those series at early time. The extension encompasses both plane and spherical incident waves with step-exponential pressure profiles. The effects of incident-wave curvature and profile decay rate on response behavior are examined. A method previously developed for assessing the discrepancy between calculated and measured response histories is employed to evaluate the convergence of the truncated series solutions. Also studied is the performance of doubly-asymptotic approximations. Finally, the efficacy of modified Cesàro summation for improving the convergence of series solutions is examined. The documented computer program that produced the numerical results appearing in this paper, SPHSHK/MODSUM, may be down-loaded from the Web sitehttp://saviac.xservices.com.

Doubly Asymptotic Approximations for Submerged Structures With Internal Fluid Volumes: Evaluation

The accuracy of the doubly asymptotic approximations formulated in the previous companion paper is examined through the comparison of DAA and exact transient response histories for a fluid-filled, submerged spherical shell excited by an incident plane step-wave. The numerical results indicate that second-order DAAs are satisfactory for problems of this type.

Computer Simulation of ao Screw Dislocations in Ni3Al

ABSTRACTDissociation of the ao<110> screw dislocation in Ni3Al was studied using the embedded atom method of computer simulation. The dissociation occurred predominantly along the {111} plane, however, a {001}-plane step occurred in the APB at the center of the configuration. When a pair of ao/2<110> superpartials initially separated in the {111} plane was relaxed, the step formed once again but with a reduced height. When the pair was relaxed from larger distances the step was not formed. The results indicate that the elastic interaction “torque” due to elastic anisotropy is responsible for the formation of the {001} APB step. When a stress was applied to these dislocation configurations by simulation, results confirmed that the step in the APB and the octahedral cross-slipped-core dissociations can be significant barriers to glide of the screw dislocation.