Photovoltaic wire derived from a graphene composite fiber achieving an 8.45 % energy conversion efficiency.

PubMed

Yang, Zhibin; Sun, Hao; Chen, Tao; Qiu, Longbin; Luo, Yongfeng; Peng, Huisheng

2013-07-15

Wired for light: Novel wire-shaped photovoltaic devices have been developed from graphene/Pt composite fibers. The high flexibility, mechanical strength, and electrical conductivity of graphene composite fibers resulted in a maximum energy conversion efficiency of 8.45 %, which is much higher than that of other wire-shaped photovoltaic devices. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Investigations on effect of laser-induced self-assembled patterning on optical properties of flexible polyimide substrates for solar cell applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukla, Ashish K.; Yadav, Vinayak M.; Kumar, Akash; Palani, I. A.; Manivannan, Anbarasu

2018-01-01

Polyimide (PI) offers promising features such as high strength and excellent thermal stability for flexible solar panels. The flexible solar cell demands maximum absorption of solar insolation through stacked layers to enhance its performance. However, the fluorescence emission (FE) in inactive polyimide substrate hinders the absorption of irradiated solar energy. In this research work, an attempt has been made to generate rippled morphology on PI substrate using laser processing that enhances the absorption and moderates the FE. These changes are confirmed by calculating the Urbach energy (Eu) of the rippled structure, which is found to be 2.5 times that of the pristine substrate. Furthermore, to reduce the FE, tungsten (W) was coated on the rippled structure of the laser-processed PI, and a significant reduction of 70% FE is achieved compared to the FE of unprocessed PI. These enhanced characteristics of PI obtained by laser processing will be highly helpful for improving the overall performance of flexible solar cells.

Co-Design Method and Wafer-Level Packaging Technique of Thin-Film Flexible Antenna and Silicon CMOS Rectifier Chips for Wireless-Powered Neural Interface Systems.

PubMed

Okabe, Kenji; Jeewan, Horagodage Prabhath; Yamagiwa, Shota; Kawano, Takeshi; Ishida, Makoto; Akita, Ippei

2015-12-16

In this paper, a co-design method and a wafer-level packaging technique of a flexible antenna and a CMOS rectifier chip for use in a small-sized implantable system on the brain surface are proposed. The proposed co-design method optimizes the system architecture, and can help avoid the use of external matching components, resulting in the realization of a small-size system. In addition, the technique employed to assemble a silicon large-scale integration (LSI) chip on the very thin parylene film (5 μm) enables the integration of the rectifier circuits and the flexible antenna (rectenna). In the demonstration of wireless power transmission (WPT), the fabricated flexible rectenna achieved a maximum efficiency of 0.497% with a distance of 3 cm between antennas. In addition, WPT with radio waves allows a misalignment of 185% against antenna size, implying that the misalignment has a less effect on the WPT characteristics compared with electromagnetic induction.

Co-Design Method and Wafer-Level Packaging Technique of Thin-Film Flexible Antenna and Silicon CMOS Rectifier Chips for Wireless-Powered Neural Interface Systems

PubMed Central

Okabe, Kenji; Jeewan, Horagodage Prabhath; Yamagiwa, Shota; Kawano, Takeshi; Ishida, Makoto; Akita, Ippei

2015-01-01

In this paper, a co-design method and a wafer-level packaging technique of a flexible antenna and a CMOS rectifier chip for use in a small-sized implantable system on the brain surface are proposed. The proposed co-design method optimizes the system architecture, and can help avoid the use of external matching components, resulting in the realization of a small-size system. In addition, the technique employed to assemble a silicon large-scale integration (LSI) chip on the very thin parylene film (5 μm) enables the integration of the rectifier circuits and the flexible antenna (rectenna). In the demonstration of wireless power transmission (WPT), the fabricated flexible rectenna achieved a maximum efficiency of 0.497% with a distance of 3 cm between antennas. In addition, WPT with radio waves allows a misalignment of 185% against antenna size, implying that the misalignment has a less effect on the WPT characteristics compared with electromagnetic induction. PMID:26694407

Porous dimanganese trioxide microflowers derived from microcoordinations for flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, Huan; Li, Xinran; Li, Bing; Zhang, Yizhou; Zhao, Qunxing; Lai, Wen-Yong; Huang, Wei

2016-06-01

Dimanganese trioxide microflowers are easily obtained from a Mn(ii) 8-hydroxyquinoline microcoordination after calcination in air. We also look into the possible formation mechanism of the flower-like morphology, and find that the reaction time affects the morphology of the coordination. Furthermore, the as-prepared porous Mn2O3 microflowers are made of many nanoplates which form many nanogaps and nanochannels. Interestingly, the assembled electrode based on the as-prepared porous Mn2O3 microflowers proves to be a high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors. The electrode shows a specific capacitance of 994 F g-1, which can work well even after 4000 cycles at 0.75 A g-1. More importantly, the porous Mn2O3 microflowers and activated carbons are assembled into a high-performance flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor with a specific capacitance of 312.5 mF cm-2. The cycle test shows that the device can offer 95.6% capacity of the initial capacitance at 2.0 mA cm-2 after 5000 cycles with little decay. The maximum energy density of the device can achieve 6.56 mWh cm-3 and the maximum power density can also achieve 283.5 mW cm-3, which are among the best results for manganese based materials.Dimanganese trioxide microflowers are easily obtained from a Mn(ii) 8-hydroxyquinoline microcoordination after calcination in air. We also look into the possible formation mechanism of the flower-like morphology, and find that the reaction time affects the morphology of the coordination. Furthermore, the as-prepared porous Mn2O3 microflowers are made of many nanoplates which form many nanogaps and nanochannels. Interestingly, the assembled electrode based on the as-prepared porous Mn2O3 microflowers proves to be a high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors. The electrode shows a specific capacitance of 994 F g-1, which can work well even after 4000 cycles at 0.75 A g-1. More importantly, the porous Mn2O3 microflowers and activated carbons are assembled into a high-performance flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor with a specific capacitance of 312.5 mF cm-2. The cycle test shows that the device can offer 95.6% capacity of the initial capacitance at 2.0 mA cm-2 after 5000 cycles with little decay. The maximum energy density of the device can achieve 6.56 mWh cm-3 and the maximum power density can also achieve 283.5 mW cm-3, which are among the best results for manganese based materials. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr02267g

Few-layer molybdenum disulfide transistors and circuits for high-speed flexible electronics.

PubMed

Cheng, Rui; Jiang, Shan; Chen, Yu; Liu, Yuan; Weiss, Nathan; Cheng, Hung-Chieh; Wu, Hao; Huang, Yu; Duan, Xiangfeng

2014-10-08

Two-dimensional layered materials, such as molybdenum disulfide, are emerging as an exciting material system for future electronics due to their unique electronic properties and atomically thin geometry. Here we report a systematic investigation of MoS2 transistors with optimized contact and device geometry, to achieve self-aligned devices with performance including an intrinsic gain over 30, an intrinsic cut-off frequency fT up to 42 GHz and a maximum oscillation frequency fMAX up to 50 GHz, exceeding the reported values for MoS2 transistors to date (fT~0.9 GHz, fMAX~1 GHz). Our results show that logic inverters or radio frequency amplifiers can be formed by integrating multiple MoS2 transistors on quartz or flexible substrates with voltage gain in the gigahertz regime. This study demonstrates the potential of two-dimensional layered semiconductors for high-speed flexible electronics.

Few-layer molybdenum disulfide transistors and circuits for high-speed flexible electronics

PubMed Central

Cheng, Rui; Jiang, Shan; Chen, Yu; Liu, Yuan; Weiss, Nathan; Cheng, Hung-Chieh; Wu, Hao; Huang, Yu; Duan, Xiangfeng

2014-01-01

Two-dimensional layered materials, such as molybdenum disulfide, are emerging as an exciting material system for future electronics due to their unique electronic properties and atomically thin geometry. Here we report a systematic investigation of MoS2 transistors with optimized contact and device geometry, to achieve self-aligned devices with performance including an intrinsic gain over 30, an intrinsic cut-off frequency fT up to 42 GHz and a maximum oscillation frequency fMAX up to 50 GHz, exceeding the reported values for MoS2 transistors to date (fT ~ 0.9 GHz, fMAX ~ 1 GHz). Our results show that logic inverters or radio frequency amplifiers can be formed by integrating multiple MoS2 transistors on quartz or flexible substrates with voltage gain in the gigahertz regime. This study demonstrates the potential of two-dimensional layered semiconductors for high-speed flexible electronics. PMID:25295573

Experimental demonstration of active vibration control for flexible structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, Douglas J.; Hyland, David C.; Collins, Emmanuel G., Jr.

1990-01-01

Active vibration control of flexible structures for future space missions is addressed. Three experiments that successfully demonstrate control of flexible structures are described. The first is the pendulum experiment. The structure is a 5-m compound pendulum and was designed as an end-to-end test bed for a linear proof mass actuator and its supporting electronics. Experimental results are shown for a maximum-entropy/optimal-projection controller designed to achieve 5 percent damping in the first two pendulum modes. The second experiment was based upon the Harris Multi-Hex prototype experiment (MHPE) apparatus. This is a large optical reflector structure comprising a seven-panel array and supporting truss which typifies a number of generic characteristics of large space systems. The third experiment involved control design and implementation for the ACES structure at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The authors conclude with some remarks on the lessons learned from conducting these experiments.

Aerodynamic analysis of seamless horizontal stabilizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nithya, S.; Kanimozhi, S.

2017-05-01

This project presents an investigative view into the concept of seamless aeroelastic wing and hingeless flexible trailing edge. Wings are designed to provide maximum lift and minimal drag and weight. But with conventional wings where rivets are used and the control surfaces are separately hinged, parasite drag comes into play. This project is about analysing a smooth seamless wing with hinge-less flexible trailing edge. This type of wing reduces the drag considerably and the hinge-less trailing edge leads to a minimal control demand and reduces the noise produced when the aircraft comes for landing. Seamless aeroelastic wing will function as an integrated one piece lifting and control surface. It has been designed to enhance a desirable wing camber for control by deflecting a hinge-less flexible trailing edge part instead of a traditional hinged control surface. This kind of flexible wing can be achieved either by a curved beam and disc actuation mechanism or by piezo-electric materials, whose shape change can be achieved by electricity. The intent of this project is to analyze the effects of introducing the concept of Seamless Wing to the horizontal stabilizer. While the removal of rivets and serrations that hinge the elevators to the stabilizer reduces the overall drag by a reasonable value, the overall concept of a control surface-less stabilizer where the maneuvers are done by deflecting the trailing edge offers better maneuverability.

Layered-MnO₂ Nanosheet Grown on Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Template as a Composite Cathode for Flexible Solid-State Asymmetric Supercapacitor.

PubMed

Liu, Yongchuan; Miao, Xiaofei; Fang, Jianhui; Zhang, Xiangxin; Chen, Sujing; Li, Wei; Feng, Wendou; Chen, Yuanqiang; Wang, Wei; Zhang, Yining

2016-03-02

Flexible solid-state supercapacitors provide a promising energy-storage alternative for the rapidly growing flexible and wearable electronic industry. Further improving device energy density and developing a cheap flexible current collector are two major challenges in pushing the technology forward. In this work, we synthesize a nitrogen-doped graphene/MnO2 nanosheet (NGMn) composite by a simple hydrothermal method. Nitrogen-doped graphene acts as a template to induce the growth of layered δ-MnO2 and improves the electronic conductivity of the composite. The NGMn composite exhibits a large specific capacitance of about 305 F g(-1) at a scan rate of 5 mV s(-1). We also create a cheap and highly conductive flexible current collector using Scotch tape. Flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors are fabricated with NGMn cathode, activated carbon anode, and PVA-LiCl gel electrolyte. The device can achieve a high operation voltage of 1.8 V and exhibits a maximum energy density of 3.5 mWh cm(-3) at a power density of 0.019 W cm(-3). Moreover, it retains >90% of its initial capacitance after 1500 cycles. Because of its flexibility, high energy density, and good cycle life, NGMn-based flexible solid state asymmetric supercapacitors have great potential for application in next-generation portable and wearable electronics.

Sodium-Doped Mesoporous Ni2P2O7 Hexagonal Tablets for High-Performance Flexible All-Solid-State Hybrid Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Wei, Chengzhen; Cheng, Cheng; Wang, Shanshan; Xu, Yazhou; Wang, Jindi; Pang, Huan

2015-08-01

A simple hydrothermal method has been developed to prepare hexagonal tablet precursors, which are then transformed into porous sodium-doped Ni2P2O7 hexagonal tablets by a simple calcination method. The obtained samples were evaluated as electrode materials for supercapacitors. Electrochemical measurements show that the electrode based on the porous sodium-doped Ni2P2O7 hexagonal tablets exhibits a specific capacitance of 557.7 F g(-1) at a current density of 1.2 A g(-1) . Furthermore, the porous sodium-doped Ni2P2O7 hexagonal tablets were successfully used to construct flexible solid-state hybrid supercapacitors. The device is highly flexible and achieves a maximum energy density of 23.4 Wh kg(-1) and a good cycling stability after 5000 cycles, which confirms that the porous sodium-doped Ni2P2 O7 hexagonal tablets are promising active materials for flexible supercapacitors. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A facile approach to fabricate flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors based on MnFe2O4/graphene hybrids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Weihua; Lai, Ting; Dai, Wanlin; Ye, Jianshan

2014-06-01

A critical challenge for the construction of flexible electrochemical capacitors is the preparation of flexible electrodes with large specific capacitance and robust mechanical strength. Here, we demonstrate a facile approach to make high performance and flexible electrodes by dropping MnFe2O4/graphene hybrid inks onto flexible graphite sheets (as current collectors and substrates) and drying under an infrared lamp. MnFe2O4/graphene hybrid inks are synthesized by immobilizing the MnFe2O4 microspheres on the graphene nanosheets via a simple solvothermal route. Electrochemical studies show that MnFe2O4/graphene exhibits a high capacitance of 300 F g-1 at a current density of 0.3 A g-1. In addition, the excellent electrochemical performance of a supercapacitor consisting of a sandwich structure of two pieces of MnFe2O4/graphene hybrids modified electrodes separated by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-H2SO4 gel electrolyte is further explored. Our studies reveal that the flexible supercapacitor device with 227 μm thickness can achieve a maximum specific capacitance of 120 F g-1 at a current density of 0.1 A g-1 and excellent cycle performance retaining 105% capacitance after 5000 cycles. This research may offer a method for the fabrication of lightweight, stable, flexible and high performance energy storage devices.

Bridging the Communication Gap (Combler les Lacunes dans le Domaine de la Communication)

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-02-01

mobile and versatile to allow for maximum flexibility in responding to a crisis. - NATO will scale back the readiness of its active units, reducing...of 20% over the next 5 years. - The restructuring of our forces, md higher mobility , can not be achieved through organisational measures alone. We...A one of the major applications, is that the-real breakthrough of the industrial ap- re is such a need for translation that aplication of NLP has

High-performance all-solid-state flexible supercapacitors based on two-step activated carbon cloth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Shulan; Shi, Tielin; Zhan, Xiaobin; Long, Hu; Xi, Shuang; Hu, Hao; Tang, Zirong

2014-12-01

A simple and effective strategy is proposed to activate carbon cloth for the fabrication of flexible and high-performance supercapacitors. Firstly, the carbon cloth surface is exfoliated as nanotextures through wet chemical treatment, then an annealing process is applied at H2/N2 atmosphere to reduce the surface oxygen functional groups which are mainly introduced from the first step. The activated carbon cloth electrode shows excellent wettablity, large surface area and delivers remarkable electrochemical performance. A maximum areal capacitance of 485.64 mF cm-2 at the current density of 2 mA cm-2 is achieved for the activated carbon cloth electrode, which is considerably larger than the resported results for carbon cloth. Furthermore, the flexible all-solid-state supercapacitor, which is fabricated based on the activated carbon cloth electrodes, shows high areal capacitance, superior cycling stability as well as stable electrochemical performance even under constant bending or twisting conditions. An areal capacitance of 161.28 mF cm-2 is achieved at the current density of 12.5 mA cm-2, and 104% of its initial capacitance is retained after 30,000 charging/discharging cycles. This study would also provide an effective way to boost devices' electrochemical performance by accommodating other active materials on the activated carbon cloth.

High-bandwidth and flexible tracking control for precision motion with application to a piezo nanopositioner.

PubMed

Feng, Zhao; Ling, Jie; Ming, Min; Xiao, Xiao-Hui

2017-08-01

For precision motion, high-bandwidth and flexible tracking are the two important issues for significant performance improvement. Iterative learning control (ILC) is an effective feedforward control method only for systems that operate strictly repetitively. Although projection ILC can track varying references, the performance is still limited by the fixed-bandwidth Q-filter, especially for triangular waves tracking commonly used in a piezo nanopositioner. In this paper, a wavelet transform-based linear time-varying (LTV) Q-filter design for projection ILC is proposed to compensate high-frequency errors and improve the ability to tracking varying references simultaneously. The LVT Q-filter is designed based on the modulus maximum of wavelet detail coefficients calculated by wavelet transform to determine the high-frequency locations of each iteration with the advantages of avoiding cross-terms and segmenting manually. The proposed approach was verified on a piezo nanopositioner. Experimental results indicate that the proposed approach can locate the high-frequency regions accurately and achieve the best performance under varying references compared with traditional frequency-domain and projection ILC with a fixed-bandwidth Q-filter, which validates that through implementing the LTV filter on projection ILC, high-bandwidth and flexible tracking can be achieved simultaneously by the proposed approach.

Highly-flexible, ultra-thin, and transparent single-layer graphene/silver composite electrodes for organic light emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Kun; Wang, Hu; Li, Huiying; Li, Ye; Jin, Guangyong; Gao, Lanlan; Marco, Mazzeo; Duan, Yu

2017-08-01

Transparent conductive electrode (TCE) platforms are required in many optoelectronic devices, including organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). To date, indium tin oxide based electrodes are widely used in TCEs but they still have few limitations in term of achieving flexible OLEDs and display techniques. In this paper, highly-flexible and ultra-thin TCEs were fabricated for use in OLEDs by combining single-layer graphene (SLG) with thin silver layers of only several nanometers in thickness. The as-prepared SLG + Ag (8 nm) composite electrodes showed low sheet resistances of 8.5 Ω/□, high stability over 500 bending cycles, and 74% transmittance at 550 nm wavelength. Furthermore, SLG + Ag composite electrodes employed as anodes in OLEDs delivered turn-on voltages of 2.4 V, with luminance exceeding 1300 cd m-2 at only 5 V, and maximum luminance reaching up 40 000 cd m-2 at 9 V. Also, the devices could work normally under less than the 1 cm bending radius.

Flexible surface acoustic wave strain sensor based on single crystalline LiNbO3 thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Hongsheng; Dong, Shurong; Xuan, Weipeng; Farooq, Umar; Huang, Shuyi; Li, Menglu; Wu, Ting; Jin, Hao; Wang, Xiaozhi; Luo, Jikui

2018-02-01

A flexible surface acoustic wave (SAW) strain sensor in the frequency range of 162-325 MHz was developed based on a single crystalline LiNbO3 thin film with dual resonance modes, namely, the Rayleigh mode and the thickness shear mode (TSM). This SAW sensor could handle a wide strain range up to ±3500 μɛ owing to its excellent flexibility, which is nearly six times the detecting range of bulk piezoelectric substrate based SAW strain sensors. The sensor exhibited a high sensitivity of 193 Hz/ μɛ with a maximum hysteresis less than 1.5%. The temperature coefficients of frequency, for Rayleigh and TSM modes, were -85 and -59 ppm/ °C , respectively. No visible deterioration was observed after cyclic bending for hundreds of times, showing its desirable stability and reliability. By utilizing the dual modes, the strain sensor with a self-temperature calibrated capability can be achieved. The results demonstrate that the sensor is an excellent candidate for strain sensing.

SNAVA-A real-time multi-FPGA multi-model spiking neural network simulation architecture.

PubMed

Sripad, Athul; Sanchez, Giovanny; Zapata, Mireya; Pirrone, Vito; Dorta, Taho; Cambria, Salvatore; Marti, Albert; Krishnamourthy, Karthikeyan; Madrenas, Jordi

2018-01-01

Spiking Neural Networks (SNN) for Versatile Applications (SNAVA) simulation platform is a scalable and programmable parallel architecture that supports real-time, large-scale, multi-model SNN computation. This parallel architecture is implemented in modern Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) devices to provide high performance execution and flexibility to support large-scale SNN models. Flexibility is defined in terms of programmability, which allows easy synapse and neuron implementation. This has been achieved by using a special-purpose Processing Elements (PEs) for computing SNNs, and analyzing and customizing the instruction set according to the processing needs to achieve maximum performance with minimum resources. The parallel architecture is interfaced with customized Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) to configure the SNN's connectivity, to compile the neuron-synapse model and to monitor SNN's activity. Our contribution intends to provide a tool that allows to prototype SNNs faster than on CPU/GPU architectures but significantly cheaper than fabricating a customized neuromorphic chip. This could be potentially valuable to the computational neuroscience and neuromorphic engineering communities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Research for the Cable Layout Way of the Bypass Operation System in Agricultural Power Supply Network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Jie; Li, Jinliang; Zou, Dehua; Yang, Qi; Li, Xu; Yan, Yu; Li, Tang

2017-05-01

Non-blackout working of agricultural power supply network is significant to shorten the outage time, decrease the outage loss, and improve the supply reliability and safety. It is impossible to hang the wire rope first and then suspend the cable because of the poor bearing ability of the pole in agricultural power supply network. A kind of new cable arrangement way, its matching tools and the flexible cable that can bear the tension by itself are needed to be put forward and developed. It is necessary to calculate the electric field intensity of the flexible cable to verify that the electric field intensity meets the insulation demand. In this new design, the fiber layer is added into the flexible cable and its maximum tension force is measured to reach to 4000 N. Based on the features of live working in the agricultural power supply network, the new layout way of the cable is proposed; the matching tools and the new flexible cable that can bear the tension by itself are developed as well in this paper. All of the research achievements can give references for the live working of the agricultural power supply network.

Flexible and stretchable microbial fuel cells with modified conductive and hydrophilic textile.

PubMed

Pang, Sumiao; Gao, Yang; Choi, Seokheun

2018-02-15

We built a flexible, stretchable microbial fuel cell (MFC) by laminating two functional components: a bioanode textile with a conductive and hydrophilic polymer coating and a solid-state cathode textile loaded with silver oxide. The textile MFC used Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 as a biocatalyst to generate the maximum power and current density of 1.0µW/cm 2 and 6.3µA/cm 2 , respectively, which are comparable with or even higher than other flexible MFCs such as paper-based devices (~ a few µW/cm 2 ). Additionally, the textile MFC generated consistent power even with repeated 70 cycles of 50% stretching. A simple batch fabrication method simultaneously produced 20 individual 2cm × 2cm devices by using brushing, spraying, ironing, and computerized sewing, a process that will revolutionize the mass production of textile MFCs. This achievement is scientifically meaningful because developing textile MFCs requires integration of both electronic and fluidic components into the textile three-dimensionally. This flexible and stretchable energy harvesting device is expected to be easily integrated with the next generation stretchable electronics for realizing low-power, stand-alone, self-sustainable systems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhanced light out-coupling efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes with an extremely low haze by plasma treated nanoscale corrugation.

PubMed

Hwang, Ju Hyun; Lee, Hyun Jun; Shim, Yong Sub; Park, Cheol Hwee; Jung, Sun-Gyu; Kim, Kyu Nyun; Park, Young Wook; Ju, Byeong-Kwon

2015-02-14

Extremely low-haze light extraction from organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) was achieved by utilizing nanoscale corrugation, which was simply fabricated with plasma treatment and sonication. The haze of the nanoscale corrugation for light extraction (NCLE) corresponds to 0.21% for visible wavelengths, which is comparable to that of bare glass. The OLEDs with NCLE showed enhancements of 34.19% in current efficiency and 35.75% in power efficiency. Furthermore, the OLEDs with NCLE exhibited angle-stable electroluminescence (EL) spectra for different viewing angles, with no change in the full width at half maximum (FWHM) and peak wavelength. The flexibility of the polymer used for the NCLE and plasma treatment process indicates that the NCLE can be applied to large and flexible OLED displays.

Four experimental demonstrations of active vibration control for flexible structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, Doug; Collins, Emmanuel G., Jr.

1990-01-01

Laboratory experiments designed to test prototype active-vibration-control systems under development for future flexible space structures are described, summarizing previously reported results. The control-synthesis technique employed for all four experiments was the maximum-entropy optimal-projection (MEOP) method (Bernstein and Hyland, 1988). Consideration is given to: (1) a pendulum experiment on large-amplitude LF dynamics; (2) a plate experiment on broadband vibration suppression in a two-dimensional structure; (3) a multiple-hexagon experiment combining the factors studied in (1) and (2) to simulate the complexity of a large space structure; and (4) the NASA Marshall ACES experiment on a lightweight deployable 45-foot beam. Extensive diagrams, drawings, graphs, and photographs are included. The results are shown to validate the MEOP design approach, demonstrating that good performance is achievable using relatively simple low-order decentralized controllers.

Controlling measurement-induced nonlocality in the Heisenberg XX model by three-spin interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Yu-Xia; Sun, Yu-Hang; Li, Zhao

2018-01-01

We investigate the well-defined measures of measurement-induced nonlocality (MIN) for thermal states of the transverse field XX model, with the addition of three-spin interaction terms being introduced. The results showed that the MINs are very sensitive to system parameters of the chain. The three-spin interactions can serve as flexible parameters for enhancing MINs of the boundary spins, and the maximum enhancement achievable by varying strengths of the three-spin interactions are different for the chain with different number of spins.

Enhanced output performance of a lead-free nanocomposite generator using BaTiO3 nanoparticles and nanowires filler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baek, Changyeon; Yun, Jong Hyuk; Wang, Hee Seung; Wang, Ji Eun; Park, Hyeonbin; Park, Kwi-Il; Kim, Do Kyung

2018-01-01

Flexible nanocomposite generators based on piezoelectric nanoparticles (NPs)-polymeric matrix have been attracted attention as the energy harvesting device converted the electricity from the mechanical deformations. To enhance the piezo-potential difference introduced inside the piezoelectric nanocomposite, one-dimensional nanostructures such as CNTs, copper nanorods, and Ag nanowires (NWs) should be used inevitably as a dispersing agent for achieving well-distributed piezoelectric nanoparticles in an elastomer. These non-piezoelectric additives showed versatile roles; however, their toxicity to living organism has been an obstacle to realize the bio-eco-friendly flexible energy harvesters. Replacing them with piezoelectric NWs with non-toxic can be a challengeable approach to achieve not only the original purposes of additives but also the improvement of output performance. Here, we synthesized well-crystallized BaTiO3 spherical and acicular NPs via a simple hydrothermal reaction and the two-step hydrothermal reactions, respectively and produced piezoelectric nanocomposite made of piezoelectric BaTiO3 NPs and NWs without toxic dispersion enhancers. Output performance of the fabricated flexible energy harvesters with varying the composition of NPs and NWs were investigated by the well-optimized measurement system during the periodical bending and unbending. A nanocomposite-based energy harvester with 4:1 wt ratio generated the maximum open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current of 60 V and 1.1 μA, respectively.

Clinical Preventive Services for Older Adults: The Interface Between Personal Health Care and Public Health Services

PubMed Central

Richards, Chesley L.; Shenson, Douglas

2012-01-01

Healthy aging must become a priority objective for both population and personal health services, and will require innovative prevention programming to span those systems. Uptake of essential clinical preventive services is currently suboptimal among adults, owing to a number of system- and office-based care barriers. To achieve maximum health results, prevention must be integrated across community and clinical settings. Many preventive services are portable, deliverable in either clinical or community settings. Capitalizing on that flexibility can improve uptake and health outcomes. Significant reductions in health disparities, mortality, and morbidity, along with decreases in health spending, are achievable through improved collaboration and synergy between population health and personal health systems. PMID:22390505

Coaxial CoMoO4 nanowire arrays with chemically integrated conductive coating for high-performance flexible all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yaping; Liu, Borui; Liu, Qi; Wang, Jun; Li, Zhanshuang; Jing, Xiaoyan; Liu, Lianhe

2015-09-01

Flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors have offered promising applications as novel energy storage devices based on their merits, such as small size, low cost, light weight and high wearability for high-performance portable electronics. However, one major challenge to make flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors depends on the improvement of electrode materials with higher electrical conductivity properties and longer cycling stability. In this article, we put forward a simple strategy to in situ synthesize 1D CoMoO4 nanowires (NWs), using highly conductive CC and an electrically conductive PPy wrapping layer on CoMoO4 NW arrays for high performance electrode materials. The results show that the CoMoO4/PPy hybrid NW electrode exhibits a high areal specific capacitance of ca. 1.34 F cm-2 at a current density of 2 mA cm-2, which is remarkably better than the corresponding values for a pure CoMoO4 NW electrode of 0.7 F cm-2. An excellent cycling performance of nanocomposites of up to 95.2% (ca. 1.12 F cm-2) is achieved after 2000 cycles compared to pristine CoMoO4 NWs. In addition, we fabricate flexible all-solid-state ASC which can be cycled reversibly in the voltage range of 0-1.7 V, and exhibits a maximum energy density of 104.7 W h kg-1 (3.522 mW h cm-3), demonstrating great potential for practical applications in flexible energy storage electronics.Flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors have offered promising applications as novel energy storage devices based on their merits, such as small size, low cost, light weight and high wearability for high-performance portable electronics. However, one major challenge to make flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors depends on the improvement of electrode materials with higher electrical conductivity properties and longer cycling stability. In this article, we put forward a simple strategy to in situ synthesize 1D CoMoO4 nanowires (NWs), using highly conductive CC and an electrically conductive PPy wrapping layer on CoMoO4 NW arrays for high performance electrode materials. The results show that the CoMoO4/PPy hybrid NW electrode exhibits a high areal specific capacitance of ca. 1.34 F cm-2 at a current density of 2 mA cm-2, which is remarkably better than the corresponding values for a pure CoMoO4 NW electrode of 0.7 F cm-2. An excellent cycling performance of nanocomposites of up to 95.2% (ca. 1.12 F cm-2) is achieved after 2000 cycles compared to pristine CoMoO4 NWs. In addition, we fabricate flexible all-solid-state ASC which can be cycled reversibly in the voltage range of 0-1.7 V, and exhibits a maximum energy density of 104.7 W h kg-1 (3.522 mW h cm-3), demonstrating great potential for practical applications in flexible energy storage electronics. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr02961a

Flexibility within the rotor and stators of the vacuolar H+-ATPase.

PubMed

Song, Chun Feng; Papachristos, Kostas; Rawson, Shaun; Huss, Markus; Wieczorek, Helmut; Paci, Emanuele; Trinick, John; Harrison, Michael A; Muench, Stephen P

2013-01-01

The V-ATPase is a membrane-bound protein complex which pumps protons across the membrane to generate a large proton motive force through the coupling of an ATP-driven 3-stroke rotary motor (V1) to a multistroke proton pump (Vo). This is done with near 100% efficiency, which is achieved in part by flexibility within the central rotor axle and stator connections, allowing the system to flex to minimise the free energy loss of conformational changes during catalysis. We have used electron microscopy to reveal distinctive bending along the V-ATPase complex, leading to angular displacement of the V1 domain relative to the Vo domain to a maximum of ~30°. This has been complemented by elastic network normal mode analysis that shows both flexing and twisting with the compliance being located in the rotor axle, stator filaments, or both. This study provides direct evidence of flexibility within the V-ATPase and by implication in related rotary ATPases, a feature predicted to be important for regulation and their high energetic efficiencies.

A Flexible Arrayed Eddy Current Sensor for Inspection of Hollow Axle Inner Surfaces.

PubMed

Sun, Zhenguo; Cai, Dong; Zou, Cheng; Zhang, Wenzeng; Chen, Qiang

2016-06-23

A reliable and accurate inspection of the hollow axle inner surface is important for the safe operation of high-speed trains. In order to improve the reliability of the inspection, a flexible arrayed eddy current sensor for non-destructive testing of the hollow axle inner surface was designed, fabricated and characterized. The sensor, consisting of two excitation traces and 28 sensing traces, was developed by using the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) technique to conform the geometric features of the inner surfaces of the hollow axles. The main innovative aspect of the sensor was the new arrangement of excitation/sensing traces to achieve a differential configuration. Finite element model was established to analyze sensor responses and to determine the optimal excitation frequency. Experimental validations were conducted on a specimen with several artificial defects. Results from experiments and simulations were consistent with each other, with the maximum relative error less than 4%. Both results proved that the sensor was capable of detecting longitudinal and transverse defects with the depth of 0.5 mm under the optimal excitation frequency of 0.9 MHz.

Highly transparent, low-haze, hybrid cellulose nanopaper as electrodes for flexible electronics.

PubMed

Xu, Xuezhu; Zhou, Jian; Jiang, Long; Lubineau, Gilles; Ng, Tienkhee; Ooi, Boon S; Liao, Hsien-Yu; Shen, Chao; Chen, Long; Zhu, J Y

2016-06-16

Paper is an excellent candidate to replace plastics as a substrate for flexible electronics due to its low cost, renewability and flexibility. Cellulose nanopaper (CNP), a new type of paper made of nanosized cellulose fibers, is a promising substrate material for transparent and flexible electrodes due to its potentially high transparency and high mechanical strength. Although CNP substrates can achieve high transparency, they are still characterized by high diffuse transmittance and small direct transmittance, resulting in high optical haze of the substrates. In this study, we proposed a simple methodology for large-scale production of high-transparency, low-haze CNP comprising both long cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and short cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). By varying the CNC/CNF ratio in the hybrid CNP, we could tailor its total transmittance, direct transmittance and diffuse transmittance. By increasing the CNC content, the optical haze of the hybrid CNP could be decreased and its transparency could be increased. The direct transmittance and optical haze of the CNP were 75.1% and 10.0%, respectively, greatly improved from the values of previously reported CNP (31.1% and 62.0%, respectively). Transparent, flexible electrodes were fabricated by coating the hybrid CNP with silver nanowires (AgNWs). The electrodes showed a low sheet resistance (minimum 1.2 Ω sq(-1)) and a high total transmittance (maximum of 82.5%). The electrodes were used to make a light emitting diode (LED) assembly to demonstrate their potential use in flexible displays.

Freestanding three-dimensional graphene/MnO2 composite networks as ultralight and flexible supercapacitor electrodes.

PubMed

He, Yongmin; Chen, Wanjun; Li, Xiaodong; Zhang, Zhenxing; Fu, Jiecai; Zhao, Changhui; Xie, Erqing

2013-01-22

A lightweight, flexible, and highly efficient energy management strategy is needed for flexible energy-storage devices to meet a rapidly growing demand. Graphene-based flexible supercapacitors are one of the most promising candidates because of their intriguing features. In this report, we describe the use of freestanding, lightweight (0.75 mg/cm(2)), ultrathin (<200 μm), highly conductive (55 S/cm), and flexible three-dimensional (3D) graphene networks, loaded with MnO(2) by electrodeposition, as the electrodes of a flexible supercapacitor. It was found that the 3D graphene networks showed an ideal supporter for active materials and permitted a large MnO(2) mass loading of 9.8 mg/cm(2) (~92.9% of the mass of the entire electrode), leading to a high area capacitance of 1.42 F/cm(2) at a scan rate of 2 mV/s. With a view to practical applications, we have further optimized the MnO(2) content with respect to the entire electrode and achieved a maximum specific capacitance of 130 F/g. In addition, we have also explored the excellent electrochemical performance of a symmetrical supercapacitor (of weight less than 10 mg and thickness ~0.8 mm) consisting of a sandwich structure of two pieces of 3D graphene/MnO(2) composite network separated by a membrane and encapsulated in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membranes. This research might provide a method for flexible, lightweight, high-performance, low-cost, and environmentally friendly materials used in energy conversion and storage systems for the effective use of renewable energy.

Design and experimental research of a novel inchworm type piezo-driven rotary actuator with the changeable clamping radius.

PubMed

Zhao, Hongwei; Fu, Lu; Ren, Luquan; Huang, Hu; Fan, Zunqiang; Li, Jianping; Qu, Han

2013-01-01

In this paper, a novel piezo-driven rotary actuator with the changeable clamping radius is developed based on the inchworm principle. This actuator mainly utilizes three piezoelectric actuators, a flexible gripper, a clamping block, and a rotor to achieve large stroke rotation with high resolution. The design process of the flexible gripper consisting of the driving unit and the clamping unit is described. Lever-type mechanisms were used to amplify the micro clamping displacements. The amplifying factor and parasitic displacement of the lever-type mechanism in the clamping unit was analyzed theoretically and experimentally. In order to investigate the rotation characteristics of the actuator, a series of experiments was carried out. Experimental results indicate that the actuator can rotate at a speed of 77,488 μrad/s with a driving frequency of 167 Hz. The rotation resolution and maximum load torque of the actuator are 0.25 μrad and 37 N mm, respectively. The gripper is movable along the z direction based on an elevating platform, and the clamping radius can change from 10.6 mm to 25 mm. Experimental results confirm that the actuator can achieve different rotation speeds by changing the clamping radius.

Performance tests of a cryogenic hybrid magnetic bearing for turbopumps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dirusso, Eliseo; Brown, Gerald V.

1992-01-01

Experiments were performed on a Hybrid Magnetic Bearing designed for cryogenic applications such as turbopumps. This bearing is considerably smaller and lighter than conventional magnetic bearings and is more efficient because it uses a permanent magnet to provide a bias flux. The tests were performed in a test rig that used liquid nitrogen to simulate cryogenic turbopump temperatures. The bearing was tested at room temperature and at liquid nitrogen temperature (-320 F). The maximum speed for the test rig was 14000 rpm. For a magnetic bearing stiffness of 20000 lb/in, the flexible rotor had two critical speeds. A static (nonrotating) bearing stiffness of 85000 lb/in was achieved. Magnetic bearing stiffness, permanent magnet stiffness, actuator gain, and actuator force interaction between two axes were evaluated, and controller/power amplifier characteristics were determined. The tests revealed that it is feasible to use this bearing in the cryogenic environment and to control the rotor dynamics of flexible rotors when passing through bending critical speeds. The tests also revealed that more effort should be placed on enhancing the controller to achieve higher bearing stiffness and on developing displacement sensors that reduce drift caused by temperature and reduce sensor electrical noise.

Airfoil System for Cruising Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shams, Qamar A. (Inventor); Liu, Tianshu (Inventor)

2014-01-01

An airfoil system includes an airfoil body and at least one flexible strip. The airfoil body has a top surface and a bottom surface, a chord length, a span, and a maximum thickness. Each flexible strip is attached along at least one edge thereof to either the top or bottom surface of the airfoil body. The flexible strip has a spanwise length that is a function of the airfoil body's span, a chordwise width that is a function of the airfoil body's chord length, and a thickness that is a function of the airfoil body's maximum thickness.

Bioinspired Flexible and Highly Responsive Dual-Mode Strain/Magnetism Composite Sensor.

PubMed

Huang, Pei; Li, Yuan-Qing; Yu, Xiao-Guang; Zhu, Wei-Bin; Nie, Shu-Yan; Zhang, Hao; Liu, Jin-Rui; Hu, Ning; Fu, Shao-Yun

2018-04-04

The mimicry of human skin to detect both oncoming and physical-contacting object is of great importance in the fields of manufacturing, artificial robots and vehicles, etc. Herein, a novel bioinspired flexible and highly responsive dual-mode strain/magnetism composite sensor, which works via both contact and contactless modes, is first fabricated by incorporating Fe 3 O 4 /silicone system into a carbon fiber aerogel (CFA). The distance dependence of magnetic field endorses the CFA/Fe 3 O 4 /silicone composite possible for spatial sensing due to the introduction of Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles. As a result, the as-prepared flexible sensor exhibits precise and real-time response not only to direct-contact compression as usual but also to contactless magnetic field in a wide frequency range from 0.1 to 10 Hz, achieving the maximum variance of 68% and 86% in relative electrical resistance, respectively. The contact and contactless sensing modes of the strain/magnetism sensor are clearly demonstrated by recording the speeds of bicycle riding and walking, respectively. Interestingly, this dual-mode composite sensor exhibits the capacity of identifying the contact and contactless state, which is the first report for flexible sensors. The current protocol is eco-friendly, facile, and thought-provoking for the fabrication of multifunctional sensors.

Design and preliminary results of a fuel flexible industrial gas turbine combustor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Novick, A. S.; Troth, D. L.; Yacobucci, H. G.

1981-01-01

The design characteristics are presented of a fuel tolerant variable geometry staged air combustor using regenerative/convective cooling. The rich/quench/lean variable geometry combustor is designed to achieve low NO(x) emission from fuels containing fuel bound nitrogen. The physical size of the combustor was calculated for a can-annular combustion system with associated operating conditions for the Allison 570-K engine. Preliminary test results indicate that the concept has the potential to meet emission requirements at maximum continuous power operation. However, airflow sealing and improved fuel/air mixing are necessary to meet Department of Energy program goals.

Hospital Based Customization of a Medical Information System

PubMed Central

Rath, Marilyn A.; Ferguson, Julie C.

1983-01-01

A Medical Information System must be current if it is to be a viable adjunct to patient care within a hospital setting. Hospital-based customization provides a means of achieving this timeliness with maximum user satisfaction. It, however, requires a major commitment in personnel time as well as additional software and training expenses. The enhanced control of system modifications and overall flexibility in planning the change process result in enthusiastic support of this approach by many hospitals. The key factors for success include careful selection of local personnel with adequate vendor support, extensive QA control, thorough auditing/validation and direct user involvement.

Flexible CMOS-Like Circuits Based on Printed P-Type and N-Type Carbon Nanotube Thin-Film Transistors.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiang; Zhao, Jianwen; Dou, Junyan; Tange, Masayoshi; Xu, Weiwei; Mo, Lixin; Xie, Jianjun; Xu, Wenya; Ma, Changqi; Okazaki, Toshiya; Cui, Zheng

2016-09-01

P-type and n-type top-gate carbon nanotube thin-film transistors (TFTs) can be selectively and simultaneously fabricated on the same polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate by tuning the types of polymer-sorted semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube (sc-SWCNT) inks, along with low temperature growth of HfO 2 thin films as shared dielectric layers. Both the p-type and n-type TFTs show good electrical properties with on/off ratio of ≈10 5 , mobility of ≈15 cm 2 V -1 s -1 , and small hysteresis. Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-like logic gates and circuits based on as-prepared p-type and n-type TFTs have been achieved. Flexible CMOS-like inverters exhibit large noise margin of 84% at low voltage (1/2 V dd = 1.5 V) and maximum voltage gain of 30 at V dd of 1.5 V and low power consumption of 0.1 μW. Both of the noise margin and voltage gain are one of the best values reported for flexible CMOS-like inverters at V dd less than 2 V. The printed CMOS-like inverters work well at 10 kHz with 2% voltage loss and delay time of ≈15 μs. A 3-stage ring oscillator has also been demonstrated on PET substrates and the oscillation frequency of 3.3 kHz at V dd of 1 V is achieved. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Radio-over-optical waveguide system-on-wafer for massive delivery capacity 5G MIMO access networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Binh, Le N.

2017-01-01

Delivering maximum information capacity over MIMO antennae systems beam steering is critical so as to achieve the flexibility via beam steering, maximizing the number of users or community of users in Gb/s rate per user over distributed cloud-based optical-wireless access networks. This paper gives an overview of (i) demands of optical - wireless delivery with high flexibility, especially the beam steering of multi-Tbps information channels to information hungry community of users via virtualized beam steering MIMO antenna systems at the free-license mmW region; (ii) Proposing a novel photonic planar integrated waveguide systems composing several passive and active, passive and amplification photonic devices so as to generate mmW carrier and embedded baseband information channels to feed to antenna elements; (iii) Integration techniques to generate a radio over optical waveguide (RoOW) system-on-wafer (SoW) comprising MIMO planar antenna elements and associate photonic integrated circuits for both up- and down- links; (iv) Challenges encountered in the implementation of the SoW in both wireless and photonic domains; (v) Photonic modulation techniques to achieve maximum transmission capacity per wavelength per MIMO antenna system. (vi) A view on control-feedback systems for fast and accurate generation of phase pattern for MIMO beam steering via a bank of optical phase modulators to mmW carrier phases and their preservation in the converted mmW domain . (vi) The overall operational principles of the novel techniques and technologies based on the coherent mixing of two lightwave channels The entire SoW can be implemented on SOI Si-photonic technology or via hybrid integration. These technological developments and their pros- and cons- will be discussed to achieve 50Tera-bps over the extended 110 channel Cband single mode fiber with mmW centered at 58.6GHz and 7GHz free-license band.

Effect of the flexibility training performed immediately before resistance training on muscle hypertrophy, maximum strength and flexibility.

PubMed

Junior, Roberto Moriggi; Berton, Ricardo; de Souza, Thiago Mattos Frota; Chacon-Mikahil, Mara Patrícia Traina; Cavaglieri, Cláudia Regina

2017-04-01

It has been suggested that flexibility training may reduce the total volume of training during resistance trainings. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of flexibility training immediately before resistance training (FLEX-RT) versus resistance training without flexibility training (RT) on maximum strength and the vastus lateralis muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). Participants had each leg assigned to RT or FLEX-RT. Both groups performed four sets of leg extensions to voluntary failure of 80% of one repetition maximum (1RM); however, FLEX-RT performed two sets of 25 s of static stretching before resistance training. Number of repetitions and total volume were calculated during weeks 1-5 and 6-10. Vastus lateralis muscle CSA, 1RM, and flexibility were assessed at baseline and after 10 weeks. The number of repetitions and total training volume were greater for RT than FLEX-RT for weeks 1-5 and 6-10. Regarding the vastus lateralis muscle CSA, a main time effect was observed, however, greater change was observed for RT than FLEX-RT (12.7 and 7.4%, respectively). A main time effect for 1RM was also observed with similar changes for RT and FLEX-RT (12.7 and 12.9%, respectively). Flexibility was increased pre- to post-training for FLEX-RT with greater change for FLEX-RT (10.1%) than RT (2.1%). These results show that performing flexibility training immediately before resistance training can contribute to a lower number of repetitions, total volume, and muscle hypertrophy.

Black Phosphorus Flexible Thin Film Transistors at Gighertz Frequencies.

PubMed

Zhu, Weinan; Park, Saungeun; Yogeesh, Maruthi N; McNicholas, Kyle M; Bank, Seth R; Akinwande, Deji

2016-04-13

Black phosphorus (BP) has attracted rapidly growing attention for high speed and low power nanoelectronics owing to its compelling combination of tunable bandgap (0.3 to 2 eV) and high carrier mobility (up to ∼1000 cm(2)/V·s) at room temperature. In this work, we report the first radio frequency (RF) flexible top-gated (TG) BP thin-film transistors on highly bendable polyimide substrate for GHz nanoelectronic applications. Enhanced p-type charge transport with low-field mobility ∼233 cm(2)/V·s and current density of ∼100 μA/μm at VDS = -2 V were obtained from flexible BP transistor at a channel length L = 0.5 μm. Importantly, with optimized dielectric coating for air-stability during microfabrication, flexible BP RF transistors afforded intrinsic maximum oscillation frequency fMAX ∼ 14.5 GHz and unity current gain cutoff frequency fT ∼ 17.5 GHz at a channel length of 0.5 μm. Notably, the experimental fT achieved here is at least 45% higher than prior results on rigid substrate, which is attributed to the improved air-stability of fabricated BP devices. In addition, the high-frequency performance was investigated through mechanical bending test up to ∼1.5% tensile strain, which is ultimately limited by the inorganic dielectric film rather than the 2D material. Comparison of BP RF devices to other 2D semiconductors clearly indicates that BP offers the highest saturation velocity, an important metric for high-speed and RF flexible nanosystems.

Parallel Microcracks-based Ultrasensitive and Highly Stretchable Strain Sensors.

PubMed

Amjadi, Morteza; Turan, Mehmet; Clementson, Cameron P; Sitti, Metin

2016-03-02

There is an increasing demand for flexible, skin-attachable, and wearable strain sensors due to their various potential applications. However, achieving strain sensors with both high sensitivity and high stretchability is still a grand challenge. Here, we propose highly sensitive and stretchable strain sensors based on the reversible microcrack formation in composite thin films. Controllable parallel microcracks are generated in graphite thin films coated on elastomer films. Sensors made of graphite thin films with short microcracks possess high gauge factors (maximum value of 522.6) and stretchability (ε ≥ 50%), whereas sensors with long microcracks show ultrahigh sensitivity (maximum value of 11,344) with limited stretchability (ε ≤ 50%). We demonstrate the high performance strain sensing of our sensors in both small and large strain sensing applications such as human physiological activity recognition, human body large motion capturing, vibration detection, pressure sensing, and soft robotics.

Sb2O3/Ag/Sb2O3 Multilayer Transparent Conducting Films For Ultraviolet Organic Light-emitting Diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Chunyan; Zhang, Nan; Lin, Jie; Guo, Xiaoyang; Liu, Xingyuan

2017-01-01

A novel UV transparent conducting films based on Sb2O3/Ag/Sb2O3 (SAS) structure, which were prepared by an electron-beam thermal evaporation at room temperature. This SAS exhibits excellent electrical, optical and stable properties. Especially for UV region, the SAS has high transmittance of 80% at 306 nm and 92% at 335 nm, meanwhile achieving low sheet resistance ( ≤ 10 Ω sq-1). The UV OLED based on the SAS show competitive device performance. The UV OLED obtains the peak of UV electroluminescence at 376 nm and shows a very high maximum EQE of 4.1% with the maximum output power density of 5.18 mW cm-2. These results indicate that the potential of SAS applications in deep UV transparent electrodes and large-scale flexible transparent electronics.

Sb2O3/Ag/Sb2O3 Multilayer Transparent Conducting Films For Ultraviolet Organic Light-emitting Diode.

PubMed

Song, Chunyan; Zhang, Nan; Lin, Jie; Guo, Xiaoyang; Liu, Xingyuan

2017-01-25

A novel UV transparent conducting films based on Sb 2 O 3 /Ag/Sb 2 O 3 (SAS) structure, which were prepared by an electron-beam thermal evaporation at room temperature. This SAS exhibits excellent electrical, optical and stable properties. Especially for UV region, the SAS has high transmittance of 80% at 306 nm and 92% at 335 nm, meanwhile achieving low sheet resistance ( ≤ 10 Ω sq -1 ). The UV OLED based on the SAS show competitive device performance. The UV OLED obtains the peak of UV electroluminescence at 376 nm and shows a very high maximum EQE of 4.1% with the maximum output power density of 5.18 mW cm -2 . These results indicate that the potential of SAS applications in deep UV transparent electrodes and large-scale flexible transparent electronics.

Sb2O3/Ag/Sb2O3 Multilayer Transparent Conducting Films For Ultraviolet Organic Light-emitting Diode

PubMed Central

Song, Chunyan; Zhang, Nan; Lin, Jie; Guo, Xiaoyang; Liu, Xingyuan

2017-01-01

A novel UV transparent conducting films based on Sb2O3/Ag/Sb2O3 (SAS) structure, which were prepared by an electron-beam thermal evaporation at room temperature. This SAS exhibits excellent electrical, optical and stable properties. Especially for UV region, the SAS has high transmittance of 80% at 306 nm and 92% at 335 nm, meanwhile achieving low sheet resistance ( ≤ 10 Ω sq−1). The UV OLED based on the SAS show competitive device performance. The UV OLED obtains the peak of UV electroluminescence at 376 nm and shows a very high maximum EQE of 4.1% with the maximum output power density of 5.18 mW cm−2. These results indicate that the potential of SAS applications in deep UV transparent electrodes and large-scale flexible transparent electronics. PMID:28120888

Dry-Deposited Transparent Carbon Nanotube Film as Front Electrode in Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaoliang; Aitola, Kerttu; Hägglund, Carl; Kaskela, Antti; Johansson, Malin B; Sveinbjörnsson, Kári; Kauppinen, Esko I; Johansson, Erik M J

2017-01-20

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) show great potential as an alternative material for front electrodes in photovoltaic applications, especially for flexible devices. In this work, a press-transferred transparent SWCNT film was utilized as front electrode for colloidal quantum dot solar cells (CQDSCs). The solar cells were fabricated on both glass and flexible substrates, and maximum power conversion efficiencies of 5.5 and 5.6 %, respectively, were achieved, which corresponds to 90 and 92 % of an indium-doped tin oxide (ITO)-based device (6.1 %). The SWCNTs are therefore a very good alternative to the ITO-based electrodes especially for flexible solar cells. The optical electric field distribution and optical losses within the devices were simulated theoretically and the results agree with the experimental results. With the optical simulations that were performed it may also be possible to enhance the photovoltaic performance of SWCNT-based solar cells even further by optimizing the device configuration or by using additional optical active layers, thus reducing light reflection of the device and increasing light absorption in the quantum dot layer. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Achieving High Current Density of Perovskite Solar Cells by Modulating the Dominated Facets of Room-Temperature DC Magnetron Sputtered TiO2 Electron Extraction Layer.

PubMed

Huang, Aibin; Lei, Lei; Zhu, Jingting; Yu, Yu; Liu, Yan; Yang, Songwang; Bao, Shanhu; Cao, Xun; Jin, Ping

2017-01-25

The short circuit current density of perovskite solar cell (PSC) was boosted by modulating the dominated plane facets of TiO 2 electron transport layer (ETL). Under optimized condition, TiO 2 with dominant {001} facets showed (i) low incident light loss, (ii) highly smooth surface and excellent wettability for precursor solution, (iii) efficient electron extraction, and (iv) high conductivity in perovskite photovoltaic application. A current density of 24.19 mA cm -2 was achieved as a value near the maximum limit. The power conversion efficiency was improved to 17.25%, which was the record value of PSCs with DC magnetron sputtered carrier transport layer. What is more, the room-temperature process had a great significance for the cost reduction and flexible application of PSCs.

Process computerization of No. 13 blast furnace at Gary works

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sherman, G.J.; Zmierski, M.L.; Hyle, F.W.

1993-10-01

No. 13 blast furnace underwent extensive modifications to the process control system during the second reline. This represents a major shift in control philosophy from hardwired relays and analog controllers to a totally integrated computer control system. The new system created the opportunity for comprehensive diagnostic analysis and increased flexibility for control strategy modifications. The goal of achieving maximum production with minimal delay was accomplished by an integrated test, and comprehensive operator and maintenance training. Normal production was reached within four days of blow-ink and design production capacity of 7800 NTHM/day was met in the third month of operation. Recordmore » furnace productivity of 8931 NTHM/day (8.56 NTHM/100 crwv) was achieved in less than five months of operation and again in April 1992 of 9062 NTHM/day (8.68 NTHM/100 cfwv).« less

Patient-specific Distraction Regimen to Avoid Growth-rod Failure.

PubMed

Agarwal, Aakash; Jayaswal, Arvind; Goel, Vijay K; Agarwal, Anand K

2018-02-15

A finite element study to establish the relationship between patient's curve flexibility (determined using curve correction under gravity) in juvenile idiopathic scoliosis and the required distraction frequency to avoid growth rod fracture, as a function of time. To perform a parametric analysis using a juvenile scoliotic spine model (single mid-thoracic curve with the apex at the eighth thoracic vertebra) and establish the relationship between curve flexibility (determined using curve correction under gravity) and the distraction interval that allows a higher factor of safety for the growth rods. Previous studies have shown that frequent distraction with smaller magnitude of distractions are less likely to result in rod failure. However there has not been any methodology or a chart provided to apply this knowledge on to the individual patients that undergo the treatment. This study aims to fill in that gap. The parametric study was performed by varying the material properties of the disc, hence altering the axial stiffness of the scoliotic spine model. The stresses on the rod were found to increase with increased axial stiffness of the spine, and this resulted in the increase of required optimal frequency to achieve a factor of safety of two for growth rods. A relationship between the percentage correction in Cobb's angle due to gravity alone, and the required distraction interval for limiting the maximum von Mises stress to 255 MPa on the growth rods was established. The distraction interval required to limit the stresses to the selected nominal value reduces with increase in stiffness of the spine. Furthermore, the appropriate distraction interval reduces for each model as the spine becomes stiffer with time (autofusion). This points to the fact the optimal distraction frequency is a time-dependent variable that must be achieved to keep the maximum von Mises stress under the specified factor of safety. The current study demonstrates the possibility of translating fundamental information from finite element modeling to the clinical arena, for mitigating the occurrence of growth rod fracture, that is, establishing a relationship between optimal distraction interval and curve flexibility (determined using curve correction under gravity). N/A.

Flexible bottom-gate graphene transistors on Parylene C substrate and the effect of current annealing

PubMed Central

Kim, Hyungsoo; Bong, Jihye; Mikael, Solomon; Kim, Tong June; Williams, Justin C.; Ma, Zhenqiang

2016-01-01

Flexible graphene transistors built on a biocompatible Parylene C substrate would enable active circuitry to be integrated into flexible implantable biomedical devices. An annealing method to improve the performance of a flexible transistor without damaging the flexible substrate is also desirable. Here, we present a fabrication method of a flexible graphene transistor with a bottom-gate coplanar structure on a Parylene C substrate. Also, a current annealing method and its effect on the device performance have been studied. The localized heat generated by the current annealing method improves the drain current, which is attributed to the decreased contact resistance between graphene and S/D electrodes. A maximum current annealing power in the Parylene C-based graphene transistor has been extracted to provide a guideline for an appropriate current annealing. The fabricated flexible graphene transistor shows a field-effect mobility, maximum transconductance, and a Ion/Ioff ratio of 533.5 cm2/V s, 58.1 μS, and 1.76, respectively. The low temperature process and the current annealing method presented here would be useful to fabricate two-dimensional materials-based flexible electronics. PMID:27795570

Simulating Space Capsule Water Landing with Explicit Finite Element Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, John T.; Lyle, Karen H.

2007-01-01

A study of using an explicit nonlinear dynamic finite element code for simulating the water landing of a space capsule was performed. The finite element model contains Lagrangian shell elements for the space capsule and Eulerian solid elements for the water and air. An Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) solver and a penalty coupling method were used for predicting the fluid and structure interaction forces. The space capsule was first assumed to be rigid, so the numerical results could be correlated with closed form solutions. The water and air meshes were continuously refined until the solution was converged. The converged maximum deceleration predicted is bounded by the classical von Karman and Wagner solutions and is considered to be an adequate solution. The refined water and air meshes were then used in the models for simulating the water landing of a capsule model that has a flexible bottom. For small pitch angle cases, the maximum deceleration from the flexible capsule model was found to be significantly greater than the maximum deceleration obtained from the corresponding rigid model. For large pitch angle cases, the difference between the maximum deceleration of the flexible model and that of its corresponding rigid model is smaller. Test data of Apollo space capsules with a flexible heat shield qualitatively support the findings presented in this paper.

Rotating flexible drag mill

DOEpatents

Pepper, W.B.

1984-05-09

A rotating parachute for decelerating objects travelling through atmosphere at subsonic or supersonic deployment speeds includes a circular canopy having a plurality of circumferentially arranged flexible panels projecting radially from a solid central disk. A slot extends radially between adjacent panels to the outer periphery of the canopy. Upon deployment, the solid disk diverts air radially to rapidly inflate the panels into a position of maximum diameter. Air impinging on the panels adjacent the panel slots rotates the parachute during its descent. Centrifugal force flattens the canopy into a constant maximum diameter during terminal descent for maximum drag and deceleration.

A homotopy algorithm for synthesizing robust controllers for flexible structures via the maximum entropy design equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, Emmanuel G., Jr.; Richter, Stephen

1990-01-01

One well known deficiency of LQG compensators is that they do not guarantee any measure of robustness. This deficiency is especially highlighted when considering control design for complex systems such as flexible structures. There has thus been a need to generalize LQG theory to incorporate robustness constraints. Here we describe the maximum entropy approach to robust control design for flexible structures, a generalization of LQG theory, pioneered by Hyland, which has proved useful in practice. The design equations consist of a set of coupled Riccati and Lyapunov equations. A homotopy algorithm that is used to solve these design equations is presented.

Ultra-compliant liquid metal electrodes with in-plane self-healing capability for dielectric elastomer actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yang; Gao, Meng; Mei, Shengfu; Han, Yanting; Liu, Jing

2013-08-01

The method of directly printing liquid metal films as highly conductive and super compliant electrodes for dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) was proposed and experimentally demonstrated with working mechanisms interpreted. Such soft electrodes enable DE film to approach its maximum strain and stress at relatively low voltages. Further, its unique capability of achieving two-dimensional in-plane self-healing by merely actuating the DEA was disclosed, which would allow actuators more tolerant to fault and resilient to abusive environments. This high performance actuator has important value in a wide spectrum of situations ranging from artificial muscle, flexible electronics to smart clothing etc.

Impact of back squat training intensity on strength and flexibility of hamstring muscle group.

PubMed

Shariat, Ardalan; Lam, Eddie T C; Shaw, Brandon S; Shaw, Ina; Kargarfard, Mehdi; Sangelaji, Bahram

2017-01-01

True experimental design. The back squat is an integral aspect of any resistance training program to improve athletic performance. It is also used for injury prevention of the lower limbs. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of back squat training at different intensities on strength and flexibility of the hamstring muscle group (HMG). Twenty-two male recreational bodybuilders with at least two years of experience in resistance training were recruited to participate in a nine-week training program. They were randomly assigned to a heavy back squat group (90-95% of one repetition maximum) or a moderate-intensity back squat group (60-65% of one repetition maximum). The heavy back squat group resulted in a significantly (p < 0.001) increased in one repetition maximum strength but a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in HMG flexibility when compared to their counterparts. The results of the study indicate that while a heavy back squat training program is effective in improving strength, it has an adverse effect on the flexibility of the HMG. The implication of this study is that there is a tradeoff between strength and flexibility and trainers should select the appropriate training protocols for their athletes to maximize athletic performance.

Gauge Factor and Stretchability of Silicon-on-Polymer Strain Gauges

PubMed Central

Yang, Shixuan; Lu, Nanshu

2013-01-01

Strain gauges are widely applied to measure mechanical deformation of structures and specimens. While metallic foil gauges usually have a gauge factor slightly over 2, single crystalline silicon demonstrates intrinsic gauge factors as high as 200. Although silicon is an intrinsically stiff and brittle material, flexible and even stretchable strain gauges have been achieved by integrating thin silicon strips on soft and deformable polymer substrates. To achieve a fundamental understanding of the large variance in gauge factor and stretchability of reported flexible/stretchable silicon-on-polymer strain gauges, finite element and analytically models are established to reveal the effects of the length of the silicon strip, and the thickness and modulus of the polymer substrate. Analytical results for two limiting cases, i.e., infinitely thick substrate and infinitely long strip, have found good agreement with FEM results. We have discovered that strains in silicon resistor can vary by orders of magnitude with different substrate materials whereas strip length or substrate thickness only affects the strain level mildly. While the average strain in silicon reflects the gauge factor, the maximum strain in silicon governs the stretchability of the system. The tradeoff between gauge factor and stretchability of silicon-on-polymer strain gauges has been proposed and discussed. PMID:23881128

Reversible Self-Actuated Thermo-Responsive Pore Membrane

PubMed Central

Park, Younggeun; Gutierrez, Maria Paz; Lee, Luke P.

2016-01-01

Smart membranes, which can selectively control the transfer of light, air, humidity and temperature, are important to achieve indoor climate regulation. Even though reversible self-actuation of smart membranes is desirable in large-scale, reversible self-regulation remains challenging. Specifically, reversible 100% opening/closing of pore actuation showing accurate responsiveness, reproducibility and structural flexibility, including uniform structure assembly, is currently very difficult. Here, we report a reversible, thermo-responsive self-activated pore membrane that achieves opening and closing of pores. The reversible, self-actuated thermo-responsive pore membrane was fabricated with hybrid materials of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide), (PNIPAM) within polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to form a multi-dimensional pore array. Using Multiphysics simulation of heat transfer and structural mechanics based on finite element analysis, we demonstrated that pore opening and closing dynamics can be self-activated at environmentally relevant temperatures. Temperature cycle characterizations of the pore structure revealed 100% opening ratio at T = 40 °C and 0% opening ratio at T = 20 °C. The flexibility of the membrane showed an accurate temperature-responsive function at a maximum bending angle of 45°. Addressing the importance of self-regulation, this reversible self-actuated thermo-responsive pore membrane will advance the development of future large-scale smart membranes needed for sustainable indoor climate control. PMID:27991563

Reversible Self-Actuated Thermo-Responsive Pore Membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Younggeun; Gutierrez, Maria Paz; Lee, Luke P.

2016-12-01

Smart membranes, which can selectively control the transfer of light, air, humidity and temperature, are important to achieve indoor climate regulation. Even though reversible self-actuation of smart membranes is desirable in large-scale, reversible self-regulation remains challenging. Specifically, reversible 100% opening/closing of pore actuation showing accurate responsiveness, reproducibility and structural flexibility, including uniform structure assembly, is currently very difficult. Here, we report a reversible, thermo-responsive self-activated pore membrane that achieves opening and closing of pores. The reversible, self-actuated thermo-responsive pore membrane was fabricated with hybrid materials of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide), (PNIPAM) within polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to form a multi-dimensional pore array. Using Multiphysics simulation of heat transfer and structural mechanics based on finite element analysis, we demonstrated that pore opening and closing dynamics can be self-activated at environmentally relevant temperatures. Temperature cycle characterizations of the pore structure revealed 100% opening ratio at T = 40 °C and 0% opening ratio at T = 20 °C. The flexibility of the membrane showed an accurate temperature-responsive function at a maximum bending angle of 45°. Addressing the importance of self-regulation, this reversible self-actuated thermo-responsive pore membrane will advance the development of future large-scale smart membranes needed for sustainable indoor climate control.

Conformational ensembles of RNA oligonucleotides from integrating NMR and molecular simulations.

PubMed

Bottaro, Sandro; Bussi, Giovanni; Kennedy, Scott D; Turner, Douglas H; Lindorff-Larsen, Kresten

2018-05-01

RNA molecules are key players in numerous cellular processes and are characterized by a complex relationship between structure, dynamics, and function. Despite their apparent simplicity, RNA oligonucleotides are very flexible molecules, and understanding their internal dynamics is particularly challenging using experimental data alone. We show how to reconstruct the conformational ensemble of four RNA tetranucleotides by combining atomistic molecular dynamics simulations with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy data. The goal is achieved by reweighting simulations using a maximum entropy/Bayesian approach. In this way, we overcome problems of current simulation methods, as well as in interpreting ensemble- and time-averaged experimental data. We determine the populations of different conformational states by considering several nuclear magnetic resonance parameters and point toward properties that are not captured by state-of-the-art molecular force fields. Although our approach is applied on a set of model systems, it is fully general and may be used to study the conformational dynamics of flexible biomolecules and to detect inaccuracies in molecular dynamics force fields.

Control of a small working robot on a large flexible manipulator for suppressing vibrations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Soo Han

1991-01-01

The short term objective of this research is the completion of experimental configuration of the Small Articulated Robot (SAM) and the derivations of the actuator dynamics of the Robotic Arm, Large and Flexible (RALF). In order to control vibrations SAM should have larger bandwidth than that of the vibrations. The bandwidth of SAM consist of 3 parts; structural rigidity, processing speed of controller, and motor speed. The structural rigidity was increased to a reasonably high value by attaching aluminum angles at weak points and replacing thin side plates by thicker ones. The high processing speed of the controller was achieved by using parallel processors (three 68000 process, three interface board, and one main processor (IBM-XT)). Maximum joint speed and acceleration of SAM is known as about 4 rad/s and 15 rad/sq s. Hence SAM can move only .04 rad at 3 Hz which is the natural frequency of RALF. This will be checked by experiment.

Advanced and flexible multi-carrier receiver architecture for high-count multi-core fiber based space division multiplexed applications

PubMed Central

Asif, Rameez

2016-01-01

Space division multiplexing (SDM), incorporating multi-core fibers (MCFs), has been demonstrated for effectively maximizing the data capacity in an impending capacity crunch. To achieve high spectral-density through multi-carrier encoding while simultaneously maintaining transmission reach, benefits from inter-core crosstalk (XT) and non-linear compensation must be utilized. In this report, we propose a proof-of-concept unified receiver architecture that jointly compensates optical Kerr effects, intra- and inter-core XT in MCFs. The architecture is analysed in multi-channel 512 Gbit/s dual-carrier DP-16QAM system over 800 km 19-core MCF to validate the digital compensation of inter-core XT. Through this architecture: (a) we efficiently compensates the inter-core XT improving Q-factor by 4.82 dB and (b) achieve a momentous gain in transmission reach, increasing the maximum achievable distance from 480 km to 1208 km, via analytical analysis. Simulation results confirm that inter-core XT distortions are more relentless for cores fabricated around the central axis of cladding. Predominantly, XT induced Q-penalty can be suppressed to be less than 1 dB up-to −11.56 dB of inter-core XT over 800 km MCF, offering flexibility to fabricate dense core structures with same cladding diameter. Moreover, this report outlines the relationship between core pitch and forward-error correction (FEC). PMID:27270381

Highly Flexible and Conductive Cellulose-Mediated PEDOT:PSS/MWCNT Composite Films for Supercapacitor Electrodes.

PubMed

Zhao, Dawei; Zhang, Qi; Chen, Wenshuai; Yi, Xin; Liu, Shouxin; Wang, Qingwen; Liu, Yixing; Li, Jian; Li, Xianfeng; Yu, Haipeng

2017-04-19

Recent improvements in flexible electronics have increased the need to develop flexible and lightweight power sources. However, current flexible electrodes are limited by low capacitance, poor mechanical properties, and lack of cycling stability. In this article, we describe an ionic liquid-processed supramolecular assembly of cellulose and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene for the formation of a flexible and conductive cellulose/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) PEDOT:poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) composite matrix. On this base, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated into the matrix to fabricate an MWCNT-reinforced cellulose/PEDOT:PSS film (MCPP), which exhibited favorable flexibility and conductivity. The MCPP-based electrode displayed comprehensively excellent electrochemical properties, such as a low resistance of 0.45 Ω, a high specific capacitance of 485 F g -1 at 1 A g -1 , and good cycling stability, with a capacity retention of 95% after 2000 cycles at 2 A g -1 . An MCPP-based symmetric solid-state supercapacitor with Ni foam as the current collector and PVA/KOH gel as the electrolyte exhibited a specific capacitance of 380 F g -1 at 0.25 A g -1 and achieved a maximum energy density of 13.2 Wh kg -1 (0.25 A g -1 ) with a power density of 0.126 kW kg -1 or an energy density of 4.86 Wh kg -1 at 10 A g -1 , corresponding to a high power density of 4.99 kW kg -1 . Another kind of MCPP-based solid-state supercapacitor without the Ni foam showed excellent flexibility and a high volumetric capacitance of 50.4 F cm -3 at 0.05 A cm -3 . Both the electrodes and the supercapacitors were environmentally stable and could be operated under remarkable deformation or high temperature without damage to their structural integrity or a significant decrease in capacitive performance. Overall, this work provides a strategy for the fabrication of flexible and conductive energy-storage films with ionic liquid-processed cellulose as a medium.

Loosening the Reins: How Flexibility Policies Contribute to Student Achievement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Education Commission of the States, Denver, CO.

Many states give individual schools the authority to make decisions in response to local conditions while still meeting state and district goals. Providing flexibility to local decision-makers is also a potential means for improving student achievement. This report provides a snapshot of several states' recent experiences with flexibility and…

Coaxial CoMoO4 nanowire arrays with chemically integrated conductive coating for high-performance flexible all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors.

PubMed

Chen, Yaping; Liu, Borui; Liu, Qi; Wang, Jun; Li, Zhanshuang; Jing, Xiaoyan; Liu, Lianhe

2015-10-07

Flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors have offered promising applications as novel energy storage devices based on their merits, such as small size, low cost, light weight and high wearability for high-performance portable electronics. However, one major challenge to make flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors depends on the improvement of electrode materials with higher electrical conductivity properties and longer cycling stability. In this article, we put forward a simple strategy to in situ synthesize 1D CoMoO4 nanowires (NWs), using highly conductive CC and an electrically conductive PPy wrapping layer on CoMoO4 NW arrays for high performance electrode materials. The results show that the CoMoO4/PPy hybrid NW electrode exhibits a high areal specific capacitance of ca. 1.34 F cm(-2) at a current density of 2 mA cm(-2), which is remarkably better than the corresponding values for a pure CoMoO4 NW electrode of 0.7 F cm(-2). An excellent cycling performance of nanocomposites of up to 95.2% (ca. 1.12 F cm(-2)) is achieved after 2000 cycles compared to pristine CoMoO4 NWs. In addition, we fabricate flexible all-solid-state ASC which can be cycled reversibly in the voltage range of 0-1.7 V, and exhibits a maximum energy density of 104.7 W h kg(-1) (3.522 mW h cm(-3)), demonstrating great potential for practical applications in flexible energy storage electronics.

Path connectivity based spectral defragmentation in flexible bandwidth networks.

PubMed

Wang, Ying; Zhang, Jie; Zhao, Yongli; Zhang, Jiawei; Zhao, Jie; Wang, Xinbo; Gu, Wanyi

2013-01-28

Optical networks with flexible bandwidth provisioning have become a very promising networking architecture. It enables efficient resource utilization and supports heterogeneous bandwidth demands. In this paper, two novel spectrum defragmentation approaches, i.e. Maximum Path Connectivity (MPC) algorithm and Path Connectivity Triggering (PCT) algorithm, are proposed based on the notion of Path Connectivity, which is defined to represent the maximum variation of node switching ability along the path in flexible bandwidth networks. A cost-performance-ratio based profitability model is given to denote the prons and cons of spectrum defragmentation. We compare these two proposed algorithms with non-defragmentation algorithm in terms of blocking probability. Then we analyze the differences of defragmentation profitability between MPC and PCT algorithms.

Bioelectricity versus bioethanol from sugarcane bagasse: is it worth being flexible?

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Sugarcane is the most efficient crop for production of (1G) ethanol. Additionally, sugarcane bagasse can be used to produce (2G) ethanol. However, the manufacture of 2G ethanol in large scale is not a consolidated process yet. Thus, a detailed economic analysis, based on consistent simulations of the process, is worthwhile. Moreover, both ethanol and electric energy markets have been extremely volatile in Brazil, which suggests that a flexible biorefinery, able to switch between 2G ethanol and electric energy production, could be an option to absorb fluctuations in relative prices. Simulations of three cases were run using the software EMSO: production of 1G ethanol + electric energy, of 1G + 2G ethanol and a flexible biorefinery. Bagasse for 2G ethanol was pretreated with a weak acid solution, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis, while 50% of sugarcane trash (mostly leaves) was used as surplus fuel. Results With maximum diversion of bagasse to 2G ethanol (74% of the total), an increase of 25.8% in ethanol production (reaching 115.2 L/tonne of sugarcane) was achieved. An increase of 21.1% in the current ethanol price would be enough to make all three biorefineries economically viable (11.5% for the 1G + 2G dedicated biorefinery). For 2012 prices, the flexible biorefinery presented a lower Internal Rate of Return (IRR) than the 1G + 2G dedicated biorefinery. The impact of electric energy prices (auction and spot market) and of enzyme costs on the IRR was not as significant as it would be expected. Conclusions For current market prices in Brazil, not even production of 1G bioethanol is economically feasible. However, the 1G + 2G dedicated biorefinery is closer to feasibility than the conventional 1G + electric energy industrial plant. Besides, the IRR of the 1G + 2G biorefinery is more sensitive with respect to the price of ethanol, and an increase of 11.5% in this value would be enough to achieve feasibility. The ability of the flexible biorefinery to take advantage of seasonal fluctuations does not make up for its higher investment cost, in the present scenario. PMID:24088415

Analysis to determine the maximum dimensions of flexible apertures in sensored security netting products.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murton, Mark; Bouchier, Francis A.; vanDongen, Dale T.

2013-08-01

Although technological advances provide new capabilities to increase the robustness of security systems, they also potentially introduce new vulnerabilities. New capability sometimes requires new performance requirements. This paper outlines an approach to establishing a key performance requirement for an emerging intrusion detection sensor: the sensored net. Throughout the security industry, the commonly adopted standard for maximum opening size through barriers is a requirement based on square inchestypically 96 square inches. Unlike standard rigid opening, the dimensions of a flexible aperture are not fixed, but variable and conformable. It is demonstrably simple for a human intruder to move through a 96-square-inchmore » opening that is conformable to the human body. The longstanding 96-square-inch requirement itself, though firmly embedded in policy and best practice, lacks a documented empirical basis. This analysis concluded that the traditional 96-square-inch standard for openings is insufficient for flexible openings that are conformable to the human body. Instead, a circumference standard is recommended for these newer types of sensored barriers. The recommended maximum circumference for a flexible opening should be no more than 26 inches, as measured on the inside of the netting material.« less

High School Students' Cognitive Flexibility Is Predicted by Self-Efficacy and Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Esen, Binnaz Kiran; Özcan, H. Duygu; Sezgin, Mehtap

2017-01-01

In this research, the prediction cognitive flexibility obtained by general self-efficacy, academic self-efficacy, social self-efficacy, emotional self-efficacy and achievement is examined. This study is executed in 2014-2015 academic year on 760 high school students who are between ages 15 and 18. Cognitive flexibility Scale is developed by Bilgin…

Students' Choices and Achievement in Large Undergraduate Classes Using a Novel Flexible Assessment Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rideout, Candice A.

2018-01-01

A flexible approach to assessment may promote students' engagement and academic achievement by allowing them to personalise their learning experience, even in the context of large undergraduate classes. However, studies reporting flexible assessment strategies and their impact are limited. In this paper, I present a feasible and effective approach…

Flexible Dielectric Nanocomposites with Ultrawide Zero-Temperature Coefficient Windows for Electrical Energy Storage and Conversion under Extreme Conditions.

PubMed

Shehzad, Khurram; Xu, Yang; Gao, Chao; Li, Hanying; Dang, Zhi-Min; Hasan, Tawfique; Luo, Jack; Duan, Xiangfeng

2017-03-01

Polymer dielectrics offer key advantages over their ceramic counterparts such as flexibility, scalability, low cost, and high breakdown voltages. However, a major drawback that limits more widespread application of polymer dielectrics is their temperature-dependent dielectric properties. Achieving dielectric constants with low/zero-temperature coefficient (L/0TC) over a broad temperature range is essential for applications in diverse technologies. Here, we report a hybrid filler strategy to produce polymer composites with an ultrawide L/0TC window of dielectric constant, as well as a significantly enhanced dielectric value, maximum energy storage density, thermal conductivity, and stability. By creating a series of percolative polymer composites, we demonstrated hybrid carbon filler based composites can exhibit a zero-temperature coefficient window of 200 °C (from -50 to 150 °C), the widest 0TC window for all polymer composite dielectrics reported to date. We further show the electric and dielectric temperature coefficient of the composites is highly stable against stretching and bending, even under AC electric field with frequency up to 1 MHz. We envision that our method will push the functional limits of polymer dielectrics for flexible electronics in extreme conditions such as in hybrid vehicles, aerospace, power electronics, and oil/gas exploration.

Flexible random lasers with tunable lasing emissions.

PubMed

Lee, Ya-Ju; Chou, Chun-Yang; Yang, Zu-Po; Nguyen, Thi Bich Hanh; Yao, Yung-Chi; Yeh, Ting-Wei; Tsai, Meng-Tsan; Kuo, Hao-Chun

2018-04-19

In this study, we experimentally demonstrated a flexible random laser fabricated on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate with a high degree of tunability in lasing emissions. Random lasing oscillation arises mainly from the resonance coupling between the emitted photons of gain medium (Rhodamine 6G, R6G) and the localized surface plasmon (LSP) of silver nanoprisms (Ag NPRs), which increases the effective cross-section for multiple light scattering, thus stimulating the lasing emissions. More importantly, it was found that the random lasing wavelength is blue-shifted monolithically with the increase in bending strains exerted on the PET substrate, and a maximum shift of ∼15 nm was achieved in the lasing wavelength, when a 50% bending strain was exerted on the PET substrate. Such observation is highly repeatable and reversible, and this validates that we can control the lasing wavelength by simply bending the flexible substrate decorated with the Ag NPRs. The scattering spectrum of the Ag NPRs was obtained using a dark-field microscope to understand the mechanism for the dependence of the wavelength shift on the exerted bending strains. As a result, we believe that the experimental demonstration of tunable lasing emissions based on the revealed structure is expected to open up a new application field of random lasers.

Sandwich-structured nanohybrid paper based on controllable growth of nanostructured MnO2 on ionic liquid functionalized graphene paper as a flexible supercapacitor electrode.

PubMed

Sun, Yimin; Fang, Zheng; Wang, Chenxu; Ariyawansha, K R Rakhitha Malinga; Zhou, Aijun; Duan, Hongwei

2015-05-07

A sandwich-structured flexible supercapacitor electrode has been developed based on MnO2 nanonest (MNN) modified ionic liquid (IL) functionalized graphene paper (GP), which is fabricated by functionalizing graphene nanosheets with an amine-terminated IL (i.e., 1-(3-aminopropyl)-3-methylimidazolium bromide) to form freestanding IL functionalized GP (IL-GP), and then modifying IL-GP with a unique MNN structure via controllable template-free ultrasonic electrodeposition. The as-obtained MNN modified IL-GP (MNN/IL-GP) inherits the excellent pseudocapacity of the metal oxide, the high conductivity and electric double layer charging/discharging of IL-graphene composites, and therefore shows an enhanced supercapacitor performance. The maximum specific capacitance of 411 F g(-1) can be achieved by chronopotentiometry at a current density of 1 A g(-1). Meanwhile, the MNN/IL-GP electrode exhibits excellent rate capability and cycling stability, its specific capacitance is maintained at 70% as the current densities increase from 1 to 20 A g(-1) and 85% at a current density of 10 A g(-1) after 10 000 cycles. More importantly, the MNN/IL-GP displays distinguished mechanical stability and flexibility for device packaging, although its thickness is merely 8 μm. These features collectively demonstrate the potential of MNN/IL-GP as a high-performance paper electrode for flexible and lightweight and highly efficient electrochemical capacitor applications.

Facile Method and Novel Dielectric Material Using a Nanoparticle-Doped Thermoplastic Elastomer Composite Fabric for Triboelectric Nanogenerator Applications.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhi; Chen, Ying; Debeli, Dereje Kebebew; Guo, Jian Sheng

2018-04-18

The trends toward flexible and wearable electronic devices give rise to the attention of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) which can gather tiny energy from human body motions. However, to accommodate the needs, wearable electronics are still facing challenges for choosing a better dielectric material to improve their performance and practicability. As a kind of synthetic rubber, the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) contains many advantages such as lightweight, good flexibility, high tear strength, and friction resistance, accompanied by good adhesion with fabrics, which is an optimal candidate of dielectric materials. Herein, a novel nanoparticle (NP)-doped TPE composite fabric-based TENG (TF-TENG) has been developed, which operates based on the NP-doped TPE composite fabric using a facile coating method. The performances of the TENG device are systematically investigated under various thicknesses of TPE films, NP kinds, and doping mass. After being composited with a Cu NP-doped TPE film, the TPE composite fabric exhibited superior elastic behavior and good bending property, along with excellent flexibility. Moreover, a maximum output voltage of 470 V, a current of 24 μA, and a power of 12 mW under 3 MΩ can be achieved by applying a force of 60 N on the TF-TENG. More importantly, the TF-TENG can be successfully used to harvest biomechanical energy from human body and provides much more comfort. In general, the TF-TENG has great application prospects in sustainable wearable devices owing to its lightweight, flexibility, and high mechanical properties.

Stress analysis in a pedicle screw fixation system with flexible rods in the lumbar spine.

PubMed

Kim, Kyungsoo; Park, Won Man; Kim, Yoon Hyuk; Lee, SuKyoung

2010-01-01

Breakage of screws has been one of the most common complications in spinal fixation systems. However, no studies have examined the breakage risk of pedicle screw fixation systems that use flexible rods, even though flexible rods are currently being used for dynamic stabilization. In this study, the risk of breakage of screws for the rods with various flexibilities in pedicle screw fixation systems is investigated by calculating the von Mises stress as a breakage risk factor using finite element analysis. Three-dimensional finite element models of the lumbar spine with posterior one-level spinal fixations at L4-L5 using four types of rod (a straight rod, a 4 mm spring rod, a 3 mm spring rod, and a 2 mm spring rod) were developed. The von Mises stresses in both the pedicle screws and the rods were analysed under flexion, extension, lateral bending, and torsion moments of 10 Nm with a follower load of 400 N. The maximum von Mises stress, which was concentrated on the neck region of the pedicle screw, decreased as the flexibility of the rod increased. However, the ratio of the maximum stress in the rod to the yield stress increased substantially when a highly flexible rod was used. Thus, the level of rod flexibility should be considered carefully when using flexible rods for dynamic stabilization because the intersegmental motion facilitated by the flexible rod results in rod breakage.

9 CFR 318.303 - Critical factors and the application of the process schedule.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... container; (3) Container orientation during thermal processing; (4) Product formulation; (5) Particle size; (6) Maximum thickness for flexible, and to some extent semirigid containers during thermal processing; (7) Maximum pH; (8) Percent salt; (9) Ingoing (or formulated) nitrite level (ppm); (10) Maximum water...

Will Flexible Learning Raise Student Achievement?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guest, Ross

2005-01-01

This paper presents both theoretical and survey evidence on the effect of flexible learning--in particular, the shift to a more student-centred approach to learning--on academic achievement by students. A survey was conducted of 577 business students at a major Australian university in order to elicit their preferences for academic achievement and…

Can flexibility help you float?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burton, L. J.; Bush, J. W. M.

2012-10-01

We consider the role of flexibility in the weight-bearing characteristics of bodies floating at an interface. Specifically, we develop a theoretical model for a two-dimensional thin floating plate that yields the maximum stable plate load and optimal stiffness for weight support. Plates small relative to the capillary length are primarily supported by surface tension, and their weight-bearing potential does not benefit from flexibility. Above a critical size comparable to the capillary length, flexibility assists interfacial flotation. For plates on the order of and larger than the capillary length, deflection from an initially flat shape increases the force resulting from hydrostatic pressure, allowing the plate to support a greater load. In this large plate limit, the shape that bears the most weight is a semicircle, which displaces the most fluid above the plate for a fixed plate length. Exact results for maximum weight-bearing plate shapes are compared to analytic approximations made in the limits of large and small plate sizes. The value of flexibility for floating to a number of biological organisms is discussed in light of our study.

The design and performance of the nano-carbon based double layers flexible coating for tunable and high-efficiency microwave absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Danfeng; Hao, Zhifeng; Qian, Yannan; Zeng, Bi; Zhu, Haiping; Wu, Qibai; Yan, Chengjie; Chen, Muyu

2018-05-01

Nanocarbon-based materials are outstanding microwave absorbers with good dielectric properties. In this study, double-layer silicone resin flexible absorbing coatings, composed of carbon-coated nickel nanoparticles (Ni@C) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), with low loading and a total thickness of 2 mm, were prepared. The reflection loss (RL) of the double-layer absorbing coatings has measured for frequencies between 2 and 18 GHz using the Arch reflecting testing method. The effects of the thickness and electromagnetic parameters of each layer and of the layer sequence on the absorbing properties were investigated. It is found that the measured bandwidth (RL ≤ - 10 dB) of the optimum double-layer structure in our experiment range achieves 3.70 GHz. The results indicated that the double coating structure composed of different materials has greater synergistic absorption effect on impedance matching than that of same materials with different loading. The maximum RL of S1 (5 wt% CNTs)/S3 (60 wt% Ni@C) double-layer absorbing coating composed of different materials (S1 and S3) was larger than the one achieved using either S1 or S3 alone with the same thickness. This was because double-layer coating provided a suitable matching layer and improve the interfacial impedance. It was also shown that absorbing peak value and frequency position can be adjusted by double-layer coating structure.

Note: Design and capability verification of fillet triangle flexible support

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Tao; San, Xiao-Gang; Gao, Shi-Jie; Wang, Jing; Ni, Ying-Xue; Sang, Zhi-Xin

2017-12-01

By increasing the section thickness of a triangular flexible hinge, this study focuses on optimal selection of parameters of fillet triangle flexible hinges and flexible support. Based on Castigliano's second theorem, the flexibility expression of the fillet triangle flexible hinge was derived. Then, the case design is performed, and the comparison of three types of flexible hinges with this type of flexible hinge was carried out. The finite element models of fillet triangle flexible hinges and flexible support were built, and then the simulation results of performance parameters were calculated. Finally, the experiment platform was established to validate analysis results. The maximum error is less than 8%, which verifies the accuracy of the simulation process and equations derived; also the fundamental frequency fits the requirements of the system. The fillet triangle flexible hinge is proved to have the advantages of high precision and low flexibility.

Note: Design and capability verification of fillet triangle flexible support.

PubMed

Wang, Tao; San, Xiao-Gang; Gao, Shi-Jie; Wang, Jing; Ni, Ying-Xue; Sang, Zhi-Xin

2017-12-01

By increasing the section thickness of a triangular flexible hinge, this study focuses on optimal selection of parameters of fillet triangle flexible hinges and flexible support. Based on Castigliano's second theorem, the flexibility expression of the fillet triangle flexible hinge was derived. Then, the case design is performed, and the comparison of three types of flexible hinges with this type of flexible hinge was carried out. The finite element models of fillet triangle flexible hinges and flexible support were built, and then the simulation results of performance parameters were calculated. Finally, the experiment platform was established to validate analysis results. The maximum error is less than 8%, which verifies the accuracy of the simulation process and equations derived; also the fundamental frequency fits the requirements of the system. The fillet triangle flexible hinge is proved to have the advantages of high precision and low flexibility.

Mechanical circulator for elastic waves by using the nonreciprocity of flexible rotating rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beli, Danilo; Silva, Priscilla Brandão; Arruda, José Roberto de França

2018-01-01

Circulators have a wide range of applications in wave manipulation. They provide a nonreciprocal response by breaking the time-reversal symmetry. In the mechanical field, nonlinear isolators and ferromagnetic circulators can be used for this objective. However, they require high power and high volumes. Herein, a flexible rotating ring is used to break the time-reversal symmetry as a result of the combined effect of Coriolis acceleration and material damping. Complete asymmetry of oscillating and evanescent components of wavenumbers is achieved. The elastic ring produces a nonreciprocal response that is used to design a three port mechanical circulator. The rotational speed for maximum transmission in one port and isolation in the other one is determined using analytical equations. A spectral element formulation is used to compute the complex dispersion diagrams and the forced response. Waveguides that support longitudinal and flexural waves are investigated. In this case, the ring nonreciprocity is modulated by the waveguide reciprocal response and the transmission coefficients can be affected. The proposed device is compact, nonferromagnetic, and may open new directions for elastic wave manipulation.

Generalized Full-Information Item Bifactor Analysis

PubMed Central

Cai, Li; Yang, Ji Seung; Hansen, Mark

2011-01-01

Full-information item bifactor analysis is an important statistical method in psychological and educational measurement. Current methods are limited to single group analysis and inflexible in the types of item response models supported. We propose a flexible multiple-group item bifactor analysis framework that supports a variety of multidimensional item response theory models for an arbitrary mixing of dichotomous, ordinal, and nominal items. The extended item bifactor model also enables the estimation of latent variable means and variances when data from more than one group are present. Generalized user-defined parameter restrictions are permitted within or across groups. We derive an efficient full-information maximum marginal likelihood estimator. Our estimation method achieves substantial computational savings by extending Gibbons and Hedeker’s (1992) bifactor dimension reduction method so that the optimization of the marginal log-likelihood only requires two-dimensional integration regardless of the dimensionality of the latent variables. We use simulation studies to demonstrate the flexibility and accuracy of the proposed methods. We apply the model to study cross-country differences, including differential item functioning, using data from a large international education survey on mathematics literacy. PMID:21534682

The walking robot project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, P.; Sagraniching, E.; Bennett, M.; Singh, R.

1991-01-01

A walking robot was designed, analyzed, and tested as an intelligent, mobile, and a terrain adaptive system. The robot's design was an application of existing technologies. The design of the six legs modified and combines well understood mechanisms and was optimized for performance, flexibility, and simplicity. The body design incorporated two tripods for walking stability and ease of turning. The electrical hardware design used modularity and distributed processing to drive the motors. The software design used feedback to coordinate the system and simple keystrokes to give commands. The walking machine can be easily adapted to hostile environments such as high radiation zones and alien terrain. The primary goal of the leg design was to create a leg capable of supporting a robot's body and electrical hardware while walking or performing desired tasks, namely those required for planetary exploration. The leg designers intent was to study the maximum amount of flexibility and maneuverability achievable by the simplest and lightest leg design. The main constraints for the leg design were leg kinematics, ease of assembly, degrees of freedom, number of motors, overall size, and weight.

Novel Piezoelectric Paper‐Based Flexible Nanogenerators Composed of BaTiO3 Nanoparticles and Bacterial Cellulose

PubMed Central

Zhang, Guangjie; Liao, Qingliang; Zhang, Zheng; Liang, Qijie; Zhao, Yingli; Zheng, Xin

2015-01-01

A piezoelectric paper based on BaTiO3 (BTO) nanoparticles and bacterial cellulose (BC) with excellent output properties for application of nanogenerators (NGs) is reported. A facile and scalable vacuum filtration method is used to fabricate the piezoelectric paper. The BTO/BC piezoelectric paper based NG shows outstanding output performance with open‐circuit voltage of 14 V and short‐circuit current density of 190 nA cm−2. The maximum power density generated by this unique BTO/BC structure is more than ten times higher than BTO/polydimethylsiloxane structure. In bending conditions, the NG device can generate output voltage of 1.5 V, which is capable of driving a liquid crystal display screen. The improved performance can be ascribed to homogeneous distribution of piezoelectric BTO nanoparticles in the BC matrix as well as the enhanced stress on piezoelectric nanoparticles implemented by the unique percolated networks of BC nanofibers. The flexible BTO/BC piezoelectric paper based NG is lightweight, eco‐friendly, and cost‐effective, which holds great promises for achieving wearable or implantable energy harvesters and self‐powered electronics. PMID:27774389

Transparent, flexible, and solid-state supercapacitors based on graphene electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Y.; Zhou, Y. S.; Xiong, W.; Jiang, L. J.; Mahjouri-samani, M.; Thirugnanam, P.; Huang, X.; Wang, M. M.; Jiang, L.; Lu, Y. F.

2013-07-01

In this study, graphene-based supercapacitors with optical transparency and mechanical flexibility have been achieved using a combination of poly(vinyl alcohol)/phosphoric acid gel electrolyte and graphene electrodes. An optical transmittance of ˜67% in a wavelength range of 500-800 nm and a 92.4% remnant capacitance under a bending angle of 80° have been achieved for the supercapacitors. The decrease in capacitance under bending is ascribed to the buckling of the graphene electrode in compression. The supercapacitors with high optical transparency, electrochemical stability, and mechanical flexibility hold promises for transparent and flexible electronics.

Process and methodology of developing Cassini G and C Telemetry Dictionary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kan, Edwin P.

1994-01-01

While the Cassini spacecraft telemetry design had taken on the new approach of 'packetized telemetry', the AACS (Attitude and Articulation Subsystem) had further extended into the design of 'mini-packets' in its telemetry system. Such telemetry packet and mini-packet design produced the AACS Telemetry Dictionary; iterations of the latter in turn provided changes to the former. The ultimate goals were to achieve maximum telemetry packing density, optimize the 'freshness' of more time-critical data, and to effect flexibility, i.e., multiple AACS data collection schemes, without needing to change the overall spacecraft telemetry mode. This paper describes such a systematic process and methodology, evidenced by various design products related to, or as part of, the AACS Telemetry Dictionary.

Improved design of support for large aperture space lightweight mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chao; Ruan, Ping; Liu, Qimin

2013-08-01

In order to design a kind of rational large aperture space mirror which can adapt to the space gravity and thermal environment, by taking the choice of material, the lightweight of the mirror and the design of support into account in detail, a double-deck structure with traditional flexible hinge was designed, then the analytical mathematical model of the mirror system was established. The design adopts six supports on back. in order to avoid the constraints, mirror is connected to three middle transition pieces through six flexible hinges, and then the three transition pieces are connected to support plate through another three flexible hinges. However, the initial structure is unable to reach the expected design target and needs to be made further adjustments. By improving and optimizing the original structure, a new type of flexible hinge in the shape of the letter A is designed finally. Compared with the traditional flexible hinge structure, the new structure is simpler and has less influence on the surface figure accuracy of mirror. By using the finite element analysis method, the static and dynamic characteristics as well as the thermal characteristics of the mirror system are analyzed. Analysis results show that the maximum PV value is 37 nm and the maximum RMS value is 10.4 nm when gravity load is applied. Furthermore, the maximum PV value is 46 nm and the maximum RMS value is 10.5 nm under the load case of gravity coupled with 4℃ uniform temperature rise. The results satisfy the index of optical design. The first order natural frequency of the mirror component is 130 Hz according to the conclusion obtained by modal analytical solution, so the mirror structure has high enough fundamental frequency. And, the structural strength can meet the demand under the overload and the random vibration environment respectively. It indicates that the mirror component structure has enough dynamic, static stiffness and thermal stability, meeting the design requirements.

Porous honeycomb structures formed from interconnected MnO2 sheets on CNT-coated substrates for flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ko, Wen-Yin; Chen, You-Feng; Lu, Ke-Ming; Lin, Kuan-Jiuh

2016-01-01

The use of lightweight and easily-fabricated MnO2/carbon nanotube (CNT)-based flexible networks as binder-free electrodes and a polyvinyl alcohol/H2SO4 electrolyte for the formation of stretchable solid-state supercapacitors was examined. The active electrodes were fabricated from 3D honeycomb porous MnO2 assembled from cross-walled and interconnected sheet-architectural MnO2 on CNT-based plastic substrates (denoted as honeycomb MnO2/CNT textiles).These substrates were fabricated through a simple two-step procedure involving the coating of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) onto commercial textiles by a dipping-drying process and subsequent electrodeposition of the interconnected MnO2 sheets onto the MWCNT-coated textile. With such unique MnO2 architectures integrated onto CNT flexible films, good performance was achieved with a specific capacitance of 324 F/g at 0.5 A/g. A maximum energy density of 7.2 Wh/kg and a power density as high as 3.3 kW/kg were exhibited by the honeycomb MnO2/CNT network device, which is comparable to the performance of other carbon-based and metal oxide/carbon-based solid-state supercapacitor devices. Specifically, the long-term cycling stability of this material is excellent, with almost no loss of its initial capacitance and good Coulombic efficiency of 82% after 5000 cycles. These impressive results identify these materials as a promising candidate for use in environmentally friendly, low-cost, and high-performance flexible energy-storage devices.

Porous honeycomb structures formed from interconnected MnO2 sheets on CNT-coated substrates for flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors

PubMed Central

Ko, Wen-Yin; Chen, You-Feng; Lu, Ke-Ming; Lin, Kuan-Jiuh

2016-01-01

The use of lightweight and easily-fabricated MnO2/carbon nanotube (CNT)-based flexible networks as binder-free electrodes and a polyvinyl alcohol/H2SO4 electrolyte for the formation of stretchable solid-state supercapacitors was examined. The active electrodes were fabricated from 3D honeycomb porous MnO2 assembled from cross-walled and interconnected sheet-architectural MnO2 on CNT-based plastic substrates (denoted as honeycomb MnO2/CNT textiles).These substrates were fabricated through a simple two-step procedure involving the coating of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) onto commercial textiles by a dipping-drying process and subsequent electrodeposition of the interconnected MnO2 sheets onto the MWCNT-coated textile. With such unique MnO2 architectures integrated onto CNT flexible films, good performance was achieved with a specific capacitance of 324 F/g at 0.5 A/g. A maximum energy density of 7.2 Wh/kg and a power density as high as 3.3 kW/kg were exhibited by the honeycomb MnO2/CNT network device, which is comparable to the performance of other carbon-based and metal oxide/carbon-based solid-state supercapacitor devices. Specifically, the long-term cycling stability of this material is excellent, with almost no loss of its initial capacitance and good Coulombic efficiency of 82% after 5000 cycles. These impressive results identify these materials as a promising candidate for use in environmentally friendly, low-cost, and high-performance flexible energy-storage devices. PMID:26726724

Effects of model error on control of large flexible space antenna with comparisons of decoupled and linear quadratic regulator control procedures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamer, H. A.; Johnson, K. G.

1986-01-01

An analysis was performed to determine the effects of model error on the control of a large flexible space antenna. Control was achieved by employing two three-axis control-moment gyros (CMG's) located on the antenna column. State variables were estimated by including an observer in the control loop that used attitude and attitude-rate sensors on the column. Errors were assumed to exist in the individual model parameters: modal frequency, modal damping, mode slope (control-influence coefficients), and moment of inertia. Their effects on control-system performance were analyzed either for (1) nulling initial disturbances in the rigid-body modes, or (2) nulling initial disturbances in the first three flexible modes. The study includes the effects on stability, time to null, and control requirements (defined as maximum torque and total momentum), as well as on the accuracy of obtaining initial estimates of the disturbances. The effects on the transients of the undisturbed modes are also included. The results, which are compared for decoupled and linear quadratic regulator (LQR) control procedures, are shown in tabular form, parametric plots, and as sample time histories of modal-amplitude and control responses. Results of the analysis showed that the effects of model errors on the control-system performance were generally comparable for both control procedures. The effect of mode-slope error was the most serious of all model errors.

US objectives generally achieved at broadcasting satellite international conference. Improvements can help in future conferences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1984-08-01

The implementation of broadcasting satellite service for the Western Hemisphere was planned. Broadcasting satellites transmit television programs and other information services from Earth orbit to home or office antennas. At the request of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State and the Judiciary, GAO reviewed conference results as compared to established conference objectives and examined the interagency coordination of U.S. participation in this international conference. The United States basically achieved its two most important conference objectives: adopting a technically and procedurally flexible plan for broadcasting satellite service and obtaining a sufficient allocation of satellite orbit slots and frequencies to meet domestic needs. The U.S. was unable, however, to obtain agreement on adopting a maximum signal power level for satellites. The Department of State could improve its preparation, internal coordination, and administrative support for future international conferences and recommends actions to the Secretary of State to improve its international telecommunications activities.

A molecular nematic liquid crystalline material for high-performance organic photovoltaics

PubMed Central

Sun, Kuan; Xiao, Zeyun; Lu, Shirong; Zajaczkowski, Wojciech; Pisula, Wojciech; Hanssen, Eric; White, Jonathan M.; Williamson, Rachel M.; Subbiah, Jegadesan; Ouyang, Jianyong; Holmes, Andrew B.; Wong, Wallace W.H.; Jones, David J.

2015-01-01

Solution-processed organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) hold great promise to enable roll-to-roll printing of environmentally friendly, mechanically flexible and cost-effective photovoltaic devices. Nevertheless, many high-performing systems show best power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) with a thin active layer (thickness is ~100 nm) that is difficult to translate to roll-to-roll processing with high reproducibility. Here we report a new molecular donor, benzodithiophene terthiophene rhodanine (BTR), which exhibits good processability, nematic liquid crystalline behaviour and excellent optoelectronic properties. A maximum PCE of 9.3% is achieved under AM 1.5G solar irradiation, with fill factor reaching 77%, rarely achieved in solution-processed OPVs. Particularly promising is the fact that BTR-based devices with active layer thicknesses up to 400 nm can still afford high fill factor of ~70% and high PCE of ~8%. Together, the results suggest, with better device architectures for longer device lifetime, BTR is an ideal candidate for mass production of OPVs. PMID:25586307

Silicon web process development. [for low cost solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duncan, C. S.; Hopkins, R. H.; Seidensticker, R. G.; Mchugh, J. P.; Hill, F. E.; Heimlich, M. E.; Driggers, J. M.

1979-01-01

Silicon dendritic web, a single crystal ribbon shaped during growth by crystallographic forces and surface tension (rather than dies), is a highly promising base material for efficient low cost solar cells. The form of the product smooth, flexible strips 100 to 200 microns thick, conserves expensive silicon and facilitates automation of crystal growth and the subsequent manufacturing of solar cells. These characteristics, coupled with the highest demonstrated ribbon solar cell efficiency-15.5%-make silicon web a leading candidate to achieve, or better, the 1986 Low Cost Solar Array (LSA) Project cost objective of 50 cents per peak watt of photovoltaic output power. The main objective of the Web Program, technology development to significantly increase web output rate, and to show the feasibility for simultaneous melt replenishment and growth, have largely been accomplished. Recently, web output rates of 23.6 sq cm/min, nearly three times the 8 sq cm/min maximum rate of a year ago, were achieved. Webs 4 cm wide or greater were grown on a number of occassions.

Current Issues in Flexibility Fitness.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knudson, Duane V.; Magnusson, Peter; McHugh, Malachy

2000-01-01

Physical activity is extremely important in maintaining good health. Activity is not possible without a certain amount of flexibility. This report discusses issues related to flexibility fitness. Flexibility is a property of the musculoskeletal system that determines the range of motion achievable without injury to the joints. Static flexibility…

Progress in extremely high brightness LED-based light sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoelen, Christoph; Antonis, Piet; de Boer, Dick; Koole, Rolf; Kadijk, Simon; Li, Yun; Vanbroekhoven, Vincent; Van De Voorde, Patrick

2017-09-01

Although the maximum brightness of LEDs has been increasing continuously during the past decade, their luminance is still far from what is required for multiple applications that still rely on the high brightness of discharge lamps. In particular for high brightness applications with limited étendue, e.g. front projection, only very modest luminance values in the beam can be achieved with LEDs compared to systems based on discharge lamps or lasers. With dedicated architectures, phosphor-converted green LEDs for projection may achieve luminance values up to 200-300 Mnit. In this paper we report on the progress made in the development of light engines based on an elongated luminescent concentrator pumped by blue LEDs. This concept has recently been introduced to the market as ColorSpark High Lumen Density LED technology. These sources outperform the maximum brightness of LEDs by multiple factors. In LED front projection, green LEDs are the main limiting factor. With our green modules, we now have achieved peak luminance values of 2 Gnit, enabling LED-based projection systems with over 4000 ANSI lm. Extension of this concept to yellow and red light sources is presented. The light source efficiency has been increased considerably, reaching 45-60 lm/W for green under practical application conditions. The module architecture, beam shaping, and performance characteristics are reviewed, as well as system aspects. The performance increase, spectral range extensions, beam-shaping flexibility, and cost reductions realized with the new module architecture enable a breakthrough in LED-based projection systems and in a wide variety of other high brightness applications.

Effect of atomic layer deposition temperature on the performance of top-down ZnO nanowire transistors

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

This paper studies the effect of atomic layer deposition (ALD) temperature on the performance of top-down ZnO nanowire transistors. Electrical characteristics are presented for 10-μm ZnO nanowire field-effect transistors (FETs) and for deposition temperatures in the range 120°C to 210°C. Well-behaved transistor output characteristics are obtained for all deposition temperatures. It is shown that the maximum field-effect mobility occurs for an ALD temperature of 190°C. This maximum field-effect mobility corresponds with a maximum Hall effect bulk mobility and with a ZnO film that is stoichiometric. The optimized transistors have a field-effect mobility of 10 cm2/V.s, which is approximately ten times higher than can typically be achieved in thin-film amorphous silicon transistors. Furthermore, simulations indicate that the drain current and field-effect mobility extraction are limited by the contact resistance. When the effects of contact resistance are de-embedded, a field-effect mobility of 129 cm2/V.s is obtained. This excellent result demonstrates the promise of top-down ZnO nanowire technology for a wide variety of applications such as high-performance thin-film electronics, flexible electronics, and biosensing. PMID:25276107

Exposure system to study hypotheses of ELF and RF electromagnetic field interactions of mobile phones with the central nervous system.

PubMed

Murbach, Manuel; Christopoulou, Maria; Crespo-Valero, Pedro; Achermann, Peter; Kuster, Niels

2012-09-01

A novel exposure system for double-blind human electromagnetic provocation studies has been developed that satisfies the precision, control of fields and potential artifacts, and provides the flexibility to investigate the response of hypotheses-driven electromagnetic field exposure schemes on brain function, ranging from extremely low frequency (ELF) to radio frequency (RF) fields. The system can provide the same exposure of the lateral cerebral cortex at two different RF frequencies (900 and 2140 MHz) but with different exposure levels at subcortical structures, and also allows uniform ELF magnetic field exposure of the brain. The RF modulation and ELF signal are obtained by a freely programmable arbitrary signal generator allowing a wide range of worst-case exposure scenarios to be simulated, including those caused by wireless devices. The maximum achievable RF exposure is larger than 60 W/kg peak spatial specific absorption rate averaged over 10 g of tissue. The maximum ELF magnetic field exposure of the brain is 800 A/m at 50 Hz with a deviation from uniformity of 8% (SD). Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Modeling and testing of a knitted-sleeve fluidic artificial muscle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ball, Erick J.; Meller, Michael A.; Chipka, Jordan B.; Garcia, Ephrahim

2016-11-01

The knitted-sleeve fluidic muscle is similar in design to a traditional McKibben muscle, with a separate bladder and sleeve. However, in place of a braided sleeve, it uses a tubular-knit sleeve made from a thin strand of flexible but inextensible yarn. When the bladder is pressurized, the sleeve expands by letting the loops of fiber slide past each other, changing the dimensions of the rectangular cells in the stitch pattern. Ideally, the internal volume of the sleeve would reach a maximum when its length has contracted by 2/3 from its maximum length, and although this is not reachable in practice, preliminary tests show that free contraction greater than 50% is achievable. The motion relies on using a fiber with a low coefficient of friction in order to reduce hysteresis to an acceptable level. In addition to increased stroke length, potential advantages of this technique include slower force drop-off during the stroke, more useable energy in certain applications, and greater similarity to the force-length relationship of skeletal muscle. Its main limitation is its potentially greater effect from friction compared to other fluidic muscle designs.

Flexibility of Employment Relationships: Possibilities and Limits. IAB Labour Market Research Topics No. 22.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walwei, Ulrich

The controversial discussion of "atypical" forms of employment overlooks the fact that all parties involved can benefit from greater flexibility in the employment relationship. It all depends on what is made more flexible and how this greater flexibility is achieved. Employment relationships are built on a variety of factors…

Faculty career flexibility: Why we need it and how best to achieve it

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quinn, Kate

2010-02-01

Research conducted over the last decade provides compelling evidence that higher education institutions have a strong business case for providing flexibility for their tenure-track and tenured faculty. Flexibility constitutes an effective tool for recruiting and retaining talented faculty. Career flexibility is especially critical to retaining some of the most qualified female PhDs in academic science, engineering, and mathematics. Acquiring the best talent is essential to an institution's ability to achieve excellence and maintain its competitive advantage in a global environment. In an effort to increase the flexibility of faculty careers, the American Council on Education partnered with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to create the Award for Faculty Career Flexibility. This presentation will address the origins of the award and share findings from the awards process. Fairly simple and cost effective strategies have been successful in accelerating the cultural change necessary to increase the flexibility of faculty careers. This presentation shares these strategies in addition to information about the types of policies and practices being adopted to support faculty work-life balance through career flexibility. )

High-Performance Clock Synchronization Algorithms for Distributed Wireless Airborne Computer Networks with Applications to Localization and Tracking of Targets

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

GMKPF represents a better and more flexible alternative to the Gaussian Maximum Likelihood (GML), and Exponential Maximum Likelihood ( EML ...accurate results relative to GML and EML when the network delays are modeled in terms of a single non-Gaussian/non-exponential distribution or as a...to the Gaussian Maximum Likelihood (GML), and Exponential Maximum Likelihood ( EML ) estimators for clock offset estimation in non-Gaussian or non

Predictors of early growth in academic achievement: the head-toes-knees-shoulders task

PubMed Central

McClelland, Megan M.; Cameron, Claire E.; Duncan, Robert; Bowles, Ryan P.; Acock, Alan C.; Miao, Alicia; Pratt, Megan E.

2014-01-01

Children's behavioral self-regulation and executive function (EF; including attentional or cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control) are strong predictors of academic achievement. The present study examined the psychometric properties of a measure of behavioral self-regulation called the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders (HTKS) by assessing construct validity, including relations to EF measures, and predictive validity to academic achievement growth between prekindergarten and kindergarten. In the fall and spring of prekindergarten and kindergarten, 208 children (51% enrolled in Head Start) were assessed on the HTKS, measures of cognitive flexibility, working memory (WM), and inhibitory control, and measures of emergent literacy, mathematics, and vocabulary. For construct validity, the HTKS was significantly related to cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control in prekindergarten and kindergarten. For predictive validity in prekindergarten, a random effects model indicated that the HTKS significantly predicted growth in mathematics, whereas a cognitive flexibility task significantly predicted growth in mathematics and vocabulary. In kindergarten, the HTKS was the only measure to significantly predict growth in all academic outcomes. An alternative conservative analytical approach, a fixed effects analysis (FEA) model, also indicated that growth in both the HTKS and measures of EF significantly predicted growth in mathematics over four time points between prekindergarten and kindergarten. Results demonstrate that the HTKS involves cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control, and is substantively implicated in early achievement, with the strongest relations found for growth in achievement during kindergarten and associations with emergent mathematics. PMID:25071619

Flexible, planar-integrated, all-solid-state fiber supercapacitors with an enhanced distributed-capacitance effect.

PubMed

Liu, Bin; Tan, Dongsheng; Wang, Xianfu; Chen, Di; Shen, Guozhen

2013-06-10

Flexible and highly efficient energy storage units act as one of the key components in portable electronics. In this work, by planar-integrated assembly of hierarchical ZnCo₂O₄ nanowire arrays/carbon fibers electrodes, a new class of flexible all-solid-state planar-integrated fiber supercapacitors are designed and produced via a low-cost and facile method. The as-fabricated flexible devices exhibit high-efficiency, enhanced capacity, long cycle life, and excellent electrical stability. An enhanced distributed-capacitance effect is experimentally observed for the device. This strategy enables highly flexible new structured supercapacitors with maximum functionality and minimized size, thus making it possible to be readily applied in flexible/portable photoelectronic devices. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A flexible, extendable, modular and computationally efficient approach to scattering-integral-based seismic full waveform inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schumacher, F.; Friederich, W.; Lamara, S.

2016-02-01

We present a new conceptual approach to scattering-integral-based seismic full waveform inversion (FWI) that allows a flexible, extendable, modular and both computationally and storage-efficient numerical implementation. To achieve maximum modularity and extendability, interactions between the three fundamental steps carried out sequentially in each iteration of the inversion procedure, namely, solving the forward problem, computing waveform sensitivity kernels and deriving a model update, are kept at an absolute minimum and are implemented by dedicated interfaces. To realize storage efficiency and maximum flexibility, the spatial discretization of the inverted earth model is allowed to be completely independent of the spatial discretization employed by the forward solver. For computational efficiency reasons, the inversion is done in the frequency domain. The benefits of our approach are as follows: (1) Each of the three stages of an iteration is realized by a stand-alone software program. In this way, we avoid the monolithic, unflexible and hard-to-modify codes that have often been written for solving inverse problems. (2) The solution of the forward problem, required for kernel computation, can be obtained by any wave propagation modelling code giving users maximum flexibility in choosing the forward modelling method. Both time-domain and frequency-domain approaches can be used. (3) Forward solvers typically demand spatial discretizations that are significantly denser than actually desired for the inverted model. Exploiting this fact by pre-integrating the kernels allows a dramatic reduction of disk space and makes kernel storage feasible. No assumptions are made on the spatial discretization scheme employed by the forward solver. (4) In addition, working in the frequency domain effectively reduces the amount of data, the number of kernels to be computed and the number of equations to be solved. (5) Updating the model by solving a large equation system can be done using different mathematical approaches. Since kernels are stored on disk, it can be repeated many times for different regularization parameters without need to solve the forward problem, making the approach accessible to Occam's method. Changes of choice of misfit functional, weighting of data and selection of data subsets are still possible at this stage. We have coded our approach to FWI into a program package called ASKI (Analysis of Sensitivity and Kernel Inversion) which can be applied to inverse problems at various spatial scales in both Cartesian and spherical geometries. It is written in modern FORTRAN language using object-oriented concepts that reflect the modular structure of the inversion procedure. We validate our FWI method by a small-scale synthetic study and present first results of its application to high-quality seismological data acquired in the southern Aegean.

Response of long, flexible cantilever beams applied root motions. [spacecraft structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fralich, R. W.

1976-01-01

Results are presented for an analysis of the response of long, flexible cantilever beams to applied root rotational accelerations. Maximum values of deformation, slope, bending moment, and shear are found as a function of magnitude and duration of acceleration input. Effects of tip mass and its eccentricity and rotatory inertia on the response are also investigated. It is shown that flexible beams can withstand large root accelerations provided the period of applied acceleration can be kept small relative to the beam fundamental period.

Propulsion/flight control integration technology (PROFIT) software system definition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carlin, C. M.; Hastings, W. J.

1978-01-01

The Propulsion Flight Control Integration Technology (PROFIT) program is designed to develop a flying testbed dedicated to controls research. The control software for PROFIT is defined. Maximum flexibility, needed for long term use of the flight facility, is achieved through a modular design. The Host program, processes inputs from the telemetry uplink, aircraft central computer, cockpit computer control and plant sensors to form an input data base for use by the control algorithms. The control algorithms, programmed as application modules, process the input data to generate an output data base. The Host program formats the data for output to the telemetry downlink, the cockpit computer control, and the control effectors. Two applications modules are defined - the bill of materials F-100 engine control and the bill of materials F-15 inlet control.

High-performance supercapacitors based on hollow polyaniline nanofibers by electrospinning.

PubMed

Miao, Yue-E; Fan, Wei; Chen, Dan; Liu, Tianxi

2013-05-22

Hollow polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers with controllable wall thickness are fabricated by in situ polymerization of aniline using the electrospun poly(amic acid) fiber membrane as a template. A maximum specific capacitance of 601 F g(-1) has been achieved at 1 A g(-1), suggesting the potential application of hollow PANI nanofibers for supercapacitors. The superior electrochemical performance of the hollow nanofibers is attributed to their hollow structure, thin wall thickness, and orderly pore passages, which can drastically facilitate the ion diffusion and improve the utilization of the electroactive PANI during the charge-discharge processes. Furthermore, the high flexibility of the self-standing fiber membrane template provides possibilities for the facile construction and fabrication of conducting polymers with hollow nanostructures, which may find potential applications in various high-performance electrochemical devices.

Enhanced out-coupling efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes using an nanostructure imprinted by an alumina nanohole array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Endo, Kuniaki; Adachi, Chihaya

2014-03-01

We demonstrate organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with enhanced out-coupling efficiency containing nanostructures imprinted by an alumina nanohole array template that can be applied to large-emitting-area and flexible devices using a roll-to-roll process. The nanostructures are imprinted on a glass substrate by an ultraviolet nanoimprint process using an alumina nanohole array mold and then an OLED is fabricated on the nanostructures. The enhancement of out-coupling efficiency is proportional to the root-mean-square roughness of the nanostructures, and a maximum improvement of external electroluminescence quantum efficiency of 17% is achieved. The electroluminescence spectra of the OLEDs indicate that this improvement is caused by enhancement of the out-coupling of surface plasmon polaritons.

Evolution of cooperation and skew under imperfect information

PubMed Central

Akçay, Erol; Meirowitz, Adam; Ramsay, Kristopher W.; Levin, Simon A.

2012-01-01

The evolution of cooperation in nature and human societies depends crucially on how the benefits from cooperation are divided and whether individuals have complete information about their payoffs. We tackle these questions by adopting a methodology from economics called mechanism design. Focusing on reproductive skew as a case study, we show that full cooperation may not be achievable due to private information over individuals’ outside options, regardless of the details of the specific biological or social interaction. Further, we consider how the structure of the interaction can evolve to promote the maximum amount of cooperation in the face of the informational constraints. Our results point to a distinct avenue for investigating how cooperation can evolve when the division of benefits is flexible and individuals have private information. PMID:22908269

Data base development and research and editorial support

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

The Life Sciences Bibliographic Data Base was created in 1981 and subsequently expanded. A systematic, professional system was developed to collect, organize, and disseminate information about scientific publications resulting from research. The data base consists of bibliographic information and hard copies of all research papers published by Life Sciences-supported investigators. Technical improvements were instituted in the database. To minimize costs, take advantage of advances in personal computer technology, and achieve maximum flexibility and control, the data base was transferred from the JSC computer to personal computers at George Washington University (GWU). GWU also performed a range of related activities such as conducting in-depth searches on a variety of subjects, retrieving scientific literature, preparing presentations, summarizing research progress, answering correspondence requiring reference support, and providing writing and editorial support.

Development of High Power Density Micro-Thermoelectric Generators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Wenhua

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are promising for the waste heat recovery in virtue of the ability to directly convert heat to electricity. Despite of their relatively low energy conversion efficiency, TEGs have many advantages including high reliability, long lifetime, and environmental friendliness. Especially, compared to conventional heat engines, TEGs are compact, scalable, and can be easily driven by small temperature differences. Potential applications of TEGs include thermal sensing, thermal management, and thermal energy harvesting to power wireless sensors and microelectronic devices such as wearable medical sensors and wristwatches. This dissertation presents my work on development of high power density non-flexible and flexible micro-TEGs for thermal energy harvesting in the ambient environment. Micro- TEGs are developed by a bottom-up approach combing electroplating and microfabrication processes. Pulsed electroplating is mainly adopted to deposit thermoelectric materials in the device fabrication. First, I collaborated with Dr. Zhou in our lab and systematically studied the effect of deposition parameters on composition, microstructure, and thermoelectric properties of the electroplated Bi2Te3 and Sb2 Te3 thin films. We demonstrated that thermoelectric properties of both Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 films can be enhanced by tuning the pulse off-to-on ratio. After the fundamental study on the deposition conditions, morphology, and thermoelectric properties of the electroplated materials, we fabricated a high power density cross-plane micro-TEG on the SiO2/Si substrate by integrating the pulsed electroplating with microfabrication processes. The TEG consists of a total of 127 pairs of n-type Bi2Te3 and ptype Sb2Te3 thermoelectric pillars embedded in a SU-8 matrix to enhance the overall mechanical strength of the device. Both bottom and top electrical connections are formed by electroplating, which is advantageous because of facile and low cost fabrication and low parasitic electrical resistances. The device demonstrates a maximum power of 2990 muW at a temperature difference of 52.5 K, corresponding to a power density as high as 9.2 mW cm-2. The power density of our device is more than two times the highest value reported for the electroplated micro-TEGs in the literature, which can be attributed to the low internal resistance and high packing density of thermoelectric pillars. Based on my work on non-flexible micro-TEGs, I further modified the device fabrication process and developed an ultra-light high power density flexible micro-TEG. The flexible TEG demonstrates excellent flexibility. No obvious electrical resistance change was observed after bending to a curvature as small as 5 mm for 600 times. The flexible micro-TEG we developed demonstrates a maximum power of 1.5 mW at a temperature difference of 50.7 K, corresponding to a power density of 4.5 mW cm-2. More importantly, the flexible TEG is ultra-light and an unprecedentedly high power per unit mass of 60 mW g-1 is achieved, which might be beneficial for wearable technology.

1D Co2.18Ni0.82Si2O5(OH)4 architectures assembled by ultrathin nanoflakes for high-performance flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Junhong; Zheng, Mingbo; Run, Zhen; Xia, Jing; Sun, Mengjun; Pang, Huan

2015-07-01

1D Co2.18Ni0.82Si2O5(OH)4 architectures assembled by ultrathin nanoflakes are synthesized for the first time by a hydrothermal method. We present a self-reacting template method to synthesize 1D Co2.18Ni0.82Si2O5(OH)4 architectures using Ni(SO4)0.3(OH)1.4 nanobelts. A high-performance flexible asymmetric solid-state supercapacitor can be successfully fabricated based on the 1D Co2.18Ni0.82Si2O5(OH)4 architectures and graphene nanosheets. Interestingly, the as-assembled 1D Co2.18Ni0.82Si2O5(OH)4 architectures//Graphene nanosheets asymmetric solid-state supercapacitor can achieve a maximum energy density of 0.496 mWh cm-3, which is higher than most of reported solid state supercapacitors. Additionally, the device shows high cycle stability for 10,000 cycles. These features make the 1D Co2.18Ni0.82Si2O5(OH)4 architectures as one of the most promising candidates for high-performance energy storage devices.

2D tilting MEMS micro mirror integrating a piezoresistive sensor position feedback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lani, S.; Bayat, D.; Despont, M.

2015-02-01

An integrated position sensor for a dual-axis electromagnetic tilting mirror is presented. This tilting mirror is composed of a silicon based mirror directly assembled on a silicon membrane supported by flexible beams. The position sensors are constituted by 4 Wheatstone bridges of piezoresistors which are fabricated by doping locally the flexible beams. A permanent magnet is attached to the membrane and the scanner is mounted above planar coils deposited on a ceramic substrate to achieve electromagnetic actuation. The performances of the piezoresistive sensors are evaluated by measuring the output signal of the piezoresistors as a function of the tilt of the mirror and the temperature. White light interferometry was performed for all measurement to measure the exact tilt angle. The minimum detectable angle with such sensors was 30µrad (around 13bits) in the range of the minimum resolution of the interferometer. The tilt reproducibility was 0.0186%, obtained by measuring the tilt after repeated actuations with a coil current of 50mA during 30 min and the stability over time was 0.05% in 1h without actuation. The maximum measured tilt angle was 6° (mechanical) limited by nonlinearity of the MEMS system.

The conical conformal MEMS quasi-end-fire array antenna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cong, Lin; Xu, Lixin; Li, Jianhua; Wang, Ting; Han, Qi

2017-03-01

The microelectromechanical system (MEMS) quasi-end-fire array antenna based on a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrate is designed and fabricated in this paper. The maximum radiation direction of the antenna tends to the cone axis forming an angle less than 90∘, which satisfies the proximity detection system applied at the forward target detection. Furthermore, the proposed antenna is fed at the ended side in order to save internal space. Moreover, the proposed antenna takes small covering area of the proximity detection system. The proposed antenna is fabricated by using the flexible MEMS process, and the measurement results agree well with the simulation results. This is the first time that a conical conformal array antenna is fabricated by the flexible MEMS process to realize the quasi-end-fire radiation. A pair of conformal MEMS array antennas resonates at 14.2 GHz with its mainlobes tending to the cone axis forming a 30∘ angle and a 31∘ angle separately, and the gains achieved are 1.82 dB in two directions, respectively. The proposed antenna meets the performance requirements for the proximity detection system which has vast application prospects.

Improvement in the mechanical properties, proton conductivity, and methanol resistance of highly branched sulfonated poly(arylene ether)/graphene oxide grafted with flexible alkylsulfonated side chains nanocomposite membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Dong; Peng, Jinhua; Li, Zhuoyao; Liu, Bin; Wang, Lei

2018-02-01

Sulfonated polymer/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites exhibit excellent properties as proton exchange membranes. However, few investigations on highly branched sulfonated poly(arylene ether)s (HBSPE)/GO nanocomposites as proton exchange membranes are reported. In order to obtain HBSPE-based nanocomposite membranes with better dispersibility and properties, a novel GO containing flexible alkylsulfonated side chains (SGO) is designed and prepared for the first time in this work. The HBSPE/SGO nanocomposite membranes with excellent dispersibility are successfully prepared. The properties of these membranes, including the mechanical properties, ion-exchange capacity, water uptake, proton conductivity, and methanol resistance, are characterized. The nanocomposite membranes exhibit higher tensile strength (32.67 MPa), higher proton conductivity (0.39 S cm-1 at 80 °C) and lower methanol permeability (4.89 × 10-7 cm2 s-1) than the pristine membrane. The nanocomposite membranes also achieve a higher maximum power density (82.36 mW cm-2) than the pristine membrane (67.85 mW cm-2) in single-cell direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) tests, demonstrating their considerable potential for applications in DMFCs.

Improved performance of flexible amorphous silicon solar cells with silver nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Y. R.; Li, Z. Q.; Chen, X. H.; Liu, C.; Ye, X. J.; Wang, Z. B.; Sun, Z.; Huang, S. M.

2012-12-01

A novel hybrid electrode structure using Ag nanowires (NWs) to create surface plasmons to enhance light trapping is designed and applied on the front surface of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cells on steel substrates, targeting broad-band absorption enhancements. Ag NWs were synthesized using a soft and self-seeding process. The produced Ag NWs were deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrates or the ITO layers of the as-prepared flexible a-Si:H solar cells to form Ag NW-ITO hybrid electrodes. The Ag NW-ITO hybrid electrodes were optimized to achieve maximum optical enhancement using surface plasmons and obtain good electrical contacts in cells. Finite-element electromagnetic simulations confirmed that the presence of the Ag NWs resulted in increased electromagnetic fields within the a-Si:H layer. Compared to the cell with conventional ITO electrode, the measured quantum efficiency of the best performing a-Si:H cell shows an obvious enhancement in the wavelength range from 330 nm to 600 nm. The cell based on the optimized Ag NW-ITO demonstrates an increase about 4% in short-circuit current density and over 6% in power conversion efficiency under AM 1.5 illumination.

49 CFR 178.812 - Top lift test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... renders the IBC, including the base pallets when applicable, unsafe for transportation, and no loss of... twice the maximum permissible gross mass with the load being evenly distributed. (2) Flexible IBC design types must be filled to six times the maximum net mass, the load being evenly distributed. (c) Test...

49 CFR 178.812 - Top lift test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... renders the IBC, including the base pallets when applicable, unsafe for transportation, and no loss of... twice the maximum permissible gross mass with the load being evenly distributed. (2) Flexible IBC design types must be filled to six times the maximum net mass, the load being evenly distributed. (c) Test...

49 CFR 178.812 - Top lift test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... renders the IBC, including the base pallets when applicable, unsafe for transportation, and no loss of... twice the maximum permissible gross mass with the load being evenly distributed. (2) Flexible IBC design types must be filled to six times the maximum net mass, the load being evenly distributed. (c) Test...

49 CFR 178.812 - Top lift test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... renders the IBC, including the base pallets when applicable, unsafe for transportation, and no loss of... twice the maximum permissible gross mass with the load being evenly distributed. (2) Flexible IBC design types must be filled to six times the maximum net mass, the load being evenly distributed. (c) Test...

Flexible and freestanding supercapacitor based on nanostructured poly(m-aminophenol)/carbon nanofiber hybrid mats with high energy and power densities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choudhury, Arup; Dey, Baban; Sinha Mahapatra, Susanta; Kim, Doo-Won; Yang, Kap-Seung; Yang, Duck-Joo

2018-04-01

Nanostructured poly(m-aminophenol) (PmAP) coated freestanding carbon nanofiber (CNF) mats were fabricated through simple in situ rapid-mixing polymerization of m-aminophenol in the presence of a CNF mat for flexible solid-state supercapacitors. The surface compositions, morphology and pore structure of the hybrid mats were characterized by using various techniques, e.g., FTIR, Raman, XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, and N2 absorption. The results show that the PmAP nanoparticles were homogeneously deposited on CNF surfaces and formed a thin flexible hybrid mat, which were directly used to made electrodes for electrochemical analysis without using any binders or conductive additives. The electrochemical performances of the hybrid mats were easily tailored by varying the PmAP loading on a hybrid electrode. The PmAP/CNF-10 hybrid electrode with a relatively low PmAP loading (> 42 wt%) showed a high specific capacitance of 325.8 F g-1 and a volumetric capacitance of 273.6 F cm-3 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1, together with a specific capacitance retention of 196.2 F g-1 at 20 A g-1. The PmAP/CNF-10 hybrid electrode showed good cycling stability with 88.2% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. A maximum energy density of 45.2 Wh kg-1 and power density of 20.4 kW kg-1 were achieved for the PmAP/CNF-10 hybrid electrode. This facile and cost-effective synthesis of a flexible binder-free PmAP/CNF hybrid mat with excellent capacitive performances encourages its possible commercial exploitation.

Preliminary study on magnetic tracking-based planar shape sensing and navigation for flexible surgical robots in transoral surgery: methods and phantom experiments.

PubMed

Song, Shuang; Zhang, Changchun; Liu, Li; Meng, Max Q-H

2018-02-01

Flexible surgical robot can work in confined and complex environments, which makes it a good option for minimally invasive surgery. In order to utilize flexible manipulators in complicated and constrained surgical environments, it is of great significance to monitor the position and shape of the curvilinear manipulator in real time during the procedures. In this paper, we propose a magnetic tracking-based planar shape sensing and navigation system for flexible surgical robots in the transoral surgery. The system can provide the real-time tip position and shape information of the robot during the operation. We use wire-driven flexible robot to serve as the manipulator. It has three degrees of freedom. A permanent magnet is mounted at the distal end of the robot. Its magnetic field can be sensed with a magnetic sensor array. Therefore, position and orientation of the tip can be estimated utilizing a tracking method. A shape sensing algorithm is then carried out to estimate the real-time shape based on the tip pose. With the tip pose and shape display in the 3D reconstructed CT model, navigation can be achieved. Using the proposed system, we carried out planar navigation experiments on a skull phantom to touch three different target positions under the navigation of the skull display interface. During the experiments, the real-time shape has been well monitored and distance errors between the robot tip and the targets in the skull have been recorded. The mean navigation error is [Formula: see text] mm, while the maximum error is 3.2 mm. The proposed method provides the advantages that no sensors are needed to mount on the robot and no line-of-sight problem. Experimental results verified the feasibility of the proposed method.

1-mm catheterscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seibel, Eric J.

2008-02-01

Flexible endoscopes use one sensor element per display pixel. When diameter is reduced to the size of a catheter, there is a significant reduction in the number of pixels within the image. By placing a sub-millimeter microscanner at the tip of a catheter, image quality can be significantly improved. The microscanner consists of a 0.4 mm diameter piezoelectric tube with quadrant electrodes, surrounding a cantilevered singlemode optical fiber. At the distal end, the fiber microscanner is sealed with a 0.9 mm diameter lens assembly, creating a rigid length less than 10 mm at the tip of a highly flexible shaft. The cantilevered fiber is vibrated at the first mode of resonance for bending to generate a circular scan pattern. A spiral scan pattern is generated that constitutes an image frame by modulating the piezoelectric drive signals. By using a custom optical fiber at 80 microns cladding diameter, >10 KHz resonant scanning is achieved, resulting in a 30 Hz frame rate. Red (635 nm), green (532 nm), and blue (442 nm) laser light is scanned by coupling to the fiber scanner. The scanned illumination is detected in a non-confocal arrangement by having one or more optical fibers collecting the backscattered light at MHz pixel rates. Current 1-mm diameter catheterscopes generate 500-line images at maximum fields of view of 100 degrees and spatial resolutions of <20 microns with image zooming. Shaft length of four meters have been fabricated with flexibility of <10 mm bending radius to image previously inaccessible regions of the body.

Overgeneration from Solar Energy in California - A Field Guide to the Duck Chart

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Denholm, Paul; Brinkman, Gregory; Jorgenson, Jennie

In 2013, the California Independent System Operator published the "duck chart,"" which shows a significant drop in mid-day net load on a spring day as solar photovoltaics (PV) are added to the system. The chart raises concerns that the conventional power system will be unable to accommodate the ramp rate and range needed to fully utilize solar energy, particularly on days characterized by the duck shape. This could result in "overgeneration"" and curtailed renewable energy, increasing its costs and reducing its environmental benefits. This paper explores the duck chart in detail, examining how much PV might need to be curtailedmore » if additional grid flexibility measures are not taken, and how curtailment rates can be decreased by changing grid operational practices. It finds that under business-as-usual types of assumptions and corresponding levels of grid flexibility in California, solar penetrations as low as 20 percent of annual energy could lead to marginal curtailment rates that exceed 30 percent. However, by allowing (or requiring) distributed PV and storage (including new installations that are part of the California storage mandate) to provide grid services, system flexibility could be greatly enhanced. Doing so could significantly reduce curtailment and allow much greater penetration of variable generation resources in achieving a 50 percent renewable portfolio standard. Overall, the work described in this paper points to the need to fully integrate distributed resources into grid system planning and operations to allow maximum use of the solar resource.« less

Beam shaping as an enabler for new applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guertler, Yvonne; Kahmann, Max; Havrilla, David

2017-02-01

For many years, laser beam shaping has enabled users to achieve optimized process results as well as manage challenging applications. The latest advancements in industrial lasers and processing optics have taken this a step further as users are able to adapt the beam shape to meet specific application requirements in a very flexible way. TRUMPF has developed a wide range of experience in creating beam profiles at the work piece for optimized material processing. This technology is based on the physical model of wave optics and can be used with ultra short pulse lasers as well as multi-kW cw lasers. Basically, the beam shape can be adapted in all three dimensions in space, which allows maximum flexibility. Besides adaption of intensity profile, even multi-spot geometries can be produced. This approach is very cost efficient, because a standard laser source and (in the case of cw lasers) a standard fiber can be used without any special modifications. Based on this innovative beam shaping technology, TRUMPF has developed new and optimized processes. Two of the most recent application developments using these techniques are cutting glass and synthetic sapphire with ultra-short pulse lasers and enhanced brazing of hot dip zinc coated steel for automotive applications. Both developments lead to more efficient and flexible production processes, enabled by laser technology and open the door to new opportunities. They also indicate the potential of beam shaping techniques since they can be applied to both single-mode laser sources (TOP Cleave) and multi-mode laser sources (brazing).

A Water-/Fireproof Flexible Lithium-Oxygen Battery Achieved by Synergy of Novel Architecture and Multifunctional Separator.

PubMed

Yin, Yan-Bin; Yang, Xiao-Yang; Chang, Zhi-Wen; Zhu, Yun-Hai; Liu, Tong; Yan, Jun-Min; Jiang, Qing

2018-01-01

To meet the increasing demands for portable and flexible devices in a rapidly developing society, it is urgently required to develop highly safe and flexible electrochemical energy-storage systems. Flexible lithium-oxygen batteries with high theoretical specific energy density are promising candidates; however, the conventional half-open structure design prevents it from working properly under water or fire conditions. Herein, as a proof-of-concept experiment, a highly safe flexible lithium-oxygen battery achieved by the synergy of a vital multifunctional structure design and a unique composite separator is proposed and fabricated. The structure can effectively prevent the invasion of water from the environment and combustion, which is further significantly consolidated with the help of a polyimide and poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) composite separator, which holds good water resistance, thermal stability, and ionic conductivity. Unexpectedly, the obtained lithium-oxygen battery exhibits superior flexibility, water resistance, thermal resistance, and cycling stability (up to 218 cycles; at a high current of 1 mA and capacity of 4 mA h). This novel water/fireproof, flexible lithium-oxygen battery is a promising candidate to power underwater flexible electronics. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Checkerboard seed-blanket thorium fuel core concepts for heavy water moderated reactors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bromley, B.P.; Hyland, B.

2013-07-01

New reactor concepts to implement thorium-based fuel cycles have been explored to achieve maximum resource utilization. Pressure tube heavy water reactors (PT-HWR) are highly advantageous for implementing the use of thorium-based fuels because of their high neutron economy and on-line re-fuelling capability. The use of heterogeneous seed-blanket core concepts in a PT-HWR where higher-fissile-content seed fuel bundles are physically separate from lower-fissile-content blanket bundles allows more flexibility and control in fuel management to maximize the fissile utilization and conversion of fertile fuel. The lattice concept chosen was a 35-element bundle made with a homogeneous mixture of reactor grade Pu (aboutmore » 67 wt% fissile) and Th, and with a central zirconia rod to help reduce coolant void reactivity. Several checkerboard heterogeneous seed-blanket core concepts with plutonium-thorium-based fuels in a 700-MWe-class PT-HWR were analyzed, using a once-through thorium (OTT) cycle. Different combinations of seed and blanket fuel were tested to determine the impact on core-average burnup, fissile utilization, power distributions, and other performance parameters. It was found that various checkerboard core concepts can achieve a fissile utilization that is up to 26% higher than that achieved in a PT-HWR using more conventional natural uranium fuel bundles. Up to 60% of the Pu is consumed; up to 43% of the energy is produced from thorium, and up to 303 kg/year of Pa-233/U-233/U-235 are produced. Checkerboard cores with about 50% of low-power blanket bundles may require power de-rating (65% to 74%) to avoid exceeding maximum limits for channel and bundle powers and linear element ratings. (authors)« less

Annular seed-blanket thorium fuel core concepts for heavy water moderated reactors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bromley, B.P.; Hyland, B.

2013-07-01

New reactor concepts to implement thorium-based fuel cycles have been explored to achieve maximum resource utilization. Pressure tube heavy water reactors (PT-HWR) are highly advantageous for implementing the use of thorium-based fuels because of their high neutron economy and on-line re-fuelling capability. The use of heterogeneous seed-blanket core concepts in a PT-HWR where higher-fissile-content seed fuel bundles are physically separate from lower-fissile-content blanket bundles allows more flexibility and control in fuel management to maximize the fissile utilization and conversion of fertile fuel. The lattice concept chosen is a 35-element bundle made with a homogeneous mixture of reactor grade Pu andmore » Th, and with a central zirconia rod to help reduce coolant void reactivity. Several annular heterogeneous seed-blanket core concepts with plutonium-thorium-based fuels in a 700-MWe-class PT-HWR were analyzed, using a once-through thorium (OTT) cycle. Different combinations of seed and blanket fuel were tested to determine the impact on core-average burnup, fissile utilization, power distributions, and other performance parameters. It was found that the various core concepts can achieve a fissile utilization that is up to 30% higher than is currently achieved in a PT-HWR using conventional natural uranium fuel bundles. Up to 67% of the Pu is consumed; up to 43% of the energy is produced from thorium, and up to 363 kg/year of U-233 is produced. Seed-blanket cores with ∼50% content of low-power blanket bundles may require power de-rating (∼58% to 65%) to avoid exceeding maximum limits for peak channel power, bundle power and linear element ratings. (authors)« less

IR Sensor Synchronizing Active Shutter Glasses for 3D HDTV with Flexible Liquid Crystal Lenses

PubMed Central

Han, Jeong In

2013-01-01

IR sensor synchronizing active shutter glasses for three-dimensional high definition television (3D HDTV) were developed using a flexible liquid crystal (FLC) lens. The FLC lens was made on a polycarbonate (PC) substrate using conventional liquid crystal display (LCD) processes. The flexible liquid crystal lens displayed a maximum transmission of 32% and total response time of 2.56 ms. The transmittance, the contrast ratio and the response time of the flexible liquid crystal lens were superior to those of glass liquid crystal lenses. Microcontroller unit and drivers were developed as part of a reception module with power supply for the IR sensor synchronizing active shutter glasses with the flexible liquid crystal lens prototypes. IR sensor synchronizing active shutter glasses for 3D HDTV with flexible liquid crystal lenses produced excellent 3D images viewing characteristics.

Dynamic bending of bionic flexible body driven by pneumatic artificial muscles(PAMs) for spinning gait of quadruped robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Jingtao; Yu, Huangying; Wang, Tianmiao

2016-01-01

The body of quadruped robot is generally developed with the rigid structure. The mobility of quadruped robot depends on the mechanical properties of the body mechanism. It is difficult for quadruped robot with rigid structure to achieve better mobility walking or running in the unstructured environment. A kind of bionic flexible body mechanism for quadruped robot is proposed, which is composed of one bionic spine and four pneumatic artificial muscles(PAMs). This kind of body imitates the four-legged creatures' kinematical structure and physical properties, which has the characteristic of changeable stiffness, lightweight, flexible and better bionics. The kinematics of body bending is derived, and the coordinated movement between the flexible body and legs is analyzed. The relationship between the body bending angle and the PAM length is obtained. The dynamics of the body bending is derived by the floating coordinate method and Lagrangian method, and the driving force of PAM is determined. The experiment of body bending is conducted, and the dynamic bending characteristic of bionic flexible body is evaluated. Experimental results show that the bending angle of the bionic flexible body can reach 18°. An innovation body mechanism for quadruped robot is proposed, which has the characteristic of flexibility and achieve bending by changing gas pressure of PAMs. The coordinated movement of the body and legs can achieve spinning gait in order to improve the mobility of quadruped robot.

Balancing Flexible Constraints and Measurement Precision in Computerized Adaptive Testing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moyer, Eric L.; Galindo, Jennifer L.; Dodd, Barbara G.

2012-01-01

Managing test specifications--both multiple nonstatistical constraints and flexibly defined constraints--has become an important part of designing item selection procedures for computerized adaptive tests (CATs) in achievement testing. This study compared the effectiveness of three procedures: constrained CAT, flexible modified constrained CAT,…

National Implications: Closed Systems Stifle Innovation, Collaboration and Flexibility

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cloud, Michelle; Kritsonis, William Allan

2006-01-01

Educational leaders must work to establish organizational structures that help schools achieve and sustain their vision. The intent of this article is to briefly examine how closed systems stifle innovation, collaboration and flexibility in schooling. Innovation, collaboration and flexibility are key ingredients for creating successful…

Ferroelectric hybrid fibers to develop flexible sensors for shape sensing of smart textiles and soft condensed matter bodies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sebastian, Tutu; Lusiola, Tony; Clemens, Frank

2017-04-01

Piezoelectric fibers are widely used in composites for actuator and sensor applications due to its ability to convert electrical pulses into mechanical vibrations and transform the returned mechanical vibrations back into electrical signal. They are beneficial for the fabrication of composites especially 1-3 composites, active fiber composites (unidirectional axially aligned PZT fibers sandwiched between interdigitated electrodes and embedded in a polymer matrix) etc, with potential applications in medical imaging, structural health monitoring, energy harvesting, vibration and noise control. However, due to the brittle nature of PZT fibers, maximum strain is limited to 0.2% and cannot be integrated into flexible sensor applications. In this contribution, a new approach to develop flexible ferroelectric hybrid fibers for soft body shape sensing is investigated. Piezoelectric particles incorporated in a polymer matrix and extruded as fiber, 0-3 composite in fibrous form is studied. Commercially obtained calcined PZT and calcined BaTiO3 powders were used in the unsintered form to obtain flexible soft condensed matter ferroelectric hybrid fibers. The extruded fibers were subjected to investigation for their electromechanical behavior as a function of electric field. The hybrid fibers reached 10% of the maximum polarization of their sintered counterpart.

Comparison of standard maximum likelihood classification and polytomous logistic regression used in remote sensing

Treesearch

John Hogland; Nedret Billor; Nathaniel Anderson

2013-01-01

Discriminant analysis, referred to as maximum likelihood classification within popular remote sensing software packages, is a common supervised technique used by analysts. Polytomous logistic regression (PLR), also referred to as multinomial logistic regression, is an alternative classification approach that is less restrictive, more flexible, and easy to interpret. To...

Flexible inorganic light emitting diodes based on semiconductor nanowires

PubMed Central

Guan, Nan; Dai, Xing; Babichev, Andrey V.; Julien, François H.

2017-01-01

The fabrication technologies and the performance of flexible nanowire light emitting diodes (LEDs) are reviewed. We first introduce the existing approaches for flexible LED fabrication, which are dominated by organic technologies, and we briefly discuss the increasing research effort on flexible inorganic LEDs achieved by micro-structuring and transfer of conventional thin films. Then, flexible nanowire-based LEDs are presented and two main fabrication technologies are discussed: direct growth on a flexible substrate and nanowire membrane formation and transfer. The performance of blue, green, white and bi-color flexible LEDs fabricated following the transfer approach is discussed in more detail. PMID:29568439

Turbulent drag reduction by flexible and rodlike polymers: Crossover effects at small concentrations.

PubMed

Ching, Emily S C; Lo, T S; Procaccia, Itamar

2006-08-01

Drag reduction by polymers is bounded between two universal asymptotes, the von Kármán log law of the law and the maximum drag reduction (MDR) asymptote. It is theoretically understood why the MDR asymptote is universal, independent of whether the polymers are flexible or rodlike. The crossover behavior from the Newtonian von Kármán log law to the MDR is, however, not universal, showing different characteristics for flexible and rodlike polymers. In this paper we provide a theory for this crossover phenomenology.

Flexible Delivery Pilots. 1995/96. Bringing Training to Your Fingertips.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Australian National Training Authority, Brisbane.

This summary report provides an overview of 23 pilot projects conducted in Australia to provide job training in more flexible modes. Each one- or two-page summary describes the following: state in which the project was conducted, flexible approach used, aims/methodology, participation/access, achievements/challenges, suggestions/dissemination, and…

"Flexibility", Community and Making Parents Responsible

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGowan, Wayne S.

2005-01-01

This article draws on Foucault's concept of governmentality to explore how recent political moves to legalise "flexibility" mobilises education authorities to make "community" a technical means of achieving the political objective of schooling the child. I argue that "flexibility" in this sense is a neo-liberal strategy that shifts relations…

Electric System Flexibility and Storage | Energy Analysis | NREL

Science.gov Websites

. Featured Studies India Renewable Integration Study Grid Flexibility and Storage Required To Achieve Very demand-in Texas. Key findings from this study include: A highly flexible system with must-run baseload . Publications Renewable Electricity Futures Study. Volume 2: Renewable Electricity Generation and Storage

Acute Lower Extremity Running Kinematics After a Hamstring Stretch

PubMed Central

Davis Hammonds, Autumn L.; Laudner, Kevin G.; McCaw, Steve; McLoda, Todd A.

2012-01-01

Context: Limited passive hamstring flexibility might affect kinematics, performance, and injury risk during running. Pre-activity static straight-leg raise stretching often is used to gain passive hamstring flexibility. Objective: To investigate the acute effects of a single session of passive hamstring stretching on pelvic, hip, and knee kinematics during the swing phase of running. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: Biomechanics research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Thirty-four male (age = 21.2 ± 1.4 years) and female (age = 21.3±2.0 years) recreational athletes. Intervention(s): Participants performed treadmill running pretests and posttests at 70% of their age-predicted maximum heart rate. Pelvis, hip, and knee joint angles during the swing phase of 5 consecutive gait cycles were collected using a motion analysis system. Right and left hamstrings of the intervention group participants were passively stretched 3 times for 30 seconds in random order immediately after the pretest. Control group participants performed no stretching or movement between running sessions. Main Outcome Measure(s): Six 2-way analyses of variance to determine joint angle differences between groups at maximum hip flexion and maximum knee extension with an α level of .008. Results: Flexibility increased between pretest and post-test in all participants (F1,30 = 80.61, P<.001). Anterior pelvic tilt (F1,30 = 0.73, P=.40), hip flexion (F1,30 = 2.44, P=.13), and knee extension (F1,30 = 0.06, P=.80) at maximum hip flexion were similar between groups throughout testing. Anterior pelvic tilt (F1,30 = 0.69, P=.41), hip flexion (F1,30 = 0.23, P=.64), and knee extension (F1,30 = 3.38, P=.62) at maximum knee extension were similar between groups throughout testing. Men demonstrated greater anterior pelvic tilt than women at maximum knee extension (F1,30 = 13.62, P=.001). Conclusions: A single session of 3 straight-leg raise hamstring stretches did not change pelvis, hip, or knee running kinematics. PMID:22488225

Endoscopic laser recanalisation of presaccal canalicular obstruction

PubMed Central

Kuchar, A.; Novak, P.; Pieh, S.; Fink, M.; Steinkogler, F. J.

1999-01-01

AIM—To document the results of erbium (Er)-YAG laser treatment in presaccal canalicular obstruction in combination with the use of a flexible endoscope.
METHODS—For the first time an Er-YAG laser (Schwind, Sklerostom) was attached to a flexible endoscope (Schwind, Endognost) and used to recanalise a stenosis of the upper, lower, or common canaliculus. In 17 patients (mean age 41.5 (SD 11.9) years), 19 treatments (two bilateral) were performed. In all cases the scar was observed using the endoscope and was excised by laser ablation. A silicone intubation was performed in all cases. In addition to the endoscopy an irrigation was performed to prove the intactness of the lacrimal pathway system after laser treatment.
RESULTS—Membranous obstructions with a maximum length of 2.0 mm (14 procedures) in the canaliculus were opened easily using the laser, and the silicone intubation was subsequently performed without difficulty. Scars thicker than 2.0 mm could not be opened safely without canaliculus penetration (five procedures). Irrigation was positive in all cases up to the end of a 6 month period, providing the tubes remained in place. The maximum follow up is now 17 months (minimum 8 months) and in 16 cases (84.2%) the canaliculi are still intact.
CONCLUSION—Endoscopic laser treatment combined with silicone intubation enables us to recanalise presaccal stenoses of canaliculi under local anaesthesia up to a scar thickness of 2.0 mm. Best results can be achieved in cases where much tissue can be saved. Under such conditions this procedure can substitute for more invasive surgical techniques, especially a conjunctivo-dacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR).

 Keywords: laser recanalisation; presaccal canalicular obstruction; endoscopy PMID:10434867

Static aeroelastic deformation of flexible skin for continuous variable trailing-edge camber wing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Libo; Yin, Weilong; Dai, Fuhong; Liu, Yanju; Leng, Jinsong

2011-03-01

The method for analyzing the static aeroelastic deformation of flexible skin under the air loads was developed. The effect of static aeroelastic deformation of flexible skin on the aerodynamic characteristics of aerofoil and the design parameters of skin was discussed. Numerical results show that the flexible skin on the upper surface of trailing-edge will bubble under the air loads and the bubble has a powerful effect on the aerodynamic pressure near the surface of local deformation. The static aeroelastic deformation of flexible skin significantly affects the aerodynamic characteristics of aerofoil. At small angle of attack, the drag coefficient increases and the lift coefficient decreases. With the increasing angle of attack, the effect of flexible skin on the aerodynamic characteristics of aerofoil is smaller and smaller. The deformation of flexible skin becomes larger and larger with the free-stream velocity increasing. When the free-stream velocity is greater than a value, both of the deformation of flexible skin and the drag coefficient of aerofoil increase rapidly. The maximum tensile strain of flexible skin is increased with consideration of the static aeroelastic deformation.

Bending stiffness, torsional stability, and insertion force of cementless femoral stems.

PubMed

Incavo, S J; Johnson, C C; Churchill, D L; Beynnon, B D

2001-04-01

In cementless total hip arthroplasty, increased femoral stem flexibility and decreased fracture propensity are desirable characteristics. The slotting and tapering of the stem have been introduced to achieve this. These features should not, however, be allowed to interfere with the ability of the distal stem to provide initial mechanical stability, especially under rotation. This study was done to investigate the ability of slotted and tapered stem designs to reduce stiffness and insertion force while still maintaining adequate torsional strength. The torsional strength, maximum insertion force, and insertional work of straight, slotted, and taper stems were measured by inserting each type into rigid polyurethane foam and torque testing to failure. Bending stiffness of each stem design was calculated using numerical methods. When compared to a straight stem, a unislot stem has similar torsional strength, maximum insertional force, and work of insertion. The bending stiffness is decreased by 19% to 82% depending on the bending direction. A trislot design decreased torque strength by 29%, maximal insertion force by 36%, and work by 11%. Bending stiffness was decreased by 74% and was not dependent on bending direction. A 0.5-mm taper decreased torque strength by 11% and insertional work by 14%. No difference was seen in maximum insertional force. We conclude that the design features studied (slots and taper) are effective in decreasing stem stiffness and reducing fracture propensity.

Hyperswitch communication network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterson, J.; Pniel, M.; Upchurch, E.

1991-01-01

The Hyperswitch Communication Network (HCN) is a large scale parallel computer prototype being developed at JPL. Commercial versions of the HCN computer are planned. The HCN computer being designed is a message passing multiple instruction multiple data (MIMD) computer, and offers many advantages in price-performance ratio, reliability and availability, and manufacturing over traditional uniprocessors and bus based multiprocessors. The design of the HCN operating system is a uniquely flexible environment that combines both parallel processing and distributed processing. This programming paradigm can achieve a balance among the following competing factors: performance in processing and communications, user friendliness, and fault tolerance. The prototype is being designed to accommodate a maximum of 64 state of the art microprocessors. The HCN is classified as a distributed supercomputer. The HCN system is described, and the performance/cost analysis and other competing factors within the system design are reviewed.

Robust path planning for flexible needle insertion using Markov decision processes.

PubMed

Tan, Xiaoyu; Yu, Pengqian; Lim, Kah-Bin; Chui, Chee-Kong

2018-05-11

Flexible needle has the potential to accurately navigate to a treatment region in the least invasive manner. We propose a new planning method using Markov decision processes (MDPs) for flexible needle navigation that can perform robust path planning and steering under the circumstance of complex tissue-needle interactions. This method enhances the robustness of flexible needle steering from three different perspectives. First, the method considers the problem caused by soft tissue deformation. The method then resolves the common needle penetration failure caused by patterns of targets, while the last solution addresses the uncertainty issues in flexible needle motion due to complex and unpredictable tissue-needle interaction. Computer simulation and phantom experimental results show that the proposed method can perform robust planning and generate a secure control policy for flexible needle steering. Compared with a traditional method using MDPs, the proposed method achieves higher accuracy and probability of success in avoiding obstacles under complicated and uncertain tissue-needle interactions. Future work will involve experiment with biological tissue in vivo. The proposed robust path planning method can securely steer flexible needle within soft phantom tissues and achieve high adaptability in computer simulation.

Applications technology satellite F&G /ATS F&G/ mobile terminal.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenbaum, L. A.; Baker, J. L.

1971-01-01

The mobile terminal is a flexible, easily transportable system. The terminal design incorporates a combination of unique and proven hardware to provide maximum utility consistent with reliability. The flexibility built into the system will make it possible to satisfy the requirements of the applications technology satellite program concerned with the conduction of various spacecraft technology experiments. The terminal includes two parabolic antennas.

49 CFR 178.812 - Top lift test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... no loss of contents. [Amdt. 178-103, 59 FR 38074, July 26, 1994, as amended at 66 FR 33452, June 21... types must be loaded to twice the maximum permissible gross mass with the load being evenly distributed. (2) Flexible IBC design types must be filled to six times the maximum net mass, the load being evenly...

The Impact of a Flexible Assessment System on Students' Motivation, Performance and Attitude

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pacharn, Parunchana; Bay, Darlene; Felton, Sandra

2013-01-01

We examine a flexible assessment system that allows students to determine the weights allocated to each course component and to re-allocate the weights in response to achieved scores. The flexibility is intended to encourage students' participation in the learning process, thereby promoting self-regulated learning skills. We compare this…

The Impact of Flexible Interdisciplinary Block Scheduling on Reading Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caplinger, Robert T.

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the use of a middle school flexible interdisciplinary block schedule would increase eighth-grade students' reading scores, as measured by the Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (OAKS). A 90-minute middle school flexible interdisciplinary block schedule served as the independent variable and…

Large-area high-efficiency flexible PHOLED lighting panels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, Huiqing; Mandlik, Prashant; Levermore, Peter A.; Silvernail, Jeff; Ma, Ruiqing; Brown, Julie J.

2012-09-01

Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) provide various attractive features for next generation illumination systems, including high efficiency, low power, thin and flexible form factor. In this work, we incorporated phosphorescent emitters and demonstrated highly efficient white phosphorescent OLED (PHOLED) devices on flexible plastic substrates. The 0.94 cm2 small-area device has total thickness of approximately 0.25 mm and achieved 63 lm/W at 1,000 cd/m2 with CRI = 85 and CCT = 2920 K. We further designed and fabricated a 15 cm x 15 cm large-area flexible white OLED lighting panels, finished with a hybrid single-layer ultra-low permeability single layer barrier (SLB) encapsulation film. The flexible panel has an active area of 116.4 cm2, and achieved a power efficacy of 47 lm/W at 1,000 cd/m2 with CRI = 83 and CCT = 3470 K. The efficacy of the panel at 3,000 cd/m2 is 43 lm/W. The large-area flexible PHOLED lighting panel is to bring out enormous possibilities to the future general lighting applications.

Sub-pixel localisation of passive micro-coil fiducial markers in interventional MRI.

PubMed

Rea, Marc; McRobbie, Donald; Elhawary, Haytham; Tse, Zion T H; Lamperth, Michael; Young, Ian

2009-04-01

Electromechanical devices enable increased accuracy in surgical procedures, and the recent development of MRI-compatible mechatronics permits the use of MRI for real-time image guidance. Integrated imaging of resonant micro-coil fiducials provides an accurate method of tracking devices in a scanner with increased flexibility compared to gradient tracking. Here we report on the ability of ten different image-processing algorithms to track micro-coil fiducials with sub-pixel accuracy. Five algorithms: maximum pixel, barycentric weighting, linear interpolation, quadratic fitting and Gaussian fitting were applied both directly to the pixel intensity matrix and to the cross-correlation matrix obtained by 2D convolution with a reference image. Using images of a 3 mm fiducial marker and a pixel size of 1.1 mm, intensity linear interpolation, which calculates the position of the fiducial centre by interpolating the pixel data to find the fiducial edges, was found to give the best performance for minimal computing power; a maximum error of 0.22 mm was observed in fiducial localisation for displacements up to 40 mm. The inherent standard deviation of fiducial localisation was 0.04 mm. This work enables greater accuracy to be achieved in passive fiducial tracking.

An analysis of the surface-normal coupling efficiency of a metal grating coupler embedded in a Scotch tape optical waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrios, Carlos Angulo; Canalejas-Tejero, Víctor

2017-01-01

The coupling efficiency at normal incidence of recently demonstrated aluminum grating couplers integrated in flexible Scotch tape waveguides has been analyzed theoretically and experimentally. Finite difference time domain (FDTD) and rigorously coupled wave analysis (RCWA) methods have been used to optimize the dimensions (duty cycle and metal thickness) of Scotch tape-embedded 1D Al gratings for maximum coupling at 635 nm wavelength. Good dimension and tape refractive index tolerances are predicted. FDTD simulations reveal the incident beam width and impinging position (alignment) values that avoid rediffraction and thus maximize the coupling efficiency. A 1D Al diffraction grating integrated into a Scotch tape optical waveguide has been fabricated and characterized. The fabrication process, based on pattern transfer, has been optimized to allow complete Al grating transfer onto the Scotch tape waveguide. A maximum coupling efficiency of 20% for TM-polarized normal incidence has been measured, which is in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. The measured coupling efficiency is further increased up to 28% for TM polarization under oblique incidence. Temperature dependence measurements have been also achieved and related to the simulations results and fabrication procedure.

Managing a work-life balance: the experiences of midwives working in a group practice setting.

PubMed

Fereday, Jennifer; Oster, Candice

2010-06-01

To explore how a group of midwives achieved a work-life balance working within a caseload model of care with flexible work hours and on-call work. in-depth interviews were conducted and the data were analysed using a data-driven thematic analysis technique. Children, Youth and Women's Health Service (CYWHS) (previously Women's and Children's Hospital), Adelaide, where a midwifery service known as Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) offers a caseload model of care to women within a midwife-managed unit. 17 midwives who were currently working, or had previously worked, in MGP. analysis of the midwives' individual experiences provided insight into how midwives managed the flexible hours and on-call work to achieve a sustainable work-life balance within a caseload model of care. it is important for midwives working in MGP to actively manage the flexibility of their role with time on call. Organisational, team and individual structure influenced how flexibility of hours was managed; however, a period of adjustment was required to achieve this balance. the study findings offer a description of effective, sustainable strategies to manage flexible hours and on-call work that may assist other midwives working in a similar role or considering this type of work setting. Copyright 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The maximum vector-angular margin classifier and its fast training on large datasets using a core vector machine.

PubMed

Hu, Wenjun; Chung, Fu-Lai; Wang, Shitong

2012-03-01

Although pattern classification has been extensively studied in the past decades, how to effectively solve the corresponding training on large datasets is a problem that still requires particular attention. Many kernelized classification methods, such as SVM and SVDD, can be formulated as the corresponding quadratic programming (QP) problems, but computing the associated kernel matrices requires O(n2)(or even up to O(n3)) computational complexity, where n is the size of the training patterns, which heavily limits the applicability of these methods for large datasets. In this paper, a new classification method called the maximum vector-angular margin classifier (MAMC) is first proposed based on the vector-angular margin to find an optimal vector c in the pattern feature space, and all the testing patterns can be classified in terms of the maximum vector-angular margin ρ, between the vector c and all the training data points. Accordingly, it is proved that the kernelized MAMC can be equivalently formulated as the kernelized Minimum Enclosing Ball (MEB), which leads to a distinctive merit of MAMC, i.e., it has the flexibility of controlling the sum of support vectors like v-SVC and may be extended to a maximum vector-angular margin core vector machine (MAMCVM) by connecting the core vector machine (CVM) method with MAMC such that the corresponding fast training on large datasets can be effectively achieved. Experimental results on artificial and real datasets are provided to validate the power of the proposed methods. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Superwettability-Induced Confined Reaction toward High-Performance Flexible Electrodes.

PubMed

Xiong, Weiwei; Liu, Hongliang; Zhou, Yahong; Ding, Yi; Zhang, Xiqi; Jiang, Lei

2016-05-18

To find a general strategy to realize confinement of the conductive layer for high-performance flexible electrodes, with improved interfacial adhesion and high conductivity, is of important scientific significance. In this work, superwettability-induced confined reaction is used to fabricate high-performance flexible Ag/polymer electrodes, showing significantly improved silver conversion efficiency and interfacial adhesion. The as-prepared flexible electrodes by superhydrophilic polymeric surface under oil are highly conductive with an order of magnitude higher than the Ag/polymer electrodes obtained from original polymeric surface. The high conductivity achieved via superhydrophilic confinement is ascribed to the fact that the superhydrophilic polymeric surface can enhance the reaction rate of silver deposition and reduce the size of silver nanoparticles to achieve the densest packing. This new approach will provide a simple method to fabricate flexible and highly conductive Ag/polymer electrodes with excellent adhesion between the conductive layer and the substrate, and can be extended to other metal/polymeric electrodes or alloy/polymeric electrodes.

Robust lateral blended-wing-body aircraft feedback control design using a parameterized LFR model and DGK-iteration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schirrer, A.; Westermayer, C.; Hemedi, M.; Kozek, M.

2013-12-01

This paper shows control design results, performance, and limitations of robust lateral control law designs based on the DGK-iteration mixed-μ-synthesis procedure for a large, flexible blended wing body (BWB) passenger aircraft. The aircraft dynamics is preshaped by a low-complexity inner loop control law providing stabilization, basic response shaping, and flexible mode damping. The μ controllers are designed to further improve vibration damping of the main flexible modes by exploiting the structure of the arising significant parameter-dependent plant variations. This is achieved by utilizing parameterized Linear Fractional Representations (LFR) of the aircraft rigid and flexible dynamics. Designs with various levels of LFR complexity are carried out and discussed, showing the achieved performance improvement over the initial controller and their robustness and complexity properties.

The costs and benefits of flexibility as an expression of behavioural plasticity: a primate perspective.

PubMed

van Schaik, Carel P

2013-05-19

Traditional neo-Darwinism ascribes geographical variation in morphology or in behaviour to varying selection on local genotypes. However, mobile and long-lived organisms cannot achieve local adaptation this way, leading to a renewed interest in plasticity. I examined geographical variation in orang-utan subsistence and social behaviour, and found this to be largely owing to behavioural plasticity, here called flexibility, both in the form of flexible individual decisions and of socially transmitted (cultural) innovations. Although comparison with other species is difficult, the extent of such flexibility is almost certainly limited by brain size. It is shown that brains can only increase relative to body size where the cognitive benefits they produce are reliably translated into improved survival rate. This means that organisms that are very small, face many predators, live in highly seasonal environments, or lack opportunities for social learning cannot evolve greater flexibility, and must achieve local adaptation through selection on specific genotypes. On the other hand, as body and brain size increase, local adaptation is increasingly achieved through selection on plasticity. The species involved are also generally those that most need it, being more mobile and longer-lived. Although high plasticity buffers against environmental change, the most flexible organisms face a clear limit because they respond slowly to selection. Thus, paradoxically, the largest-brained animals may actually be vulnerable to the more drastic forms of environmental change, such as those induced by human actions.

Investment Vehicles for School Funds.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holman, Paul C.

1987-01-01

School administrators are advised to invest school funds for maximum return, coupled with safety and flexibility. The advantages and disadvantages of a variety of investment instruments are explained. (MLF)

Electrostatic-Interaction-Assisted Construction of 3D Networks of Manganese Dioxide Nanosheets for Flexible High-Performance Solid-State Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Liu, Na; Su, Yanli; Wang, Zhiqiang; Wang, Zhen; Xia, Jinsong; Chen, Yong; Zhao, Zhigang; Li, Qingwen; Geng, Fengxia

2017-08-22

A three-dimensional (3D) macroscopic network of manganese oxide (MnO 2 ) sheets was synthesized by an easily scalable solution approach, grafting the negatively charged surfaces of the MnO 2 sheets with an aniline monomer by electrostatic interactions followed by a quick chemical oxidizing polymerization reaction. The obtained structure possessed MnO 2 sheets interconnected with polyaniline chains, producing a 3D monolith rich in mesopores. The MnO 2 sheets had almost all their reactive centers exposed on the electrode surface, and combined with the electron transport highways provided by polyaniline and the shortened diffusion paths provided by the porous structure, the deliberately designed electrode achieved an excellent capacitance of 762 F g -1 at a current of 1 A g -1 and cycling performance with a capacity retention of 90% over 8000 cycles. Furthermore, a flexible asymmetric supercapacitor based on the constructed electrode and activated carbon serving as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively, was successfully fabricated, delivering a maximum energy density of 40.2 Wh kg -1 (0.113 Wh cm -2 ) and power density of 6227.0 W kg -1 (17.44 W cm -2 ) in a potential window of 0-1.7 V in a PVA/Na 2 SO 4 gel electrolyte.

Framework for teleoperated microassembly systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinhart, Gunther; Anton, Oliver; Ehrenstrasser, Michael; Patron, Christian; Petzold, Bernd

2002-02-01

Manual assembly of minute parts is currently done using simple devices such as tweezers or magnifying glasses. The operator therefore requires a great deal of concentration for successful assembly. Teleoperated micro-assembly systems are a promising method for overcoming the scaling barrier. However, most of today's telepresence systems are based on proprietary and one-of-a-kind solutions. Frameworks which supply the basic functions of a telepresence system, e.g. to establish flexible communication links that depend on bandwidth requirements or to synchronize distributed components, are not currently available. Large amounts of time and money have to be invested in order to create task-specific teleoperated micro-assembly systems from scratch. For this reason, an object-oriented framework for telepresence systems that is based on CORBA as a common middleware was developed at the Institute for Machine Tools and Industrial Management (iwb). The framework is based on a distributed architectural concept and is realized in C++. External hardware components such as haptic, video or sensor devices are coupled to the system by means of defined software interfaces. In this case, the special requirements of teleoperation systems have to be considered, e.g. dynamic parameter settings for sensors during operation. Consequently, an architectural concept based on logical sensors has been developed to achieve maximum flexibility and to enable a task-oriented integration of hardware components.

How preschool executive functioning predicts several aspects of math achievement in Grades 1 and 3: A longitudinal study.

PubMed

Viterbori, Paola; Usai, M Carmen; Traverso, Laura; De Franchis, Valentina

2015-12-01

This longitudinal study analyzes whether selected components of executive function (EF) measured during the preschool period predict several indices of math achievement in primary school. Six EF measures were assessed in a sample of 5-year-old children (N = 175). The math achievement of the same children was then tested in Grades 1 and 3 using both a composite math score and three single indices of written calculation, arithmetical facts, and problem solving. Using previous results obtained from the same sample of children, a confirmatory factor analysis examining the latent EF structure in kindergarten indicated that a two-factor model provided the best fit for the data. In this model, inhibition and working memory (WM)-flexibility were separate dimensions. A full structural equation model was then used to test the hypothesis that math achievement (the composite math score and single math scores) in Grades 1 and 3 could be explained by the two EF components comprising the kindergarten model. The results indicate that the WM-flexibility component measured during the preschool period substantially predicts mathematical achievement, especially in Grade 3. The math composite scores were predicted by the WM-flexibility factor at both grade levels. In Grade 3, both problem solving and arithmetical facts were predicted by the WM-flexibility component. The results empirically support interventions that target EF as an important component of early childhood mathematics education. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Highly Flexible and Planar Supercapacitors Using Graphite Flakes/Polypyrrole in Polymer Lapping Film.

PubMed

Raj, C Justin; Kim, Byung Chul; Cho, Won-Je; Lee, Won-gil; Jung, Sang-Don; Kim, Yong Hee; Park, Sang Yeop; Yu, Kook Hyun

2015-06-24

Flexible supercapacitor electrodes have been fabricated by simple fabrication technique using graphite nanoflakes on polymer lapping films as flexible substrate. An additional thin layer of conducting polymer polypyrrole over the electrode improved the surface conductivity and exhibited excellent electrochemical performances. Such capacitor films showed better energy density and power density with a maximum capacitance value of 37 mF cm(-2) in a half cell configuration using 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte, 23 mF cm(-2) in full cell, and 6 mF cm(-2) as planar cell configuration using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/phosphoric acid (H3PO4) solid state electrolyte. Moreover, the graphite nanoflakes/polypyrrole over polymer lapping film demonstrated good flexibility and cyclic stability.

The forming simulation of flexible glass with silt down draw method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yansheng, Hou; Jinshu, Cheng; Junfeng, Kang; Jing, Cui

2018-03-01

The slit down draw method is the main manufacturing process of flexible glass. In this study, Flow3DTM software was used to simulate the process of drawing and thinning glass slits during the slit down draw process. The influence of glass viscosity, initial plate thickness and initial plate speed on the glass spreading process was studied. The maximum pull-down force that the root can bear is linearly proportional to the viscosity, the initial thickness of 1.3837 power and the initial plate speed, respectively. The best way to improve the tensile strength of flexible glass is to increase the viscosity. Flexible glass was more easily to obtain with low viscosity, low thickness and low drawing speed.

Intervertebral disc adaptation to wedging deformation.

PubMed

Stokes, Ian A F; Aronsson, David D; Clark, Katherine C; Roemhildt, Maria L

2006-01-01

Although scoliosis includes wedge deformities of both vertebrae and discs, little is known about the causes of the discal changes, and whether they result from mechanical influences on growth and/or remodelling. An external apparatus attached to transvertebral pins applied compression and 15 degrees of angulation to each of two adjacent young rat caudal intervertebral discs for 5 weeks (four animals), or for 10 weeks (four animals). Each week, micro-CT scanning documented the in vivo discal wedging. After euthanasia, tail segments (three vertebrae and the 2 angulated discs) were excised and their flexibility was measured over a range of lateral bending. The angle of maximum flexibility was recorded. Then discs were fixed in situ (with the external apparatus in place) and sectioned for polarized light microscopy. The disc-wedging deformity averaged 15 degrees initially, it averaged 20 degrees after 5 weeks, and then reduced to 10 degrees (in 10 week animals). The lateral bending flexibility showed a distinct maximum at an average of 1.1 degrees from the in vivo position in the 5-week animals, indicating structural remodeling of the discs almost to the deformed geometry. The 10-week animals had maximum flexibility at 1.4 degrees from the in vivo position (no significant difference between 5 and 10-week animals.) Collagen crimp angles [Cassidy et al., Conn Tiss Res 1989, 23:75-88] were not significantly different between convex and concave sides, again suggesting that remodeling had occurred. In a mechanically induced scoliosis deformity in skeletally immature rats, the intervertebral discs underwent remodeling within 5 weeks. This indicates that this animal model is suitable for studying adaptive wedging changes in human scoliosis.

Numerical Simulation of the Vortex-Induced Vibration of A Curved Flexible Riser in Shear Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Hong-jun; Lin, Peng-zhi

2018-06-01

A series of fully three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulations of flow past a free-to-oscillate curved flexible riser in shear flow were conducted at Reynolds number of 185-1015. The numerical results obtained by the two-way fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations are in good agreement with the experimental results reported in the earlier study. It is further found that the frequency transition is out of phase not only in the inline (IL) and crossflow (CF) directions but also along the span direction. The mode competition leads to the non-zero nodes of the rootmean- square (RMS) amplitude and the relatively chaotic trajectories. The fluid-structure interaction is to some extent reflected by the transverse velocity of the ambient fluid, which reaches the maximum value when the riser reaches the equilibrium position. Moreover, the local maximum transverse velocities occur at the peak CF amplitudes, and the values are relatively large when the vibration is in the resonance regions. The 3D vortex columns are shed nearly parallel to the axis of the curved flexible riser. As the local Reynolds number increases from 0 at the bottom of the riser to the maximum value at the top, the wake undergoes a transition from a two-dimensional structure to a 3D one. More irregular small-scale vortices appeared at the wake region of the riser, undergoing large amplitude responses.

Executive functioning and reading achievement in school: a study of Brazilian children assessed by their teachers as "poor readers".

PubMed

Engel de Abreu, Pascale M J; Abreu, Neander; Nikaedo, Carolina C; Puglisi, Marina L; Tourinho, Carlos J; Miranda, Mônica C; Befi-Lopes, Debora M; Bueno, Orlando F A; Martin, Romain

2014-01-01

This study examined executive functioning and reading achievement in 106 6- to 8-year-old Brazilian children from a range of social backgrounds of whom approximately half lived below the poverty line. A particular focus was to explore the executive function profile of children whose classroom reading performance was judged below standard by their teachers and who were matched to controls on chronological age, sex, school type (private or public), domicile (Salvador/BA or São Paulo/SP) and socioeconomic status. Children completed a battery of 12 executive function tasks that were conceptual tapping cognitive flexibility, working memory, inhibition and selective attention. Each executive function domain was assessed by several tasks. Principal component analysis extracted four factors that were labeled "Working Memory/Cognitive Flexibility," "Interference Suppression," "Selective Attention," and "Response Inhibition." Individual differences in executive functioning components made differential contributions to early reading achievement. The Working Memory/Cognitive Flexibility factor emerged as the best predictor of reading. Group comparisons on computed factor scores showed that struggling readers displayed limitations in Working Memory/Cognitive Flexibility, but not in other executive function components, compared to more skilled readers. These results validate the account that working memory capacity provides a crucial building block for the development of early literacy skills and extends it to a population of early readers of Portuguese from Brazil. The study suggests that deficits in working memory/cognitive flexibility might represent one contributing factor to reading difficulties in early readers. This might have important implications for how educators might intervene with children at risk of academic under achievement.

Flexible thin-film battery based on graphene-oxide embedded in solid polymer electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kammoun, M.; Berg, S.; Ardebili, H.

2015-10-01

Enhanced safety of flexible batteries is an imperative objective due to the intimate interaction of such devices with human organs such as flexible batteries that are integrated with touch-screens or embedded in clothing or space suits. In this study, the fabrication and testing of a high performance thin-film Li-ion battery (LIB) is reported that is both flexible and relatively safer compared to the conventional electrolyte based batteries. The concept is facilitated by the use of solid polymer nanocomposite electrolyte, specifically, composed of polyethylene oxide (PEO) matrix and 1 wt% graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. The flexible LIB exhibits a high maximum operating voltage of 4.9 V, high capacity of 0.13 mA h cm-2 and an energy density of 4.8 mW h cm-3. The battery is encapsulated using a simple lamination method that is economical and scalable. The laminated battery shows robust mechanical flexibility over 6000 bending cycles and excellent electrochemical performance in both flat and bent configurations. Finite element analysis (FEA) of the LIB provides critical insights into the evolution of mechanical stresses during lamination and bending.Enhanced safety of flexible batteries is an imperative objective due to the intimate interaction of such devices with human organs such as flexible batteries that are integrated with touch-screens or embedded in clothing or space suits. In this study, the fabrication and testing of a high performance thin-film Li-ion battery (LIB) is reported that is both flexible and relatively safer compared to the conventional electrolyte based batteries. The concept is facilitated by the use of solid polymer nanocomposite electrolyte, specifically, composed of polyethylene oxide (PEO) matrix and 1 wt% graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. The flexible LIB exhibits a high maximum operating voltage of 4.9 V, high capacity of 0.13 mA h cm-2 and an energy density of 4.8 mW h cm-3. The battery is encapsulated using a simple lamination method that is economical and scalable. The laminated battery shows robust mechanical flexibility over 6000 bending cycles and excellent electrochemical performance in both flat and bent configurations. Finite element analysis (FEA) of the LIB provides critical insights into the evolution of mechanical stresses during lamination and bending. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr04339e

Flexible and Stretchable Physical Sensor Integrated Platforms for Wearable Human-Activity Monitoringand Personal Healthcare.

PubMed

Trung, Tran Quang; Lee, Nae-Eung

2016-06-01

Flexible and stretchable physical sensors that can measure and quantify electrical signals generated by human activities are attracting a great deal of attention as they have unique characteristics, such as ultrathinness, low modulus, light weight, high flexibility, and stretchability. These flexible and stretchable physical sensors conformally attached on the surface of organs or skin can provide a new opportunity for human-activity monitoring and personal healthcare. Consequently, in recent years there has been considerable research effort devoted to the development of flexible and stretchable physical sensors to fulfill the requirements of future technology, and much progress has been achieved. Here, the most recent developments of flexible and stretchable physical sensors are described, including temperature, pressure, and strain sensors, and flexible and stretchable sensor-integrated platforms. The latest successful examples of flexible and stretchable physical sensors for the detection of temperature, pressure, and strain, as well as their novel structures, technological innovations, and challenges, are reviewed first. In the next section, recent progress regarding sensor-integrated wearable platforms is overviewed in detail. Some of the latest achievements regarding self-powered sensor-integrated wearable platform technologies are also reviewed. Further research direction and challenges are also proposed to develop a fully sensor-integrated wearable platform for monitoring human activity and personal healthcare in the near future. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Immediate effect of passive and active stretching on hamstrings flexibility: a single-blinded randomized control trial.

PubMed

Nishikawa, Yuichi; Aizawa, Junya; Kanemura, Naohiko; Takahashi, Tetsuya; Hosomi, Naohisa; Maruyama, Hirofumi; Kimura, Hiroaki; Matsumoto, Masayasu; Takayanagi, Kiyomi

2015-10-01

[Purpose] This study compared the efficacy of passive and active stretching techniques on hamstring flexibility. [Subjects] Fifty-four healthy young subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups (2 treatment groups and 1 control group). [Methods] Subjects in the passive stretching group had their knees extended by an examiner while lying supine 90° of hip flexion. In the same position, subjects in the active stretching group extended their knees. The groups performed 3 sets of the assigned stretch, with each stretch held for 10 seconds at the point where tightness in the hamstring muscles was felt. Subjects in the control group did not perform stretching. Before and immediately after stretching, hamstring flexibility was assessed by a blinded assessor, using the active knee-extension test. [Results] After stretching, there was a significant improvement in the hamstring flexibilities of the active and passive stretching groups compared with the control group. Furthermore, the passive stretching group showed significantly greater improvement in hamstring flexibility than the active stretching group. [Conclusion] Improvement in hamstring flexibility measured by the active knee-extension test was achieved by both stretching techniques; however, passive stretching was more effective than active stretching at achieving an immediate increase in hamstring flexibility.

Optimizing the Operation of Windfarms, Energy Storage and Flexible Loads in Modern Power Systems and Deregulated Electricity Markets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dar, Zamiyad

The amount of wind energy in power systems is increasing at a significant rate. With this increased penetration, there are certain problems associated with the operation of windfarms which need careful attention. In the operations side, the wake effects of upstream wind turbines on downstream wind turbines can cause a reduction in the total generated power of a windfarm. On the market side, the fluctuation of real-time prices can make the operation of windfarms less profitable. Similarly, the intermittent nature of wind power prevents the windfarms from participating in the day-ahead and forward markets. On the system side, the volatile nature of wind speeds is also an obstacle for windfarms to provide frequency regulation to the system. In this thesis, we address these issues and optimize the operation of windfarms in power systems and deregulated electricity markets. First, the total power generation in a windfarm is maximized by using yaw angle of wind turbines as a control variable. We extend the existing wake models to include the effects of yaw misalignment and wake deflection of wind turbines. A numerical study is performed to find the optimal values of induction factor and yaw misalignment angle of wind turbines in a single row of a windfarm for achieving the maximum total power with wake effects. The numerical study shows that the maximum power is achieved by keeping the induction factor close to 1/3 and only changing the yaw angle to deflect the wake. We then propose a Dynamic Programming Framework (DPF) to maximize the total power production of a windfarm using yaw angle as the control variable. We compare the windfarm efficiency achieved with our DPF with the efficiency values obtained through greedy control strategy and induction factor optimization. We also extend our expressions to a windfarm with multiple rows and columns of turbines and perform simulations on the 3x3 and 4x4 grid topologies. Our results show that the optimal induction factor for most turbines is quite close to 1/3 and yaw angle acts as the dominant optimization variable. In the next part of this dissertation, a system comprising of a windfarm and energy storage operating in real-time electricity markets is studied. An Energy-balancing Threshold Price (ETP) policy is proposed to maximize the revenue of a windfarm with on-site storage. We propose and analyze a scheme for a windfarm to store or sell energy based on a threshold price. The threshold price is calculated based on long-term distributions of the electricity price and wind power generation processes, and is chosen so as to balance the energy flows in and out of the storage-equipped windfarm. It is also shown mathematically that the proposed policy is optimal in terms of the long-term revenue generated. Comparing it with the optimal policy that has knowledge of the future, we observe that the revenue obtained by the proposed ETP policy is approximately 90% of the maximum attainable revenue at a storage capacity of 10-15 times the power rating of the windfarm. The intermittent nature of wind power is a hindrance to the efficient participation of windfarms in the day-ahead and forward electricity markets. In this regard, a flexible forward contract is proposed in this dissertation which allows the windfarms to enter into a forward contract with flexible load with an option to deviate from the contracted amount of power. Using such a flexible contract would allow the windfarms to supply more or less than the contracted amount of power in case of unexpected wind conditions or real-time prices. We also propose models for forecasting wind power and real-time electricity prices. The comparison between the proposed contracting framework and a simple fixed contract (currently existing in the market) for different levels of flexibility and load shows that there is a net gain in windfarm revenues, if the transaction price of the two contracts are set equal. Lastly, we present and analyze distributed control schemes for frequency regulation in a smart grid using energy storage, wind generators, demand response and conventional generators while having no communication or data sharing between them. We also propose a novel control scheme for frequency support by energy storage in which the power output of energy storage changes proportionally with the reduction in its available energy. The application of the proposed control schemes indicates an improvement in system frequency characteristics, when there is a sudden net loss of generation.

Flexible pressure sensors for burnt skin patient monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Gwang-Wook; Kim, Se-Hoon; Kim, Joo-Hyung

2015-04-01

To monitor hypertrophic scars in burnt skin we proposed and demonstrated a hybrid polymer/carbon tube-based flexible pressure sensor. To monitor the pressure on skin by measurement, we were focusing on the fabrication of a well-defined hybrid polydimethylsiloxsane/functionalized multi-walled carbon tube array formed on the patterned interdigital transducer in a controllable way for the application of flexible pressure sensing devices. As a result, the detection at the pressure of 20 mmHg is achieved, which is a suggested optimal value of resistance for sensing pressure. It should be noted that the achieved value of resistance at the pressure of 20 mmHg is highly desirable for the further development of sensitive flexible pressure sensors. In addition we demonstrate a feasibility of a wearable pressure sensor which can be in real-time detection of local pressure by wireless communication module. Keywords:

Mechanism Design and Testing of a Self-Deploying Structure Using Flexible Composite Tape Springs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Footdale, Joseph N.; Murphey, Thomas W.

2014-01-01

The detailed mechanical design of a novel deployable support structure that positions and tensions a membrane optic for space imagining applications is presented. This is a complex three-dimensional deployment using freely deploying rollable composite tape spring booms that become load bearing structural members at full deployment. The deployment tests successfully demonstrate a new architecture based on rolled and freely deployed composite tape spring members that achieve simultaneous deployment without mechanical synchronization. Proper design of the flexible component mounting interface and constraint systems, which were critical in achieving a functioning unit, are described. These flexible composite components have much potential for advancing the state of the art in deployable structures, but have yet to be widely adopted. This paper demonstrates the feasibility and advantages of implementing flexible composite components, including the design details on how to integrate with required traditional mechanisms.

Flexible microwave PIN diodes and switches employing transferrable single-crystal Si nanomembranes on plastic substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Guoxuan; Yuan, Hao-Chih; Celler, George K.; Zhou, Weidong; Ma, Zhenqiang

2009-12-01

This paper reports the realization of flexible RF/microwave PIN diodes and switches using transferrable single-crystal Si nanomembranes (SiNM) that are monolithically integrated on low-cost, flexible plastic substrates. High frequency response is obtained through the realization of low parasitic resistance achieved with heavy ion implantation before nanomembrane release and transfer. The flexible lateral SiNM PIN diodes exhibit typical rectifying characteristics with insertion loss and isolation better than 0.9 dB and 19.6 dB, respectively, from DC to 5 GHz, as well as power handling up to 22.5 dBm without gain compression. A single-pole single-throw (SPST) flexible RF switch employing shunt-series PIN diode configuration has achieved insertion loss and isolation better than 0.6 dB and 22.9 dB, respectively, from DC to 5 GHz. Furthermore, the SPST microwave switch shows performance improvement and robustness under mechanical deformation conditions. The study demonstrates the considerable potential of using properly processed transferrable SiNM for microwave passive components. Future investigations on transferrable SiNMs will lead to eventual realization of monolithic microwave integrated systems on low-cost flexible substrates.

Integration of a capacitive pressure sensing system into the outer catheter wall for coronary artery FFR measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stam, Frank; Kuisma, Heikki; Gao, Feng; Saarilahti, Jaakko; Gomes Martins, David; Kärkkäinen, Anu; Marrinan, Brendan; Pintal, Sebastian

2017-05-01

The deadliest disease in the world is coronary artery disease (CAD), which is related to a narrowing (stenosis) of blood vessels due to fatty deposits, plaque, on the arterial walls. The level of stenosis in the coronary arteries can be assessed by Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) measurements. This involves determining the ratio between the maximum achievable blood flow in a diseased coronary artery and the theoretical maximum flow in a normal coronary artery. The blood flow is represented by a pressure drop, thus a pressure wire or pressure sensor integrated in a catheter can be used to calculate the ratio between the coronary pressure distal to the stenosis and the normal coronary pressure. A 2 Fr (0.67mm) outer diameter catheter was used, which required a high level of microelectronics miniaturisation to fit a pressure sensing system into the outer wall. The catheter has an eccentric guidewire lumen with a diameter of 0.43mm, which implies that the thickest catheter wall section provides less than 210 microns height for flex assembly integration consisting of two dies, a capacitive MEMS pressure sensor and an ASIC. In order to achieve this a very thin circuit flex was used, and the two chips were thinned down to 75 microns and flip chip mounted face down on the flex. Many challenges were involved in obtaining a flex layout that could wrap into a small tube without getting the dies damaged, while still maintaining enough flexibility for the catheter to navigate the arterial system.

Fixed Point Learning Based Intelligent Traffic Control System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zongyao, Wang; Cong, Sui; Cheng, Shao

2017-10-01

Fixed point learning has become an important tool to analyse large scale distributed system such as urban traffic network. This paper presents a fixed point learning based intelligence traffic network control system. The system applies convergence property of fixed point theorem to optimize the traffic flow density. The intelligence traffic control system achieves maximum road resources usage by averaging traffic flow density among the traffic network. The intelligence traffic network control system is built based on decentralized structure and intelligence cooperation. No central control is needed to manage the system. The proposed system is simple, effective and feasible for practical use. The performance of the system is tested via theoretical proof and simulations. The results demonstrate that the system can effectively solve the traffic congestion problem and increase the vehicles average speed. It also proves that the system is flexible, reliable and feasible for practical use.

Parallel volume ray-casting for unstructured-grid data on distributed-memory architectures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, Kwan-Liu

1995-01-01

As computing technology continues to advance, computational modeling of scientific and engineering problems produces data of increasing complexity: large in size and unstructured in shape. Volume visualization of such data is a challenging problem. This paper proposes a distributed parallel solution that makes ray-casting volume rendering of unstructured-grid data practical. Both the data and the rendering process are distributed among processors. At each processor, ray-casting of local data is performed independent of the other processors. The global image composing processes, which require inter-processor communication, are overlapped with the local ray-casting processes to achieve maximum parallel efficiency. This algorithm differs from previous ones in four ways: it is completely distributed, less view-dependent, reasonably scalable, and flexible. Without using dynamic load balancing, test results on the Intel Paragon using from two to 128 processors show, on average, about 60% parallel efficiency.

Ultrasensitive sensing with three-dimensional terahertz metamaterial absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Siyu; Yan, Fengping; Wang, Wei; Zhou, Hong; Hou, Yafei

2018-05-01

Planar metasurfaces and metamaterial absorbers have shown great promise for label-free sensing applications at microwaves, optical and terahertz frequencies. The realization of high-quality-factor resonance in these structures is of significant interest to enhance the sensing sensitivities to detect minute frequency shifts. We propose and demonstrate in this manuscript an ultrasensitive terahertz metamaterial absorber sensor based on a three-dimensional split ring resonator absorber with a high quality factor of 60.09. The sensing performance of the proposed absorber sensor was systematically investigated through detailed numerical calculations and a maximum refractive index sensitivity of 34.40% RIU‑1 was obtained. Furthermore, the absorber sensor can maintain a high sensitivity for a wide range of incidence angles up to 60° under TM polarization incidence. These findings would improve the design flexibility of the absorber sensors and further open up new avenues to achieve ultrasensitive sensing in the terahertz regime.

The Effect of Executive Function on Science Achievement Among Normally Developing 10-Year Olds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lederman, Sheri G.

Executive function (EF) is an umbrella term used to identify a set of discrete but interrelated cognitive abilities that enable individuals to engage in goal-directed, future-oriented action in response to a novel context. Developmental studies indicate that EF is predictive of reading and math achievement in middle childhood. The purpose of this study was to identify the association between EF and science achievement among normally developing 10 year olds. A sample of fifth grade students from a Northeastern suburban community participated in tests of EF, science, and intelligence. Consistent with adult models of EF, principal components analysis identified a three-factor model of EF organization in middle childhood, including cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibition. Multiple regression analyses revealed that executive function processes of cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibition were all predictive of science performance. Post hoc analyses revealed that high-performing science students differed significantly from low-performing students in both cognitive flexibility and working memory. These findings suggest that complex academic demands specific to science achievement rely on the emergence and maturation of EF components.

Scientific Analysis and Documentation Provided by EPA Regional Labs

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The 10 EPA Regional laboratories provide maximum flexibility to support Agency response to natural disasters and emergencies by developing effective approaches for a wide range of analytical challenges.

A Distributed Trajectory-Oriented Approach to Managing Traffic Complexity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Idris, Husni; Wing, David J.; Vivona, Robert; Garcia-Chico, Jose-Luis

2007-01-01

In order to handle the expected increase in air traffic volume, the next generation air transportation system is moving towards a distributed control architecture, in which ground-based service providers such as controllers and traffic managers and air-based users such as pilots share responsibility for aircraft trajectory generation and management. While its architecture becomes more distributed, the goal of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) system remains to achieve objectives such as maintaining safety and efficiency. It is, therefore, critical to design appropriate control elements to ensure that aircraft and groundbased actions result in achieving these objectives without unduly restricting user-preferred trajectories. This paper presents a trajectory-oriented approach containing two such elements. One is a trajectory flexibility preservation function, by which aircraft plan their trajectories to preserve flexibility to accommodate unforeseen events. And the other is a trajectory constraint minimization function by which ground-based agents, in collaboration with air-based agents, impose just-enough restrictions on trajectories to achieve ATM objectives, such as separation assurance and flow management. The underlying hypothesis is that preserving trajectory flexibility of each individual aircraft naturally achieves the aggregate objective of avoiding excessive traffic complexity, and that trajectory flexibility is increased by minimizing constraints without jeopardizing the intended ATM objectives. The paper presents conceptually how the two functions operate in a distributed control architecture that includes self separation. The paper illustrates the concept through hypothetical scenarios involving conflict resolution and flow management. It presents a functional analysis of the interaction and information flow between the functions. It also presents an analytical framework for defining metrics and developing methods to preserve trajectory flexibility and minimize its constraints. In this framework flexibility is defined in terms of robustness and adaptability to disturbances and the impact of constraints is illustrated through analysis of a trajectory solution space with limited degrees of freedom and in simple constraint situations involving meeting multiple times of arrival and resolving a conflict.

Flexible Solar Cells Using Doped Crystalline Si Film Prepared by Self-Biased Sputtering Solid Doping Source in SiCl4/H2 Microwave Plasma.

PubMed

Hsieh, Ping-Yen; Lee, Chi-Young; Tai, Nyan-Hwa

2016-02-01

We developed an innovative approach of self-biased sputtering solid doping source process to synthesize doped crystalline Si film on flexible polyimide (PI) substrate via microwave-plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MWPECVD) using SiCl4/H2 mixture. In this process, P dopants or B dopants were introduced by sputtering the solid doping target through charged-ion bombardment in situ during high-density microwave plasma deposition. A strong correlation between the number of solid doping targets and the characteristics of doped Si films was investigated in detail. The results show that both P- and B-doped crystalline Si films possessed a dense columnar structure, and the crystallinity of these structures decreased with increasing the number of solid doping targets. The films also exhibited a high growth rate (>4.0 nm/s). Under optimal conditions, the maximum conductivity and corresponding carrier concentration were, respectively, 9.48 S/cm and 1.2 × 10(20) cm(-3) for P-doped Si film and 7.83 S/cm and 1.5 × 10(20) cm(-3) for B-doped Si film. Such high values indicate that the incorporation of dopant with high doping efficiency (around 40%) into the Si films was achieved regardless of solid doping sources used. Furthermore, a flexible crystalline Si film solar cell with substrate configuration was fabricated by using the structure of PI/Mo film/n-type Si film/i-type Si film/p-type Si film/ITO film/Al grid film. The best solar cell performance was obtained with an open-circuit voltage of 0.54 V, short-circuit current density of 19.18 mA/cm(2), fill factor of 0.65, and high energy conversion of 6.75%. According to the results of bending tests, the critical radius of curvature (RC) was 12.4 mm, and the loss of efficiency was less than 1% after the cyclic bending test for 100 cycles at RC, indicating superior flexibility and bending durability. These results represent important steps toward a low-cost approach to high-performance flexible crystalline Si film-based photovoltaic devices.

Advanced Liquid-Cooling Garment Using Highly Thermally Conductive Sheets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruemmele, Warren P.; Bue, Grant C.; Orndoff, Evelyne; Tang, Henry

2010-01-01

This design of the liquid-cooling garment for NASA spacesuits allows the suit to remove metabolic heat from the human body more effectively, thereby increasing comfort and performance while reducing system mass. The garment is also more flexible, with fewer restrictions on body motion, and more effectively transfers thermal energy from the crewmember s body to the external cooling unit. This improves the garment s performance in terms of the maximum environment temperature in which it can keep a crewmember comfortable. The garment uses flexible, highly thermally conductive sheet material (such as graphite), coupled with cooling water lines of improved thermal conductivity to transfer the thermal energy from the body to the liquid cooling lines more effectively. The conductive sheets can be layered differently, depending upon the heat loads, in order to provide flexibility, exceptional in-plane heat transfer, and good through-plane heat transfer. A metal foil, most likely aluminum, can be put between the graphite sheets and the external heat source/sink in order to both maximize through-plane heat transfer at the contact points, and to serve as a protection to the highly conductive sheets. Use of a wicking layer draws excess sweat away from the crewmember s skin and the use of an outer elastic fabric ensures good thermal contact of the highly conductive underlayers with the skin. This allows the current state of the art to be improved by having cooling lines that can be more widely spaced to improve suit flexibility and to reduce weight. Also, cooling liquid does not have to be as cold to achieve the same level of cooling. Specific areas on the human body can easily be targeted for greater or lesser cooling to match human physiology, a warmer external environment can be tolerated, and spatial uniformity of the cooling garment can be improved to reduce vasoconstriction limits. Elements of this innovation can be applied to other embodiments to provide effective heat transfer over a flexible and surface-conformable fashion without the limitation of fluid freeze points.

H-TiO(2) @MnO(2) //H-TiO(2) @C core-shell nanowires for high performance and flexible asymmetric supercapacitors.

PubMed

Lu, Xihong; Yu, Minghao; Wang, Gongming; Zhai, Teng; Xie, Shilei; Ling, Yichuan; Tong, Yexiang; Li, Yat

2013-01-11

A flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor device with H-TiO(2) @MnO(2) core-shell NWs as the positive electrode and H-TiO(2) @C core-shell NWs as the negative electrode is developed. This device operates in a 1.8 V voltage window and is able to deliver a high specific capacitance of 139.6 F g(-1) and maximum volumetric energy density of 0.30 mWh cm(-3) with excellent cycling performance and good flexibility. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

On the improvement for charging large-scale flexible electrostatic actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Hsu-Ching; Chen, Han-Long; Su, Yu-Hao; Chen, Yu-Chi; Ko, Wen-Ching; Liou, Chang-Ho; Wu, Wen-Jong; Lee, Chih-Kung

2011-04-01

Recently, the development of flexible electret based electrostatic actuator has been widely discussed. The devices was shown to have high sound quality, energy saving, flexible structure and can be cut to any shape. However, achieving uniform charge on the electret diaphragm is one of the most critical processes needed to have the speaker ready for large-scale production. In this paper, corona discharge equipment contains multi-corona probes and grid bias was set up to inject spatial charges within the electret diaphragm. The optimal multi-corona probes system was adjusted to achieve uniform charge distribution of electret diaphragm. The processing conditions include the distance between the corona probes, the voltages of corona probe and grid bias, etc. We assembled the flexible electret loudspeakers first and then measured their sound pressure and beam pattern. The uniform charge distribution within the electret diaphragm based flexible electret loudspeaker provided us with the opportunity to shape the loudspeaker arbitrarily and to tailor the sound distribution per specifications request. Some of the potential futuristic applications for this device such as sound poster, smart clothes, and sound wallpaper, etc. were discussed as well.

Executive functioning and reading achievement in school: a study of Brazilian children assessed by their teachers as “poor readers”

PubMed Central

Engel de Abreu, Pascale M. J.; Abreu, Neander; Nikaedo, Carolina C.; Puglisi, Marina L.; Tourinho, Carlos J.; Miranda, Mônica C.; Befi-Lopes, Debora M.; Bueno, Orlando F. A.; Martin, Romain

2014-01-01

This study examined executive functioning and reading achievement in 106 6- to 8-year-old Brazilian children from a range of social backgrounds of whom approximately half lived below the poverty line. A particular focus was to explore the executive function profile of children whose classroom reading performance was judged below standard by their teachers and who were matched to controls on chronological age, sex, school type (private or public), domicile (Salvador/BA or São Paulo/SP) and socioeconomic status. Children completed a battery of 12 executive function tasks that were conceptual tapping cognitive flexibility, working memory, inhibition and selective attention. Each executive function domain was assessed by several tasks. Principal component analysis extracted four factors that were labeled “Working Memory/Cognitive Flexibility,” “Interference Suppression,” “Selective Attention,” and “Response Inhibition.” Individual differences in executive functioning components made differential contributions to early reading achievement. The Working Memory/Cognitive Flexibility factor emerged as the best predictor of reading. Group comparisons on computed factor scores showed that struggling readers displayed limitations in Working Memory/Cognitive Flexibility, but not in other executive function components, compared to more skilled readers. These results validate the account that working memory capacity provides a crucial building block for the development of early literacy skills and extends it to a population of early readers of Portuguese from Brazil. The study suggests that deficits in working memory/cognitive flexibility might represent one contributing factor to reading difficulties in early readers. This might have important implications for how educators might intervene with children at risk of academic under achievement. PMID:24959155

The flow dynamics behind a flexible finite cylinder as a flexible agitator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yong, T. H.; Chan, H. B.; Dol, S. S.; Wee, S. K.; Kumar, P.

2017-06-01

This paper investigates the flow dynamics behind a flexible finite cylinder in a single-phase flow using a water tunnel. The cylinder was individually submerged in water at ReD = 4000, 6000 and 8000. The cylinder investigated has a AR = 10 and 16 and is made of EVA in order to achieve the lower stiffness for flexibility. A same AR of its aluminium rigid cylinder was investigated to serve as a benchmark to the flow dynamics behind a flexible cylinder. The results the downwash that hinders the transportation of vortices to the downstream was diminished. As a direct consequence of this phenomenon, the turbulence production has seen significant improvement for flexible finite cylinder.

Does SAQ training improve the speed and flexibility of young soccer players? A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Milanović, Zoran; Sporiš, Goran; Trajković, Nebojsa; Sekulić, Damir; James, Nic; Vučković, Goran

2014-12-01

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 12 week speed, agility and quickness (SAQ) training program on speed and flexibility in young soccer players. One hundred and thirty-two soccer players were randomly assigned to experimental (EG; n=66, mean±SD: age: 18.5±0.4 years (range 17-19 years); body mass: 71.30±5.93 kg; stature: 177.2±6.5 cm) and control groups (CG; n=66, mean±SD: age: 18.6±0.6 years (range 17-19 years); body mass: 70.63±4.87 kg; stature: 175.9±5.7 cm). The experimental group performed SAQ training whilst the control group undertook straight-line sprint training matched for volume and duration. Sprint performance was assessed using 5 and 10 m sprints and a further test including maximal speed, a 20 m sprint. Flexibility was assessed using sit and reach, V-sit and reach, leg lift from supine position and lateral leg lift while lying on the side tests. Sprints over 5, 10 and 20 m did not differ between groups at baseline, but by week 12, the 5m sprint had significantly improved (P<.05) in the SAQ training group compared to the control group (1.40±0.13 vs. 1.46±0.12s, respectively) although this improvement had a trivial effect size (ES=0.15). The 10 m sprint time had improved by 3.3% (P<.01) in the SAQ group with a moderate effect size (ES=0.66). No significant differences (P>.05) for all flexibility tests were found between experimental and control group at baseline and after the training programs. Consequently SAQ training was found to be an effective way of improving sprint time for short distances over 5 and 10 m but not over 20 m (where maximum speed was achieved) or flexibility. These results indicate that SAQ training may be more effective for improving sprint performance for some soccer players but more research is required to determine ideal training methods for improving acceleration and flexibility in young soccer players. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dynamic modeling and hierarchical compound control of a novel 2-DOF flexible parallel manipulator with multiple actuation modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Dong; Song, Yimin; Sun, Tao; Jin, Xueying

2018-03-01

This paper addresses the problem of rigid-flexible coupling dynamic modeling and active control of a novel flexible parallel manipulator (PM) with multiple actuation modes. Firstly, based on the flexible multi-body dynamics theory, the rigid-flexible coupling dynamic model (RFDM) of system is developed by virtue of the augmented Lagrangian multipliers approach. For completeness, the mathematical models of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) and piezoelectric transducer (PZT) are further established and integrated with the RFDM of mechanical system to formulate the electromechanical coupling dynamic model (ECDM). To achieve the trajectory tracking and vibration suppression, a hierarchical compound control strategy is presented. Within this control strategy, the proportional-differential (PD) feedback controller is employed to realize the trajectory tracking of end-effector, while the strain and strain rate feedback (SSRF) controller is developed to restrain the vibration of the flexible links using PZT. Furthermore, the stability of the control algorithm is demonstrated based on the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, two simulation case studies are performed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The results indicate that, under the redundant actuation mode, the hierarchical compound control strategy can guarantee the flexible PM achieves singularity-free motion and vibration attenuation within task workspace simultaneously. The systematic methodology proposed in this study can be conveniently extended for the dynamic modeling and efficient controller design of other flexible PMs, especially the emerging ones with multiple actuation modes.

Fabrication, characterization and applications of flexible vertical InGaN micro-light emitting diode arrays.

PubMed

Tian, Pengfei; McKendry, Jonathan J D; Gu, Erdan; Chen, Zhizhong; Sun, Yongjian; Zhang, Guoyi; Dawson, Martin D; Liu, Ran

2016-01-11

Flexible vertical InGaN micro-light emitting diode (micro-LED) arrays have been fabricated and characterized for potential applications in flexible micro-displays and visible light communication. The LED epitaxial layers were transferred from initial sapphire substrates to flexible AuSn substrates by metal bonding and laser lift off techniques. The current versus voltage characteristics of flexible micro-LEDs degraded after bending the devices, but the electroluminescence spectra show little shift even under a very small bending radius 3 mm. The high thermal conductivity of flexible metal substrates enables high thermal saturation current density and high light output power of the flexible micro-LEDs, benefiting the potential applications in flexible high-brightness micro-displays and high-speed visible light communication. We have achieved ~40 MHz modulation bandwidth and 120 Mbit/s data transmission speed for a typical flexible micro-LED.

Additive equivalence in turbulent drag reduction by flexible and rodlike polymers.

PubMed

Benzi, Roberto; Ching, Emily S C; Lo, T S; L'vov, Victor S; Procaccia, Itamar

2005-07-01

We address the additive equivalence discovered by Virk and co-workers: drag reduction affected by flexible and rigid rodlike polymers added to turbulent wall-bounded flows is limited from above by a very similar maximum drag reduction (MDR) asymptote. Considering the equations of motion of rodlike polymers in wall-bounded turbulent ensembles, we show that although the microscopic mechanism of attaining the MDR is very different, the macroscopic theory is isomorphic, rationalizing the interesting experimental observations.

Operation DOMINIC, SHOT SWORD FISH. Scientific Director’s Summary Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

charges, undoubtedly reflects a design decision that balanced thp tactical need for flexibility in using the weapon against the desire to ensure...further if the commanding officer is to take maximum advantage of his increased weapon delivery flexibility . i.2 SIGNIFICANCE OF SWORD FISH AS AN...turn, is governed by the pulsation and upward z.gration of the steam bubble formed in the water after the burst. The base surge, at ranges of delivery

Flexible and multi-directional piezoelectric energy harvester for self-powered human motion sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Min-Ook; Pyo, Soonjae; Oh, Yongkeun; Kang, Yunsung; Cho, Kyung-Ho; Choi, Jungwook; Kim, Jongbaeg

2018-03-01

A flexible piezoelectric strain energy harvester that is responsive to multi-directional input forces produced by various human motions is proposed. The structure of the harvester, which includes a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) bump, facilitates the effective conversion of strain energy, produced by input forces applied in random directions, into electrical energy. The structural design of the PDMS bump and frame as well as the slits in the piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film provide mechanical flexibility and enhance the strain induced in the PVDF film under input forces applied at various angles. The amount and direction of the strain induced in PVDF can be changed by the direction of the applied force; thus, the generated output power can be varied. The measured maximum output peak voltage is 1.75, 1.29, and 0.98 V when an input force of 4 N (2 Hz) is applied at angles of 0°, 45°, and 90°, and the corresponding maximum output power is 0.064, 0.026, and 0.02 μW, respectively. Moreover, the harvester stably generates output voltage over 1.4 × 104 cycles. Thus, the proposed harvester successfully identifies and converts strain energy produced by multi-directional input forces by various human motions into electrical energy. We demonstrate the potential utility of the proposed flexible energy harvester as a self-powered human motion sensor for wireless healthcare systems.

Computing the Envelope for Stepwise-Constant Resource Allocations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Muscettola, Nicola; Clancy, Daniel (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Computing tight resource-level bounds is a fundamental problem in the construction of flexible plans with resource utilization. In this paper we describe an efficient algorithm that builds a resource envelope, the tightest possible such bound. The algorithm is based on transforming the temporal network of resource consuming and producing events into a flow network with nodes equal to the events and edges equal to the necessary predecessor links between events. A staged maximum flow problem on the network is then used to compute the time of occurrence and the height of each step of the resource envelope profile. Each stage has the same computational complexity of solving a maximum flow problem on the entire flow network. This makes this method computationally feasible and promising for use in the inner loop of flexible-time scheduling algorithms.

Evidence for a maximum mass cut-off in the neutron star mass distribution and constraints on the equation of state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alsing, Justin; Silva, Hector O.; Berti, Emanuele

2018-04-01

We infer the mass distribution of neutron stars in binary systems using a flexible Gaussian mixture model and use Bayesian model selection to explore evidence for multi-modality and a sharp cut-off in the mass distribution. We find overwhelming evidence for a bimodal distribution, in agreement with previous literature, and report for the first time positive evidence for a sharp cut-off at a maximum neutron star mass. We measure the maximum mass to be 2.0M⊙ < mmax < 2.2M⊙ (68%), 2.0M⊙ < mmax < 2.6M⊙ (90%), and evidence for a cut-off is robust against the choice of model for the mass distribution and to removing the most extreme (highest mass) neutron stars from the dataset. If this sharp cut-off is interpreted as the maximum stable neutron star mass allowed by the equation of state of dense matter, our measurement puts constraints on the equation of state. For a set of realistic equations of state that support >2M⊙ neutron stars, our inference of mmax is able to distinguish between models at odds ratios of up to 12: 1, whilst under a flexible piecewise polytropic equation of state model our maximum mass measurement improves constraints on the pressure at 3 - 7 × the nuclear saturation density by ˜30 - 50% compared to simply requiring mmax > 2M⊙. We obtain a lower bound on the maximum sound speed attained inside the neutron star of c_s^max > 0.63c (99.8%), ruling out c_s^max < c/√{3} at high significance. Our constraints on the maximum neutron star mass strengthen the case for neutron star-neutron star mergers as the primary source of short gamma-ray bursts.

A flexible optically re-writable color liquid crystal display

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yihong; Sun, Jiatong; Liu, Yang; Shang, Jianhua; Liu, Hao; Liu, Huashan; Gong, Xiaohui; Chigrinov, Vladimir; Kowk, Hoi Sing

2018-03-01

It is very difficult to make a liquid crystal display (LCD) that is flexible. However, for an optically re-writable LCD (ORWLCD), only the spacers and the substrates need to be flexible because the driving unit and the display unit are separate and there are no electronics in the display part of ORWLCD. In this paper, three flexible-spacer methods are proposed to achieve this goal. A cholesteric liquid crystal colored mirror with a polarizer behind it is used as the colored reflective backboard of an ORWLCD. Polyethersulfone substrates and flexible spacers are used to make the optically re-writable cell insensitive to mechanical force.

Student Choice and Higher-Order Thinking: Using a Novel Flexible Assessment Regime Combined with Critical Thinking Activities to Encourage the Development of Higher Order Thinking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pretorius, Lynette; van Mourik, Greg P.; Barratt, Catherine

2017-01-01

Flexibility in assessment is usually achieved by giving students choice over the assessment weighting, type or format, the timing, the criteria, or the overall assessment result. This study, however, demonstrates the development of a flexible assessment regime where students were given the choice to invest in within-semester tasks designed to…

Creativity and cognitive control: Behavioral and ERP evidence that divergent thinking, but not real-life creative achievement, relates to better cognitive control.

PubMed

Zabelina, Darya L; Ganis, Giorgio

2018-02-13

Two studies used event-related potentials (ERPs) to examine whether and how divergent thinking and creative achievement are linked to attentional flexibility and cognitive control as indexed by response times and by the amplitude of the anterior N2 ERP component. Both experiments used an oddball paradigm in which participants viewed hierarchical letter stimuli and identified target letters in frequent and rare target trials. The successful identification of targets required attentional flexibility when switching levels of attention (from the frequent global to the rare local attentional level, or vice-versa). Divergent thinkers showed smaller switching times on rare target trials, indicating higher levels of attentional flexibility. Furthermore, divergent thinkers engaged cognitive control processes more strongly at the moment of the attentional switch (and before the response), as indicated by a larger N2 difference between frequent and rare targets. In contrast, creative achievement was associated neither with the switching times on rare target trials, nor with a larger N2 difference between frequent and rare targets. All results held when controlling for general intelligence. Results from these studies provide evidence that divergent thinking is associated with higher attentional flexibility and that such attentional flexibility relies on cognitive control processes required when disengaging from one level of attention (e.g., global), and shifting to the other level of attention (e.g., local). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Wearable Fabrics with Self-Branched Bimetallic Layered Double Hydroxide Coaxial Nanostructures for Hybrid Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Nagaraju, Goli; Chandra Sekhar, S; Krishna Bharat, L; Yu, Jae Su

2017-11-28

We report a flexible battery-type electrode based on binder-free nickel cobalt layered double hydroxide nanosheets adhered to nickel cobalt layered double hydroxide nanoflake arrays on nickel fabric (NC LDH NFAs@NSs/Ni fabric) using facile and eco-friendly synthesis methods. Herein, we utilized discarded polyester fabric as a cost-effective substrate for in situ electroless deposition of Ni, which exhibited good flexibility, light weight, and high conductivity. Subsequently, the vertically aligned NC LDH NFAs were grown on Ni fabric by means of a hot-air oven-based method, and fluffy-like NC LDH NS branches are further decorated on NC LDH NFAs by a simple electrochemical deposition method. The as-prepared core-shell-like nanoarchitectures improve the specific surface area and electrochemical activity, which provides the ideal pathways for electrolyte diffusion and charge transportation. When the electrochemical performance was tested in 1 M KOH aqueous solution, the core-shell-like NC LDH NFAs@NSs/Ni fabric electrode liberated a maximum areal capacity of 536.96 μAh/cm 2 at a current density of 2 mA/cm 2 and excellent rate capability of 78.3% at 30 mA/cm 2 (420.5 μAh/cm 2 ) with a good cycling stability. Moreover, a fabric-based hybrid supercapacitor (SC) was assembled, which achieves a stable operational potential window of 1.6 V, a large areal capacitance of 1147.23 mF/cm 2 at 3 mA/cm 2 , and a high energy density of 0.392 mWh/cm 2 at a power density of 2.353 mW/cm 2 . Utilizing such high energy storage abilities and flexible properties, the fabricated hybrid SC operated the wearable digital watch and electric motor fan for real-time applications.

What to Do When K-Means Clustering Fails: A Simple yet Principled Alternative Algorithm.

PubMed

Raykov, Yordan P; Boukouvalas, Alexis; Baig, Fahd; Little, Max A

The K-means algorithm is one of the most popular clustering algorithms in current use as it is relatively fast yet simple to understand and deploy in practice. Nevertheless, its use entails certain restrictive assumptions about the data, the negative consequences of which are not always immediately apparent, as we demonstrate. While more flexible algorithms have been developed, their widespread use has been hindered by their computational and technical complexity. Motivated by these considerations, we present a flexible alternative to K-means that relaxes most of the assumptions, whilst remaining almost as fast and simple. This novel algorithm which we call MAP-DP (maximum a-posteriori Dirichlet process mixtures), is statistically rigorous as it is based on nonparametric Bayesian Dirichlet process mixture modeling. This approach allows us to overcome most of the limitations imposed by K-means. The number of clusters K is estimated from the data instead of being fixed a-priori as in K-means. In addition, while K-means is restricted to continuous data, the MAP-DP framework can be applied to many kinds of data, for example, binary, count or ordinal data. Also, it can efficiently separate outliers from the data. This additional flexibility does not incur a significant computational overhead compared to K-means with MAP-DP convergence typically achieved in the order of seconds for many practical problems. Finally, in contrast to K-means, since the algorithm is based on an underlying statistical model, the MAP-DP framework can deal with missing data and enables model testing such as cross validation in a principled way. We demonstrate the simplicity and effectiveness of this algorithm on the health informatics problem of clinical sub-typing in a cluster of diseases known as parkinsonism.

What to Do When K-Means Clustering Fails: A Simple yet Principled Alternative Algorithm

PubMed Central

Baig, Fahd; Little, Max A.

2016-01-01

The K-means algorithm is one of the most popular clustering algorithms in current use as it is relatively fast yet simple to understand and deploy in practice. Nevertheless, its use entails certain restrictive assumptions about the data, the negative consequences of which are not always immediately apparent, as we demonstrate. While more flexible algorithms have been developed, their widespread use has been hindered by their computational and technical complexity. Motivated by these considerations, we present a flexible alternative to K-means that relaxes most of the assumptions, whilst remaining almost as fast and simple. This novel algorithm which we call MAP-DP (maximum a-posteriori Dirichlet process mixtures), is statistically rigorous as it is based on nonparametric Bayesian Dirichlet process mixture modeling. This approach allows us to overcome most of the limitations imposed by K-means. The number of clusters K is estimated from the data instead of being fixed a-priori as in K-means. In addition, while K-means is restricted to continuous data, the MAP-DP framework can be applied to many kinds of data, for example, binary, count or ordinal data. Also, it can efficiently separate outliers from the data. This additional flexibility does not incur a significant computational overhead compared to K-means with MAP-DP convergence typically achieved in the order of seconds for many practical problems. Finally, in contrast to K-means, since the algorithm is based on an underlying statistical model, the MAP-DP framework can deal with missing data and enables model testing such as cross validation in a principled way. We demonstrate the simplicity and effectiveness of this algorithm on the health informatics problem of clinical sub-typing in a cluster of diseases known as parkinsonism. PMID:27669525

Minimum-Time and Vibration Avoidance Attitude Maneuver for Spacecraft with Torque and Momentum Limit Constraints in Redundant Reaction Wheel Configuration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ha, Kong Q.; Femiano, Michael D.; Mosier, Gary E.

2004-01-01

In this paper, we present an optimal open-loop slew trajectory algorithm developed at GSFC for the so-called "Yardstick design" of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). JWST is an orbiting infrared observatory featuring a lightweight, segmented primary mirror approximately 6 meters in diameter and a sunshield approximately the size of a tennis court. This large, flexible structure will have significant number of lightly damped, dominant flexible modes. With very stringent requirements on pointing accuracy and image quality, it is important that slewing be done within the required time constraint and with minimal induced vibration in order to maximize observing efficiency. With reaction wheels as control actuators, initial wheel speeds as well as individual wheel torque and momentum limits become dominant constraints in slew performance. These constraints must be taken into account when performing slews to ensure that unexpected reaction wheel saturation does not occur, since such saturation leads to control failure in accurately tracking commanded motion and produces high frequency torque components capable of exciting structural modes. A minimum-time constraint is also included and coupled with reaction wheel limit constraints in the optimization to minimize both the effect of the control torque on the flexible body motion and the maneuver time. The optimization is on slew command parameters, such as maximum slew velocity and acceleration, for a given redundant reaction wheel configuration and is based on the dynamic interaction between the spacecraft and reaction wheel motion. Analytical development of the slew algorithm to generate desired slew position, rate, and acceleration profiles to command a feedback/feed forward control system is described. High-fidelity simulation and experimental results are presented to show that the developed slew law achieves the objectives.

Planning factors for developing an enterprise-wide picture archiving and communication system maintenance program.

PubMed

Staley, S; Romlein, J; Chacko, A K; Wider, R

2000-05-01

Picture archiving and communication system (PACS) maintenance on an individual site basis has historically been a complex and costly challenge. With the advent of enterprise-wide PACS projects such as the Virtual Radiology Environment (VRE) project, the challenge of a maintenance program with even more complexities has presented itself. The approach of the project management team for the VRE project is not one of reactive maintenance, but one of highly proactive planning and negotiations, in hopes of capitalizing on the economies of scale of an enterprise-wide PACS maintenance program. A proactive maintenance program is one aspect of life-cycle management. As with any capital acquisition, life-cycle management may be used to manage the specific project aspects related to PACS. The purpose of an enterprise-wide warranty and maintenance life-cycle management approach is to maintain PACS at its maximum operational efficiency and utilization levels through a flexible, shared, yet symbiotic relationship between local, regional, and vendor resources. These goals include providing maximum operational performance levels on a local, regional, and enterprise basis, while maintaining acceptable costs and resource utilization levels. This goal must be achieved without negatively impacting point of care activities, regardless of changes to the clinical business environment.

The Relationship of Endoscopic Proficiency to Educational Expense for Virtual Reality Simulator Training Amongst Surgical Trainees.

PubMed

Raque, Jessica; Goble, Adam; Jones, Veronica M; Waldman, Lindsey E; Sutton, Erica

2015-07-01

With the introduction of Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery, training methods in flexible endoscopy are being augmented with simulation-based curricula. The investment for virtual reality simulators warrants further research into its training advantage. Trainees were randomized into bedside or simulator training groups (BED vs SIM). SIM participated in a proficiency-based virtual reality curriculum. Trainees' endoscopic skills were rated using the Global Assessment of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Skills (GAGES) in the patient care setting. The number of cases to reach 90 per cent of the maximum GAGES score and calculated costs of training were compared. Nineteen residents participated in the study. There was no difference in the average number of cases required to achieve 90 per cent of the maximum GAGES score for esophagogastroduodenoscopy, 13 (SIM) versus11 (BED) (P = 0.63), or colonoscopy 21 (SIM) versus 4 (BED) (P = 0.34). The average per case cost of training for esophagogastroduodenoscopy was $35.98 (SIM) versus $39.71 (BED) (P = 0.50), not including the depreciation costs associated with the simulator ($715.00 per resident over six years). Use of a simulator appeared to increase the cost of training without accelerating the learning curve or decreasing faculty time spent in instruction. The importance of simulation in endoscopy training will be predicated on more cost-effective simulators.

Smart wearable Kevlar-based safeguarding electronic textile with excellent sensing performance.

PubMed

Wang, Sheng; Xuan, Shouhu; Liu, Mei; Bai, Linfeng; Zhang, Shuaishuai; Sang, Min; Jiang, Wanquan; Gong, Xinglong

2017-03-29

A novel S-ST/MWCNT/Kevlar-based wearable electronic textile (WET) with enhanced safeguarding performance and force sensing ability was fabricated. Stab resistance performance tests under quasi-static and dynamic conditions show that the maximum resistance force and penetration impact energy for the WET are 18 N and 11.76 J, which represent a 90% and 50% increment with respect to the neat Kevlar, respectively. Dynamic impact resistance tests show that the WET absorbs all the impact energy. The maximum resistance force of the WET is 1052 N, which represents an improvement of about 190% with respect to neat Kevlar. With the incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), the WET can achieve a stable electrical conductivity of ∼10 -2 S m -1 , and the conductivity is highly sensitive to external mechanic forces. Notably, the sensing fabric also exhibits an outstanding ability to detect and analyze external forces. In addition, it can be fixed at any position of the human body and exhibits an ideal monitoring performance. Because of its flexibility, high sensitivity to various types of deformations and excellent safeguarding performance, the WET has a strong potential for wearable monitoring devices that simultaneously provide body protection and monitor the movements of the human body under various conditions.

Flexible energy-storage devices: design consideration and recent progress.

PubMed

Wang, Xianfu; Lu, Xihong; Liu, Bin; Chen, Di; Tong, Yexiang; Shen, Guozhen

2014-07-23

Flexible energy-storage devices are attracting increasing attention as they show unique promising advantages, such as flexibility, shape diversity, light weight, and so on; these properties enable applications in portable, flexible, and even wearable electronic devices, including soft electronic products, roll-up displays, and wearable devices. Consequently, considerable effort has been made in recent years to fulfill the requirements of future flexible energy-storage devices, and much progress has been witnessed. This review describes the most recent advances in flexible energy-storage devices, including flexible lithium-ion batteries and flexible supercapacitors. The latest successful examples in flexible lithium-ion batteries and their technological innovations and challenges are reviewed first. This is followed by a detailed overview of the recent progress in flexible supercapacitors based on carbon materials and a number of composites and flexible micro-supercapacitors. Some of the latest achievements regarding interesting integrated energy-storage systems are also reviewed. Further research direction is also proposed to surpass existing technological bottle-necks and realize idealized flexible energy-storage devices. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A flexible cruciform journal bearing mount

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frost, A. E.; Geiger, W. A.

1973-01-01

Flexible mount achieves low roll, pitch and yaw stiffnesses while maintaining high radial stiffness by holding bearing pad in fixed relationship to deep web cruciform member and holding this member in fixed relationship to bearing support. This mount has particular application in small, high performance gas turbines.

Remarkably High Mobility Thin-Film Transistor on Flexible Substrate by Novel Passivation Material.

PubMed

Shih, Cheng Wei; Chin, Albert

2017-04-25

High mobility thin-film transistor (TFT) is crucial for future high resolution and fast response flexible display. Remarkably high performance TFT, made at room temperature on flexible substrate, is achieved with record high field-effect mobility (μ FE ) of 345 cm 2 /Vs, small sub-threshold slope (SS) of 103 mV/dec, high on-current/off-current (I ON /I OFF ) of 7 × 10 6 , and a low drain-voltage (V D ) of 2 V for low power operation. The achieved mobility is the best reported data among flexible electronic devices, which is reached by novel HfLaO passivation material on nano-crystalline zinc-oxide (ZnO) TFT to improve both I ON and I OFF . From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, the non-passivated device has high OH-bonding intensity in nano-crystalline ZnO, which damage the crystallinity, create charged scattering centers, and form potential barriers to degrade mobility.

Mechanical attachments for flexible blanket TPS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newquist, Charles W.; Anderson, David M.; Shorey, Mark W.; Preedy, Kristina S.

1998-01-01

The operability of a flexible blanket thermal protection system for a reusable launch vehicle can be improved by using mechanical attachments instead of adhesive bonding to fasten the thermal protection system to the vehicle structure. Mechanical attachments offer specific benefits by (1) permitting the use of composite or metal structures at or near their maximum temperatures (above the adhesive temperature limit) thereby reducing the required TPS thickness and weight, (2) significantly reducing both the frequency and time for TPS replacement, (3) providing easy access to hatches and the underlying structure, and (4) allowing the attachment of flexible TPS to integral cryotanks, where the TPS/structure interface temperature may fall below the lower temperature of the silicone adhesives.

The Effect of Fatigue Cracks on Fastener Flexibility, Load Distribution and Fatigue Crack Growth

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-01

fastener will transfer within a given fastener pattern. iv iv However, current methods do not account for the change in flexibility at a fastener...affects the growth of the crack. Thus, as the effect of the crack starts to impact the load transfer of the joint there is a need to account for...not account for spectrum loading but typically were cycled from 1g to limit or maximum flight load and then correlated to measured usage using

High Impulse Gun Airborne Demonstration. GAU-13/A Weapon, Feed System, Gun Drive and Electronic Controls.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-05-01

made to provide mounting bosses for the closed loop conveyor chute . Ten small round bosses were welded onto the housing to provide this support...became necessary to depart from previous closed loop feeder designs . The original feed system consisted of a series of conveyor elements in a flexible...The flexible chuting has been replaced with rigid chuting forming a loop around the gun housing. This design affords the maximum stiffness and hence

The functional architecture of the ventral temporal cortex and its role in categorization

PubMed Central

Grill-Spector, Kalanit; Weiner, Kevin S.

2014-01-01

Visual categorization is thought to occur in the human ventral temporal cortex (VTC), but how this categorization is achieved is still largely unknown. In this Review, we consider the computations and representations that are necessary for categorization and examine how the microanatomical and macroanatomical layout of the VTC might optimize them to achieve rapid and flexible visual categorization. We propose that efficient categorization is achieved by organizing representations in a nested spatial hierarchy in the VTC. This spatial hierarchy serves as a neural infrastructure for the representational hierarchy of visual information in the VTC and thereby enables flexible access to category information at several levels of abstraction. PMID:24962370

All-solid-state flexible supercapacitors based on papers coated with carbon nanotubes and ionic-liquid-based gel electrolytes.

PubMed

Kang, Yu Jin; Chung, Haegeun; Han, Chi-Hwan; Kim, Woong

2012-02-17

All-solid-state flexible supercapacitors were fabricated using carbon nanotubes (CNTs), regular office papers, and ionic-liquid-based gel electrolytes. Flexible electrodes were made by coating CNTs on office papers by a drop-dry method. The gel electrolyte was prepared by mixing fumed silica nanopowders with ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][NTf(2)]). This supercapacitor showed high power and energy performance as a solid-state flexible supercapacitor. The specific capacitance of the CNT electrodes was 135 F g(-1) at a current density of 2 A g(-1), when considering the mass of active materials only. The maximum power and energy density of the supercapacitors were 164 kW kg(-1) and 41 Wh kg(-1), respectively. Interestingly, the solid-state supercapacitor with the gel electrolyte showed comparable performance to the supercapacitors with ionic-liquid electrolyte. Moreover, the supercapacitor showed excellent stability and flexibility. The CNT/paper- and gel-based supercapacitors may hold great potential for low-cost and high-performance flexible energy storage applications.

All-solid-state flexible supercapacitors based on papers coated with carbon nanotubes and ionic-liquid-based gel electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Yu Jin; Chung, Haegeun; Han, Chi-Hwan; Kim, Woong

2012-02-01

All-solid-state flexible supercapacitors were fabricated using carbon nanotubes (CNTs), regular office papers, and ionic-liquid-based gel electrolytes. Flexible electrodes were made by coating CNTs on office papers by a drop-dry method. The gel electrolyte was prepared by mixing fumed silica nanopowders with ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][NTf2]). This supercapacitor showed high power and energy performance as a solid-state flexible supercapacitor. The specific capacitance of the CNT electrodes was 135 F g-1 at a current density of 2 A g-1, when considering the mass of active materials only. The maximum power and energy density of the supercapacitors were 164 kW kg-1 and 41 Wh kg-1, respectively. Interestingly, the solid-state supercapacitor with the gel electrolyte showed comparable performance to the supercapacitors with ionic-liquid electrolyte. Moreover, the supercapacitor showed excellent stability and flexibility. The CNT/paper- and gel-based supercapacitors may hold great potential for low-cost and high-performance flexible energy storage applications.

Inter-Vertebral Flexibility of the Ostrich Neck: Implications for Estimating Sauropod Neck Flexibility

PubMed Central

Cobley, Matthew J.; Rayfield, Emily J.; Barrett, Paul M.

2013-01-01

The flexibility and posture of the neck in sauropod dinosaurs has long been contentious. Improved constraints on sauropod neck function will have major implications for what we know of their foraging strategies, ecology and overall biology. Several hypotheses have been proposed, based primarily on osteological data, suggesting different degrees of neck flexibility. This study attempts to assess the effects of reconstructed soft tissues on sauropod neck flexibility through systematic removal of muscle groups and measures of flexibility of the neck in a living analogue, the ostrich (Struthio camelus). The possible effect of cartilage on flexibility is also examined, as this was previously overlooked in osteological estimates of sauropod neck function. These comparisons show that soft tissues are likely to have limited the flexibility of the neck beyond the limits suggested by osteology alone. In addition, the inferred presence of cartilage, and varying the inter-vertebral spacing within the synovial capsule, also affect neck flexibility. One hypothesis proposed that flexibility is constrained by requiring a minimum overlap between successive zygapophyses equivalent to 50% of zygapophyseal articular surface length (ONP50). This assumption is tested by comparing the maximum flexibility of the articulated cervical column in ONP50 and the flexibility of the complete neck with all tissues intact. It is found that this model does not adequately convey the pattern of flexibility in the ostrich neck, suggesting that the ONP50 model may not be useful in determining neck function if considered in isolation from myological and other soft tissue data. PMID:23967284

Vapor-phase polymerization of poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanofibers on carbon cloth as electrodes for flexible supercapacitors.

PubMed

Zhao, Xin; Dong, Mengyang; Zhang, Junxian; Li, Yingzhi; Zhang, Qinghua

2016-09-23

In this study, an evaporative vapor-phase polymerization approach was employed to fabricate vertically aligned poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanofibers on the surface of carbon cloth (CC). Optimized reaction conditions can obtain well distributed and uniform layers of high-aspect-ratio PEDOT nanofibers on CC. The hierarchical PEDOT/CC structure as a freestanding electrode exhibits good electrochemical properties. As a flexible symmetric supercapacitor, the PEDOT/CC hybrid electrode displays a specific areal capacitance of 201.4 mF cm(-2) at 1 mA cm(-2), good flexibility with a higher value (204.6 mF cm(-2)) in the bending state, and a good cycling stability of 92.4% after 1000 cycles. Moreover, the device shows a maximum energy density of 4.0 Wh kg(-1) (with a power density of 3.2 kW kg(-1)) and a maximum power density of 4.2 kW kg(-1) (with an energy density of 3.1 Wh kg(-1)). The results demonstrate that PEDOT may be a promising material for storage devices through a simple and efficient vapor-phase polymerization process with precisely controlled reaction conditions.

Vapor-phase polymerization of poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanofibers on carbon cloth as electrodes for flexible supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xin; Dong, Mengyang; Zhang, Junxian; Li, Yingzhi; Zhang, Qinghua

2016-09-01

In this study, an evaporative vapor-phase polymerization approach was employed to fabricate vertically aligned poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanofibers on the surface of carbon cloth (CC). Optimized reaction conditions can obtain well distributed and uniform layers of high-aspect-ratio PEDOT nanofibers on CC. The hierarchical PEDOT/CC structure as a freestanding electrode exhibits good electrochemical properties. As a flexible symmetric supercapacitor, the PEDOT/CC hybrid electrode displays a specific areal capacitance of 201.4 mF cm-2 at 1 mA cm-2, good flexibility with a higher value (204.6 mF cm-2) in the bending state, and a good cycling stability of 92.4% after 1000 cycles. Moreover, the device shows a maximum energy density of 4.0 Wh kg-1 (with a power density of 3.2 kW kg-1) and a maximum power density of 4.2 kW kg-1 (with an energy density of 3.1 Wh kg-1). The results demonstrate that PEDOT may be a promising material for storage devices through a simple and efficient vapor-phase polymerization process with precisely controlled reaction conditions.

A highly sensitive and flexible pressure sensor with electrodes and elastomeric interlayer containing silver nanowires.

PubMed

Wang, Jun; Jiu, Jinting; Nogi, Masaya; Sugahara, Tohru; Nagao, Shijo; Koga, Hirotaka; He, Peng; Suganuma, Katsuaki

2015-02-21

The next-generation application of pressure sensors is gradually being extended to include electronic artificial skin (e-skin), wearable devices, humanoid robotics and smart prosthetics. In these advanced applications, high sensing capability is an essential feature for high performance. Although surface patterning treatments and some special elastomeric interlayers have been applied to improve sensitivity, the process is complex and this inevitably raises the cost and is an obstacle to large-scale production. In the present study a simple printing process without complex patterning has been used for constructing the sensor, and an interlayer is employed comprising elastomeric composites filled with silver nanowires. By increasing the relative permittivity, εr, of the composite interlayer induced by compression at high nanowire concentration, it has been possible to achieve a maximum sensitivity of 5.54 kPa(-1). The improvement in sensitivity did not sacrifice or undermine the other features of the sensor. Thanks to the silver nanowire electrodes, the sensor is flexible and stable after 200 cycles at a bending radius of 2 mm, and exhibits outstanding reproducibility without hysteresis under similar pressure pulses. The sensor has been readily integrated onto an adhesive bandage and has been successful in detecting human movements. In addition to measuring pressure in direct contact, non-contact pressures such as air flow can also be detected.

Development of permanent magnet MnAlC/polymer composites and flexible filament for bonding and 3D-printing technologies

PubMed Central

Rial, Javier; de Vicente, Javier; Skårman, Björn; Vidarsson, Hilmar; Larsson, Per-Olof

2018-01-01

Abstract Searching for high-performance permanent magnets components with no limitation in shape and dimensions is highly desired to overcome the present design and manufacturing restrictions, which affect the efficiency of the final devices in energy, automotive and aerospace sectors. Advanced 3D-printing of composite materials and related technologies is an incipient route to achieve functional structures avoiding the limitations of traditional manufacturing. Gas-atomized MnAlC particles combined with polymer have been used in this work for fabricating scalable rare earth-free permanent magnet composites and extruded flexible filaments with continuous length exceeding 10 m. Solution casting has been used to synthesize homogeneous composites with tuned particles content, made of a polyethylene (PE) matrix embedding quasi-spherical particles of the ferromagnetic τ-MnAlC phase. A maximum filling factor of 86.5 and 72.3% has been obtained for the composite and the filament after extrusion, respectively. The magnetic measurements reveal no deterioration of the properties of the MnAlC particles after the composite synthesis and filament extrusion. The produced MnAlC/PE materials will serve as precursors for an efficient and scalable design and fabrication of end-products by different processing techniques (polymerized cold-compacted magnets and 3D-printing, respectively) in view of technological applications (from micro electromechanical systems to energy and transport applications). PMID:29887921

Development of permanent magnet MnAlC/polymer composites and flexible filament for bonding and 3D-printing technologies.

PubMed

Palmero, Ester M; Rial, Javier; de Vicente, Javier; Camarero, Julio; Skårman, Björn; Vidarsson, Hilmar; Larsson, Per-Olof; Bollero, Alberto

2018-01-01

Searching for high-performance permanent magnets components with no limitation in shape and dimensions is highly desired to overcome the present design and manufacturing restrictions, which affect the efficiency of the final devices in energy, automotive and aerospace sectors. Advanced 3D-printing of composite materials and related technologies is an incipient route to achieve functional structures avoiding the limitations of traditional manufacturing. Gas-atomized MnAlC particles combined with polymer have been used in this work for fabricating scalable rare earth-free permanent magnet composites and extruded flexible filaments with continuous length exceeding 10 m. Solution casting has been used to synthesize homogeneous composites with tuned particles content, made of a polyethylene (PE) matrix embedding quasi-spherical particles of the ferromagnetic τ -MnAlC phase. A maximum filling factor of 86.5 and 72.3% has been obtained for the composite and the filament after extrusion, respectively. The magnetic measurements reveal no deterioration of the properties of the MnAlC particles after the composite synthesis and filament extrusion. The produced MnAlC/PE materials will serve as precursors for an efficient and scalable design and fabrication of end-products by different processing techniques (polymerized cold-compacted magnets and 3D-printing, respectively) in view of technological applications (from micro electromechanical systems to energy and transport applications).

Piezoelectric polymer multilayer on flexible substrate for energy harvesting.

PubMed

Zhang, Lei; Oh, Sharon Roslyn; Wong, Ting Chong; Tan, Chin Yaw; Yao, Kui

2013-09-01

A piezoelectric polymer multilayer structure formed on a flexible substrate is investigated for mechanical energy harvesting under bending mode. Analytical and numerical models are developed to clarify the effect of material parameters critical to the energy harvesting performance of the bending multilayer structure. It is shown that the maximum power is proportional to the square of the piezoelectric stress coefficient and the inverse of dielectric permittivity of the piezoelectric polymer. It is further found that a piezoelectric multilayer with thinner electrodes can generate more electric energy in bending mode. The effect of improved impedance matching in the multilayer polymer on energy output is remarkable. Comparisons between piezoelectric ceramic multilayers and polymer multilayers on flexible substrate are discussed. The fabrication of a P(VDF-TrFE) multilayer structure with a thin Al electrode layer is experimentally demonstrated by a scalable dip-coating process on a flexible aluminum substrate. The results indicate that it is feasible to produce a piezoelectric polymer multilayer structure on flexible substrate for harvesting mechanical energy applicable for many low-power electronics.

Au@MnO2 core-shell nanomesh electrodes for transparent flexible supercapacitors.

PubMed

Qiu, Tengfei; Luo, Bin; Giersig, Michael; Akinoglu, Eser Metin; Hao, Long; Wang, Xiangjun; Shi, Lin; Jin, Meihua; Zhi, Linjie

2014-10-29

A novel Au@MnO2 supercapacitor is presented. The sophisticated core-shell architecture combining an Au nanomesh core with a MnO2 shell on a flexible polymeric substrate is demonstrated as an electrode for high performance transparent flexible supercapacitors (TFSCs). Due to their unique structure, high areal/gravimetric capacitance and rate capability for TFSCs are achieved. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Experiments in structural dynamics and control using a grid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Montgomery, R. C.

1985-01-01

Future spacecraft are being conceived that are highly flexible and of extreme size. The two features of flexibility and size pose new problems in control system design. Since large scale structures are not testable in ground based facilities, the decision on component placement must be made prior to full-scale tests on the spacecraft. Control law research is directed at solving problems of inadequate modelling knowledge prior to operation required to achieve peak performance. Another crucial problem addressed is accommodating failures in systems with smart components that are physically distributed on highly flexible structures. Parameter adaptive control is a method of promise that provides on-orbit tuning of the control system to improve performance by upgrading the mathematical model of the spacecraft during operation. Two specific questions are answered in this work. They are: What limits does on-line parameter identification with realistic sensors and actuators place on the ultimate achievable performance of a system in the highly flexible environment? Also, how well must the mathematical model used in on-board analytic redundancy be known and what are the reasonable expectations for advanced redundancy management schemes in the highly flexible and distributed component environment?

A novel large thrust-weight ratio V-shaped linear ultrasonic motor with a flexible joint.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoniu; Yao, Zhiyuan; Yang, Mojian

2017-06-01

A novel large thrust-weight ratio V-shaped linear ultrasonic motor with a flexible joint is proposed in this paper. The motor is comprised of a V-shaped transducer, a slider, a clamp, and a base. The V-shaped transducer consists of two piezoelectric beams connected through a flexible joint to form an appropriate coupling angle. The V-shaped motor is operated in the coupled longitudinal-bending mode. Longitudinal and bending movements are transferred by the flexible joint between the two beams. Compared with the coupled longitudinal-bending mode of the single piezoelectric beam or the symmetrical and asymmetrical modes of the previous V-shaped transducer, the coupled longitudinal-bending mode of the V-shaped transducer with a flexible joint provides higher vibration efficiency and more convenient mode conformance adjustment. A finite element model of the V-shaped transducer is created to numerically study the influence of geometrical parameters and to determine the final geometrical parameters. In this paper, three prototypes were then fabricated and experimentally investigated. The modal test results match well with the finite element analysis. The motor mechanical output characteristics of three different coupling angles θ indicate that V-90 (θ = 90°) is the optimal angle. The mechanical output experiments conducted using the V-90 prototype (Size: 59.4 mm × 30.7 mm × 4 mm) demonstrate that the maximum unloaded speed is 1.2 m/s under a voltage of 350 Vpp, and the maximum output force is 15 N under a voltage of 300 Vpp. The proposed novel V-shaped linear ultrasonic motor has a compact size and a simple structure with a large thrust-weight ratio (0.75 N/g) and high speed.

Scheduling the future NASA Space Network: Experiences with a flexible scheduling prototype

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Happell, Nadine; Moe, Karen L.; Minnix, Jay

1993-01-01

NASA's Space Network (SN) provides telecommunications and tracking services to low earth orbiting spacecraft. One proposal for improving resource allocation and automating conflict resolution for the SN is the concept of flexible scheduling. In this concept, each Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) will possess a Space Network User POCC Interface (SNUPI) to support the development and management of flexible requests. Flexible requests express the flexibility, constraints, and repetitious nature of the user's communications requirements. Flexible scheduling is expected to improve SN resource utilization and user satisfaction, as well as reduce the effort to produce and maintain a schedule. A prototype testbed has been developed to better understand flexible scheduling as it applies to the SN. This testbed consists of a SNUPI workstation, an SN scheduler, and a flexible request language that conveys information between the two systems. All three are being evaluated by operations personnel. Benchmark testing is being conducted on the scheduler to quantify the productivity improvements achieved with flexible requests.

Optimized flexible cover films for improved conversion efficiency in thin film flexible solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guterman, Sidney; Wen, Xin; Gudavalli, Ganesh; Rhajbhandari, Pravakar; Dhakal, Tara P.; Wilt, David; Klotzkin, David

2018-05-01

Thin film solar cell technologies are being developed for lower cost and flexible applications. For such technologies, it is desirable to have inexpensive, flexible cover strips. In this paper, we demonstrate that transparent silicone cover glass adhesive can be doped with TiO2 nanoparticles to achieve an optimal refractive index and maximize the performance of the cell. Cells covered with the film doped with nanoparticles at the optimal concentration demonstrated a ∼1% increase in photocurrent over the plain (undoped) film. In addition, fused silica beads can be incorporated into the flexible cover slip to realize a built-in pseudomorphic glass diffuser layer as well. This additional degree of freedom in engineering flexible solar cell covers allows maximal performance from a given cell for minimal increased cost.

A Neurobehavioral Model of Flexible Spatial Language Behaviors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lipinski, John; Schneegans, Sebastian; Sandamirskaya, Yulia; Spencer, John P.; Schoner, Gregor

2012-01-01

We propose a neural dynamic model that specifies how low-level visual processes can be integrated with higher level cognition to achieve flexible spatial language behaviors. This model uses real-word visual input that is linked to relational spatial descriptions through a neural mechanism for reference frame transformations. We demonstrate that…

Soft and wrinkled carbon membranes derived from petals for flexible supercapacitors

PubMed Central

Yu, Xiuxiu; Wang, Ying; Li, Li; Li, Hongbian; Shang, Yuanyuan

2017-01-01

Biomass materials are promising precursors for the production of carbonaceous materials due to their abundance, low cost and renewability. Here, a freestanding wrinkled carbon membrane (WCM) electrode material for flexible supercapacitors (SCs) was obtained from flower petal. The carbon membrane was fabricated by a simple thermal pyrolysis process and further activated by heating the sample in air. As a binder and current collector-free electrode, the activated wrinkled carbon membrane (AWCM) exhibited a high specific capacitance of 332.7 F/g and excellent cycling performance with 92.3% capacitance retention over 10000 cycles. Moreover, a flexible all-solid supercapacitor with AWCM electrode was fabricated and showed a maximum specific capacitance of 154 F/g and great bending stability. The development of this flower petal based carbon membrane provides a promising cost-effective and environmental benign electrode material for flexible energy storage. PMID:28361914

Physical activity and the elderly.

PubMed

Hollmann, Wildor; Strüder, Heiko K; Tagarakis, Christos V M; King, Gerard

2007-12-01

Functional ageing processes are characterized by a loss of performance capabilities regarding coordination, flexibility, strength, speed, and endurance. The effects of ageing processes on the cardiovascular system and skeletal muscle are the foci of attention. After age 30, the maximum aerobic dynamic performance capacity decreases by an average of 8% per decade. The causes are mainly a reduction in the maximum cardiac output and decreases in capillarization and in the skeletal muscle mass. An improvement in the maximum oxygen uptake by 18% and in the aerobic-anaerobic threshold by 22% was achieved in untrained men aged 55-70 years, in a 12-week-long bicycle ergometer-training programme. The strength of the skeletal muscle decreases particularly after 50-60 years of age. The main cause is the reduction in the number of motor units and muscle fibres. Further, modifications of the endothelial function and the development of sarcopenia are of particular importance in ageing processes. General aerobic dynamic training can improve the endothelial function in old age and thus help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Strength training is most appropriate for the prevention of sarcopenia. Imaging techniques over the last 20 years have provided new findings on the influence and the significance of physical activity on the brain. We call this new interdisciplinary area 'Exercise Neuroscience'. Demands on coordination and aerobic dynamic endurance are suitable in counteracting age-related neuronal cellular loss, synapsis hypotrophy, and in improving neurogenesis and capillarization. Adjusted physical activity is thus capable of counteracting age-related changes and performance loss not only in the cardiovascular system but also in the brain.

ILP-based maximum likelihood genome scaffolding

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Interest in de novo genome assembly has been renewed in the past decade due to rapid advances in high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies which generate relatively short reads resulting in highly fragmented assemblies consisting of contigs. Additional long-range linkage information is typically used to orient, order, and link contigs into larger structures referred to as scaffolds. Due to library preparation artifacts and erroneous mapping of reads originating from repeats, scaffolding remains a challenging problem. In this paper, we provide a scalable scaffolding algorithm (SILP2) employing a maximum likelihood model capturing read mapping uncertainty and/or non-uniformity of contig coverage which is solved using integer linear programming. A Non-Serial Dynamic Programming (NSDP) paradigm is applied to render our algorithm useful in the processing of larger mammalian genomes. To compare scaffolding tools, we employ novel quantitative metrics in addition to the extant metrics in the field. We have also expanded the set of experiments to include scaffolding of low-complexity metagenomic samples. Results SILP2 achieves better scalability throughg a more efficient NSDP algorithm than previous release of SILP. The results show that SILP2 compares favorably to previous methods OPERA and MIP in both scalability and accuracy for scaffolding single genomes of up to human size, and significantly outperforms them on scaffolding low-complexity metagenomic samples. Conclusions Equipped with NSDP, SILP2 is able to scaffold large mammalian genomes, resulting in the longest and most accurate scaffolds. The ILP formulation for the maximum likelihood model is shown to be flexible enough to handle metagenomic samples. PMID:25253180

Coherent photonic beamformer for a Ka-band phased array antenna receiver implemented in silicon photonic integrated circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duarte, V. C.; Peczek, A.; Drummond, M. V.; Nogueira, R. N.; Winzer, G.; Petousi, D.; Zimmermann, L.

2017-09-01

The generation of satellite communications with flexible and efficient transmission of radio signals requires a large number of low interfering beams and a maximum exploitation of the available frequency spectrum.

Design and performance of an ultra-flexible two-photon microscope for in vivo research.

PubMed

Mayrhofer, Johannes M; Haiss, Florent; Haenni, Dominik; Weber, Stefan; Zuend, Marc; Barrett, Matthew J P; Ferrari, Kim David; Maechler, Philipp; Saab, Aiman S; Stobart, Jillian L; Wyss, Matthias T; Johannssen, Helge; Osswald, Harald; Palmer, Lucy M; Revol, Vincent; Schuh, Claus-Dieter; Urban, Claus; Hall, Andrew; Larkum, Matthew E; Rutz-Innerhofer, Edith; Zeilhofer, Hanns Ulrich; Ziegler, Urs; Weber, Bruno

2015-11-01

We present a cost-effective in vivo two-photon microscope with a highly flexible frontend for in vivo research. Our design ensures fast and reproducible access to the area of interest, including rotation of imaging plane, and maximizes space for auxiliary experimental equipment in the vicinity of the animal. Mechanical flexibility is achieved with large motorized linear stages that move the objective in the X, Y, and Z directions up to 130 mm. 360° rotation of the frontend (rotational freedom for one axis) is achieved with the combination of a motorized high precision bearing and gearing. Additionally, the modular design of the frontend, based on commercially available optomechanical parts, allows straightforward updates to future scanning technologies. The design exceeds the mobility of previous movable microscope designs while maintaining high optical performance.

Design and performance of an ultra-flexible two-photon microscope for in vivo research

PubMed Central

Mayrhofer, Johannes M.; Haiss, Florent; Haenni, Dominik; Weber, Stefan; Zuend, Marc; Barrett, Matthew J. P.; Ferrari, Kim David; Maechler, Philipp; Saab, Aiman S.; Stobart, Jillian L.; Wyss, Matthias T.; Johannssen, Helge; Osswald, Harald; Palmer, Lucy M.; Revol, Vincent; Schuh, Claus-Dieter; Urban, Claus; Hall, Andrew; Larkum, Matthew E.; Rutz-Innerhofer, Edith; Zeilhofer, Hanns Ulrich; Ziegler, Urs; Weber, Bruno

2015-01-01

We present a cost-effective in vivo two-photon microscope with a highly flexible frontend for in vivo research. Our design ensures fast and reproducible access to the area of interest, including rotation of imaging plane, and maximizes space for auxiliary experimental equipment in the vicinity of the animal. Mechanical flexibility is achieved with large motorized linear stages that move the objective in the X, Y, and Z directions up to 130 mm. 360° rotation of the frontend (rotational freedom for one axis) is achieved with the combination of a motorized high precision bearing and gearing. Additionally, the modular design of the frontend, based on commercially available optomechanical parts, allows straightforward updates to future scanning technologies. The design exceeds the mobility of previous movable microscope designs while maintaining high optical performance. PMID:26600989

Maximum Achievable Control Technology Standards in Region 7

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Maximum Achievable Control Technology Standards (MACTs) are applicable requirements under the Title V operating permit program. This is a resource for permit writers and reviewers to learn about the rules and explore other helpful tools.

Using high thermal stability flexible thin film thermoelectric generator at moderate temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Zhuang-Hao; Luo, Jing-Ting; Chen, Tian-Bao; Zhang, Xiang-Hua; Liang, Guang-Xing; Fan, Ping

2018-04-01

Flexible thin film thermoelectric devices are extensively used in the microscale industry for powering wearable electronics. In this study, comprehensive optimization was conducted in materials and connection design for fabricating a high thermal stability flexible thin film thermoelectric generator. First, the thin films in the generator, including the electrodes, were prepared by magnetron sputtering deposition. The "NiCu-Cu-NiCu" multilayer electrode structure was applied to ensure the thermal stability of the device used at moderate temperature in an air atmosphere. A design with metal layer bonding and series accordant connection was then employed. The maximum efficiency of a single PN thermocouple generator is >11%, and the output power loss of the generator is <10% after integration.

12-GHz thin-film transistors on transferrable silicon nanomembranes for high-performance flexible electronics.

PubMed

Sun, Lei; Qin, Guoxuan; Seo, Jung-Hun; Celler, George K; Zhou, Weidong; Ma, Zhenqiang

2010-11-22

Multigigahertz flexible electronics are attractive and have broad applications. A gate-after-source/drain fabrication process using preselectively doped single-crystal silicon nanomembranes (SiNM) is an effective approach to realizing high device speed. However, further downscaling this approach has become difficult in lithography alignment. In this full paper, a local alignment scheme in combination with more accurate SiNM transfer measures for minimizing alignment errors is reported. By realizing 1 μm channel alignment for the SiNMs on a soft plastic substrate, thin-film transistors with a record speed of 12 GHz maximum oscillation frequency are demonstrated. These results indicate the great potential of properly processed SiNMs for high-performance flexible electronics.

Automatic outdoor monitoring system for photovoltaic panels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stefancich, Marco; Simpson, Lin; Chiesa, Matteo

Long-term acquisition of solar panel performance parameters, for panels operated at maximum power point in their real environment, is of critical importance in the photovoltaic research sector. However, few options exist for the characterization of non-standard panels such as concentrated photovoltaic systems, heavily soiled or shaded panels or those operating under non-standard spectral illumination; certainly, it is difficult to find such a measurement system that is flexible and affordable enough to be adopted by the smaller research institutes or universities. We present here an instrument aiming to fill this gap, autonomously tracking and maintaining any solar panel at maximum powermore » point while continuously monitoring its operational parameters and dissipating the produced energy without connection to the power grid. The instrument allows periodic acquisition of current-voltage curves to verify the employed maximum power point tracking approach. At the same time, with hardware schematics and software code being provided, it provides a flexible open development environment for the monitoring of non-standard generators like concentrator photovoltaic systems and to test novel power tracking approaches. The key issues, and the corresponding solutions, encountered in the design are analyzed in detail and the relevant schematics presented.« less

Automatic outdoor monitoring system for photovoltaic panels.

PubMed

Stefancich, Marco; Simpson, Lin; Chiesa, Matteo

2016-05-01

Long-term acquisition of solar panel performance parameters, for panels operated at maximum power point in their real environment, is of critical importance in the photovoltaic research sector. However, few options exist for the characterization of non-standard panels such as concentrated photovoltaic systems, heavily soiled or shaded panels or those operating under non-standard spectral illumination; certainly, it is difficult to find such a measurement system that is flexible and affordable enough to be adopted by the smaller research institutes or universities. We present here an instrument aiming to fill this gap, autonomously tracking and maintaining any solar panel at maximum power point while continuously monitoring its operational parameters and dissipating the produced energy without connection to the power grid. The instrument allows periodic acquisition of current-voltage curves to verify the employed maximum power point tracking approach. At the same time, with hardware schematics and software code being provided, it provides a flexible open development environment for the monitoring of non-standard generators like concentrator photovoltaic systems and to test novel power tracking approaches. The key issues, and the corresponding solutions, encountered in the design are analyzed in detail and the relevant schematics presented.

A low-frequency MEMS piezoelectric energy harvester with a rectangular hole based on bulk PZT film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Yingwei; Li, Guimiao; Yi, Zhiran; Liu, Jingquan; Yang, Bin

2018-06-01

This paper presents a high performance piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) with a rectangular hole to work at low-frequency. This PEH used thinned bulk PZT film on flexible phosphor bronze, and its structure included piezoelectric layer, supporting layer and proof mass to reduce the resonant frequency of the device. Here, thinned bulk PZT thick film was used as piezoelectric layer due to its high piezoelectric coefficient. A Phosphor bronze was deployed as supporting layer because it had better flexibility compared to silicon and could work under high acceleration ambient with good durability. The maximum open-circuit voltage of the PEH was 15.7 V at low resonant frequency of 34.3 Hz when the input vibration acceleration was 1.5 g (g = 9.81 m/s2). Moreover, the maximum output power, the output power density and the actually current at the same acceleration were 216.66 μW, 1713.58 μW/cm3 and 170 μA, respectively, when the optimal matched resistance of 60 kΩ was connected. The fabricated PEH scavenged the vibration energy of the vacuum compression pump and generated the maximum output voltage of 1.19 V.

A flexible, gigahertz, and free-standing thin film piezoelectric MEMS resonator with high figure of merit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yuan; Zhang, Menglun; Duan, Xuexin; Zhang, Hao; Pang, Wei

2017-07-01

In this paper, a 2.6 GHz air-gap type thin film piezoelectric MEMS resonator was fabricated on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate film. A fabrication process combining transfer printing and hot-embossing was adopted to form a free-standing structure. The flexible radio frequency MEMS resonator possesses a quality factor of 946 and an effective coupling coefficient of 5.10%, and retains its high performance at a substrate bending radius of 1 cm. The achieved performance is comparable to that of conventional resonators on rigid silicon wafers. Our demonstration provides a viable approach to realizing universal MEMS devices on flexible polymer substrates, which is of great significance for building future fully integrated and multi-functional wireless flexible electronic systems.

Fabrication of SWCNT based flexible chemiresistor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rajput, Mayank, E-mail: mnk.rajput1@gmail.com; Das, S.; Kaur, Rajvinder

2016-04-13

Carboxyl (-COOH) functionalized SWCNT chemiresistors have been realized on Kapton substrate patterned with Au microelectrodes by the drop casting of functionalized SWCNT dispersion in DI water. I-V measurements on fabricated chemiresistor showed ohmic behavior at different temperatures (25°C-120°C). The effect of bending on flexible functionalized SWCNT chemiresistor for different diameter has been measured. It has been found that bending at different radius of curvature doesn’t change the ohmic behavior of fabricated chemiresistor. Achieved results are promising for cheap flexible electronic devices.

Experimental and Theoretical Results in Output Trajectory Redesign for Flexible Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dewey, J. S.; Leang, K.; Devasia, S.

1998-01-01

In this paper we study the optimal redesign of output trajectories for linear invertible systems. This is particularly important for tracking control of flexible structures because the input-state trajectores, that achieve tracking of the required output may cause excessive vibrations in the structure. We pose and solve this problem, in the context of linear systems, as the minimization of a quadratic cost function. The theory is developed and applied to the output tracking of a flexible structure and experimental results are presented.

Ultrafast Fabrication of Flexible Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells by Ultrasonic Spray-Coating Technology

PubMed Central

Han, Hyun-Gyu; Weerasinghe, Hashitha C.; Min Kim, Kwang; Soo Kim, Jeong; Cheng, Yi-Bing; Jones, David J.; Holmes, Andrew B.; Kwon, Tae-Hyuk

2015-01-01

This study investigates novel deposition techniques for the preparation of TiO2 electrodes for use in flexible dye-sensitized solar cells. These proposed new methods, namely pre-dye-coating and codeposition ultrasonic spraying, eliminate the conventional need for time-consuming processes such as dye soaking and high-temperature sintering. Power conversion efficiencies of over 4.0% were achieved with electrodes prepared on flexible polymer substrates using this new deposition technology and N719 dye as a sensitizer. PMID:26420466

Flexible and Robust Thermoelectric Generators Based on All-Carbon Nanotube Yarn without Metal Electrodes.

PubMed

Choi, Jaeyoo; Jung, Yeonsu; Yang, Seung Jae; Oh, Jun Young; Oh, Jinwoo; Jo, Kiyoung; Son, Jeong Gon; Moon, Seung Eon; Park, Chong Rae; Kim, Heesuk

2017-08-22

As practical interest in flexible/or wearable power-conversion devices increases, the demand for high-performance alternatives to thermoelectric (TE) generators based on brittle inorganic materials is growing. Herein, we propose a flexible and ultralight TE generator (TEG) based on carbon nanotube yarn (CNTY) with excellent TE performance. The as-prepared CNTY shows a superior electrical conductivity of 3147 S/cm due to increased longitudinal carrier mobility derived from a highly aligned structure. Our TEG is innovative in that the CNTY acts as multifunctions in the same device. The CNTY is alternatively doped into n- and p-types using polyethylenimine and FeCl 3 , respectively. The highly conductive CNTY between the doped regions is used as electrodes to minimize the circuit resistance, thereby forming an all-carbon TEG without additional metal deposition. A flexible TEG based on 60 pairs of n- and p-doped CNTY shows the maximum power density of 10.85 and 697 μW/g at temperature differences of 5 and 40 K, respectively, which are the highest values among reported TEGs based on flexible materials. We believe that the strategy proposed here to improve the power density of flexible TEG by introducing highly aligned CNTY and designing a device without metal electrodes shows great potential for the flexible/or wearable power-conversion devices.

Flexible Delivery. Will a Client Focus System Mean Better Learning?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Misko, Josie

This paper outlines and examines the implications of the main points of the national framework for flexible delivery of vocational education in Australia's technical and further education (TAFE) colleges. Endorsed by the National TAFE Chief Executives Committee in 1992, the framework establishes specific plans of action to be achieved by 1995. The…

Cognitive Flexibility and Its Relationship to Academic Achievement and Career Choice of College Students with and without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kercood, Suneeta; Lineweaver, Tara T.; Frank, Colleen C.; Fromm, Erik D.

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between cognitive flexibility, academic skills, educational trajectories, and career goals of college students with and without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, objective and subjective measures of cognitive…

Flexible Work Arrangements: Accessibility in a University Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sharafizad, Fleur; Paull, Megan; Omari, Maryam

2011-01-01

Attraction and retention of highly qualified employees has become an area of concern for Australian universities. It has been suggested that flexible work arrangements can be utilised to achieve this goal once the factors affecting their uptake have been identified. This mixed-method study of 495 academic and general staff at an Australian…

Investigating the Missing Link in Flexible Work Arrangement Utilization: An Individual Difference Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shockley, Kristen M.; Allen, Tammy D.

2010-01-01

The present study investigates the relationship between individual differences and flexible work arrangement use. Three need-based motivational factors (need for affiliation at work, need for segmentation of work from other life roles, need for occupational achievement) were examined in relation to extent of flextime and flexplace use.…

Modularisation Approaches in Initial Vocational Education: Evidence for Policy Convergence in Europe?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pilz, Matthias; Li, Junmin; Canning, Roy; Minty, Sarah

2018-01-01

One response to challenges of national vocational training systems has been a move towards greater flexibility within vocational training systems. This article focuses on an investigation of modularisation as a tool for achieving this flexibility. Many European countries have introduced modular forms into their vocational training system. We…

Flexible power and bandwidth allocation in mobile satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keyes, L. A.

The introduction of L-band mobile communication services by spot beam satellites creates a payload design challenge due to uncertainty in the location and size of the new market to be served. A combination of payload technologies that allow a flexible allocation of power and bandwidth to any portion of the coverage area is described. Power flexibility is achieved by a novel combination of a low-level beam-forming network and a matrix power module which ensures equal sharing of power among individual amplifiers. This eliminates the loss of efficiency and increased mass when an amplifier associated with a beam must be over-designed to meet uncertainties in power distribution between beams. Flexibility in allocation of bandwidth to beams is achieved by intermediate frequency subdivision of the L-band service categories defined by ITU. These spectral subdivisions are assigned to beams by an IF interconnect matrix having beam ports and filter ports as inputs and outputs, respectively. Two such filter switch matrices are required, one for the inbound L-band to feeder link transponder, and one for the outbound feeder link to L-band transponder.

Printable Fabrication of Nanocoral-Structured Electrodes for High-Performance Flexible and Planar Supercapacitor with Artistic Design.

PubMed

Lin, Yuanjing; Gao, Yuan; Fan, Zhiyong

2017-11-01

Planar supercapacitors with high flexibility, desirable operation safety, and high performance are considered as attractive candidates to serve as energy-storage devices for portable and wearable electronics. Here, a scalable and printable technique is adopted to construct novel and unique hierarchical nanocoral structures as the interdigitated electrodes on flexible substrates. The as-fabricated flexible all-solid-state planar supercapacitors with nanocoral structures achieve areal capacitance up to 52.9 mF cm -2 , which is 2.5 times that of devices without nanocoral structures, and this figure-of-merit is among the highest in the literature for the same category of devices. More interestingly, due to utilization of the inkjet-printing technique, excellent versatility on electrode-pattern artistic design is achieved. Particularly, working supercapacitors with artistically designed patterns are demonstrated. Meanwhile, the high scalability of such a printable method is also demonstrated by fabrication of large-sized artistic supercapacitors serving as energy-storage devices in a wearable self-powered system as a proof of concept. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) polymer electrolyte for paper-based and flexible battery applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aliahmad, Nojan; Shrestha, Sudhir; Varahramyan, Kody

2016-06-15

Paper-based batteries represent a new frontier in battery technology. However, low-flexibility and poor ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes have been major impediments in achieving practical mechanically flexible batteries. This work discuss new highly ionic conductive polymer gel electrolytes for paper-based battery applications. In this paper, we present a poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDH-HFP) porous membrane electrolyte enhanced with lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulphone)imide (LiTFSI) and lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP), with an ionic conductivity of 2.1 × 10{sup −3} S cm{sup −1}. Combining ceramic (LATP) with the gel structure of PVDF-HFP and LiTFSI ionic liquid harnesses benefits of ceramic and gel electrolytes in providingmore » flexible electrolytes with a high ionic conductivity. In a flexibility test experiment, bending the polymer electrolyte at 90° for 20 times resulted in 14% decrease in ionic conductivity. Efforts to further improving the flexibility of the presented electrolyte are ongoing. Using this electrolyte, full-cell batteries with lithium titanium oxide (LTO) and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) electrodes and (i) standard metallic current collectors and (ii) paper-based current collectors were fabricated and tested. The achieved specific capacities were (i) 123 mAh g{sup −1} for standard metallic current collectors and (ii) 99.5 mAh g{sup −1} for paper-based current collectors. Thus, the presented electrolyte has potential to become a viable candidate in paper-based and flexible battery applications. Fabrication methods, experimental procedures, and test results for the polymer gel electrolyte and batteries are presented and discussed.« less

Stability of perovskite solar cells on flexible substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tam, Ho Won; Chen, Wei; Liu, Fangzhou; He, Yanling; Leung, Tik Lun; Wang, Yushu; Wong, Man Kwong; Djurišić, Aleksandra B.; Ng, Alan Man Ching; He, Zhubing; Chan, Wai Kin; Tang, Jinyao

2018-02-01

Perovskite solar cells are emerging photovoltaic technology with potential for low cost, high efficiency devices. Currently, flexible devices efficiencies over 15% have been achieved. Flexible devices are of significant interest for achieving very low production cost via roll-to-roll processing. However, the stability of perovskite devices remains a significant challenge. Unlike glass substrate which has negligible water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), polymeric flexible film substrates suffer from high moisture permeability. As PET and PEN flexible substrates exhibit higher water permeability then glass, transparent flexible backside encapsulation should be used to maximize light harvesting in perovskite layer while WVTR should be low enough. Wide band gap materials are transparent in the visible spectral range low temperature processable and can be a moisture barrier. For flexible substrates, approaches like atomic layer deposition (ALD) and low temperature solution processing could be used for metal oxide deposition. In this work, ALD SnO2, TiO2, Al2O3 and solution processed spin-on-glass was used as the barrier layer on the polymeric side of indium tin oxide (ITO) coated PEN substrates. The UV-Vis transmission spectra of the prepared substrates were investigated. Perovskite solar cells will be fabricated and stability of the devices were encapsulated with copolymer films on the top side and tested under standard ISOS-L-1 protocol and then compared to the commercial unmodified ITO/PET or ITO/PEN substrates. In addition, devices with copolymer films laminated on both sides successfully surviving more than 300 hours upon continuous AM1.5G illumination were demonstrated.

Poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) polymer electrolyte for paper-based and flexible battery applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aliahmad, Nojan; Shrestha, Sudhir; Varahramyan, Kody; Agarwal, Mangilal

2016-06-01

Paper-based batteries represent a new frontier in battery technology. However, low-flexibility and poor ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes have been major impediments in achieving practical mechanically flexible batteries. This work discuss new highly ionic conductive polymer gel electrolytes for paper-based battery applications. In this paper, we present a poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDH-HFP) porous membrane electrolyte enhanced with lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulphone)imide (LiTFSI) and lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP), with an ionic conductivity of 2.1 × 10-3 S cm-1. Combining ceramic (LATP) with the gel structure of PVDF-HFP and LiTFSI ionic liquid harnesses benefits of ceramic and gel electrolytes in providing flexible electrolytes with a high ionic conductivity. In a flexibility test experiment, bending the polymer electrolyte at 90° for 20 times resulted in 14% decrease in ionic conductivity. Efforts to further improving the flexibility of the presented electrolyte are ongoing. Using this electrolyte, full-cell batteries with lithium titanium oxide (LTO) and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) electrodes and (i) standard metallic current collectors and (ii) paper-based current collectors were fabricated and tested. The achieved specific capacities were (i) 123 mAh g-1 for standard metallic current collectors and (ii) 99.5 mAh g-1 for paper-based current collectors. Thus, the presented electrolyte has potential to become a viable candidate in paper-based and flexible battery applications. Fabrication methods, experimental procedures, and test results for the polymer gel electrolyte and batteries are presented and discussed.

77 FR 29537 - Community Facility Loans

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-18

... alternate contracting method projects must comply with the requirements for ``maximum open and free... of alternate construction contract methods (such as Design/Build and Construction Management) by the.... Further, these changes will give all applicants greater flexibility in developing projects. Therefore, a...

Dual-wavelength digital holographic imaging with phase background subtraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khmaladze, Alexander; Matz, Rebecca L.; Jasensky, Joshua; Seeley, Emily; Holl, Mark M. Banaszak; Chen, Zhan

2012-05-01

Three-dimensional digital holographic microscopic phase imaging of objects that are thicker than the wavelength of the imaging light is ambiguous and results in phase wrapping. In recent years, several unwrapping methods that employed two or more wavelengths were introduced. These methods compare the phase information obtained from each of the wavelengths and extend the range of unambiguous height measurements. A straightforward dual-wavelength phase imaging method is presented which allows for a flexible tradeoff between the maximum height of the sample and the amount of noise the method can tolerate. For highly accurate phase measurements, phase unwrapping of objects with heights higher than the beat (synthetic) wavelength (i.e. the product of the original two wavelengths divided by their difference), can be achieved. Consequently, three-dimensional measurements of a wide variety of biological systems and microstructures become technically feasible. Additionally, an effective method of removing phase background curvature based on slowly varying polynomial fitting is proposed. This method allows accurate volume measurements of several small objects with the same image frame.

Passband switchable microwave photonic multiband filter

PubMed Central

Ge, Jia; Fok, Mable P.

2015-01-01

A reconfigurable microwave photonic (MWP) multiband filter with selectable and switchable passbands is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, with a maximum of 12 simultaneous passbands evenly distributed from 0 to 10 GHz. The scheme is based on the generation of tunable optical comb lines using a two-stage Lyot loop filter, such that various filter tap spacings and spectral combinations are obtained for the configuration of the MWP filter. Through polarization state adjustment inside the Lyot loop filter, an optical frequency comb with 12 different comb spacings is achieved, which corresponds to a MWP filter with 12 selectable passbands. Center frequencies of the filter passbands are switchable, while the number of simultaneous passbands is tunable from 1 to 12. Furthermore, the MWP multiband filter can either work as an all-block, single-band or multiband filter with various passband combinations, which provide exceptional operation flexibility. All the passbands have over 30 dB sidelobe suppression and 3-dB bandwidth of 200 MHz, providing good filter selectivity. PMID:26521693

Enhancing electrical energy storage capability of dielectric polymer nanocomposites via the room temperature Coulomb blockade effect of ultra-small platinum nanoparticles.

PubMed

Wang, Liwei; Huang, Xingyi; Zhu, Yingke; Jiang, Pingkai

2018-02-14

Introducing a high dielectric constant (high-k) nanofiller into a dielectric polymer is the most common way to achieve flexible nanocomposites for electrostatic energy storage devices. However, the significant decrease of breakdown strength and large increase of dielectric loss has long been known as the bottleneck restricting the enhancement of practical energy storage capability of the nanocomposites. In this study, by introducing ultra-small platinum (<2 nm) nanoparticles, high-k polymer nanocomposites with high breakdown strength and low dielectric loss were prepared successfully. Core-shell structured polydopamine@BaTiO 3 (PDA@BT) and core-satellite ultra-small platinum decorated PDA@BT (Pt@PDA@BT) were used as nanofillers. Compared with PDA@BT nanocomposites, the maximum discharged energy density of the Pt@PDA@BT nanocomposites is increased by nearly 70% because of the improved energy storage efficiency. This research provides a simple, promising and unique way to enhance energy storage capability of high-k polymer nanocomposites.

MnO2 nanotubes assembled on conductive graphene/polyester composite fabric as a three-dimensional porous textile electrode for flexible electrochemical capacitors.

PubMed

Jin, Chun; Jin, Li-Na; Guo, Mei-Xia; Liu, Ping; Zhang, Jia-Nan; Bian, Shao-Wei

2017-12-15

A three-dimensional (3D) electrode material was successfully synthesized through a facile ZnO-assisted hydrothermal process in which vertical MnO 2 nanotube arrays were in situ grown on the conductive graphene/polyester composite fabric. The morphology and structure of MnO 2 nanotubes/graphene/polyester textile electrode were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The 3D electrode structure facilitates to achieve the maximum number of active sites for the pesudocapacitance redox reaction, fast electrolyte ion transportation and short ion diffusion path. The electrochemical measurements showed that the electrode possesses good capacitance capacity which reached 498F/g at a scan rate of 2mV/s in Na 2 SO 4 electrolyte solution. The electrode also showed stable electrochemical performances under the conditions of long-term cycling, and mechanical bending and twisting. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Passband switchable microwave photonic multiband filter.

PubMed

Ge, Jia; Fok, Mable P

2015-11-02

A reconfigurable microwave photonic (MWP) multiband filter with selectable and switchable passbands is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, with a maximum of 12 simultaneous passbands evenly distributed from 0 to 10 GHz. The scheme is based on the generation of tunable optical comb lines using a two-stage Lyot loop filter, such that various filter tap spacings and spectral combinations are obtained for the configuration of the MWP filter. Through polarization state adjustment inside the Lyot loop filter, an optical frequency comb with 12 different comb spacings is achieved, which corresponds to a MWP filter with 12 selectable passbands. Center frequencies of the filter passbands are switchable, while the number of simultaneous passbands is tunable from 1 to 12. Furthermore, the MWP multiband filter can either work as an all-block, single-band or multiband filter with various passband combinations, which provide exceptional operation flexibility. All the passbands have over 30 dB sidelobe suppression and 3-dB bandwidth of 200 MHz, providing good filter selectivity.

Piezoelectric Flexible LCP-PZT Composites for Sensor Applications at Elevated Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tolvanen, Jarkko; Hannu, Jari; Juuti, Jari; Jantunen, Heli

2018-03-01

In this paper fabrication of piezoelectric ceramic-polymer composites is demonstrated via filament extrusion enabling cost-efficient large-scale production of highly bendable pressure sensors feasible for elevated temperatures. These composites are fabricated by utilizing environmentally resistant and stable liquid crystal polymer matrix with addition of lead zirconate titanate at loading levels of 30 vol%. These composites, of approximately 0.99 mm thick and length of > 50 cm, achieved excellent bendability with minimum bending radius of 6.6 cm. The maximum piezoelectric coefficients d33 and g33 of the composites were > 14 pC/N and > 108 mVm/N at pressure < 10 kPa. In all cases, the piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33) of the composites decreased as a function of pressure. Also, piezoelectric coefficient (d33) further decreased in the case of increased frequency press-release cycle sand pre-stress levels by approximately 37-50%. However, the obtained results provide tools for fabricating novel piezoelectric sensors in highly efficient way for environments with elevated temperatures.

Design and performance tests of a distributed power-driven wheel loader

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Xiaolin; Shi, Laide; Bian, Yongming

2010-03-01

An improved ZLM15B distributed power-driven wheel loader was designed, whose travel and brake system was accomplished by two permanent magnet synchronous motorized-wheels instead of traditional mechanical components, and whose hydraulic systems such as the working device system and steering system were both actuated by an induction motor. All above systems were flexibly coupled with 3-phase 380VAC electric power with which the diesel engine power is replaced. On the level cement road, traveling, braking, traction and steering tests were carried out separately under non-load and heavy-load conditions. Data show that machine speed is 5 km/h around and travel efficiency of motorized-wheels is above 95%; that machine braking deceleration is between 0.5 and 0.64 m/s2 but efficiency of motorized-wheels is less than 10%; that maximum machine traction is above 2t while efficiency of motorized-wheels is more than 90% and that adaptive differential steering can be smoothly achieved by motorized-wheels.

Design and performance tests of a distributed power-driven wheel loader

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Xiaolin; Shi, Laide; Bian, Yongming

2009-12-01

An improved ZLM15B distributed power-driven wheel loader was designed, whose travel and brake system was accomplished by two permanent magnet synchronous motorized-wheels instead of traditional mechanical components, and whose hydraulic systems such as the working device system and steering system were both actuated by an induction motor. All above systems were flexibly coupled with 3-phase 380VAC electric power with which the diesel engine power is replaced. On the level cement road, traveling, braking, traction and steering tests were carried out separately under non-load and heavy-load conditions. Data show that machine speed is 5 km/h around and travel efficiency of motorized-wheels is above 95%; that machine braking deceleration is between 0.5 and 0.64 m/s2 but efficiency of motorized-wheels is less than 10%; that maximum machine traction is above 2t while efficiency of motorized-wheels is more than 90% and that adaptive differential steering can be smoothly achieved by motorized-wheels.

Design and test of three active flutter suppression controllers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christhilf, David M.; Waszak, Martin R.; Adams, William M.; Srinathkumar, S.; Mukhopadhyay, Vivek

1991-01-01

Three flutter suppression control law design techniques are presented. Each uses multiple control surfaces and/or sensors. The first uses linear combinations of several accelerometer signals together with dynamic compensation to synthesize the modal rate of the critical mode for feedback to distributed control surfaces. The second uses traditional tools (pole/zero loci and Nyquist diagrams) to develop a good understanding of the flutter mechanism and produce a controller with minimal complexity and good robustness to plant uncertainty. The third starts with a minimum energy Linear Quadratic Gaussian controller, applies controller order reduction, and then modifies weight and noise covariance matrices to improve multi-variable robustness. The resulting designs were implemented digitally and tested subsonically on the Active Flexible Wing (AFW) wind tunnel model. Test results presented here include plant characteristics, maximum attained closed-loop dynamic pressure, and Root Mean Square control surface activity. A key result is that simultaneous symmetric and antisymmetric flutter suppression was achieved by the second control law, with a 24 percent increase in attainable dynamic pressure.

Highly Stretchable Waterproof Fiber Asymmetric Supercapacitors in an Integrated Structure.

PubMed

Guo, Kai; Wang, Xianfu; Hu, Lintong; Zhai, Tianyou; Li, Huiqiao; Yu, Neng

2018-06-01

Fiber supercapacitors have attracted tremendous attention as promising power source candidates for the next generation of wearable electronics, which are flexible, stretchable, and washable. Although asymmetric fiber supercapacitors with a high energy density have been achieved, their stretchability is no more than 200%, and they still face mechanical instability and an unreliable waterproof structure. This work develops a highly integrated structure for a waterproof, highly stretchable, and asymmetric fiber-shaped supercapacitor, which is assembled by integrating a helix-shaped asymmetric fiber supercapacitor into a bifunctional polymer. The asymmetric fiber supercapacitor demonstrates a working voltage of 1.6 V, a high energy density of 2.86 mW h/cm 3 , has unchanged capacitance after being immersed in water for 50 h, and retains 95% of its initial capacitance after 3000 cycles of stretching-releasing at a maximum strain of 400%. The extraordinary waterproof capability, the large stretching strain, and excellent stretching stability are attributed to the highly integrated structure design, which can also simplify the assembly process of stretchable, waterproof fiber supercapacitors.

High efficiency all-optical plasmonic diode based on a nonlinear side-coupled waveguide-cavity structure with broken symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Hong-Qin; Liu, Bin; Hu, Jin-Feng; He, Xing-Dao

2018-05-01

An all-optical plasmonic diode, comprising a metal-insulator-metal waveguide coupled with a stub cavity, is proposed based on a nonlinear Fano structure. The key technique used is to break structural spatial symmetry by a simple reflector layer in the waveguide. The spatial asymmetry of the structure gives rise to the nonreciprocity of coupling efficiencies between the Fano cavity and waveguides on both sides of the reflector layer, leading to a nonreciprocal nonlinear response. Transmission properties and dynamic responses are numerically simulated and investigated by the nonlinear finite-difference time-domain method. In the proposed structure, high-efficiency nonreciprocal transmission can be achieved with a low power threshold and an ultrafast response time (subpicosecond level). A high maximum transmittance of 89.3% and an ultra-high transmission contrast ratio of 99.6% can also be obtained. The device can be flexibly adjusted for working wavebands by altering the stub cavity length.

Generation of uniformly oriented in-plane magnetization with near-unity purity in 4π microscopy.

PubMed

Wang, Sicong; Cao, Yaoyu; Li, Xiangping

2017-12-01

In this Letter, we numerically demonstrate the all-optical generation of uniformly oriented in-plane magnetization with near-unity purity (more than 99%) under a 4π microscopic configuration. This is achieved through focusing two counter-propagating vector beams consisting of coherently configured linear and radial components. Based on the Debye diffraction theory, constructive and destructive interferences of the focal field components can be tailored under the 4π configuration to generate high-purity uniformly polarized transverse and longitudinal electric-field components in the center of the focal region. Consequently, near-unity purity in-plane magnetization with a uniform orientation within the focal volume defined by the full width at half-maximum can be created through the inverse Faraday effect. In addition, it reveals that the purity of the in-plane magnetization is robust against the numerical aperture of the focal lens. This result expands the flexibility of magnetization manipulations through light and holds great potential in all-optical magnetic recording and spintronics.

Selecting an oxygen plant for a copper smelter modernization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larson, Kenneth H.; Hutchison, Robert L.

1994-10-01

The selection of an oxygen plant for the Cyprus Miami smelter modernization project began with a good definition of the use requirements and the smelter process variables that can affect oxygen demand. To achieve a reliable supply of oxygen with a reasonable amount of capital, critical equipment items were reviewed and reliability was added through the use of installed spares, purchase of insurance spare parts or the installation of equipment design for 50 percent of the production design such that the plant could operate with one unit while the other unit is being maintained. The operating range of the plant was selected to cover variability in smelter oxygen demand, and it was recognized that the broader operating range sacrificed about two to three percent in plant power consumption. Careful consideration of the plant "design point" was important to both the capital and operating costs of the plant, and a design point was specified that allowed a broad range of operation for maximum flexibility.

Linear-scaling generation of potential energy surfaces using a double incremental expansion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

König, Carolin, E-mail: carolink@kth.se; Christiansen, Ove, E-mail: ove@chem.au.dk

We present a combination of the incremental expansion of potential energy surfaces (PESs), known as n-mode expansion, with the incremental evaluation of the electronic energy in a many-body approach. The application of semi-local coordinates in this context allows the generation of PESs in a very cost-efficient way. For this, we employ the recently introduced flexible adaptation of local coordinates of nuclei (FALCON) coordinates. By introducing an additional transformation step, concerning only a fraction of the vibrational degrees of freedom, we can achieve linear scaling of the accumulated cost of the single point calculations required in the PES generation. Numerical examplesmore » of these double incremental approaches for oligo-phenyl examples show fast convergence with respect to the maximum number of simultaneously treated fragments and only a modest error introduced by the additional transformation step. The approach, presented here, represents a major step towards the applicability of vibrational wave function methods to sizable, covalently bound systems.« less

Flexible Polydimethylsiloxane Foams Decorated with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Enable Unprecedented Detection of Ultralow Strain and Pressure Coupled with a Large Working Range.

PubMed

Iglio, Rossella; Mariani, Stefano; Robbiano, Valentina; Strambini, Lucanos; Barillaro, Giuseppe

2018-04-25

Low-cost piezoresistive strain/pressure sensors with large working range, at the same time able to reliably detect ultralow strain (≤0.1%) and pressure (≤1 Pa), are one of the challenges that have still to be overcome for flexible piezoresistive materials toward personalized health-monitoring applications. In this work, we report on unprecedented, simultaneous detection of ultrasmall strain (0.1%, i.e., 10 μm displacement over 10 mm) and subtle pressure (20 Pa, i.e., a force of only 2 mN over an area of 1 cm 2 ) in compression mode, coupled with a large working range (i.e., up to 60% for strain-6 mm in displacement-and 50 kPa for pressure) using piezoresistive, flexible three-dimensional (3D) macroporous polydimethylsiloxane (pPDMS) foams decorated with pristine multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). pPDMS/CNT foams with pore size up to 500 μm (i.e., twice the size of those of commonly used foams, at least) and porosity of 77%, decorated with a nanostructured surface network of CNTs at densities ranging from 7.5 to 37 mg/cm 3 are prepared using a low-cost and scalable process, through replica molding of sacrificial sugar templates and subsequent drop-casting of CNT ink. A thorough characterization shows that piezoresistive properties of the foams can be finely tuned by controlling the CNT density and reach an optimum at a CNT density of 25 mg/cm 3 , for which a maximum change of the material resistivity (e.g., ρ 0 /ρ 50 = 4 at 50% strain) is achieved under compression. Further static and dynamic characterization of the pPDMS/CNT foams with 25 mg/cm 3 of CNTs highlights that detection limits for strain and pressure are 0.03% (3 μm displacement over 10 mm) and 6 Pa (0.6 mN over an area of 1 cm 2 ), respectively; moreover, good stability and limited hysteresis are apparent by cycling the foams with 255 compression-release cycles over the strain range of 0-60%, at different strain rates up to 10 mm/min. Our results on piezoresistive, flexible pPDMS/CNT foams pave the way toward breakthrough applications for personalized health care, though not limited to these, which have not been fully addressed to date with flexible strain/stress sensors.

Monolithically Integrated Flexible Black Phosphorus Complementary Inverter Circuits.

PubMed

Liu, Yuanda; Ang, Kah-Wee

2017-07-25

Two-dimensional (2D) inverters are a fundamental building block for flexible logic circuits which have previously been realized by heterogeneously wiring transistors with two discrete channel materials. Here, we demonstrate a monolithically integrated complementary inverter made using a homogeneous black phosphorus (BP) nanosheet on flexible substrates. The digital logic inverter circuit is demonstrated via effective threshold voltage tuning within a single BP material, which offers both electron and hole dominated conducting channels with nearly symmetric pinch-off and current saturation. Controllable electron concentration is achieved by accurately modulating the aluminum (Al) donor doping, which realizes BP n-FET with a room-temperature on/off ratio >10 3 . Simultaneously, work function engineering is employed to obtain a low Schottky barrier contact electrode that facilities hole injection, thus enhancing the current density of the BP p-FET by 9.4 times. The flexible inverter circuit shows a clear digital logic voltage inversion operation along with a larger-than-unity direct current voltage gain, while exhibits alternating current dynamic signal switching at a record high frequency up to 100 kHz and remarkable electrical stability upon mechanical bending with a radii as small as 4 mm. Our study demonstrates a practical monolithic integration strategy for achieving functional logic circuits on one material platform, paving the way for future high-density flexible electronic applications.

Flexible or leaky attention in creative people? Distinct patterns of attention for different types of creative thinking.

PubMed

Zabelina, Darya; Saporta, Arielle; Beeman, Mark

2016-04-01

Creativity has been putatively linked to distinct forms of attention, but which aspects of creativity and which components of attention remains unclear. Two experiments examined how divergent thinking and creative achievement relate to visual attention. In both experiments, participants identified target letters (S or H) within hierarchical stimuli (global letters made of local letters), after being cued to either the local or global level. In Experiment 1, participants identified the targets more quickly following valid cues (80% of trials) than following invalid cues. However, this smaller validity effect was associated with higher divergent thinking, suggesting that divergent thinking was related to quicker overcoming of invalid cues, and thus to flexible attention. Creative achievement was unrelated to the validity effect. Experiment 2 examined whether divergent thinking (or creative achievement) is related to "leaky attention," so that when cued to one level of a stimulus, some information is still processed, or leaks in, from the non-cued level. In this case, the cued stimulus level always contained a target, and the non-cued level was congruent, neutral, or incongruent with the target. Divergent thinking did not relate to stimulus congruency. In contrast, high creative achievement was related to quicker responses to the congruent than to the incongruent stimuli, suggesting that real-world creative achievement is indeed associated with leaky attention, whereas standard laboratory tests of divergent thinking are not. Together, these results elucidate distinct patterns of attention for different measures of creativity. Specifically, creative achievers may have leaky attention, as suggested by previous literature, whereas divergent thinkers have selective yet flexible attention.

Exploration of CIGAS Alloy System for Thin-Film Photovoltaics on Novel Lightweight and Flexible Substrates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woods, Lawrence M.; Kalla, Ajay; Ribelin, Rosine

2007-01-01

Thin-film photovoltaics (TFPV) on lightweight and flexible substrates offer the potential for very high solar array specific power (W/kg). ITN Energy Systems, Inc. (ITN) is developing flexible TFPV blanket technology that has potential for specific power greater than 2000 W/kg (including space coatings) that could result in solar array specific power between 150 and 500 W/kg, depending on array size, when mated with mechanical support structures specifically designed to take advantage of the lightweight and flexible substrates.(1) This level of specific power would far exceed the current state of the art for spacecraft PV power generation, and meet the needs for future spacecraft missions.(2) Furthermore the high specific power would also enable unmanned aircraft applications and balloon or high-altitude airship (HAA) applications, in addition to modular and quick deploying tents for surface assets or lunar base power, as a result of the high power density (W/sq m) and ability to be integrated into the balloon, HAA or tent fabric. ITN plans to achieve the high specific power by developing single-junction and two-terminal monolithic tandem-junction PV cells using thin-films of high-efficiency and radiation resistant CuInSe2 (CIS) partnered with bandgap-tunable CIS-alloys with Ga (CIGS) or Al (CIAS) on novel lightweight and flexible substrates. Of the various thin-film technologies, single-junction and radiation resistant CIS and associated alloys with gallium, aluminum and sulfur have achieved the highest levels of TFPV device performance, with the best efficiency reaching 19.5% under AM1.5 illumination conditions and on thick glass substrates.(3) Thus, it is anticipated that single- and tandem-junction devices with flexible substrates and based on CIS and related alloys will achieve the highest levels of thin-film space and HAA solar array performance.

Theories of Intelligence, Achievement Goals and Learning Strategies of Chinese Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hau, Kit-Tai; Hui, Hing-fai

It has been suggested that students' belief of whether intelligence is malleable and flexible would affect their purpose of achievement (achievement goals). This might, in turn, influence their learning strategies. The present study examined the above relationships among 194 Grade 7 Chinese students in Hong Kong. Structural equation modeling…

Towards development of nanofibrous large strain flexible strain sensors with programmable shape memory properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalili, N.; Asif, H.; Naguib, H. E.

2018-05-01

Electrospun polymeric fibers can be used as strain sensors due to their large surface to weight/volume ratio, high porosity and pore interconnectivity. Large strain flexible strain sensors are used in numerous applications including rehabilitation, health monitoring, and sports performance monitoring where large strain detection should be accommodated by the sensor. This has boosted the demand for a stretchable, flexible and highly sensitive sensor able to detect a wide range of mechanically induced deformations. Herein, a physically cross-linked polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blend is made into nanofiber networks via electrospinning. The PLA/TPU weight ratio is optimized to obtain a maximum attainable strain of 100% while maintaining its mechanical integrity. The TPU/PLA fibers also allowed for their thermally activated recovery due to shape memory properties of the substrate. This novel feature enhances the sensor’s performance as it is no longer limited by its plastic deformation. Using spray coating method, a homogeneous layer of single-walled carbon nanotube is deposited onto the as-spun fiber mat to induce electrical conductivity to the surface of the fibers. It is shown that stretching and bending the sensor result in a highly sensitive and linear response with a maximum gauge factor of 33.

High-Performance Flexible All-Solid-State Asymmetric Supercapacitors Based on Vertically Aligned CuSe@Co(OH) 2 Nanosheet Arrays

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gong, Jiangfeng; Tian, Yazhou; Yang, Ziyuan

The developments of electrode active materials provide the opportunities for next-generation energy storage devices. The arrangement of electrode materials on the substrate has recently emerged as a promising strategy for preparing high-performance supercapacitors. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel vertically aligned CuSe@Co(OH) 2 nanosheet arrays electrode for supercapacitor application. The materials are thoroughly characterized by structural and spectroscopic techniques. Electrochemical performance of CuSe@Co(OH) 2 nanosheet arrays are investigated in detail, which exhibit a specific capacitance as much as 1180 F g -1 at a current density of 1 A g -1. A flexible asymmetric all-solid-state supercapacitor is fabricated usingmore » CuSe@Co(OH) 2 nanosheet arrays as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode. The device delivers a volumetric capacitance of 441.4 mF cm -3 with maximum energy density and maximum power density is 0.17 and 62.1 mW cm -3, as well as robust cycling stability (~80.4% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles), excellent flexibility, and mechanical stability. Finally, the excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to its unique vertically aligned configuration.« less

A systemic approach to explore the flexibility of energy stores at the cellular scale: Examples from muscle cells.

PubMed

Taghipoor, Masoomeh; van Milgen, Jaap; Gondret, Florence

2016-09-07

Variations in energy storage and expenditure are key elements for animals adaptation to rapidly changing environments. Because of the multiplicity of metabolic pathways, metabolic crossroads and interactions between anabolic and catabolic processes within and between different cells, the flexibility of energy stores in animal cells is difficult to describe by simple verbal, textual or graphic terms. We propose a mathematical model to study the influence of internal and external challenges on the dynamic behavior of energy stores and its consequence on cell energy status. The role of the flexibility of energy stores on the energy equilibrium at the cellular level is illustrated through three case studies: variation in eating frequency (i.e., glucose input), level of physical activity (i.e., ATP requirement), and changes in cell characteristics (i.e., maximum capacity of glycogen storage). Sensitivity analysis has been performed to highlight the most relevant parameters of the model; model simulations have then been performed to illustrate how variation in these key parameters affects cellular energy balance. According to this analysis, glycogen maximum accumulation capacity and homeostatic energy demand are among the most important parameters regulating muscle cell metabolism to ensure its energy equilibrium. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High-Performance Flexible All-Solid-State Asymmetric Supercapacitors Based on Vertically Aligned CuSe@Co(OH) 2 Nanosheet Arrays

DOE PAGES

Gong, Jiangfeng; Tian, Yazhou; Yang, Ziyuan; ...

2018-01-04

The developments of electrode active materials provide the opportunities for next-generation energy storage devices. The arrangement of electrode materials on the substrate has recently emerged as a promising strategy for preparing high-performance supercapacitors. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel vertically aligned CuSe@Co(OH) 2 nanosheet arrays electrode for supercapacitor application. The materials are thoroughly characterized by structural and spectroscopic techniques. Electrochemical performance of CuSe@Co(OH) 2 nanosheet arrays are investigated in detail, which exhibit a specific capacitance as much as 1180 F g -1 at a current density of 1 A g -1. A flexible asymmetric all-solid-state supercapacitor is fabricated usingmore » CuSe@Co(OH) 2 nanosheet arrays as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode. The device delivers a volumetric capacitance of 441.4 mF cm -3 with maximum energy density and maximum power density is 0.17 and 62.1 mW cm -3, as well as robust cycling stability (~80.4% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles), excellent flexibility, and mechanical stability. Finally, the excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to its unique vertically aligned configuration.« less

Highly Efficient Flexible Quantum Dot Solar Cells with Improved Electron Extraction Using MgZnO Nanocrystals.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaoliang; Santra, Pralay Kanti; Tian, Lei; Johansson, Malin B; Rensmo, Håkan; Johansson, Erik M J

2017-08-22

Colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells have high potential for realizing an efficient and lightweight energy supply for flexible or wearable electronic devices. To achieve highly efficient and flexible CQD solar cells, the electron transport layer (ETL), extracting electrons from the CQD solid layer, needs to be processed at a low-temperature and should also suppress interfacial recombination. Herein, a highly stable MgZnO nanocrystal (MZO-NC) layer is reported for efficient flexible PbS CQD solar cells. Solar cells fabricated with MZO-NC ETL give a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.4% and 9.4%, on glass and flexible plastic substrates, respectively. The reported flexible CQD solar cell has the record efficiency to date of flexible CQD solar cells. Detailed theoretical simulations and extensive characterizations reveal that the MZO-NCs significantly enhance charge extraction from CQD solids and diminish the charge accumulation at the ETL/CQD interface, suppressing charge interfacial recombination. These important results suggest that the low-temperature processed MZO-NCs are very promising for use in efficient flexible solar cells or other flexible optoelectronic devices.

Extremely flexible nanoscale ultrathin body silicon integrated circuits on plastic.

PubMed

Shahrjerdi, Davood; Bedell, Stephen W

2013-01-09

In recent years, flexible devices based on nanoscale materials and structures have begun to emerge, exploiting semiconductor nanowires, graphene, and carbon nanotubes. This is primarily to circumvent the existing shortcomings of the conventional flexible electronics based on organic and amorphous semiconductors. The aim of this new class of flexible nanoelectronics is to attain high-performance devices with increased packing density. However, highly integrated flexible circuits with nanoscale transistors have not yet been demonstrated. Here, we show nanoscale flexible circuits on 60 Å thick silicon, including functional ring oscillators and memory cells. The 100-stage ring oscillators exhibit the stage delay of ~16 ps at a power supply voltage of 0.9 V, the best reported for any flexible circuits to date. The mechanical flexibility is achieved by employing the controlled spalling technology, enabling the large-area transfer of the ultrathin body silicon devices to a plastic substrate at room temperature. These results provide a simple and cost-effective pathway to enable ultralight flexible nanoelectronics with unprecedented level of system complexity based on mainstream silicon technology.

Selective robust optimization: A new intensity-modulated proton therapy optimization strategy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Yupeng; Niemela, Perttu; Siljamaki, Sami

2015-08-15

Purpose: To develop a new robust optimization strategy for intensity-modulated proton therapy as an important step in translating robust proton treatment planning from research to clinical applications. Methods: In selective robust optimization, a worst-case-based robust optimization algorithm is extended, and terms of the objective function are selectively computed from either the worst-case dose or the nominal dose. Two lung cancer cases and one head and neck cancer case were used to demonstrate the practical significance of the proposed robust planning strategy. The lung cancer cases had minimal tumor motion less than 5 mm, and, for the demonstration of the methodology,more » are assumed to be static. Results: Selective robust optimization achieved robust clinical target volume (CTV) coverage and at the same time increased nominal planning target volume coverage to 95.8%, compared to the 84.6% coverage achieved with CTV-based robust optimization in one of the lung cases. In the other lung case, the maximum dose in selective robust optimization was lowered from a dose of 131.3% in the CTV-based robust optimization to 113.6%. Selective robust optimization provided robust CTV coverage in the head and neck case, and at the same time improved controls over isodose distribution so that clinical requirements may be readily met. Conclusions: Selective robust optimization may provide the flexibility and capability necessary for meeting various clinical requirements in addition to achieving the required plan robustness in practical proton treatment planning settings.« less

3-V Solid-State Flexible Supercapacitors with Ionic-Liquid-Based Polymer Gel Electrolyte for AC Line Filtering.

PubMed

Kang, Yu Jin; Yoo, Yongju; Kim, Woong

2016-06-08

State-of-the-art solid-state flexible supercapacitors with sufficiently fast response speed for AC line filtering application suffer from limited energy density. One of the main causes of the low energy density is the low cell voltage (1 V), which is limited by aqueous-solution-based gel electrolytes. In this work, we demonstrate for the first time a 3-V flexible supercapacitor for AC line filtering based on an ionic-liquid-based polymer gel electrolyte and carbon nanotube electrode material. The flexible supercapacitor exhibits an areal energy density that is more than 20 times higher than that of the previously demonstrated 1-V flexible supercapacitor (0.66 vs 0.03 μWh/cm(2)) while maintaining excellent capacitive behavior at 120 Hz. The supercapacitor shows a maximum areal power density of 1.5 W/cm(2) and a time constant of 1 ms. The improvement of the cell voltage while maintaining the fast-response capability greatly improves the potential of supercapacitors for high-frequency applications in wearable and/or portable electronics.

Evidence for a maximum mass cut-off in the neutron star mass distribution and constraints on the equation of state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alsing, Justin; Silva, Hector O.; Berti, Emanuele

2018-07-01

We infer the mass distribution of neutron stars in binary systems using a flexible Gaussian mixture model and use Bayesian model selection to explore evidence for multimodality and a sharp cut-off in the mass distribution. We find overwhelming evidence for a bimodal distribution, in agreement with previous literature, and report for the first time positive evidence for a sharp cut-off at a maximum neutron star mass. We measure the maximum mass to be 2.0 M⊙ < mmax < 2.2 M⊙ (68 per cent), 2.0 M⊙ < mmax < 2.6 M⊙ (90 per cent), and evidence for a cut-off is robust against the choice of model for the mass distribution and to removing the most extreme (highest mass) neutron stars from the data set. If this sharp cut-off is interpreted as the maximum stable neutron star mass allowed by the equation of state of dense matter, our measurement puts constraints on the equation of state. For a set of realistic equations of state that support >2 M⊙ neutron stars, our inference of mmax is able to distinguish between models at odds ratios of up to 12:1, whilst under a flexible piecewise polytropic equation-of-state model our maximum mass measurement improves constraints on the pressure at 3-7× the nuclear saturation density by ˜ 30-50 per cent compared to simply requiring mmax > 2 M⊙. We obtain a lower bound on the maximum sound speed attained inside the neutron star of c_ s^max > 0.63c (99.8 per cent), ruling out c_ s^max < c/√{3} at high significance. Our constraints on the maximum neutron star mass strengthen the case for neutron star-neutron star mergers as the primary source of short gamma-ray bursts.

Government-to-private sector energy programs: Identification of common elements leading to successful implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stockton, Keith M.

This dissertation examines six distinct government energy programs implemented in the United States during the last three decades. A common element within these programs is an attempt by government to drive commercialization of energy technologies leading to changes in energy production or consumptive behavior. We seek to understand the factors that lead to success or failure of these programs with two goals in mind. The first is theoretical in that we test a hypothesis that market-based energy programs have substantially higher success rates than command-and-control programs. The second goal is operational in nature, in which we desire to identify common factors within energy programs that lead either to program success or to failure. We investigate and evaluate three market-based and three command-and-control energy programs. The market-based programs include the federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy and Sulfur Dioxide Emissions Control programs as well as Colorado's Amendment 37. The command-and-control programs include the federal Synthetic Fuels Corporation and Corn Based Ethanol programs as well as Colorado's Solar Electric Power program. We conduct the analysis of each program based on composite methodology derived from leading academics within the Policy Sciences. From our research findings, we conclude that both market-based and command-and-control programs can achieve their legislative goals and objectives, resulting in permanent changes in energy production or consumptive behavior. However, we also find that the economic efficiency is the differentiator between market-based and command-and-control programs. Market-based programs, because of the inherent flexibility, allow participants to react to changing economic and/or technical conditions. In contrast, command-and-control programs lack such flexibility and often result in economic inefficiency when economic conditions change. The financial incentives incorporated in the three command-and-control programs we examined also create market distortions that both limit the flexibility of private markets to adjust to changing economic conditions and discourage the adoption of competing technologies. We conclude our research by recommending that future policy makers maximize the range of methods availability to the private sector to meet legislative goals and limit the use of financial incentives. With these measures, energy programs may achieve higher levels of success by reaching their goals with maximum economic efficiency and minimal negative unanticipated consequences.

A Neurobehavioral Model of Flexible Spatial Language Behaviors

PubMed Central

Lipinski, John; Schneegans, Sebastian; Sandamirskaya, Yulia; Spencer, John P.; Schöner, Gregor

2012-01-01

We propose a neural dynamic model that specifies how low-level visual processes can be integrated with higher level cognition to achieve flexible spatial language behaviors. This model uses real-word visual input that is linked to relational spatial descriptions through a neural mechanism for reference frame transformations. We demonstrate that the system can extract spatial relations from visual scenes, select items based on relational spatial descriptions, and perform reference object selection in a single unified architecture. We further show that the performance of the system is consistent with behavioral data in humans by simulating results from 2 independent empirical studies, 1 spatial term rating task and 1 study of reference object selection behavior. The architecture we present thereby achieves a high degree of task flexibility under realistic stimulus conditions. At the same time, it also provides a detailed neural grounding for complex behavioral and cognitive processes. PMID:21517224

46 CFR 56.30-40 - Flexible pipe couplings of the compression or slip-on type.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... or slip-on type must not be used as expansion joints. To ensure that the maximum axial displacement... couplings must not be used in cargo holds or in any other space where leakage, undetected flooding, or...

46 CFR 56.30-40 - Flexible pipe couplings of the compression or slip-on type.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... or slip-on type must not be used as expansion joints. To ensure that the maximum axial displacement... couplings must not be used in cargo holds or in any other space where leakage, undetected flooding, or...

46 CFR 56.30-40 - Flexible pipe couplings of the compression or slip-on type.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... or slip-on type must not be used as expansion joints. To ensure that the maximum axial displacement... couplings must not be used in cargo holds or in any other space where leakage, undetected flooding, or...

46 CFR 56.30-40 - Flexible pipe couplings of the compression or slip-on type.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... or slip-on type must not be used as expansion joints. To ensure that the maximum axial displacement... couplings must not be used in cargo holds or in any other space where leakage, undetected flooding, or...

46 CFR 56.30-40 - Flexible pipe couplings of the compression or slip-on type.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... or slip-on type must not be used as expansion joints. To ensure that the maximum axial displacement... couplings must not be used in cargo holds or in any other space where leakage, undetected flooding, or...

29 CFR 1926.407 - Hazardous (classified) locations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... marking requirement for specific equipment: (A) Equipment of the non-heat-producing type (such as junction boxes, conduit, and fitting) and equipment of the heat-producing type having a maximum temperature of... connections, conductor insulation, flexible cords, sealing and drainage, transformers, capacitors, switches...

29 CFR 1926.407 - Hazardous (classified) locations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... marking requirement for specific equipment: (A) Equipment of the non-heat-producing type (such as junction boxes, conduit, and fitting) and equipment of the heat-producing type having a maximum temperature of... connections, conductor insulation, flexible cords, sealing and drainage, transformers, capacitors, switches...

29 CFR 1926.407 - Hazardous (classified) locations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... marking requirement for specific equipment: (A) Equipment of the non-heat-producing type (such as junction boxes, conduit, and fitting) and equipment of the heat-producing type having a maximum temperature of... connections, conductor insulation, flexible cords, sealing and drainage, transformers, capacitors, switches...

Achieving Ultrahigh Energy Density and Long Durability in a Flexible Rechargeable Quasi-Solid-State Zn-MnO2 Battery.

PubMed

Zeng, Yinxiang; Zhang, Xiyue; Meng, Yue; Yu, Minghao; Yi, Jianan; Wu, Yiqiang; Lu, Xihong; Tong, Yexiang

2017-07-01

Advanced flexible batteries with high energy density and long cycle life are an important research target. Herein, the first paradigm of a high-performance and stable flexible rechargeable quasi-solid-state Zn-MnO 2 battery is constructed by engineering MnO 2 electrodes and gel electrolyte. Benefiting from a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) buffer layer and a Mn 2+ -based neutral electrolyte, the fabricated Zn-MnO 2 @PEDOT battery presents a remarkable capacity of 366.6 mA h g -1 and good cycling performance (83.7% after 300 cycles) in aqueous electrolyte. More importantly, when using PVA/ZnCl 2 /MnSO 4 gel as electrolyte, the as-fabricated quasi-solid-state Zn-MnO 2 @PEDOT battery remains highly rechargeable, maintaining more than 77.7% of its initial capacity and nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency after 300 cycles. Moreover, this flexible quasi-solid-state Zn-MnO 2 battery achieves an admirable energy density of 504.9 W h kg -1 (33.95 mW h cm -3 ), together with a peak power density of 8.6 kW kg -1 , substantially higher than most recently reported flexible energy-storage devices. With the merits of impressive energy density and durability, this highly flexible rechargeable Zn-MnO 2 battery opens new opportunities for powering portable and wearable electronics. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ethylene Production Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) Compliance Manual

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This July 2006 document is intended to help owners and operators of ethylene processes understand and comply with EPA's maximum achievable control technology standards promulgated on July 12, 2002, as amended on April 13, 2005 and April 20, 2006.

A Modular Approach To Developing A Large Deployable Reflector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pittman, R.; Leidich, C.; Mascy, F.; Swenson, B.

1984-01-01

NASA is currently studying the feasibility of developing a Large Deployable Reflector (LDR) astronomical facility to perform astrophysical studies of the infrared and submillimeter portion of the spectrum in the mid 1990's. The LDR concept was recommended by the Astronomy Survey Committee of the National Academy of Sciences as one of two space based projects to be started this decade. The current baseline calls for a 20 m (65.6 ft) aperture telescope diffraction limited at 30 μm and automatically deployed from a single Shuttle launch. The volume, performance, and single launch constraints place great demands on the technology and place LDR beyond the state-of-the-art in certain areas such as lightweight reflector segments. The advent of the Shuttle is opening up many new options and capabilities for producing large space systems. Until now, LDR has always been conceived as an integrated system, deployed autonomously in a single launch. This paper will look at a combination of automatic deployment and on-orbit assembly that may reduce the technological complexity and cost of the LDR system. Many technological tools are now in use or under study that will greatly enhance our capabilities to do assembly in space. Two Shuttle volume budget scenarios will be examined to assess the potential of these tools to reduce the LDR system complexity. Further study will be required to reach the full optimal combination of deployment and assembly, since in most cases the capabilities of these new tools have not been demonstrated. In order to take maximum advantage of these concepts, the design of LDR must be flexible and allow one subsystem to be modified without adversely affecting the entire system. One method of achieving this flexibility is to use a modular design approach in which the major subsystems are physically separated during launch and assembled on orbit. A modular design approach facilitates this flexibility but requires that the subsystems be interfaced in a simple, straightforward, and controlled manner. NASA is currently defining a technology development plan for LDR which will identify the technology advances that are required. The modular approach offers the flexibility to easily incorporate these new advances into the design.

Online and Offline Pattern Recognition in PANDA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boca, Gianluigi

2016-11-01

PANDA is one of the four experiments that will run at the new facility FAIR that is being built in Darmstadt, Germany. It is a fixed target experiment: a beam of antiprotons collides on a jet proton target (the maximum center of mass energy is 5.46 GeV). The interaction rate at the startup will be 2MHz with the goal of reaching 20MHz at full luminosity. The beam of antiprotons will be essentially continuous. PANDA will have NO hardware trigger but only a software trigger, to allow for maximum flexibility in the physics program. All those characteristics are severe challenges for the reconstruction code that 1) must be fast, since it has to be validated up to 20MHz interaction rate; 2) must be able to reject fake tracks caused by the remnant hits, belonging to previous or later events in some slow detectors, for example the straw tubes in the central region. The Pattern Recognition (PR) of PANDA will have to run both online to achieve a first fast selection, and offline, at lower rate, for a more refined selection. In PANDA the PR code is continuously evolving; this contribution shows the present status. I will give an overview of three examples of PR following different strategies and/or implemented on different hardware (FPGA, GPUs, CPUs) and, when available, I will report the performances.

Quantifying intracellular rates of glycolytic and oxidative ATP production and consumption using extracellular flux measurements

PubMed Central

Mookerjee, Shona A.; Gerencser, Akos A.; Nicholls, David G.; Brand, Martin D.

2017-01-01

Partitioning of ATP generation between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation is central to cellular bioenergetics but cumbersome to measure. We describe here how rates of ATP generation by each pathway can be calculated from simultaneous measurements of extracellular acidification and oxygen consumption. We update theoretical maximum ATP yields by mitochondria and cells catabolizing different substrates. Mitochondrial P/O ratios (mol of ATP generated per mol of [O] consumed) are 2.73 for oxidation of pyruvate plus malate and 1.64 for oxidation of succinate. Complete oxidation of glucose by cells yields up to 33.45 ATP/glucose with a maximum P/O of 2.79. We introduce novel indices to quantify bioenergetic phenotypes. The glycolytic index reports the proportion of ATP production from glycolysis and identifies cells as primarily glycolytic (glycolytic index > 50%) or primarily oxidative. The Warburg effect is a chronic increase in glycolytic index, quantified by the Warburg index. Additional indices quantify the acute flexibility of ATP supply. The Crabtree index and Pasteur index quantify the responses of oxidative and glycolytic ATP production to alterations in glycolysis and oxidative reactions, respectively; the supply flexibility index quantifies overall flexibility of ATP supply; and the bioenergetic capacity quantifies the maximum rate of total ATP production. We illustrate the determination of these indices using C2C12 myoblasts. Measurement of ATP use revealed no significant preference for glycolytic or oxidative ATP by specific ATP consumers. Overall, we demonstrate how extracellular fluxes quantitatively reflect intracellular ATP turnover and cellular bioenergetics. We provide a simple spreadsheet to calculate glycolytic and oxidative ATP production rates from raw extracellular acidification and respiration data. PMID:28270511

Rigid and flexible organic electrochemical transistor arrays for monitoring action potentials from electrogenic cells.

PubMed

Yao, Chunlei; Li, Qianqian; Guo, Jing; Yan, Feng; Hsing, I-Ming

2015-03-11

Rigid and flexible organic electrochemical transistor arrays are successfully implemented for monitoring cardiac action potentials. Excellent signal to noise ratios are achieved with values routinely larger than 4. These devices are promising to be used in both conventional and emerging areas. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Towards More Flexibility in Training: A Review of Some Experiences in Rationalizing the Provision of Vocational Qualifications. Employment and Training Papers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tchaban, A., Ed.

This document presents five papers, each describing different experiences in the introduction, promotion and implementation of innovative adult training approaches aimed at achieving more flexibility in skill development. An introduction (Anatoli Tchaban) presents background information and a synthesis of the studies covering definitions, concepts…

Large-Area Monolayer MoS2 for Flexible Low-Power RF Nanoelectronics in the GHz Regime.

PubMed

Chang, Hsiao-Yu; Yogeesh, Maruthi Nagavalli; Ghosh, Rudresh; Rai, Amritesh; Sanne, Atresh; Yang, Shixuan; Lu, Nanshu; Banerjee, Sanjay Kumar; Akinwande, Deji

2016-03-02

Flexible synthesized MoS2 transistors are advanced to perform at GHz speeds. An intrinsic cutoff frequency of 5.6 GHz is achieved and analog circuits are realized. Devices are mechanically robust for 10,000 bending cycles. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Distributed flexibility in inertial swimmers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Floryan, Daniel; Rowley, Clarence W.; Smits, Alexander J.

2017-11-01

To achieve fast and efficient swimming, the flexibility of the propulsive surfaces is an important feature. To better understand the effects of distributed flexibility (either through inhomogeneous material properties, varying geometry, or both) we consider the coupled solid and fluid mechanics of the problem. Here, we develop a simplified model of a flexible swimmer, using Euler-Bernoulli theory to describe the solid, Theodorsen's theory to describe the fluid, and a Blasius boundary layer to incorporate viscous effects. Our primary aims are to understand how distributed flexibility affects the thrust production and efficiency of a swimmer with imposed motion at its leading edge. In particular, we examine the modal shapes of the swimmer to gain physical insight into the observed trends. Supported under ONR MURI Grant N00014-14-1-0533, Program Manager Robert Brizzolara.

Producing smart sensing films by means of organic field effect transistors.

PubMed

Manunza, Ileana; Orgiu, Emanuele; Caboni, Alessandra; Barbaro, Massimo; Bonfiglio, Annalisa

2006-01-01

We have fabricated the first example of totally flexible field effect device for chemical detection based on an organic field effect transistor (OFET) made by pentacene films grown on flexible plastic structures. The ion sensitivity is achieved by employing a thin Mylar foil as gate dielectric. A sensitivity of the device to the pH of the electrolyte solution has been observed A similar structure can be used also for detecting mechanical deformations on flexible surfaces. Thanks to the flexibility of the substrate and the low cost of the employed technology, these devices open the way for the production of flexible chemical and strain gauge sensors that can be employed in a variety of innovative applications such as wearable electronics, e-textiles, new man-machine interfaces.

A multiplexed magnetic tweezer with precision particle tracking and bi-directional force control.

PubMed

Johnson, Keith C; Clemmens, Emilie; Mahmoud, Hani; Kirkpatrick, Robin; Vizcarra, Juan C; Thomas, Wendy E

2017-01-01

In the past two decades, methods have been developed to measure the mechanical properties of single biomolecules. One of these methods, Magnetic tweezers, is amenable to aquisition of data on many single molecules simultaneously, but to take full advantage of this "multiplexing" ability, it is necessary to simultaneously incorprorate many capabilities that ahve been only demonstrated separately. Our custom built magnetic tweezer combines high multiplexing, precision bead tracking, and bi-directional force control into a flexible and stable platform for examining single molecule behavior. This was accomplished using electromagnets, which provide high temporal control of force while achieving force levels similar to permanent magnets via large paramagnetic beads. Here we describe the instrument and its ability to apply 2-260 pN of force on up to 120 beads simultaneously, with a maximum spatial precision of 12 nm using a variety of bead sizes and experimental techniques. We also demonstrate a novel method for increasing the precision of force estimations on heterogeneous paramagnetic beads using a combination of density separation and bi-directional force correlation which reduces the coefficient of variation of force from 27% to 6%. We then use the instrument to examine the force dependence of uncoiling and recoiling velocity of type 1 fimbriae from Eschericia coli ( E. coli ) bacteria, and see similar results to previous studies. This platform provides a simple, effective, and flexible method for efficiently gathering single molecule force spectroscopy measurements.

Considerations of the Effects of Naphthalene Moieties on the Design of Proton-Conductive Poly(arylene ether ketone) Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Wang, Baolong; Hong, Lihua; Li, Yunfeng; Zhao, Liang; Wei, Yuxue; Zhao, Chengji; Na, Hui

2016-09-14

Novel sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketones) (SDN-PAEK-x), consisting of dual naphthalene and flexible sulfoalkyl groups, were prepared via polycondensation, demethylation, and sulfobutylation grafting reaction. Among them, SDN-PAEK-1.94 membrane with the highest ion exchange capacity (IEC = 2.46 mequiv·g(-1)) exhibited the highest proton conductivity, which was 0.147 S· cm(-1) at 25 °C and 0.271 S·cm(-1) at 80 °C, respectively. The introduction of dual naphthalene moieties is expected to achieve much enhanced properties compared to those of sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketones) (SNPAEK-x), consisting of single naphthalene and flexible sulfoalkyl groups. Compared with SNPAEK-1.60 with a similar IEC, SDN-PAEK-1.74 membrane showed higher proton conductivity, higher IEC normalized conductivity, and higher effective proton mobility, although it had lower analytical acid concentration. The SDN-PAEK-x membranes with IECs higher than 1.96 mequiv·g(-1) also exhibited higher proton conductivity than that of recast Nafion membrane. Furthermore, SDN-PAEK-1.94 displayed a better single cell performance with a maximum power density of 60 mW·cm(-2) at 80 °C. Considering its high proton conductivity, excellent single cell performance, good mechanical stabilities, low membrane swelling, and methanol permeability, SDN-PAEK-x membranes are promising candidates as alternative polymer electrolyte membranes to Nafion for direct methanol fuel cell applications.

Microstructure and Electrical Properties of Antimony Telluride Thin Films Deposited by RF Magnetron Sputtering on Flexible Substrate Using Different Sputtering Pressures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khumtong, T.; Sukwisute, P.; Sakulkalavek, A.; Sakdanuphab, R.

2017-05-01

The microstructural, electrical, and thermoelectric properties of antimony telluride (Sb2Te3) thin films have been investigated for thermoelectric applications. Sb2Te3 thin films were deposited on flexible substrate (polyimide) by radiofrequency (RF) magnetron sputtering from a Sb2Te3 target using different sputtering pressures in the range from 4 × 10-3 mbar to 1.2 × 10-2 mbar. The crystal structure, [Sb]:[Te] ratio, and electrical and thermoelectric properties of the films were analyzed by grazing-incidence x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Hall effect and Seebeck measurements, respectively. The XRD spectra of the films demonstrated polycrystalline structure with preferred orientation of (015), (110), and (1010). A high-intensity spectrum was found for the film deposited at lower sputtering pressure. EDS analysis of the films revealed the effects of the sputtering pressure on the [Sb]:[Te] atomic ratio, with nearly stoichiometric films being obtained at higher sputtering pressure. The stoichiometric Sb2Te3 films showed p-type characteristics with electrical conductivity, carrier concentration, and mobility of 35.7 S cm-1, 6.38 × 1019 cm-3, and 3.67 cm2 V-1 s-1, respectively. The maximum power factor of 1.07 × 10-4 W m-1 K-2 was achieved for the film deposited at sputtering pressure of 1.0 × 10-2 mbar.

Nowcast of thunderstorm and typhoon activity based on lightning detection and flexible operation of micro-satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Y.

2016-12-01

It has become known that lightning activity represents the thunderstorm activity, namely, the intensity and area of precipitation and/or updraft. Thunderstorm is also important as a proxy of the energy input from ocean to atmosphere in typhoon, meaning that if we could monitor the thunderstorm with lightning we could predict the maximum wind velocity near the typhoon center by one or two days before. Constructing ELF and VLF radio wave observation network in Southeast Asia (AVON) and a regional dense network of automated weather station in a big city, we plan to establish the monitoring system for thunderstorm development in western pacific warm pool (WPWP) where typhoon is formed and in detail in big city area. On the other hand, some developing countries in SE-Asia are going to own micro-satellites dedicated to meteorological remote sensing. Making use of the lightning activity data measured by the ground-based networks, and information on 3-D structures of thunderclouds observed by the flexible on-demand operation of the remote-sensing micro-satellites, we would establish a new methodology to obtain very detail semi-real time information that cannot be achieved only with existing observation facilities, such as meteorological radar or large meteorological satellite. Using this new system we try to issue nowcast for the local thunderstorm and for typhoons. The first attempt will be carried out in Metro Manila in Philippines and WPWP as one of the SATREPS projects.

Flexible Organic Electronics in Biology: Materials and Devices.

PubMed

Liao, Caizhi; Zhang, Meng; Yao, Mei Yu; Hua, Tao; Li, Li; Yan, Feng

2015-12-09

At the convergence of organic electronics and biology, organic bioelectronics attracts great scientific interest. The potential applications of organic semiconductors to reversibly transmit biological signals or stimulate biological tissues inspires many research groups to explore the use of organic electronics in biological systems. Considering the surfaces of movable living tissues being arbitrarily curved at physiological environments, the flexibility of organic bioelectronic devices is of paramount importance in enabling stable and reliable performances by improving the contact and interaction of the devices with biological systems. Significant advances in flexible organic bio-electronics have been achieved in the areas of flexible organic thin film transistors (OTFTs), polymer electrodes, smart textiles, organic electrochemical ion pumps (OEIPs), ion bipolar junction transistors (IBJTs) and chemiresistors. This review will firstly discuss the materials used in flexible organic bioelectronics, which is followed by an overview on various types of flexible organic bioelectronic devices. The versatility of flexible organic bioelectronics promises a bright future for this emerging area. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Flexible Film Bulk Acoustic Wave Filters toward Radiofrequency Wireless Communication.

PubMed

Jiang, Yuan; Zhao, Yuan; Zhang, Lin; Liu, Bohua; Li, Quanning; Zhang, Menglun; Pang, Wei

2018-03-30

This paper presents a flexible radiofrequency filter with a central frequency of 2.4 GHz based on film bulk acoustic wave resonators (FBARs). The flexible filter consists of five air-gap type FBARs, each comprised of an aluminum nitride piezoelectric thin film sandwiched between two thin-film electrodes. By transfer printing the inorganic film structure from a silicon wafer to an ultrathin polyimide substrate, high electrical performance and mechanical flexibility are achieved. The filter has a peak insertion loss of -1.14 dB, a 3 dB bandwidth of 107 MHz, and a temperature coefficient of frequency of -27 ppm °C -1 . The passband and roll-off characteristics of the flexible filter are comparable with silicon-based commercial products. No electrical performance degradation and mechanical failure occur under bending tests with a bending radius of 2.5 mm or after 100 bending cycles. The flexible FBAR filters are believed to be promising candidates for future flexible wireless communication systems. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nanocarbon-Based Materials for Flexible All-Solid-State Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Lv, Tian; Liu, Mingxian; Zhu, Dazhang; Gan, Lihua; Chen, Tao

2018-04-01

Because of the rapid development of flexible electronics, it is important to develop high-performance flexible energy-storage devices, such as supercapacitors and metal-ion batteries. Compared with metal-ion batteries, supercapacitors exhibit higher power density, longer cycling life, and excellent safety, and they can be easily fabricated into all-solid-state devices by using polymer gel electrolytes. All-solid-state supercapacitors (ASSSCs) have the advantages of being lightweight and flexible, thus showing great potential to be used as power sources for flexible portable electronics. Because of their high specific surface area and excellent electrical and mechanical properties, nanocarbon materials (such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon nanofibers, and so on) have been widely used as efficient electrode materials for flexible ASSSCs, and great achievements have been obtained. Here, the recent advances in flexible ASSSCs are summarized, from design strategies to fabrication techniques for nanocarbon electrodes and devices. Current challenges and future perspectives are also discussed. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

45 CFR 98.1 - Goals and purposes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL ADMINISTRATION CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FUND... each State maximum flexibility in developing child care programs and policies that best suit the needs of children and parents within the State; (2) Promote parental choice to empower working parents to...

Dynamic Behaviour and Seismic Response of Ground Supported Cylindrical Water Tanks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asha, Joseph; Glory, Joseph

2018-05-01

Liquid storage tank such as in water distribution systems, petroleum plants etc., constitute a vital component of life line systems. Reducing earthquake effects on liquid storage tanks, to minimize the environmental and economic impact of these effects, have always been an important engineering concern. In this paper, the dynamic behavior of cylindrical ground supported concrete water tanks with different aspect ratios is investigated using finite element software ANSYS. The natural frequencies and modal responses are obtained for impulsive and convective modes of vibration. The natural frequency of vibration of the tank is observed to be the lowest at maximum water depth. The fundamental impulsive frequency increases as water level reduces and for water level less than 1/3 of tank height, there is significantly no change in impulsive frequency. The effect of wall flexibility on dynamic behavior of the tank is investigated by performing the modal analysis of flexible and rigid tanks. For a partially filled tank, the results of the present study are of significant relevance. The response of the tank to the transient loading as horizontal ground motion of El Centro earthquake is studied for various water heights. As the height of water on the tank increases, the ultimate maximum seismic response parameters are also observed to be increased. The location of maximum hoop stress varies in accordance with the variations in input ground motion and water fill condition whereas shear and bending moment are maximum at the base.

A basic introduction to the thermodynamics of the Earth system far from equilibrium and maximum entropy production

PubMed Central

Kleidon, A.

2010-01-01

The Earth system is remarkably different from its planetary neighbours in that it shows pronounced, strong global cycling of matter. These global cycles result in the maintenance of a unique thermodynamic state of the Earth's atmosphere which is far from thermodynamic equilibrium (TE). Here, I provide a simple introduction of the thermodynamic basis to understand why Earth system processes operate so far away from TE. I use a simple toy model to illustrate the application of non-equilibrium thermodynamics and to classify applications of the proposed principle of maximum entropy production (MEP) to such processes into three different cases of contrasting flexibility in the boundary conditions. I then provide a brief overview of the different processes within the Earth system that produce entropy, review actual examples of MEP in environmental and ecological systems, and discuss the role of interactions among dissipative processes in making boundary conditions more flexible. I close with a brief summary and conclusion. PMID:20368248

Horizontal lifelines - review of regulations and simple design method considering anchorage rigidity.

PubMed

Galy, Bertrand; Lan, André

2018-03-01

Among the many occupational risks construction workers encounter every day falling from a height is the most dangerous. The objective of this article is to propose a simple analytical design method for horizontal lifelines (HLLs) that considers anchorage flexibility. The article presents a short review of the standards and regulations/acts/codes concerning HLLs in Canada the USA and Europe. A static analytical approach is proposed considering anchorage flexibility. The analytical results are compared with a series of 42 dynamic fall tests and a SAP2000 numerical model. The experimental results show that the analytical method is a little conservative and overestimates the line tension in most cases with a maximum of 17%. The static SAP2000 results show a maximum 2.1% difference with the analytical method. The analytical method is accurate enough to safely design HLLs and quick design abaci are provided to allow the engineer to make quick on-site verification if needed.

A basic introduction to the thermodynamics of the Earth system far from equilibrium and maximum entropy production.

PubMed

Kleidon, A

2010-05-12

The Earth system is remarkably different from its planetary neighbours in that it shows pronounced, strong global cycling of matter. These global cycles result in the maintenance of a unique thermodynamic state of the Earth's atmosphere which is far from thermodynamic equilibrium (TE). Here, I provide a simple introduction of the thermodynamic basis to understand why Earth system processes operate so far away from TE. I use a simple toy model to illustrate the application of non-equilibrium thermodynamics and to classify applications of the proposed principle of maximum entropy production (MEP) to such processes into three different cases of contrasting flexibility in the boundary conditions. I then provide a brief overview of the different processes within the Earth system that produce entropy, review actual examples of MEP in environmental and ecological systems, and discuss the role of interactions among dissipative processes in making boundary conditions more flexible. I close with a brief summary and conclusion.

Tensile characteristics of metal nanoparticle films on flexible polymer substrates for printed electronics applications.

PubMed

Kim, Sanghyeok; Won, Sejeong; Sim, Gi-Dong; Park, Inkyu; Lee, Soon-Bok

2013-03-01

Metal nanoparticle solutions are widely used for the fabrication of printed electronic devices. The mechanical properties of the solution-processed metal nanoparticle thin films are very important for the robust and reliable operation of printed electronic devices. In this paper, we report the tensile characteristics of silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) thin films on flexible polymer substrates by observing the microstructures and measuring the electrical resistance under tensile strain. The effects of the annealing temperatures and periods of Ag NP thin films on their failure strains are explained with a microstructural investigation. The maximum failure strain for Ag NP thin film was 6.6% after initial sintering at 150 °C for 30 min. Thermal annealing at higher temperatures for longer periods resulted in a reduction of the maximum failure strain, presumably due to higher porosity and larger pore size. We also found that solution-processed Ag NP thin films have lower failure strains than those of electron beam evaporated Ag thin films due to their highly porous film morphologies.

Demonstration of flexible multicasting and aggregation functionality for TWDM-PON

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yuanxiang; Li, Juhao; Zhu, Paikun; Zhu, Jinglong; Tian, Yu; Wu, Zhongying; Peng, Huangfa; Xu, Yongchi; Chen, Jingbiao; He, Yongqi; Chen, Zhangyuan

2017-06-01

The time- and wavelength-division multiplexed passive optical network (TWDM-PON) has been recognized as an attractive solution to provide broadband access for the next-generation networks. In this paper, we propose flexible service multicasting and aggregation functionality for TWDM-PON utilizing multiple-pump four-wave-mixing (FWM) and cyclic arrayed waveguide grating (AWG). With the proposed scheme, multiple TWDM-PON links share a single optical line terminal (OLT), which can greatly reduce the network deployment expense and achieve efficient network resource utilization by load balancing among different optical distribution networks (ODNs). The proposed scheme is compatible with existing TDM-PON infrastructure with fixed-wavelength OLT transmitter, thus smooth service upgrade can be achieved. Utilizing the proposed scheme, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept experiment with 10-Gb/s OOK and 10-Gb/s QPSK orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal multicasting and aggregating to seven PON links. Compared with back-to-back (BTB) channel, the newly generated multicasting OOK signal and OFDM signal have power penalty of 1.6 dB and 2 dB at the BER of 10-3, respectively. For the aggregation of multiple channels, no obvious power penalty is observed. What is more, to verify the flexibility of the proposed scheme, we reconfigure the wavelength selective switch (WSS) and adjust the number of pumps to realize flexible multicasting functionality. One to three, one to seven, one to thirteen and one to twenty-one multicasting are achieved without modifying OLT structure.

Flexible all solid-state supercapacitors based on chemical vapor deposition derived graphene fibers.

PubMed

Li, Xinming; Zhao, Tianshuo; Chen, Qiao; Li, Peixu; Wang, Kunlin; Zhong, Minlin; Wei, Jinquan; Wu, Dehai; Wei, Bingqing; Zhu, Hongwei

2013-11-07

Flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors based on graphene fibers are demonstrated in this study. Surface-deposited oxide nanoparticles are used as pseudo-capacitor electrodes to achieve high capacitance. This supercapacitor electrode has an areal capacitance of 42 mF cm(-2), which is comparable to the capacitance for fiber-based supercapacitors reported to date. During the bending and cycling of the fiber-based supercapacitor, the stability could be maintained without sacrificing the electrochemical performance, which provides a novel and simple way to develop flexible, lightweight and efficient graphene-based devices.

High precision NC lathe feeding system rigid-flexible coupling model reduction technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xuan, He; Hua, Qingsong; Cheng, Lianjun; Zhang, Hongxin; Zhao, Qinghai; Mao, Xinkai

2017-08-01

This paper proposes the use of dynamic substructure method of reduction of order to achieve effective reduction of feed system for high precision NC lathe feeding system rigid-flexible coupling model, namely the use of ADAMS to establish the rigid flexible coupling simulation model of high precision NC lathe, and then the vibration simulation of the period by using the FD 3D damper is very effective for feed system of bolt connection reduction of multi degree of freedom model. The vibration simulation calculation is more accurate, more quickly.

Experimental and Theoretical Results in Output-Trajectory Redesign for Flexible Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dewey, J. S.; Devasia, Santosh

1996-01-01

In this paper we study the optimal redesign of output trajectory for linear invertible systems. This is particularly important for tracking control of flexible structures because the input-state trajectories that achieve the required output may cause excessive vibrations in the structure. A trade-off is then required between tracking and vibrations reduction. We pose and solve this problem as the minimization of a quadratic cost function. The theory is developed and applied to the output tracking of a flexible structure and experimental results are presented.

Effect of the mass center shift for force-free flexible spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meirovitch, L.; Juang, J.-N.

1975-01-01

For a spinning flexible spacecraft the mass center generally shifts relative to the nominal undeformed position. It is thought that this shift of center complicates spacecraft stability analysis. It is proved, on the basis of results achieved by Meirovitch and Calico (1972), that for the general class of force-free single-spin flexible spacecraft it is possible to ignore this shift of center without affecting the stability criteria in any significant way. A new theorem on inequalities for quadratic forms is proved to demonstrate the validity of the stability analysis.

Ultrathin (<1 μm) Substrate-Free Flexible Photodetector on Quantum Dot-Nanocellulose Paper

PubMed Central

Wu, Jingda; Lin, Lih Y.

2017-01-01

Conventional approaches to flexible optoelectronic devices typically require depositing the active materials on external substrates. This is mostly due to the weak bonding between individual molecules or nanocrystals in the active materials, which prevents sustaining a freestanding thin film. Herein we demonstrate an ultrathin freestanding ZnO quantum dot (QD) active layer with nanocellulose structuring, and its corresponding device fabrication method to achieve substrate-free flexible optoelectronic devices. The ultrathin ZnO QD-nanocellulose composite is obtained by hydrogel transfer printing and solvent-exchange processes to overcome the water capillary force which is detrimental to achieving freestanding thin films. We achieved an active nanocellulose paper with ~550 nm thickness, and >91% transparency in the visible wavelength range. The film retains the photoconductive and photoluminescent properties of ZnO QDs and is applied towards substrate-free Schottky photodetector applications. The device has an overall thickness of ~670 nm, which is the thinnest freestanding optoelectronic device to date, to the best of our knowledge, and functions as a self-powered visible-blind ultraviolet photodetector. This platform can be readily applied to other nano materials as well as other optoelectronic device applications. PMID:28266651

Flexible Lithium-Ion Batteries with High Areal Capacity Enabled by Smart Conductive Textiles.

PubMed

Ha, Sung Hoon; Shin, Kyu Hang; Park, Hae Won; Lee, Yun Jung

2018-02-05

Increasing demand for flexible devices in various applications, such as smart watches, healthcare, and military applications, requires the development of flexible energy-storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high flexibility and capacity. However, it is difficult to ensure high capacity and high flexibility simultaneously through conventional electrode preparation processes. Herein, smart conductive textiles are employed as current collectors for flexible LIBs owing to their inherent flexibility, fibrous network, rough surface for better adhesion, and electrical conductivity. Conductivity and flexibility are further enhanced by nanosizing lithium titanate oxide (LTO) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) active materials, and hybridizing them with a flexible 2D graphene template. The resulting LTO/LFP full cells demonstrate high areal capacity and flexibility with tolerance to mechanical fatigue. The battery achieves a capacity of 1.2 mA h cm -2 while showing excellent flexibility. The cells demonstrate stable open circuit voltage retention under repeated flexing for 1000 times at a bending radius of 10 mm. The discharge capacity of the unflexed battery is retained in cells subjected to bending for 100 times at bending radii of 30, 20, and 10 mm, respectively, confirming that the suggested electrode configuration successfully prevents structural damage (delamination or cracking) upon repeated deformation. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Development of flexible Ni80Fe20 magnetic nano-thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vopson, M. M.; Naylor, J.; Saengow, T.; Rogers, E. G.; Lepadatu, S.; Fetisov, Y. K.

2017-11-01

Flexible magnetic Ni80Fe20 thin films with excellent adhesion, mechanical and magnetic properties have been fabricated using magnetron plasma deposition. We demonstrate that flexible Ni80Fe20 thin films maintain their non-flexible magnetic properties when the films are over 60 nm thick. However, when their thickness is reduced, the flexible thin films display significant increase in their magnetic coercive field compared to identical films coated on a solid Silicon substrate. For a 15 nm flexible Ni80Fe20 film coated onto 110 μm Polyvinylidene fluoride polymer substrate, we achieved a remarkable 355% increase in the magnetic coercive field relative to the same film deposited onto a Si substrate. Experimental evidence, backed by micro-magnetic modelling, indicates that the increase in the coercive fields is related to the larger roughness texture of the flexible substrates. This effect essentially transforms soft Ni80Fe20 permalloy thin films into medium/hard magnetic films allowing not only mechanical flexibility of the structure, but also fine tuning of their magnetic properties.

On actuator placement for robust time-optimal control of uncertain flexible spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wie, Bong; Sinha, Ravi; Liu, Qiang

1992-01-01

The problem of computing open-loop, on-off jet firing logic for flexible spacecraft in the face of plant modeling uncertainty is investigated. The primary control objective is to achieve a fast maneuvering time with a minimum of structural vibrations during and/or after a maneuver. This paper is also concerned with the problem of selecting a proper pair of jets for practical trade-offs among the maneuvering time, fuel consumption, structural mode excitation, and performance robustness. A time-optimal control problem subject to parameter robustness constraints is formulated. A three-mass-spring model of flexible spacecraft with a rigid-body mode and two flexible modes is used to illustrate the concept.

40 CFR 63.43 - Maximum achievable control technology (MACT) determinations for constructed and reconstructed...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 9 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Maximum achievable control technology... Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FOR SOURCE CATEGORIES Requirements for Control Technology Determinations...

50 CFR 622.48 - Adjustment of management measures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... biomass achieved by fishing at MSY (BMSY) (or proxy), maximum fishing mortality threshold (MFMT), minimum... biomass achieved by fishing at MSY (BMSY), minimum stock size threshold (MSST), and maximum fishing.... MSY, OY, and TAC. (f) South Atlantic snapper-grouper and wreckfish. Biomass levels, age-structured...

Characterization of polymer silver pastes for screen printed flexible RFID antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janeczek, Kamil; Jakubowska, Małgorzata; Futera, Konrad; MłoŻniak, Anna; Kozioł, GraŻyna; Araźna, Aneta

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems have become more and more popular in the last few years because of their wide application fields, such as supply chain management and logistics. To continue their development further investigations of new conductive materials for fabrication of RFID transponders' antennas are necessary to be carried out. These materials should provide high flexibility and good radiation performance of printed antennas. In this paper, two polymer silver pastes based on silver flakes were characterized with regard to manufacturing of flexible RFID antennas with screen printing technique. Foil and paper were used as a substrate materials. Surface profile of the printed antennas was measured using an optical profilometer and their resistance was measured with a four-point-probe method. Antenna flexibility was evaluated in cyclic bending tests and its performance with reflection coefficient measurements with the use of differential probe connected to a vector network analyzer. In addition, a maximum read distance of a fabricated RFID transponder was measured.

Flexible polymer transistors with high pressure sensitivity for application in electronic skin and health monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwartz, Gregor; Tee, Benjamin C.-K.; Mei, Jianguo; Appleton, Anthony L.; Kim, Do Hwan; Wang, Huiliang; Bao, Zhenan

2013-05-01

Flexible pressure sensors are essential parts of an electronic skin to allow future biomedical prostheses and robots to naturally interact with humans and the environment. Mobile biomonitoring in long-term medical diagnostics is another attractive application for these sensors. Here we report the fabrication of flexible pressure-sensitive organic thin film transistors with a maximum sensitivity of 8.4 kPa-1, a fast response time of <10 ms, high stability over >15,000 cycles and a low power consumption of <1 mW. The combination of a microstructured polydimethylsiloxane dielectric and the high-mobility semiconducting polyisoindigobithiophene-siloxane in a monolithic transistor design enabled us to operate the devices in the subthreshold regime, where the capacitance change upon compression of the dielectric is strongly amplified. We demonstrate that our sensors can be used for non-invasive, high fidelity, continuous radial artery pulse wave monitoring, which may lead to the use of flexible pressure sensors in mobile health monitoring and remote diagnostics in cardiovascular medicine.

Real-Time Remote Monitoring of Temperature and Humidity Within a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Using Flexible Sensors

PubMed Central

Kuo, Long-Sheng; Huang, Hao-Hsiu; Yang, Cheng-Hao; Chen, Ping-Hei

2011-01-01

This study developed portable, non-invasive flexible humidity and temperature microsensors and an in situ wireless sensing system for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The system integrated three parts: a flexible capacitive humidity microsensor, a flexible resistive temperature microsensor, and a radio frequency (RF) module for signal transmission. The results show that the capacitive humidity microsensor has a high sensitivity of 0.83 pF%RH−1 and the resistive temperature microsensor also exhibits a high sensitivity of 2.94 × 10−3 °C−1. The established RF module transmits the signals from the two microsensors. The transmission distance can reach 4 m and the response time is less than 0.25 s. The performance measurements demonstrate that the maximum power density of the fuel cell with and without these microsensors are 14.76 mW·cm−2 and 15.90 mW·cm−2, with only 7.17% power loss. PMID:22164099

Flexible polymer transistors with high pressure sensitivity for application in electronic skin and health monitoring.

PubMed

Schwartz, Gregor; Tee, Benjamin C-K; Mei, Jianguo; Appleton, Anthony L; Kim, Do Hwan; Wang, Huiliang; Bao, Zhenan

2013-01-01

Flexible pressure sensors are essential parts of an electronic skin to allow future biomedical prostheses and robots to naturally interact with humans and the environment. Mobile biomonitoring in long-term medical diagnostics is another attractive application for these sensors. Here we report the fabrication of flexible pressure-sensitive organic thin film transistors with a maximum sensitivity of 8.4 kPa(-1), a fast response time of <10 ms, high stability over >15,000 cycles and a low power consumption of <1 mW. The combination of a microstructured polydimethylsiloxane dielectric and the high-mobility semiconducting polyisoindigobithiophene-siloxane in a monolithic transistor design enabled us to operate the devices in the subthreshold regime, where the capacitance change upon compression of the dielectric is strongly amplified. We demonstrate that our sensors can be used for non-invasive, high fidelity, continuous radial artery pulse wave monitoring, which may lead to the use of flexible pressure sensors in mobile health monitoring and remote diagnostics in cardiovascular medicine.

Thermal Performance of Composite Flexible Blanket Insulations for Hypersonic Aerospace Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kourtides, Demetrius A.

1993-01-01

This paper describes the thermal performance of a Composite Flexible Blanket Insulation (C.F.B.I.) considered for potential use as a thermal protection system or thermal insulation for future hypersonic vehicles such as the National Aerospace Plane (N.A.S.P.). Thermophysical properties for these insulations were also measured including the thermal conductivity at various temperatures and pressures and the emissivity of the fabrics used in the flexible insulations. The thermal response of these materials subjected to aeroconvective heating from a plasma arc is also described. Materials tested included two surface variations of the insulations, and similar insulations coated with a Protective Ceramic Coating (P.C.C.). Surface and backface temperatures were measured in the flexible insulations and on Fibrous Refractory Composite Insulation (F.R.C.I.) used as a calibration model. The uncoated flexible insulations exhibited good thermal performance up to 35 W/sq cm. The use of a P.C.C. to protect these insulations at higher heating rates is described. The results from a computerized thermal analysis model describing thermal response of those materials subjected to the plasma arc conditions are included. Thermal and optical properties were determined including thermal conductivity for the rigid and flexible insulations and emissivity for the insulation fabrics. These properties were utilized to calculate the thermal performance of the rigid and flexible insulations at the maximum heating rate.

Electrochemically Synthesis of Nickel Cobalt Sulfide for High‐Performance Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitors

PubMed Central

Zhang, Chunyan; Cai, Xiaoyi; Qian, Yao; Jiang, Haifeng; Zhou, Lijun; Li, Baosheng; Shen, Zexiang; Huang, Wei

2017-01-01

Abstract A lightweight, flexible, and highly efficient energy management strategy is highly desirable for flexible electronic devices to meet a rapidly growing demand. Herein, Ni–Co–S nanosheet array is successfully deposited on graphene foam (Ni–Co–S/GF) by a one‐step electrochemical method. The Ni–Co–S/GF composed of Ni–Co–S nanosheet array which is vertically aligned to GF and provides a large interfacial area for redox reactions with optimum interstitials facilitates the ions diffusion. The Ni–Co–S/GF electrodes have high specific capacitance values of 2918 and 2364 F g−1 at current densities of 1 and 20 A g−1, respectively. Using such hierarchical Ni–Co–S/GF as the cathode, a flexible asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is further fabricated with polypyrrple(PPy)/GF as the anode. The flexible asymmetric supercapacitors have maximum operation potential window of 1.65 V, and energy densities of 79.3 and 37.7 Wh kg−1 when the power densities are 825.0 and 16100 W kg−1, respectively. It's worth nothing that the ASC cells have robust flexibility with performance well maintained when the devices were bent to different angles from 180° to 15° at a duration of 5 min. The efficient electrochemical deposition method of Ni–Co–S with a preferred orientation of nanosheet arrays is applicable for the flexible energy storage devices. PMID:29610721

Electrochemically Synthesis of Nickel Cobalt Sulfide for High-Performance Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Zhang, Chunyan; Cai, Xiaoyi; Qian, Yao; Jiang, Haifeng; Zhou, Lijun; Li, Baosheng; Lai, Linfei; Shen, Zexiang; Huang, Wei

2018-02-01

A lightweight, flexible, and highly efficient energy management strategy is highly desirable for flexible electronic devices to meet a rapidly growing demand. Herein, Ni-Co-S nanosheet array is successfully deposited on graphene foam (Ni-Co-S/GF) by a one-step electrochemical method. The Ni-Co-S/GF composed of Ni-Co-S nanosheet array which is vertically aligned to GF and provides a large interfacial area for redox reactions with optimum interstitials facilitates the ions diffusion. The Ni-Co-S/GF electrodes have high specific capacitance values of 2918 and 2364 F g -1 at current densities of 1 and 20 A g -1 , respectively. Using such hierarchical Ni-Co-S/GF as the cathode, a flexible asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is further fabricated with polypyrrple(PPy)/GF as the anode. The flexible asymmetric supercapacitors have maximum operation potential window of 1.65 V, and energy densities of 79.3 and 37.7 Wh kg -1 when the power densities are 825.0 and 16100 W kg -1 , respectively. It's worth nothing that the ASC cells have robust flexibility with performance well maintained when the devices were bent to different angles from 180° to 15° at a duration of 5 min. The efficient electrochemical deposition method of Ni-Co-S with a preferred orientation of nanosheet arrays is applicable for the flexible energy storage devices.

Nitrogen doped carbon derived from polyimide/multiwall carbon nanotube composites for high performance flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dae Kyom; Kim, Nam Dong; Park, Seung-Keun; Seong, Kwang-dong; Hwang, Minsik; You, Nam-Ho; Piao, Yuanzhe

2018-03-01

Flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors are desirable as potential energy storage systems for wearable technologies. Herein, we synthesize aminophenyl multiwall carbon nanotube (AP-MWCNT) grafted polyimide precursor by in situ polymerization method as a nitrogen-doped carbon precursor. Flexible supercapacitor electrodes are fabricated via a coating of carbon precursor on carbon cloth surface and carbonization at high temperature directly. The as-obtained electrodes, which can be directly used without any binders or additives, can deliver a high specific capacitance of 333.4 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 (based on active material mass) and excellent cycle stability with 103% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles in a three-electrode system. The flexible all-solid-state supercapacitor device exhibits a high volumetric capacitance of 3.88 F cm-3 at a current density of 0.02 mA cm-3. And also the device can deliver a maximum volumetric energy density of 0.50 mWh cm-3 and presents good cycling stability with 85.3% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles. This device cell can not only show extraordinary mechanical flexibilities allowing folding, twisting, and rolling but also demonstrate remarkable stable electrochemical performances under their forms. This work provides a novel approach to obtain carbon textile-based flexible supercapacitors with high electrochemical performance and mechanical flexibility.

Conducting polymer composite film incorporated with aligned carbon nanotubes for transparent, flexible and efficient supercapacitor

PubMed Central

Lin, Huijuan; Li, Li; Ren, Jing; Cai, Zhenbo; Qiu, Longbin; Yang, Zhibin; Peng, Huisheng

2013-01-01

Polyaniline composite films incorporated with aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are synthesized through an easy electrodeposition process. These robust and electrically conductive films are found to function as effective electrodes to fabricate transparent and flexible supercapacitors with a maximum specific capacitance of 233 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. It is 36 times of bare MWCNT sheet, 23 times of pure polyaniline and 3 times of randomly dispersed MWCNT/polyaniline film under the same conditions. The novel supercapacitors also show a high cyclic stability. PMID:23443325

Design and Simulation of Scanner Wrapped by Flexible Microcoil Embedded in Polymer Film for Single-Optical Endoscope Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Mengyuan; Yang, Zhuoqing; Xiang, Xiaojian; Sun, Bin; Ding, Guifu; Zhao, Xiaolin

2018-03-01

A single optic fiber scanner with large scanning angle, based on novel electromagnetic driven, is presented. The cylinder magnet and weight are fixed on the fiber, and vibrate under its second-order frequency by driving racetrack coils on the tube. The flexible driving coil is fabricated by uncomplicated planar MEMS technology on polyimide film, and wrapped on the tube. The electromagnetic and mechanical properties of the endoscope system are studied. Experimental results show that the maximum of the second resonant scanning angle is 9.47°.

Karl von Frisch lecture. Signals and flexibility in the dance communication of honeybees.

PubMed

Michelsen, Axel

2003-03-01

Progress in understanding dance communication in honeybees is reviewed. The behaviour of both dancers and follower bees contain flexible and stereotypic elements. The transfer of specific information about direction and distance probably involves more than one sensory modality. The follower bees need to stay behind the dancer (within the angle of wagging) during at least one waggle run in order to perceive the specific information. Within this zone, a small stationary air-flow receiver (like the antenna of a follower bee) experiences a well-defined maximum when the abdomen of the wagging dancer passes by. Within 1 mm from the tip of the abdomen, the maximum may be caused by oscillating flows generated by the wagging motion. At other positions and distances (up to several millimetres from the dancer) the maximum is due to a spatially narrow jet air flow generated by the vibrating wings. The time pattern of these maxima is a function of the angular position of the receiver relative to the axis of the waggle run and thus a potential cue for direction. In addition to the narrow jet air flows, the dancers can generate a broad jet. The jets are not automatic by-products of wing vibration, since they can be switched on and off when the dancer adjusts the position of her wings.

Facilitated charge transport in ternary interconnected electrodes for flexible supercapacitors with excellent power characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Wanjun; He, Yongmin; Li, Xiaodong; Zhou, Jinyuan; Zhang, Zhenxing; Zhao, Changhui; Gong, Chengshi; Li, Shuankui; Pan, Xiaojun; Xie, Erqing

2013-11-01

Flexible and high performance supercapacitors are very critical in modern society. In order to develop the flexible supercapacitors with high power density, free-standing and flexible three-dimensional graphene/carbon nanotubes/MnO2 (3DG/CNTs/MnO2) composite electrodes with interconnected ternary 3D structures were fabricated, and the fast electron and ion transport channels were effectively constructed in the rationally designed electrodes. Consequently, the obtained 3DG/CNTs/MnO2 composite electrodes exhibit superior specific capacitance and rate capability compared to 3DG/MnO2 electrodes. Furthermore, the 3DG/CNTs/MnO2 based asymmetric supercapacitor demonstrates the maximum energy and power densities of 33.71 W h kg-1 and up to 22 727.3 W kg-1, respectively. Moreover, the asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits excellent cycling stability with 95.3% of the specific capacitance maintained after 1000 cycle tests. Our proposed synthesis strategy to construct the novel ternary 3D structured electrodes can be efficiently applied to other high performance energy storage/conversion systems.Flexible and high performance supercapacitors are very critical in modern society. In order to develop the flexible supercapacitors with high power density, free-standing and flexible three-dimensional graphene/carbon nanotubes/MnO2 (3DG/CNTs/MnO2) composite electrodes with interconnected ternary 3D structures were fabricated, and the fast electron and ion transport channels were effectively constructed in the rationally designed electrodes. Consequently, the obtained 3DG/CNTs/MnO2 composite electrodes exhibit superior specific capacitance and rate capability compared to 3DG/MnO2 electrodes. Furthermore, the 3DG/CNTs/MnO2 based asymmetric supercapacitor demonstrates the maximum energy and power densities of 33.71 W h kg-1 and up to 22 727.3 W kg-1, respectively. Moreover, the asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits excellent cycling stability with 95.3% of the specific capacitance maintained after 1000 cycle tests. Our proposed synthesis strategy to construct the novel ternary 3D structured electrodes can be efficiently applied to other high performance energy storage/conversion systems. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Additional experimental details; calculations of the specific capacitances, and energy and power densities; additional SEM and optical images; XPS results; additional electrochemical results. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr03923d

Navigation-based tibial rotation at 90° of flexion is associated with better range of motion in navigated total knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Ishida, Kazunari; Shibanuma, Nao; Matsumoto, Tomoyuki; Sasaki, Hiroshi; Takayama, Koji; Hiroshima, Yuji; Kuroda, Ryosuke; Kurosaka, Masahiro

2016-08-01

In clinical practice, people with better femorotibial rotation in the flexed position often achieve a favourable postoperative maximum flexion angle (MFA). However, no objective data have been reported to support this clinical observation. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between the amount of intraoperative rotation and the pre- and postoperative flexion angles. Fifty-five patients with varus osteoarthritis undergoing computer-assisted posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were enrolled. After registration, rotational stress was applied towards the knee joint, and the rotational angles were recorded by using a navigation system at maximum extension and 90° of flexion. After implantation, rotational stress was applied for a second time, and the angles were recorded once more. The MFA was measured before surgery and 1 month after surgery, and the correlation between the amount of femorotibial rotation during surgery and the MFA was statistically evaluated. Although the amount of tibial rotation at maximum extension was not correlated with the MFA, the amount of tibial rotation at 90° of flexion after registration was positively correlated with the pre- and postoperative MFA (both p < 0.005). However, no significant relationship was observed between the amount of tibial rotation after implantation and the postoperative MFA (n.s.). The results showed that better femorotibial rotation at 90° of flexion is associated with a favourable postoperative MFA, suggesting that the flexibility of the surrounding soft tissues is an important factor for obtaining a better MFA, which has important clinical relevance. Hence, further evaluation of navigation-based kinematics during TKA may provide useful information on MFA. Diagnostic studies, development of diagnostic criteria in a consecutive series of patients, and a universally applied "gold" standard, Level II.

Transformational System Concepts and Technologies for Our Future in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howell, Joe T.; Mankins, John C.

2004-01-01

Continued constrained budgets and growing national and international interests in the commercialization and development of space requires NASA to be constantly vigilant, to be creative, and to seize every opportunity for assuring the maximum return on space infrastructure investments. Accordingly, efforts are underway to forge new and innovative approaches to transform our space systems in the future to ultimately achieve two or three or five times as much with the same resources. This bold undertaking can be achieved only through extensive cooperative efforts throughout the aerospace community and truly effective planning to pursue advanced space system design concepts and high-risk/high-leverage research and technology. Definitive implementation strategies and roadmaps containing new methodologies and revolutionary approaches must be developed to economically accommodate the continued exploration and development of space. Transformation can be realized through modular design and stepping stone development. This approach involves sustainable budget levels and multi-purpose systems development of supporting capabilities that lead to a diverse amy of sustainable future space activities. Transformational design and development requires revolutionary advances by using modular designs and a planned, stepping stone development process. A modular approach to space systems potentially offers many improvements over traditional one-of-a-kind space systems comprised of different subsystem element with little standardization in interfaces or functionality. Modular systems must be more flexible, scaleable, reconfigurable, and evolvable. Costs can be reduced through learning curve effects and economies of scale, and by enabling servicing and repair that would not otherwise be feasible. This paper briefly discusses achieving a promising approach to transforming space systems planning and evolution into a meaningful stepping stone design, development, and implementation process. The success of this well planned and orchestrated approach holds great promise for achieving innovation and revolutionary technology development for supporting future exploration and development of space.

Nanostructured graphene composite papers for highly flexible and foldable supercapacitors.

PubMed

Liu, Lili; Niu, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Li; Zhou, Weiya; Chen, Xiaodong; Xie, Sishen

2014-07-23

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and polyaniline (PANI) assemble onto the surface of cellulose fibers (CFs) and into the pores of CF paper, to form a hierarchical nanostructured PANI-rGO/CF composite paper. Based on these composite papers, flexible and foldable all-solid-state supercapacitors are achieved. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Moderation of the Relation between Person-Environment Congruence and Academic Success: Environmental Constraint, Personal Flexibility and Method

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tracey, Terence J. G.; Allen, Jeff; Robbins, Steven B.

2012-01-01

The relation of interest-major congruence to indicators of college success was examined as it was moderated by environmental constraint, individual flexibility, and congruence definition in an initial sample of 88,813 undergraduates (38,787 men and 50,026 women) from 42 different colleges and universities in 16 states. College achievement (GPA…

Highly flexible SRAM cells based on novel tri-independent-gate FinFET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chengsheng; Zheng, Fanglin; Sun, Yabin; Li, Xiaojin; Shi, Yanling

2017-10-01

In this paper, a novel tri-independent-gate (TIG) FinFET is proposed for highly flexible SRAM cells design. To mitigate the read-write conflict, two kinds of SRAM cells based on TIG FinFETs are designed, and high tradeoff are obtained between read stability and speed. Both cells can offer multi read operations for frequency requirement with single voltage supply. In the first TIG FinFET SRAM cell, the strength of single-fin access transistor (TIG FinFET) can be flexibly adjusted by selecting five different modes to meet the needs of dynamic frequency design. Compared to the previous double-independent-gate (DIG) FinFET SRAM cell, 12.16% shorter read delay can be achieved with only 1.62% read stability decrement. As for the second TIG FinFET SRAM cell, pass-gate feedback technology is applied and double-fin TIG FinFETs are used as access transistors to solve the severe write-ability degradation. Three modes exist to flexibly adjust read speed and stability, and 68.2% larger write margin and 51.7% shorter write delay are achieved at only the expense of 26.2% increase in leakage power, with the same layout area as conventional FinFET SRAM cell.

Capacitive wearable tactile sensor based on smart textile substrate with carbon black /silicone rubber composite dielectric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xiaohui; Huang, Ying; Cai, Xia; Liu, Caixia; Liu, Ping

2016-04-01

To achieve the wearable comfort of electronic skin (e-skin), a capacitive sensor printed on a flexible textile substrate with a carbon black (CB)/silicone rubber (SR) composite dielectric was demonstrated in this paper. Organo-silicone conductive silver adhesive serves as a flexible electrodes/shielding layer. The structure design, sensing mechanism and the influence of the conductive filler content and temperature variations on the sensor performance were investigated. The proposed device can effectively enhance the flexibility and comfort of wearing the device asthe sensing element has achieved a sensitivity of 0.02536%/KPa, a hysteresis error of 5.6%, and a dynamic response time of ~89 ms at the range of 0-700 KPa. The drift induced by temperature variations has been calibrated by presenting the temperature compensation model. The research on the time-space distribution of plantar pressure information and the experiment of the manipulator soft-grasping were implemented with the introduced device, and the experimental results indicate that the capacitive flexible textile tactile sensor has good stability and tactile perception capacity. This study provides a good candidate for wearable artificial skin.

Active Joint Mechanism Driven by Multiple Actuators Made of Flexible Bags: A Proposal of Dual Structural Actuator

PubMed Central

Inou, Norio

2013-01-01

An actuator is required to change its speed and force depending on the situation. Using multiple actuators for one driving axis is one of the possible solutions; however, there is an associated problem of output power matching. This study proposes a new active joint mechanism using multiple actuators. Because the actuator is made of a flexible bag, it does not interfere with other actuators when it is depressurized. The proposed joint achieved coordinated motion of multiple actuators. This report also discusses a new actuator which has dual cylindrical structure. The cylinders are composed of flexible bags with different diameters. The joint torque is estimated based on the following factors: empirical formula for the flexible actuator torque, geometric relationship between the joint and the actuator, and the principle of virtual work. The prototype joint mechanism achieves coordinated motion of multiple actuators for one axis. With this motion, small inner actuator contributes high speed motion, whereas large outer actuator generates high torque. The performance of the prototype joint is examined by speed and torque measurements. The joint showed about 30% efficiency at 2.0 Nm load torque under 0.15 MPa air input. PMID:24385868

Active joint mechanism driven by multiple actuators made of flexible bags: a proposal of dual structural actuator.

PubMed

Kimura, Hitoshi; Matsuzaki, Takuya; Kataoka, Mokutaro; Inou, Norio

2013-01-01

An actuator is required to change its speed and force depending on the situation. Using multiple actuators for one driving axis is one of the possible solutions; however, there is an associated problem of output power matching. This study proposes a new active joint mechanism using multiple actuators. Because the actuator is made of a flexible bag, it does not interfere with other actuators when it is depressurized. The proposed joint achieved coordinated motion of multiple actuators. This report also discusses a new actuator which has dual cylindrical structure. The cylinders are composed of flexible bags with different diameters. The joint torque is estimated based on the following factors: empirical formula for the flexible actuator torque, geometric relationship between the joint and the actuator, and the principle of virtual work. The prototype joint mechanism achieves coordinated motion of multiple actuators for one axis. With this motion, small inner actuator contributes high speed motion, whereas large outer actuator generates high torque. The performance of the prototype joint is examined by speed and torque measurements. The joint showed about 30% efficiency at 2.0 Nm load torque under 0.15 MPa air input.

The National Shipbuilding Research Program. Shipyard MACT Implementation Plan and Compliance Tools

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-06-01

display a currently valid OMB control number. 1. REPORT DATE JUN 1996 2. REPORT TYPE N/A 3. DATES COVERED - 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE The National...ACHIEVABLE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY SECTION TWO: MODEL SHIPYARD IMPLEMENTATION PLAN SECTION THREE: THINNING RATION CALCULATION SHEETS FOR OPTIONS 2 & 3 AND...INTERPRETATION OF THE SHIPYARD MAXIMUM ACHIEVABLE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY EPA’s Maximum Achievable Control Technology Rule for Shipyards: A Plain English

14 CFR 25.1127 - Exhaust driven turbo-superchargers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... flexibility between exhaust conduits and the turbine. (b) There must be provisions for lubricating the turbine and for cooling turbine parts where temperatures are critical. (c) If the normal turbo-supercharger control system malfunctions, the turbine speed may not exceed its maximum allowable value. Except for the...

14 CFR 25.1127 - Exhaust driven turbo-superchargers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... flexibility between exhaust conduits and the turbine. (b) There must be provisions for lubricating the turbine and for cooling turbine parts where temperatures are critical. (c) If the normal turbo-supercharger control system malfunctions, the turbine speed may not exceed its maximum allowable value. Except for the...

14 CFR 25.1127 - Exhaust driven turbo-superchargers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... flexibility between exhaust conduits and the turbine. (b) There must be provisions for lubricating the turbine and for cooling turbine parts where temperatures are critical. (c) If the normal turbo-supercharger control system malfunctions, the turbine speed may not exceed its maximum allowable value. Except for the...

45 CFR 98.1 - Goals and purposes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL ADMINISTRATION CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FUND... each State maximum flexibility in developing child care programs and policies that best suit the needs... make their own decisions on the child care that best suits their family's needs; (3) Encourage States...

45 CFR 98.1 - Goals and purposes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL ADMINISTRATION CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FUND... each State maximum flexibility in developing child care programs and policies that best suit the needs... make their own decisions on the child care that best suits their family's needs; (3) Encourage States...

Community Colleges in the South: Strengthening Readiness and Pathways. Executive Summary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blanco, Cheryl; Spence, Dave

2015-01-01

Community colleges are essential to achieving state goals--increasing the educational attainment of the population, increasing access and completion, eliminating achievement gaps, closing opportunity gaps, and addressing workforce and economic development objectives. These institutions are flexible, adaptable, affordable, community-based,…

Maximum current density and beam brightness achievable by laser-driven electron sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filippetto, D.; Musumeci, P.; Zolotorev, M.; Stupakov, G.

2014-02-01

This paper discusses the extension to different electron beam aspect ratio of the Child-Langmuir law for the maximum achievable current density in electron guns. Using a simple model, we derive quantitative formulas in good agreement with simulation codes. The new scaling laws for the peak current density of temporally long and transversely narrow initial beam distributions can be used to estimate the maximum beam brightness and suggest new paths for injector optimization.

A MATLAB toolbox for the efficient estimation of the psychometric function using the updated maximum-likelihood adaptive procedure.

PubMed

Shen, Yi; Dai, Wei; Richards, Virginia M

2015-03-01

A MATLAB toolbox for the efficient estimation of the threshold, slope, and lapse rate of the psychometric function is described. The toolbox enables the efficient implementation of the updated maximum-likelihood (UML) procedure. The toolbox uses an object-oriented architecture for organizing the experimental variables and computational algorithms, which provides experimenters with flexibility in experimental design and data management. Descriptions of the UML procedure and the UML Toolbox are provided, followed by toolbox use examples. Finally, guidelines and recommendations of parameter configurations are given.

Computing Bounds on Resource Levels for Flexible Plans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Muscvettola, Nicola; Rijsman, David

2009-01-01

A new algorithm efficiently computes the tightest exact bound on the levels of resources induced by a flexible activity plan (see figure). Tightness of bounds is extremely important for computations involved in planning because tight bounds can save potentially exponential amounts of search (through early backtracking and detection of solutions), relative to looser bounds. The bound computed by the new algorithm, denoted the resource-level envelope, constitutes the measure of maximum and minimum consumption of resources at any time for all fixed-time schedules in the flexible plan. At each time, the envelope guarantees that there are two fixed-time instantiations one that produces the minimum level and one that produces the maximum level. Therefore, the resource-level envelope is the tightest possible resource-level bound for a flexible plan because any tighter bound would exclude the contribution of at least one fixed-time schedule. If the resource- level envelope can be computed efficiently, one could substitute looser bounds that are currently used in the inner cores of constraint-posting scheduling algorithms, with the potential for great improvements in performance. What is needed to reduce the cost of computation is an algorithm, the measure of complexity of which is no greater than a low-degree polynomial in N (where N is the number of activities). The new algorithm satisfies this need. In this algorithm, the computation of resource-level envelopes is based on a novel combination of (1) the theory of shortest paths in the temporal-constraint network for the flexible plan and (2) the theory of maximum flows for a flow network derived from the temporal and resource constraints. The measure of asymptotic complexity of the algorithm is O(N O(maxflow(N)), where O(x) denotes an amount of computing time or a number of arithmetic operations proportional to a number of the order of x and O(maxflow(N)) is the measure of complexity (and thus of cost) of a maximumflow algorithm applied to an auxiliary flow network of 2N nodes. The algorithm is believed to be efficient in practice; experimental analysis shows the practical cost of maxflow to be as low as O(N1.5). The algorithm could be enhanced following at least two approaches. In the first approach, incremental subalgorithms for the computation of the envelope could be developed. By use of temporal scanning of the events in the temporal network, it may be possible to significantly reduce the size of the networks on which it is necessary to run the maximum-flow subalgorithm, thereby significantly reducing the time required for envelope calculation. In the second approach, the practical effectiveness of resource envelopes in the inner loops of search algorithms could be tested for multi-capacity resource scheduling. This testing would include inner-loop backtracking and termination tests and variable and value-ordering heuristics that exploit the properties of resource envelopes more directly.

40 CFR 432.113 - Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best available technology economically...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... application of the best available technology economically achievable (BAT). 432.113 Section 432.113 Protection... by the application of the best available technology economically achievable (BAT). Except as provided... representing the application of BAT: Effluent Limitations [BAT] Regulatedparameter Maximum daily 1 Maximum...

40 CFR 432.13 - Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best available technology economically...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... application of the best available technology economically achievable (BAT). 432.13 Section 432.13 Protection... the application of the best available technology economically achievable (BAT). Except as provided in... representing the application of BAT: Effluent Limitations [BAT] Regulatedparameter Maximum daily 1 Maximum...

40 CFR 432.13 - Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best available technology economically...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... application of the best available technology economically achievable (BAT). 432.13 Section 432.13 Protection... the application of the best available technology economically achievable (BAT). Except as provided in... representing the application of BAT: Effluent Limitations [BAT] Regulatedparameter Maximum daily 1 Maximum...

40 CFR 432.113 - Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best available technology economically...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... application of the best available technology economically achievable (BAT). 432.113 Section 432.113 Protection... by the application of the best available technology economically achievable (BAT). Except as provided... representing the application of BAT: Effluent Limitations [BAT] Regulatedparameter Maximum daily 1 Maximum...

DiscML: an R package for estimating evolutionary rates of discrete characters using maximum likelihood.

PubMed

Kim, Tane; Hao, Weilong

2014-09-27

The study of discrete characters is crucial for the understanding of evolutionary processes. Even though great advances have been made in the analysis of nucleotide sequences, computer programs for non-DNA discrete characters are often dedicated to specific analyses and lack flexibility. Discrete characters often have different transition rate matrices, variable rates among sites and sometimes contain unobservable states. To obtain the ability to accurately estimate a variety of discrete characters, programs with sophisticated methodologies and flexible settings are desired. DiscML performs maximum likelihood estimation for evolutionary rates of discrete characters on a provided phylogeny with the options that correct for unobservable data, rate variations, and unknown prior root probabilities from the empirical data. It gives users options to customize the instantaneous transition rate matrices, or to choose pre-determined matrices from models such as birth-and-death (BD), birth-death-and-innovation (BDI), equal rates (ER), symmetric (SYM), general time-reversible (GTR) and all rates different (ARD). Moreover, we show application examples of DiscML on gene family data and on intron presence/absence data. DiscML was developed as a unified R program for estimating evolutionary rates of discrete characters with no restriction on the number of character states, and with flexibility to use different transition models. DiscML is ideal for the analyses of binary (1s/0s) patterns, multi-gene families, and multistate discrete morphological characteristics.

Performing the Parryscope technique gently for office tubal patency assessment.

PubMed

Parry, J Preston; Riche, Daniel; Rushing, John; Linton, Brittany; Butler, Vicki; Lindheim, Steven R

2017-10-01

To demonstrate a novel approach to office tubal patency assessment through infusing air into saline during flexible office hysteroscopy. We also provide data addressing pain and patient experience relative to hysterosalpingography (HSG). Video presentation of clinical technique with supportive crossover data (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). Its University of Mississippi Medical Center Institutional Review Board protocol number is 2013-0230. Academic hospital. Women undergoing office hysteroscopy and ultrasound, with a subset also having HSG. Air infusion into saline during office hysteroscopy. The focus is on demonstrating how the technique appears and is performed, with supplemental Likert data addressing subjective pain and preference relative to HSG. When performed as described, this office technique has 98.3%-100% sensitivity to tubal occlusion and 83.7% specificity. The gentle technique is central to accurate outcomes, which is facilitated through use of a small-caliber (<3 mm), flexible hysteroscope and avoiding uterine overdistention. Patients are far more likely to report maximum discomfort with HSG. Among patients who also had HSG, 92% somewhat or strongly prefer hysteroscopic assessment. Also, 96% of patients reporting maximum discomfort with HSG had mild to no discomfort with the described technique. Air-infused saline at flexible office hysteroscopy can accurately, gently, and rapidly assess tubal patency. Coupled with strong patient preference for this technique over HSG, it is a promising option for evaluating fertility. NCT02005263. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The dynamics and control of large flexible space structures, part 11

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bainum, Peter M.; Reddy, A. S. S. R; Diarra, Cheick M.; Li, Feiyue

1988-01-01

A mathematical model is developed to predict the dynamics of the proposed Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment during the stationkeeping phase. The Shuttle and reflector are assumed to be rigid, while the mass connecting the Shuttle to the reflector is assumed to be flexible with elastic deformations small as compared with its length. It is seen that in the presence of gravity-gradient torques, the system assumes a new equilibrium position primarily due to the offset in the mass attachment point to the reflector from the reflector's mass center. Control is assumed to be provided through the Shuttle's three torquers and throught six actuators located by painrs at two points on the mass and at the reflector mass center. Numerical results confirm the robustness of an LQR derived control strategy during stationkeeping with maximum control efforts significantly below saturation levels. The linear regulator theory is also used to derive control laws for the linearized model of the rigidized SCOLE configuration where the mast flexibility is not included. It is seen that this same type of control strategy can be applied for the rapid single axis slewing of the SCOLE through amplitudes as large as 20 degrees. These results provide a definite trade-off between the slightly larger slewing times with the considerable reduction in over-all control effort as compared with the results of the two point boundary value problem application of Pontryagin's Maximum Principle.

A Fast and Scalable Algorithm for Calculating the Achievable Capacity of a Wireless Mesh Network

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-10

to interference from a given transmission . We then use our algorithm to perform a network capacity analysis comparing different wireless technologies...A Fast and Scalable Algorithm for Calculating the Achievable Capacity of a Wireless Mesh Network Greg Kuperman, Jun Sun, and Aradhana Narula-Tam MIT...the maximum achievable capacity of a multi-hop wireless mesh network subject to interference constraints. Being able to quickly determine the maximum

Model Legislation: Gifted and Talented.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foster, Andrew H.; And Others

This report presents a model state legislative bill to provide for the special needs of gifted and talented students. The model bill utilizes a "best practices" framework and attempts to be fiscally responsible and provide maximum flexibility while meeting the needs of gifted and talented students. The model legislation itself begins with a…

40 CFR 63.100 - Applicability and designation of source.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... manufacturing process unit has two or more products that have the same maximum annual design capacity on a mass... subject to this subpart. (3) For chemical manufacturing process units that are designed and operated as... chemical manufacturing process units that are designed and operated as flexible operation units shall be...

Universal Teller Curriculum Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DuPage Area Vocational Education Authority, Addison, IL.

This curriculum guide has been designed to provide the teacher with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the career field of universal teller, and to allow the teacher and learner maximum flexibility. The teaching or instruction, in both educational and financial institutions, can be accomplished through large formal groups, small…

49 CFR 178.1055 - Stacking test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... and no loss of contents during the test or after removal of the test load. ... to a uniformly distributed superimposed test load that is four times the design type maximum gross weight for a period of at least twenty-four hours. (2) For all Flexible Bulk Containers, the load must be...

49 CFR 178.980 - Stacking test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... for transportation and no loss of contents. (2) For flexible Large Packagings, there may be no deterioration which renders the Large Packaging unsafe for transportation and no loss of contents. (3) For the... of their capacity and to their maximum net mass, with the load being evenly distributed. (c) Test...

49 CFR 178.980 - Stacking test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... for transportation and no loss of contents. (2) For flexible Large Packagings, there may be no deterioration which renders the Large Packaging unsafe for transportation and no loss of contents. (3) For the... of their capacity and to their maximum net mass, with the load being evenly distributed. (c) Test...

49 CFR 178.1055 - Stacking test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... and no loss of contents during the test or after removal of the test load. ... to a uniformly distributed superimposed test load that is four times the design type maximum gross weight for a period of at least twenty-four hours. (2) For all Flexible Bulk Containers, the load must be...

Marketing and Distributive Education Curriculum Guide in Automotive and Petroleum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, E. Edward; And Others

This curriculum guide is designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing. It also provides marketing and distributive education teachers with maximum flexibility in planning an automotive and petroleum curriculum. The essential common and specialized competencies are…

Marketing and Distributive Education. Wholesaling Curriculum Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northern Illinois Univ., DeKalb. Dept. of Business Education and Administration Services.

This document is one of four curriculum guides designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing as well as to provide marketing and distributive education teachers with maximum flexibility. Introductory information provides directions for using the guide and information on…

Marketing and Distributive Education. Food Marketing Curriculum Guide

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northern Illinois Univ., DeKalb. Dept. of Business Education and Administration Services.

This document is one of four curriculum guides designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing as well as to provide marketing and distributive education teachers with maximum flexibility. Introductory information provides directions for using the guide and information on…

Industrial Marketing. Marketing and Distributive Education Curriculum Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, James R.; And Others

This guide is designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing as well as to provide marketing and distributive education teacher/coordinators with maximum flexibility in planning an industrial marketing curriculum. The guide was constructed by identifying the competencies…

Marketing Services: Insurance. Marketing and Distributive Education Curriculum Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luft, Roger L.; And Others

This guide is designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing as well as to provide marketing and distributive education teacher/coordinators with maximum flexibility in planning an insurance marketing curriculum. The guide was constructed by identifying the competencies…

Did We Say That? Consumerism and Contract Law.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nordin, Virginia Davis

1982-01-01

The dominant emerging concept in academic contract theory is that the student-college relationship is not a commercially binding contract but a more flexible quasi-contractual relationship. It allows the university maximum control of the relationship on a continuing basis, allows development of some student rights, and combines traditional and…

The flexibility controlling study for 3D printed splint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jianyou; Tanaka, Hiroya

2017-04-01

The 3D printed splint's light weight, ventilation and water proof are considered as significant improvement for patients' comfortableness. Somehow, the flexible material is required in the splint to avoid skin friction may cased by its rigid edge, but this would increase the complexity and timeconsuming. In this study, two main techniques to control the infilling densities and printing temperature are applied on printing splint prototype. The gradual increasing of infilling density from splint outside to inside would turn the partial strength from hard to flexible. Besides, higher printing temperature can also achieve stronger hardness after cooling. Such structural can provide high strength in outside surface to keep the immovable function, and give flexible touch of inside surface to decrease friction on the patient's skin.

Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene for Flexible Electrochemical Energy Storage: from Materials to Devices.

PubMed

Wen, Lei; Li, Feng; Cheng, Hui-Ming

2016-06-01

Flexible electrochemical energy storage (FEES) devices have received great attention as a promising power source for the emerging field of flexible and wearable electronic devices. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene have many excellent properties that make them ideally suited for use in FEES devices. A brief definition of FEES devices is provided, followed by a detailed overview of various structural models for achieving different FEES devices. The latest research developments on the use of CNTs and graphene in FEES devices are summarized. Finally, future prospects and important research directions in the areas of CNT- and graphene-based flexible electrode synthesis and device integration are discussed. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Bayesian modeling of flexible cognitive control

PubMed Central

Jiang, Jiefeng; Heller, Katherine; Egner, Tobias

2014-01-01

“Cognitive control” describes endogenous guidance of behavior in situations where routine stimulus-response associations are suboptimal for achieving a desired goal. The computational and neural mechanisms underlying this capacity remain poorly understood. We examine recent advances stemming from the application of a Bayesian learner perspective that provides optimal prediction for control processes. In reviewing the application of Bayesian models to cognitive control, we note that an important limitation in current models is a lack of a plausible mechanism for the flexible adjustment of control over conflict levels changing at varying temporal scales. We then show that flexible cognitive control can be achieved by a Bayesian model with a volatility-driven learning mechanism that modulates dynamically the relative dependence on recent and remote experiences in its prediction of future control demand. We conclude that the emergent Bayesian perspective on computational mechanisms of cognitive control holds considerable promise, especially if future studies can identify neural substrates of the variables encoded by these models, and determine the nature (Bayesian or otherwise) of their neural implementation. PMID:24929218

The Impact of Optional Flexible Year Program on Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills Test Scores of Fifth Grade Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Longbotham, Pamela J.

2012-01-01

The study examined the impact of participation in an optional flexible year program (OFYP) on academic achievement. The ex post facto study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. The non-probability sample consisted of 163 fifth grade students in an OFYP district and 137 5th graders in a 180-day instructional year school…

PACE: Proactively Secure Accumulo with Cryptographic Enforcement

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-05-27

Abstract—Cloud-hosted databases have many compelling ben- efits, including high availability , flexible resource allocation, and resiliency to attack...infrastructure to the cloud. This move is motivated by the cloud’s increased availability , flexibility, and resilience [1]. Most importantly, the cloud enables...a level of availability and performance that would be impossible for many companies to achieve using their own infrastructure. For example, using a

Direct writing of tunable multi-wavelength polymer lasers on a flexible substrate.

PubMed

Zhai, Tianrui; Wang, Yonglu; Chen, Li; Zhang, Xinping

2015-08-07

Tunable multi-wavelength polymer lasers based on two-dimensional distributed feedback structures are fabricated on a transparent flexible substrate using interference ablation. A scalene triangular lattice structure was designed to support stable tri-wavelength lasing emission and was achieved through multiple exposure processes. Three wavelengths were controlled by three periods of the compound cavity. Mode competition among different cavity modes was observed by changing the pump fluence. Both a redshift and blueshift of the laser wavelength could be achieved by bending the soft substrate. These results not only provide insight into the physical mechanisms behind co-cavity polymer lasers but also introduce new laser sources and laser designs for white light lasers.

Synergistic effects from graphene and carbon nanotubes enable flexible and robust electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors.

PubMed

Cheng, Yingwen; Lu, Songtao; Zhang, Hongbo; Varanasi, Chakrapani V; Liu, Jie

2012-08-08

Flexible and lightweight energy storage systems have received tremendous interest recently due to their potential applications in wearable electronics, roll-up displays, and other devices. To manufacture such systems, flexible electrodes with desired mechanical and electrochemical properties are critical. Herein we present a novel method to fabricate conductive, highly flexible, and robust film supercapacitor electrodes based on graphene/MnO(2)/CNTs nanocomposites. The synergistic effects from graphene, CNTs, and MnO(2) deliver outstanding mechanical properties (tensile strength of 48 MPa) and superior electrochemical activity that were not achieved by any of these components alone. These flexible electrodes allow highly active material loading (71 wt % MnO(2)), areal density (8.80 mg/cm(2)), and high specific capacitance (372 F/g) with excellent rate capability for supercapacitors without the need of current collectors and binders. The film can also be wound around 0.5 mm diameter rods for fabricating full cells with high performance, showing significant potential in flexible energy storage devices.

Pursuing two-dimensional nanomaterials for flexible lithium-ion batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Bin; Zhang, Ji-Guang; Shen, Guozhen

2016-02-01

Stretchable/flexible electronics provide a foundation for various emerging applications that beyond the scope of conventional wafer/circuit board technologies due to their unique features that can satisfy a broad range of applications such as wearable devices. Stretchable electronic and optoelectronics devices require the bendable/wearable rechargeable Li-ion batteries, thus these devices can operate without limitation of external powers. Various two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are of great interest in flexible energy storage devices, especially Li-ion batteries. This is because 2D materials exhibit much more exposed surface area supplying abundant Li-insertion channels and shortened paths for fast lithium ion diffusion. Here, we will review themore » recent developments on the flexible Li-ion batteries based on two dimensional nanomaterials. These researches demonstrated advancements in flexible electronics by incorporating various 2D nanomaterials into bendable batteries to achieve high electrochemical performance, excellent mechanical flexibility as well as electrical stability under stretching/bending conditions.« less

Soft tissue models: easy and inexpensive flexible 3D printing as a help in surgical planning of cardiovascular disorders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starosolski, Zbigniew; Ezon, David S.; Krishnamurthy, Rajesh; Dodd, Nicholas; Heinle, Jeffrey; Mckenzie, Dean E.; Annapragada, Ananth

2017-03-01

We developed a technology that allows a simple desktop 3D printer with dual extruder to fabricate 3D flexible models of Major AortoPulmonary Collateral Arteries. The study was designed to assess whether the flexible 3D printed models could help during surgical planning phase. Simple FDM 3D printers are inexpensive, versatile in use and easy to maintain, but complications arise when the designed model is complex and has tubular structures with small diameter less than 2mm. The advantages of FDM printers are cost and simplicity of use. We use precisely selected materials to overcome the obstacles listed above. Dual extruder allows to use two different materials while printing, which is especially important in the case of fragile structures like pulmonary vessels and its supporting structures. The latter should not be removed by hand to avoid a truncation of the model. We utilize the water soluble PVA as a supporting structure and Poro-Lay filament for flexible model of AortoPulmonary collateral arteries. Poro-Lay filament is different as compared to all the other flexible ones like polymer-based. Poro-Lay is rigid while printing and this allows printing of structures small in diameter. It achieves flexibility after washing out of printed model with water. It becomes soft in touch and gelatinous. Using both PVA and Poro-Lay gives a huge advantage allowing to wash out the supporting structures and achieve flexibility in one washing operation, saving time and avoiding human error with cleaning the model. We evaluated 6 models for MAPCAS surgical planning study. This approach is also cost-effective - an average cost of materials for print is less than $15; models are printed in facility without any delays. Flexibility of 3D printed models approximate soft tissues properly, mimicking Aortopulmonary collateral arteries. Second utilization models has educational value for both residents and patients' family. Simplification of 3D flexible process could help in other models of soft tissue pathologies like aneurysms, ventricular septal defects and other vascular anomalies.

Multi-band Microwave Antennas and Devices based on Generalized Negative-Refractive-Index Transmission Lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, Colan Graeme Matthew

Focused on the quad-band generalized negative-refractive-index transmission line (G-NRI-TL), this thesis presents a variety of novel printed G-NRI-TL multi-band microwave device and antenna prototypes. A dual-band coupled-line coupler, an all-pass G-NRI-TL bridged-T circuit, a dual-band metamaterial leaky-wave antenna, and a multi-band G-NRI-TL resonant antenna are all new developments resulting from this research. In addition, to continue the theme of multi-band components, negative-refractive-index transmission lines are used to create a dual-band circularly polarized transparent patch antenna and a two-element wideband decoupled meander antenna system. High coupling over two independently-specified frequency bands is the hallmark of the G-NRI-TL coupler: it is 0.35lambda0 long but achieves approximately -3 dB coupling over both bands with a maximum insertion loss of 1 dB. This represents greater design flexibility than conventional coupled-line couplers and less loss than subsequent G-NRI-TL couplers. The single-ended bridged-T G-NRI-TL offers a metamaterial unit cell with an all-pass magnitude response up to 8 GHz, while still preserving the quad-band phase response of the original circuit. It is shown how the all-pass response leads to wider bandwidths and improved matching in quad-band inverters, power dividers, and hybrid couplers. The dual-band metamaterial leaky-wave antenna presented here was the first to be reported in the literature, and it allows broadside radiation at both 2 GHz and 6 GHz without experiencing the broadside stopband common to conventional periodic antennas. Likewise, the G-NRI-TL resonant antenna is the first reported instance of such a device, achieving quad-band operation between 2.5 GHz and 5.6 GHz, with a minimum radiation efficiency of 80%. Negative-refractive-index transmission line loading is applied to two devices: an NRI-TL meander antenna achieves a measured 52% impedance bandwidth, while a square patch antenna incorporates NRI-TL elements to achieve circular polarization at 2.3 GHz and 2.7 GHz, with radiation efficiencies of 70% and 78%, respectively. Optical transparency of 50% is then realized by cutting a grid through the antenna and substrate, making the device suitable for direct integration with solar panels. Therefore, this research provides several proof-of-concept devices to highlight the flexibility and multi-band properties of the G-NRI-TL which extend the capabilities of microwave transceiver systems.

The Conductive Silver Nanowires Fabricated by Two-beam Laser Direct Writing on the Flexible Sheet.

PubMed

He, Gui-Cang; Zheng, Mei-Ling; Dong, Xian-Zi; Jin, Feng; Liu, Jie; Duan, Xuan-Ming; Zhao, Zhen-Sheng

2017-02-02

Flexible electrically conductive nanowires are now a key component in the fields of flexible devices. The achievement of metal nanowire with good flexibility, conductivity, compact and smooth morphology is recognized as one critical milestone for the flexible devices. In this study, a two-beam laser direct writing system is designed to fabricate AgNW on PET sheet. The minimum width of the AgNW fabricated by this method is 187 ± 34 nm with the height of 84 ± 4 nm. We have investigated the electrical resistance under different voltages and the applicable voltage per meter range is determined to be less than 7.5 × 10 3  V/m for the fabricated AgNW. The flexibility of the AgNW is very excellent, since the resistance only increases 6.63% even after the stretched bending of 2000 times at such a small bending radius of 1.0 mm. The proposed two-beam laser direct writing is an efficient method to fabricate AgNW on the flexible sheet, which could be applied in flexible micro/nano devices.

Enhancing Electrophoretic Display Lifetime: Thiol-Polybutadiene Evaporation Barrier Property Response to Network Microstructure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cook, Caitlyn Christian

An evaporation barrier is required to enhance the lifetime of electrophoretic deposition (EPD) displays. As EPD functions on the basis of reversible deposition and resuspension of colloids suspended in a solvent, evaporation of the solvent ultimately leads to device failure. Incorporation of a thiol-polybutadiene elastomer into EPD displays enabled display lifetime surpassing six months in counting and catalyzed rigid display transition into a flexible package. Final flexible display transition to mass production compels an electronic-ink approach to encapsulate display suspension within an elastomer shell. Final thiol-polybutadiene photosensitive resin network microstructure was idealized to be dense, homogeneous, and expose an elasticmore » response to deformation. Research at hand details an approach to understanding microstructural change within display elastomers. Polybutadiene-based resin properties are modified via polymer chain structure, with and without added aromatic urethane methacrylate difunctionality, and in measuring network response to variation in thiol and initiator concentration. Dynamic mechanical analysis results signify that cross-linked segments within a difunctionalized polybutadiene network were on average eight times more elastically active than that of linked segments within a non-functionalized polybutadiene network. Difunctionalized polybutadiene samples also showed a 2.5 times greater maximum elastic modulus than non-functionalized samples. Hybrid polymer composed of both polybutadiene chains encompassed TE-2000 stiffness and B-1000 elasticity for use in encapsulating display suspension. Later experiments measured kinetic and rheological response due to alteration in dithiol cross-linker chain length via real time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and real-time dynamic rheology. Distinct differences were discovered between dithiol resin systems, as maximum thiol conversion achieved in short and long chain length dithiols was 86% and 11%, respectively. Oscillatory real-time rheological experiments confirmed a more uniform network to better dissipate applied shear in short chain length dithiol systems, as long chain length dithiols relayed a steep internal stress build-up due to less cross-links and chain entanglements. Thorough understanding of network formation aids the production of a stronger and impermeable elastomeric barrier for preservation of EPD displays.« less

Solution-processable electrochemiluminescent ion gels for flexible, low-voltage, emissive displays on plastic.

PubMed

Moon, Hong Chul; Lodge, Timothy P; Frisbie, C Daniel

2014-03-05

Ion gels comprising ABA triblock copolymers and ionic liquids have received much attention as functional materials in numerous applications, especially as gate dielectrics in organic transistors. Here we have expanded the functionality of ion gels by demonstrating low-voltage, flexible electrochemiluminescent (ECL) devices using patterned ion gels containing redox-active luminophores. The ECL devices consisted only of a 30 μm thick emissive gel and two electrodes and were fabricated on indium tin oxide-coated substrates (e.g., polyester) simply by solution-casting the ECL gel and brush-painting a top Ag electrode. The triblock copolymer employed in the gel was polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate)-block-polystyrene, where the solvophobic polystyrene end blocks associate into micellar cross-links in the versatile ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMI][TFSI]). An ECL gel containing ~6.25 wt % Ru(bpy)3Cl2 (relative to [EMI][TFSI]) as the luminophore turned on at an AC peak-to-peak voltage as low as 2.6 V (i.e., -1.3 to +1.3 V) and showed a relatively rapid response (sub-ms). The wavelength of maximum emission was 610 nm (red-orange). With the use of an iridium(III) complex, Ir(diFppy)2(bpy)PF6 [diFppy = 2-(2',4'-difluorophenyl)pyridine; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl], the emitting color was tuned to a maximum wavelength of 540 nm (green). Moreover, when a blended luminophore system containing a 60:40 mixture of Ru(bpy)3(2+) and Ir(diFppy)2(bpy)(+) was used in the emissive layer, the luminance of red-orange-colored light was enhanced by a factor of 2, which is explained by the generation of the additional excited state Ru(bpy)3(2+)* by a coreactant pathway with Ir(diFppy)2(bpy)(+)* in addition to the usual annihilation pathway. This is the first time that enhanced ECL has been achieved in ion gels (or ionic liquids) using a coreactant. Overall, the results indicate that ECL ion gels are attractive multifunctional materials for printed electronics.

40 CFR 63.55 - Maximum achievable control technology (MACT) determinations for affected sources subject to case...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 10 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Maximum achievable control technology (MACT) determinations for affected sources subject to case-by-case determination of equivalent emission... Requirements for Control Technology Determinations for Major Sources in Accordance With Clean Air Act Sections...

40 CFR 63.55 - Maximum achievable control technology (MACT) determinations for affected sources subject to case...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 10 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Maximum achievable control technology (MACT) determinations for affected sources subject to case-by-case determination of equivalent emission... Requirements for Control Technology Determinations for Major Sources in Accordance With Clean Air Act Sections...

40 CFR 63.55 - Maximum achievable control technology (MACT) determinations for affected sources subject to case...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 9 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Maximum achievable control technology (MACT) determinations for affected sources subject to case-by-case determination of equivalent emission... Requirements for Control Technology Determinations for Major Sources in Accordance With Clean Air Act Sections...

40 CFR 63.55 - Maximum achievable control technology (MACT) determinations for affected sources subject to case...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 10 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Maximum achievable control technology (MACT) determinations for affected sources subject to case-by-case determination of equivalent emission... Requirements for Control Technology Determinations for Major Sources in Accordance With Clean Air Act Sections...

Optimizing the Dopant and Carrier Concentration of Ca5Al2Sb6 for High Thermoelectric Efficiency

PubMed Central

Yan, Yuli; Zhang, Guangbiao; Wang, Chao; Peng, Chengxiao; Zhang, Peihong; Wang, Yuanxu; Ren, Wei

2016-01-01

The effects of doping on the transport properties of Ca5Al2Sb6 are investigated using first-principles electronic structure methods and Boltzmann transport theory. The calculated results show that a maximum ZT value of 1.45 is achieved with an optimum carrier concentration at 1000 K. However, experimental studies have shown that the maximum ZT value is no more than 1 at 1000 K. By comparing the calculated Seebeck coefficient with experimental values, we find that the low dopant solubility in this material is not conductive to achieve the optimum carrier concentration, leading a smaller experimental value of the maximum ZT. Interestingly, the calculated dopant formation energies suggest that optimum carrier concentrations can be achieved when the dopants and Sb atoms have similar electronic configurations. Therefore, it might be possible to achieve a maximum ZT value of 1.45 at 1000 K with suitable dopants. These results provide a valuable theoretical guidance for the synthesis of high-performance bulk thermoelectric materials through dopants optimization. PMID:27406178

States' Participation Guidelines for Alternate Assessments Based on Modified Academic Achievement Standards (AA-MAS) in 2008. Synthesis Report 71

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lazarus, Sheryl S.; Rogers, Christopher; Cormier, Damien; Thurlow, Martha L.

2008-01-01

Federal regulations (U.S. Department of Education, 2007a) provide states with the flexibility to offer an alternate assessment based on modified academic achievement standards (AA-MAS). This assessment option is for a small group of students with disabilities who can make significant progress, but may not reach grade-level achievement within the…

Self-organisation of semi-flexible rod-like particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Braaf, Bart; Oshima Menegon, Mariana; Paquay, Stefan; van der Schoot, Paul

2017-12-01

We report on a comprehensive computer simulation study of the liquid-crystal phase behaviour of purely repulsive, semi-flexible rod-like particles. For the four aspect ratios we consider, the particles form five distinct phases depending on their packing fraction and bending flexibility: the isotropic, nematic, smectic A, smectic B, and crystal phase. Upon increasing the particle bending flexibility, the various phase transitions shift to larger packing fractions. Increasing the aspect ratio achieves the opposite effect. We find two different ways in which the layer thickness of the particles in the smectic A phase may respond to an increase in concentration. The layer thickness may either decrease or increase depending on the aspect ratio and flexibility. For the smectic B and the crystalline phases, increasing the concentration always decreases the layer thickness. Finally, we find that the layer spacing jumps to a larger value on transitioning from the smectic A phase to the smectic B phase.

Achieving flexible low-scattering metasurface based on randomly distribution of meta-elements.

PubMed

Zhao, Junming; Sima, Boyu; Jia, Nan; Wang, Cheng; Zhu, Bo; Jiang, Tian; Feng, Yijun

2016-11-28

In the paper, a flexible low-scattering metasurface is proposed and realized. The layout is composed of similar "#" shaped elements with variable sizes which are randomly distributed along the surface. The various dimensions of the meta-elements lead to different reflection phases for the meta-elements with respect to the incident plane wave, resulting a diffuse reflection surface and exhibiting a broadband backward low-scattering property. In consideration of the flexibility, metasurfaces composed of printed metallic element films attaching with flexible substrate are designed, fabricated and measured in microwave domain. The measurement results show that 10dB radar cross section (RCS) reduction is obtained across the X-band by coating them to either metallic plates or metallic cylinders with only 1/8 working wavelength thickness. We think that the proposed flexible metasurface is applicable to other frequency bands and can be applied in EM stealth technology.

Highly transparent and flexible circuits through patterning silver nanowires into microfluidic channels.

PubMed

Sun, Jing; Zhou, Wenhui; Yang, Haibo; Zhen, Xue; Ma, Longfei; Williams, Dirk; Sun, Xudong; Lang, Ming-Fei

2018-05-10

The development of flexible and transparent devices requires completely transparent and flexible circuits (TFCs). To overcome the disadvantages of the previously reported TFCs that are partially transparent, lacking pattern control, or labor consuming, we achieve true TFCs via a facile process with precise pattern control, exhibiting concurrent high transparency, conductivity, flexibility, stretchability, and robustness. A highly transparent and flexible conductive film is first made through spin coating silver nanowires (AgNWs) onto polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and demonstrates simultaneous high transparency (90.86%) and low sheet resistance (3.22 Ω sq-1). Taking advantage of microfluidic technology, circuits with ultraprecise and complex patterns from the microscale to milliscale are obtained through spin coating of AgNWs into microfluidic channels on PDMS. Without elaborate processing, this method may be suitable for mass production, which would contribute enormously to potential applications in wearable medical equipment and transparent electronic devices.

Magneto-optical tracking of flexible laparoscopic ultrasound: model-based online detection and correction of magnetic tracking errors.

PubMed

Feuerstein, Marco; Reichl, Tobias; Vogel, Jakob; Traub, Joerg; Navab, Nassir

2009-06-01

Electromagnetic tracking is currently one of the most promising means of localizing flexible endoscopic instruments such as flexible laparoscopic ultrasound transducers. However, electromagnetic tracking is also susceptible to interference from ferromagnetic material, which distorts the magnetic field and leads to tracking errors. This paper presents new methods for real-time online detection and reduction of dynamic electromagnetic tracking errors when localizing a flexible laparoscopic ultrasound transducer. We use a hybrid tracking setup to combine optical tracking of the transducer shaft and electromagnetic tracking of the flexible transducer tip. A novel approach of modeling the poses of the transducer tip in relation to the transducer shaft allows us to reliably detect and significantly reduce electromagnetic tracking errors. For detecting errors of more than 5 mm, we achieved a sensitivity and specificity of 91% and 93%, respectively. Initial 3-D rms error of 6.91 mm were reduced to 3.15 mm.

Community and Diversity: Administration in a Democratic Context.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crow, Gary M.

1994-01-01

Defining community politically (as a flexible arena for debating perspectives and achieving purpose) provides different ways to consider diversity. Diversity becomes not an anomaly but an integral part of the community process; conflict is legitimized as appropriate and inevitable in achieving school purposes. Administrators must mediate conflict,…

Predictors of Early Growth in Academic Achievement: The Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders Task

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McClelland, Megan M.; Cameron, Claire E.; Duncan, Robert; Bowles, Ryan P.; Acock, Alan C.; Miao, Alicia; Pratt, Megan E.

2014-01-01

Children's behavioral self-regulation and executive function (EF; including attentional or cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control) are strong predictors of academic achievement. The present study examined the psychometric properties of a measure of behavioral self-regulation called the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders (HTKS) by…

Flexible Ablators: Applications and Arcjet Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arnold, James O.; Venkatapathy, Ethiraj; Beck, Robin A S.; Mcguire, Kathy; Prabhu, Dinesh K.; Gorbunov, Sergey

2011-01-01

Flexible ablators were conceived in 2009 to meet the technology pull for large, human Mars Exploration Class, 23 m diameter hypersonic inflatable aerodynamic decelerators. As described elsewhere, they have been recently undergoing initial technical readiness (TRL) advancement by NASA. The performance limits of flexible ablators in terms of maximum heat rates, pressure and shear remain to be defined. Further, it is hoped that this emerging technology will vastly expand the capability of future NASA missions involving atmospheric entry systems. This paper considers four topics of relevance to flexible ablators: (1) Their potential applications to near/far term human and robotic missions (2) Brief consideration of the balance between heat shield diameter, flexible ablator performance limits, entry vehicle controllability and aft-body shear layer impingement of interest to designers of very large entry vehicles, (3) The approach for developing bonding processes of flexible ablators for use on rigid entry bodies and (4) Design of large arcjet test articles that will enable the testing of flexible ablators in flight-like, combined environments (heat flux, pressure, shear and structural tensile loading). Based on a review of thermal protection system performance requirements for future entry vehicles, it is concluded that flexible ablators have broad applications to conventional, rigid entry body systems and are enabling to large deployable (both inflatable and mechanical) heat shields. Because of the game-changing nature of flexible ablators, it appears that NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist (OCT) will fund a focused, 3-year TRL advancement of the new materials capable of performance in heat fluxes in the range of 200-600 W/sq. cm. This support will enable the manufacture and use of the large-scale arcjet test designs that will be a key element of this OCT funded activity.

Fast prototyping of microtubes with embedded sensing elements made possible with an inkjet printing and rolling process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, N.; Meissner, M. V.; MacKinnon, N.; Luchnikov, V.; Mager, D.; Korvink, J. G.

2018-02-01

We present a new fabrication process to create sub-mm micro tubes with embedded conductive patterns. Based on common 2D patterning techniques and a specially designed rolling process, it achieves 3D structures featuring potentially complex, embedded electrical, mechanical and micro-fluidic functions. We demonstrate the advantage in creating freeform electrical conductors around sub-mm tubes, such as needed for a tube-integrated micro heater. The production of the 2D patterns is flexible, and we demonstrate that both additive manufacturing (fast, accessible) and conventional micro-fabrication processes (cleanroom, wafer-scale) are compatible with the rolling process. To adapt the rolling process for high frequency applications, the patterned tracks can be directly electroplated, with good adhesion, to reduce electrical resistance. For the first time, we achieve saddle-geometry NMR micro detectors. They feature 100 μm wide, 10 μm thick conductive tracks on 25 μm thick polyimide film, and were successfully tested in a 500 MHz (11.7 T) NMR spectrometer. Using a 620 μm diameter coil, we measured the single-shot SNR of deionized water sample, which corresponded to a mole sensitivity of 18.78 nmolHz-1/2 , and a water line shape of 1.52/26.8/37.3 Hz (50, 0.55, 0.11% of the maximum height) from a sample volume of only 82 nl.

Fabrication and Characterization of Flexible Organic Light Emitting Diodes Based on Transparent Flexible Clay Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venkatachalam, Shanmugam; Hayashi, Hiromichi; Ebina, Takeo; Nakamura, Takashi; Nanjo, Hiroshi

2013-03-01

In the present work, transparent flexible polymer-doped clay (P-clay) substrates were prepared for flexible organic light emitting diode (OLED) applications. Nanocrystalline indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films were prepared on P-clay substrates by ion-beam sputter deposition method. The structural, optical, and electrical properties of as-prepared ITO/P-clay showed that the as-prepared ITO thin film was amorphous, and the average optical transparency and sheet resistance were around 84% and 56 Ω/square, respectively. The as-prepared ITO/P-clay samples were annealed at 200 and 270 °C for 1 h to improve the optical transparency and electrical conductivity. The average optical transparency was found to be maximum at an annealing temperature of 200 °C. Finally, N,N-bis[(1-naphthyl)-N,N '-diphenyl]-1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diamine (NPB), tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) thin films, and aluminum (Al) electrode were prepared on ITO/P-clay substrates by thermal evaporation method. The current density-voltage (J-V) characteristic of Al/NPB/ITO/P-clay showed linear Ohmic behaviour. In contrast, J-V characteristic of Al/Alq3/NPB/ITO/P-clay showed non-linear Schottky behaviour. Finally, a very flexible OLED was successfully fabricated on newly fabricated transparent flexible P-clay substrates. The electroluminescence study showed that the emission intensity of light from the flexible OLED device gradually increased with increasing applied voltage.

Printable, flexible and stretchable diamond for thermal management

DOEpatents

Rogers, John A; Kim, Tae Ho; Choi, Won Mook; Kim, Dae Hyeong; Meitl, Matthew; Menard, Etienne; Carlisle, John

2013-06-25

Various heat-sinked components and methods of making heat-sinked components are disclosed where diamond in thermal contact with one or more heat-generating components are capable of dissipating heat, thereby providing thermally-regulated components. Thermally conductive diamond is provided in patterns capable of providing efficient and maximum heat transfer away from components that may be susceptible to damage by elevated temperatures. The devices and methods are used to cool flexible electronics, integrated circuits and other complex electronics that tend to generate significant heat. Also provided are methods of making printable diamond patterns that can be used in a range of devices and device components.

Benefits of 20 kHz PMAD in a nuclear space station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sundberg, Gale R.

1987-01-01

Compared to existing systems, high frequency ac power provides higher efficiency, lower cost, and improved safety benefits. The 20 kHz power system has exceptional flexibility, is inherently user friendly, and is compatible with all types of energy sources; photovoltaic, solar dynamic, rotating machines and nuclear. A 25 kW, 20 kHz ac power distribution system testbed was recently (1986) developed. The testbed possesses maximum flexibility, versatility, and transparency to user technology while maintaining high efficiency, low mass, and reduced volume. Several aspects of the 20 kHz power management and distribution (PMAD) system that have particular benefits for a nuclear power Space Station are discussed.

The advantage of flexible neuronal tunings in neural network models for motor learning

PubMed Central

Marongelli, Ellisha N.; Thoroughman, Kurt A.

2013-01-01

Human motor adaptation to novel environments is often modeled by a basis function network that transforms desired movement properties into estimated forces. This network employs a layer of nodes that have fixed broad tunings that generalize across the input domain. Learning is achieved by updating the weights of these nodes in response to training experience. This conventional model is unable to account for rapid flexibility observed in human spatial generalization during motor adaptation. However, added plasticity in the widths of the basis function tunings can achieve this flexibility, and several neurophysiological experiments have revealed flexibility in tunings of sensorimotor neurons. We found a model, Locally Weighted Projection Regression (LWPR), which uniquely possesses the structure of a basis function network in which both the weights and tuning widths of the nodes are updated incrementally during adaptation. We presented this LWPR model with training functions of different spatial complexities and monitored incremental updates to receptive field widths. An inverse pattern of dependence of receptive field adaptation on experienced error became evident, underlying both a relationship between generalization and complexity, and a unique behavior in which generalization always narrows after a sudden switch in environmental complexity. These results implicate a model that is flexible in both basis function widths and weights, like LWPR, as a viable alternative model for human motor adaptation that can account for previously observed plasticity in spatial generalization. This theory can be tested by using the behaviors observed in our experiments as novel hypotheses in human studies. PMID:23888141

A 500 megabyte/second disk array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruwart, Thomas M.; Okeefe, Matthew T.

1994-01-01

Applications at the Army High Performance Computing Research Center's (AHPCRC) Graphic and Visualization Laboratory (GVL) at the University of Minnesota require a tremendous amount of I/O bandwidth and this appetite for data is growing. Silicon Graphics workstations are used to perform the post-processing, visualization, and animation of multi-terabyte size datasets produced by scientific simulations performed of AHPCRC supercomputers. The M.A.X. (Maximum Achievable Xfer) was designed to find the maximum achievable I/O performance of the Silicon Graphics CHALLENGE/Onyx-class machines that run these applications. Running a fully configured Onyx machine with 12-150MHz R4400 processors, 512MB of 8-way interleaved memory, 31 fast/wide SCSI-2 channel each with a Ciprico disk array controller we were able to achieve a maximum sustained transfer rate of 509.8 megabytes per second. However, after analyzing the results it became clear that the true maximum transfer rate is somewhat beyond this figure and we will need to do further testing with more disk array controllers in order to find the true maximum.

Brief report: glycemic control, quality of life, and school experiences among students with diabetes.

PubMed

Wagner, Julie; Heapy, Alicia; James, Amy; Abbott, Gina

2006-09-01

To investigate the relationships among perceived school experiences, diabetes control, and quality of life (QOL) in children with diabetes. Fifty-eight children with type 1 diabetes and their parents participated. The typical child was 12 years old, had diabetes for 5 years, and attended public, suburban, middle/junior high schools with 300-500 students. Children whose parents reported that school personnel received diabetes training showed significantly better diabetes control than those who reported untrained school personnel. Children who reported their classmates received diabetes training had significantly better QOL than those who reported untrained classmates. Children who reported greater flexibility in performing diabetes care tasks at school had significantly better diabetes control than children who reported less flexibility. Students with diabetes continue to face challenges at school. Training staff and classmates and allowing students the maximum appropriate flexibility in diabetes care appears beneficial for disease control and QOL.

Flexible wearable sensor nodes with solar energy harvesting.

PubMed

Taiyang Wu; Arefin, Md Shamsul; Redoute, Jean-Michel; Yuce, Mehmet Rasit

2017-07-01

Wearable sensor nodes have gained a lot of attention during the past few years as they can monitor and record people's physical parameters in real time. Wearable sensor nodes can promote healthy lifestyles and prevent the occurrence of potential illness or injuries. This paper presents a flexible wearable sensor system powered by an efficient solar energy harvesting technique. It can measure the subject's heartbeats using a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor and perform activity monitoring using an accelerometer. The solar energy harvester adopts an output current based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm, which controls the solar panel to operate within its high output power range. The power consumption of the flexible sensor nodes has been investigated under different operation conditions. Experimental results demonstrate that wearable sensor nodes can work for more than 12 hours when they are powered by the solar energy harvester for 3 hours in the bright sunlight.

All-solid state, flexible, high-energy integrated hybrid micro-supercapacitors based on 3D LSG/CoNi2S4 nanosheets.

PubMed

Moosavifard, Seyyed Ebrahim; Shamsi, Javad; Altafi, Mohammad Kazem; Moosavifard, Zeinab Sadat

2016-11-18

3D LSG/CoNi 2 S 4 //LSG interdigitated microelectrodes have been firstly developed by a facile, scalable and low cost process for all-solid-state, flexible integrated asymmetric micro-supercapacitors. These devices can achieve energy densities of up to 49 W h l -1 which is comparable to those of lead acid batteries.

Combination of molecular, morphological, and interfacial engineering to achieve highly efficient and stable plastic solar cells.

PubMed

Chang, Chih-Yu; Cheng, Yen-Ju; Hung, Shih-Hsiu; Wu, Jhong-Sian; Kao, Wei-Shun; Lee, Chia-Hao; Hsu, Chain-Shu

2012-01-24

A flexible solar device showing exceptional air and mechanical stability is produced by simultaneously optimizing molecular structure, active layer morphology, and interface characteristics. The PFDCTBT-C8-based devices with inverted architecture exhibited excellent power conversion efficiencies of 7.0% and 6.0% on glass and flexible substrates, respectively. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Overlay accuracy on a flexible web with a roll printing process based on a roll-to-roll system.

PubMed

Chang, Jaehyuk; Lee, Sunggun; Lee, Ki Beom; Lee, Seungjun; Cho, Young Tae; Seo, Jungwoo; Lee, Sukwon; Jo, Gugrae; Lee, Ki-yong; Kong, Hyang-Shik; Kwon, Sin

2015-05-01

For high-quality flexible devices from printing processes based on Roll-to-Roll (R2R) systems, overlay alignment during the patterning of each functional layer poses a major challenge. The reason is because flexible substrates have a relatively low stiffness compared with rigid substrates, and they are easily deformed during web handling in the R2R system. To achieve a high overlay accuracy for a flexible substrate, it is important not only to develop web handling modules (such as web guiding, tension control, winding, and unwinding) and a precise printing tool but also to control the synchronization of each unit in the total system. A R2R web handling system and reverse offset printing process were developed in this work, and an overlay between the 1st and 2nd layers of ±5μm on a 500 mm-wide film was achieved at a σ level of 2.4 and 2.8 (x and y directions, respectively) in a continuous R2R printing process. This paper presents the components and mechanisms used in reverse offset printing based on a R2R system and the printing results including positioning accuracy and overlay alignment accuracy.

Low-voltage operating flexible ferroelectric organic field-effect transistor nonvolatile memory with a vertical phase separation P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE)/PS dielectric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Meili; Xiang, Lanyi; Xu, Ting; Wang, Wei; Xie, Wenfa; Zhou, Dayu

2017-10-01

Future flexible electronic systems require memory devices combining low-power operation and mechanical bendability. However, high programming/erasing voltages, which are universally needed to switch the storage states in previously reported ferroelectric organic field-effect transistor (Fe-OFET) nonvolatile memories (NVMs), severely prevent their practical applications. In this work, we develop a route to achieve a low-voltage operating flexible Fe-OFET NVM. Utilizing vertical phase separation, an ultrathin self-organized poly(styrene) (PS) buffering layer covers the surface of the ferroelectric polymer layer by one-step spin-coating from their blending solution. The ferroelectric polymer with a low coercive field contributes to low-voltage operation in the Fe-OFET NVM. The polymer PS contributes to the improvement of mobility, attributing to screening the charge scattering and decreasing the surface roughness. As a result, a high performance flexible Fe-OFET NVM is achieved at the low P/E voltages of ±10 V, with a mobility larger than 0.2 cm2 V-1 s-1, a reliable P/E endurance over 150 cycles, stable data storage retention capability over 104 s, and excellent mechanical bending durability with a slight performance degradation after 1000 repetitive tensile bending cycles at a curvature radius of 5.5 mm.

Flexible and Lightweight Fuel Cell with High Specific Power Density.

PubMed

Ning, Fandi; He, Xudong; Shen, Yangbin; Jin, Hehua; Li, Qingwen; Li, Da; Li, Shuping; Zhan, Yulu; Du, Ying; Jiang, Jingjing; Yang, Hui; Zhou, Xiaochun

2017-06-27

Flexible devices have been attracting great attention recently due to their numerous advantages. But the energy densities of current energy sources are still not high enough to support flexible devices for a satisfactory length of time. Although proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) do have a high-energy density, traditional PEMFCs are usually too heavy, rigid, and bulky to be used in flexible devices. In this research, we successfully invented a light and flexible air-breathing PEMFC by using a new design of PEMFC and a flexible composite electrode. The flexible air-breathing PEMFC with 1 × 1 cm 2 working area can be as light as 0.065 g and as thin as 0.22 mm. This new PEMFC exhibits an amazing specific volume power density as high as 5190 W L -1 , which is much higher than traditional (air-breathing) PEMFCs. Also outstanding is that the flexible PEMFC retains 89.1% of its original performance after being bent 600 times, and it retains its original performance after being dropped five times from a height of 30 m. Moreover, the research has demonstrated that when stacked, the flexible PEMFCs are also useful in mobile applications such as mobile phones. Therefore, our research shows that PEMFCs can be made light, flexible, and suitable for applications in flexible devices. These innovative flexible PEMFCs may also notably advance the progress in the PEMFC field, because flexible PEMFCs can achieve high specific power density with small size, small volume, low weight, and much lower cost; they are also much easier to mass produce.

Potential Operating Orbits for Fission Electric Propulsion Systems Driven by the SAFE-400

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Houts, Mike; Kos, Larry; Poston, David; Rodgers, Stephen L. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Safety must be ensured during all phases of space fission system design, development, fabrication, launch, operation, and shutdown. One potential space fission system application is fission electric propulsion (FEP), in which fission energy is converted into electricity and used to power high efficiency (Isp greater than 3000s) electric thrusters. For these types of systems it is important to determine which operational scenarios ensure safety while allowing maximum mission performance and flexibility. Space fission systems are essentially nonradioactive at launch, prior to extended operation at high power. Once high power operation begins, system radiological inventory steadily increases as fission products build up. For a given fission product isotope, the maximum radiological inventory is typically achieved once the system has operated for a length of time equivalent to several half-lives. After that time, the isotope decays at the same rate it is produced, and no further inventory builds in. For an FEP mission beginning in Earth orbit, altitude and orbital lifetime increase as the propulsion system operates. Two simultaneous effects of fission propulsion system operation are thus (1) increasing fission product inventory and (2) increasing orbital lifetime. Phrased differently, as fission products build up, more time is required for the fission products to naturally convert back into non-radioactive isotopes. Simultaneously, as fission products build up, orbital lifetime increases, providing more time for the fission products to naturally convert back into non-radioactive isotopes. Operational constraints required to ensure safety can thus be quantified.

Potential operating orbits for fission electric propulsion systems driven by the SAFE-400

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houts, Mike; Kos, Larry; Poston, David

2002-01-01

Safety must be ensured during all phases of space fission system design, development, fabrication, launch, operation, and shutdown. One potential space fission system application is fission electric propulsion (FEP), in which fission energy is converted into electricity and used to power high efficiency (Isp>3000s) electric thrusters. For these types of systems it is important to determine which operational scenarios ensure safety while allowing maximum mission performance and flexibility. Space fission systems are essentially non-radioactive at launch, prior to extended operation at high power. Once high power operation begins, system radiological inventory steadily increases as fission products build up. For a given fission product isotope, the maximum radiological inventory is typically achieved once the system has operated for a length of time equivalent to several half-lives. After that time, the isotope decays at the same rate it is produced, and no further inventory builds in. For an FEP mission beginning in Earth orbit, altitude and orbital lifetime increase as the propulsion system operates. Two simultaneous effects of fission propulsion system operation are thus (1) increasing fission product inventory and (2) increasing orbital lifetime. Phrased differently, as fission products build up, more time is required for the fission products to naturally convert back into non-radioactive isotopes. Simultaneously, as fission products build up, orbital lifetime increases, providing more time for the fission products to naturally convert back into non-radioactive isotopes. Operational constraints required to ensure safety can thus be quantified. .

The effect of dynamic stretching on hamstrings flexibility with respect to the spino-pelvic rhythm.

PubMed

Hasebe, Kiyotaka; Okubo, Yu; Kaneoka, Koji; Takada, Kohei; Suzuki, Daisuke; Sairyo, Koichi

2016-01-01

To ascertain the dynamic stretch effects of flexibility of the hamstrings on lumbar spine and pelvic kinematics. Tight hamstrings are positively correlated with low back pain. However, it is unclear how flexibility of the hamstrings affects spino-pelvic rhythm. Twelve healthy men participated in the study. The straight leg raising (SLR) angle, finger floor distance (FFD), and spino-pelvic rhythm was measured before and after the 6-week stretching protocol. The forward bending task was divided into 4 phases. The paired t-test was used to determine significant differences before and after the FFD, SLR angle, lumbar motion, and pelvic motion, and spino-pelvic rhythm in each phase (p<0.05). After 6 weeks of stretching, significant improvements were seen in the FFD with maximum forward bending and in the SLR angle. Total pelvic rotation was also significantly increased in contrast to total lumbar flexion. A decreased spino-pelvic ratio was seen in the final phase. Dynamic stretching could change the spino-pelvic rhythm to a pelvis-dominant motion, indicating that flexible hamstrings are important for preventing low back pain.

Engineering cofactor flexibility enhanced 2,3-butanediol production in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Liang, Keming; Shen, Claire R

2017-12-01

Enzymatic reduction of acetoin into 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) typically requires the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) or its phosphate form (NADPH) as electron donor. Efficiency of 2,3-BD biosynthesis, therefore, is heavily influenced by the enzyme specificity and the cofactor availability which varies dynamically. This work describes the engineering of cofactor flexibility for 2,3-BD production by simultaneous overexpression of an NADH-dependent 2,3-BD dehydrogenase from Klebsiella pneumoniae (KpBudC) and an NADPH-specific 2,3-BD dehydrogenase from Clostridium beijerinckii (CbAdh). Co-expression of KpBudC and CbAdh not only enabled condition versatility for 2,3-BD synthesis via flexible utilization of cofactors, but also improved production stereo-specificity of 2,3-BD without accumulation of acetoin. With optimization of medium and fermentation condition, the co-expression strain produced 92 g/L of 2,3-BD in 56 h with 90% stereo-purity for (R,R)-isoform and 85% of maximum theoretical yield. Incorporating cofactor flexibility into the design principle should benefit production of bio-based chemical involving redox reactions.

Hydrodynamics of a three-dimensional self-propelled flexible plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryu, Jaeha; Sung, Hyung Jin

2017-11-01

A three-dimensional self-propelled flexible plate in a quiescent flow was simulated using the immersed boundary method. The clamped leading edge of the flexible plate was forced into a vertical oscillation, while free to move horizontally. To reveal the hydrodynamics of the plate, the averaged cruising speed (UC) , the input power (P) , and the swimming efficiency (η) were analyzed as a function of the bending rigidity (γ) and the flapping frequency (f) . The velocity field around the plate and the exerted force on the plate were demonstrated to find out the dynamic interaction between the plate and the surrounding fluid. The kinematics of the plate, the maximum angle of attack (ϕmax) , and the mean effective length (Leff) were examined accounting for the hydrodynamics of the self-propelled flexible plate. The vortical structures around the plate were visualized, and the influence of the tip vortex on the swimming efficiency was explored qualitatively and quantitatively. This work was supported by the Creative Research Initiatives (No. 2017-013369) program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (MSIP).

Wearable Solid-State Supercapacitors Operating at High Working Voltage with a Flexible Nanocomposite Electrode.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoyan; Wang, Jun; Zhao, Yaping; Ge, Fengyan; Komarneni, Sridhar; Cai, Zaisheng

2016-10-05

The proposed approach for fabricating ultralight self-sustained electrodes facilitates the structural integration of highly flexible carbon nanofibers, amino-modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (AM-MWNT), and MnO 2 nanoflakes for potential use in wearable supercapacitors. Because of the higher orientation of AM-MWNT and the sublimation of terephthalic acid (PTA) in the carbonization process, freestanding electrodes could be realized with high porosity and flexibility and could possess remarkable electrochemical properties without using polymer substrates. Wearable symmetric solid-state supercapacitors were further assembled using a LiCl/PVA gel electrolyte, which exhibit a maximum energy density of 44.57 Wh/kg (at a power density of 337.1 W/kg) and a power density of 13330 W/kg (at an energy density of 19.64 Wh/kg) with a working voltage as high as 1.8 V. Due to the combination of several favorable traits such as flexibility, high energy density, and excellent electrochemical cyclability, the presently developed wearable supercapacitors with wide potential windows are expected to be useful for new kinds of portable electric devices.

A flexible tactile-feedback touch screen using transparent ferroelectric polymer film vibrators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ju, Woo-Eon; Moon, Yong-Ju; Park, Cheon-Ho; Choi, Seung Tae

2014-07-01

To provide tactile feedback on flexible touch screens, transparent relaxor ferroelectric polymer film vibrators were designed and fabricated in this study. The film vibrator can be integrated underneath a transparent cover film or glass, and can also produce acoustic waves that cause a tactile sensation on human fingertips. Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE)] polymer was used as the relaxor ferroelectric polymer because it produces a large strain under applied electric fields, shows a fast response, and has excellent optical transparency. The natural frequency of this tactile-feedback touch screen was designed to be around 200-240 Hz, at which the haptic perception of human fingertips is the most sensitive; therefore, the resonance of the touch screen at its natural frequency provides maximum haptic sensation. A multilayered relaxor ferroelectric polymer film vibrator was also demonstrated to provide the same vibration power at reduced voltage. The flexible P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE) film vibrators developed in this study are expected to provide tactile sensation not only in large-area flat panel displays, but also in flexible displays and touch screens.

Facilitated charge transport in ternary interconnected electrodes for flexible supercapacitors with excellent power characteristics.

PubMed

Chen, Wanjun; He, Yongmin; Li, Xiaodong; Zhou, Jinyuan; Zhang, Zhenxing; Zhao, Changhui; Gong, Chengshi; Li, Shuankui; Pan, Xiaojun; Xie, Erqing

2013-12-07

Flexible and high performance supercapacitors are very critical in modern society. In order to develop the flexible supercapacitors with high power density, free-standing and flexible three-dimensional graphene/carbon nanotubes/MnO2 (3DG/CNTs/MnO2) composite electrodes with interconnected ternary 3D structures were fabricated, and the fast electron and ion transport channels were effectively constructed in the rationally designed electrodes. Consequently, the obtained 3DG/CNTs/MnO2 composite electrodes exhibit superior specific capacitance and rate capability compared to 3DG/MnO2 electrodes. Furthermore, the 3DG/CNTs/MnO2 based asymmetric supercapacitor demonstrates the maximum energy and power densities of 33.71 W h kg(-1) and up to 22,727.3 W kg(-1), respectively. Moreover, the asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits excellent cycling stability with 95.3% of the specific capacitance maintained after 1000 cycle tests. Our proposed synthesis strategy to construct the novel ternary 3D structured electrodes can be efficiently applied to other high performance energy storage/conversion systems.

Sport-specific trunk muscle profiles in soccer players of different skill levels.

PubMed

Krutsch, Werner; Weishaupt, Philipp; Zeman, Florian; Loibl, Markus; Neumann, Carsten; Nerlich, Michael; Angele, Peter

2015-05-01

Physical fitness and trunk stability are essential factors for successful soccer competition. We investigated the impact of soccer exposure on the trunk muscle profile of players of different skill levels. Professional and amateur soccer players were examined for trunk flexibility and maximum isometric muscle strength in the midseason period 2011. 24 professional soccer players who had not participated in any specific trunk muscle training programmes had significantly higher isometric trunk muscle strength in the sagittal plane (Ext: p = 0.003, Flex: p = 0.014), the frontal plane (Lat. right: p = 0.001, left: p = 0.003) and the transverse plane (Rotation right and left: p < 0.001) than 83 amateur soccer players. Professional players also had higher trunk flexibility in the sagittal plane (Flex: p = 0.001) and the transverse plane (Rotation right: p = 0.02, left: p = 0.002) than amateur players. The side of the dominant kicking leg had no influence on muscle strength and flexibility of the trunk. Trunk flexibility and stability as necessary factors for avoiding physical overstress and injuries are differently trained in player of different soccer skill levels.

WS2 mode-locked ultrafast fiber laser

PubMed Central

Mao, Dong; Wang, Yadong; Ma, Chaojie; Han, Lei; Jiang, Biqiang; Gan, Xuetao; Hua, Shijia; Zhang, Wending; Mei, Ting; Zhao, Jianlin

2015-01-01

Graphene-like two dimensional materials, such as WS2 and MoS2, are highly anisotropic layered compounds that have attracted growing interest from basic research to practical applications. Similar with MoS2, few-layer WS2 has remarkable physical properties. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that WS2 nanosheets exhibit ultrafast nonlinear saturable absorption property and high optical damage threshold. Soliton mode-locking operations are achieved separately in an erbium-doped fiber laser using two types of WS2-based saturable absorbers, one of which is fabricated by depositing WS2 nanosheets on a D-shaped fiber, while the other is synthesized by mixing WS2 solution with polyvinyl alcohol, and then evaporating them on a substrate. At the maximum pump power of 600 mW, two saturable absorbers can work stably at mode-locking state without damage, indicating that few-layer WS2 is a promising high-power flexible saturable absorber for ultrafast optics. Numerous applications may benefit from the ultrafast nonlinear features of WS2 nanosheets, such as high-power pulsed laser, materials processing, and frequency comb spectroscopy. PMID:25608729

Inertial piezoelectric linear motor driven by a single-phase harmonic wave with automatic clamping mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Liangguo; Chu, Yuheng; Hao, Sai; Zhao, Xiaoyong; Dong, Yuge; Wang, Yong

2018-05-01

A novel, single-phase, harmonic-driven, inertial piezoelectric linear motor using an automatic clamping mechanism was designed, fabricated, and tested to reduce the sliding friction and simplify the drive mechanism and power supply control of the inertial motor. A piezoelectric bimorph and a flexible hinge were connected in series to form the automatic clamping mechanism. The automatic clamping mechanism was used as the driving and clamping elements. A dynamic simulation by Simulink was performed to prove the feasibility of the motor. The finite element method software COMSOL was used to design the structure of the motor. An experimental setup was built to validate the working principle and evaluate the performance of the motor. The prototype motor outputted a no-load velocity of 3.178 mm/s at a voltage of 220 Vp-p and a maximum traction force of 4.25 N under a preload force of 8 N. The minimum resolution of 1.14 μm was achieved at a driving frequency of 74 Hz, a driving voltage of 50 Vp-p, and a preload force of 0 N.

High performance, accelerometer-based control of the Mini-MAST structure at Langley Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, Emmanuel G., Jr.; King, James A.; Phillips, Douglas J.; Hyland, David C.

1991-01-01

Many large space system concepts will require active vibration control to satisfy critical performance requirements such as line of sight pointing accuracy and constraints on rms surface roughness. In order for these concepts to become operational, it is imperative that the benefits of active vibration control be shown to be practical in ground based experiments. The results of an experiment shows the successful application of the Maximum Entropy/Optimal Projection control design methodology to active vibration control for a flexible structure. The testbed is the Mini-Mast structure at NASA-Langley and has features dynamically traceable to future space systems. To maximize traceability to real flight systems, the controllers were designed and implemented using sensors (four accelerometers and one rate gyro) that are actually mounted to the structure. Ground mounted displacement sensors that could greatly ease the control design task were available but were used only for performance evaluation. The use of the accelerometers increased the potential of destabilizing the system due to spillover effects and motivated the use of precompensation strategy to achieve sufficient compensator roll-off.

High performance, accelerometer-based control of the Mini-MAST structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, Emmanuel G., Jr.; King, James A.; Phillips, Douglas J.; Hyland, David C.

1992-01-01

Many large space system concepts will require active vibration control to satisfy critical performance requirements such as line of sight pointing accuracy and constraints on rms surface roughness. In order for these concepts to become operational, it is imperative that the benefits of active vibration control be shown to be practical in ground based experiments. The results of an experiment shows the successful application of the Maximum Entropy/Optical Projection control design methodology to active vibration control for a flexible structure. The testbed is the Mini-Mast structure at NASA-Langley and has features dynamically traceable to future space systems. To maximize traceability to real flight systems, the controllers were designed and implemented using sensors (four accelerometers and one rate gyro) that are actually mounted to the structure. Ground mounted displacement sensors that could greatly ease the control design task were available but were used only for performance evaluation. The use of the accelerometers increased the potential of destabilizing the system due to spillover effects and motivated the use of precompensation strategy to achieve sufficient compensator roll-off.

High energy density asymmetric supercapacitors with a nickel oxide nanoflake cathode and a 3D reduced graphene oxide anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luan, Feng; Wang, Gongming; Ling, Yichuan; Lu, Xihong; Wang, Hanyu; Tong, Yexiang; Liu, Xiao-Xia; Li, Yat

2013-08-01

Here we demonstrate a high energy density asymmetric supercapacitor with nickel oxide nanoflake arrays as the cathode and reduced graphene oxide as the anode. Nickel oxide nanoflake arrays were synthesized on a flexible carbon cloth substrate using a seed-mediated hydrothermal method. The reduced graphene oxide sheets were deposited on three-dimensional (3D) nickel foam by hydrothermal treatment of nickel foam in graphene oxide solution. The nanostructured electrodes provide a large effective surface area. The asymmetric supercapacitor device operates with a voltage of 1.7 V and achieved a remarkable areal capacitance of 248 mF cm-2 (specific capacitance of 50 F g-1) at a charge/discharge current density of 1 mA cm-2 and a maximum energy density of 39.9 W h kg-1 (based on the total mass of active materials of 5.0 mg). Furthermore, the device showed an excellent charge/discharge cycling performance in 1.0 M KOH electrolyte at a current density of 5 mA cm-2, with a capacitance retention of 95% after 3000 cycles.

Carbon-Supported Pd and PdFe Alloy Catalysts for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Cathodes.

PubMed

Rivera Gavidia, Luis M; Sebastián, David; Pastor, Elena; Aricò, Antonino S; Baglio, Vincenzo

2017-05-25

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are electrochemical devices that efficiently produce electricity and are characterized by a large flexibility for portable applications and high energy density. Methanol crossover is one of the main obstacles for DMFC commercialization, forcing the search for highly electro-active and methanol tolerant cathodes. In the present work, carbon-supported Pd and PdFe catalysts were synthesized using a sodium borohydride reduction method and physico-chemically characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray techniques such as photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). The catalysts were investigated as DMFC cathodes operating at different methanol concentrations (up to 10 M) and temperatures (60 °C and 90 °C). The cell based on PdFe/C cathode presented the best performance, achieving a maximum power density of 37.5 mW·cm -2 at 90 °C with 10 M methanol, higher than supported Pd and Pt commercial catalysts, demonstrating that Fe addition yields structural changes to Pd crystal lattice that reduce the crossover effects in DMFC operation.

Carbon-Supported Pd and PdFe Alloy Catalysts for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Cathodes

PubMed Central

Rivera Gavidia, Luis M.; Sebastián, David; Pastor, Elena; Aricò, Antonino S.; Baglio, Vincenzo

2017-01-01

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are electrochemical devices that efficiently produce electricity and are characterized by a large flexibility for portable applications and high energy density. Methanol crossover is one of the main obstacles for DMFC commercialization, forcing the search for highly electro-active and methanol tolerant cathodes. In the present work, carbon-supported Pd and PdFe catalysts were synthesized using a sodium borohydride reduction method and physico-chemically characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray techniques such as photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). The catalysts were investigated as DMFC cathodes operating at different methanol concentrations (up to 10 M) and temperatures (60 °C and 90 °C). The cell based on PdFe/C cathode presented the best performance, achieving a maximum power density of 37.5 mW·cm−2 at 90 °C with 10 M methanol, higher than supported Pd and Pt commercial catalysts, demonstrating that Fe addition yields structural changes to Pd crystal lattice that reduce the crossover effects in DMFC operation. PMID:28772937

Validating Laser-Induced Birefringence Theory with Plasma Interferometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Cecilia; Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY

2015-09-02

Intense laser beams crossing paths in plasma is theorized to induce birefringence in the medium, resulting from density and refractive index modulations that affect the polarization of incoming light. The goal of the associated experiment, conducted on Janus at Lawrence Livermore’s Jupiter Laser Facility, was to create a tunable laser-plasma waveplate to verify the relationship between dephasing angle and beam intensity, plasma density, plasma temperature, and interaction length. Interferometry analysis of the plasma channel was performed to obtain a density map and to constrain temperature measured from Thomson scattering. Various analysis techniques, including Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and two variationsmore » of fringe-counting, were tried because interferograms captured in this experiment contained unusual features such as fringe discontinuity at channel edges, saddle points, and islands. The chosen method is flexible, semi-automated, and uses a fringe tracking algorithm on a reduced image of pre-traced synthetic fringes. Ultimately, a maximum dephasing angle of 49.6° was achieved using a 1200 μm interaction length, and the experimental results appear to agree with predictions.« less

Inductive power transmission to millimeter-sized biomedical implants using printed spiral coils.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Ahmed; Kiani, Mehdi

2016-08-01

The operation frequency (f) has been a key parameter in optimizing wireless power transmission links for biomedical implants with millimeter (mm) dimensions. This paper studies the feasibility of using printed spiral coils (PSCs) for powering mm-sized implants with high power transmission efficiency (PTE) at different fps. Compared to wire-wound coils (WWCs), using a PSC in the implant side allows batch fabrication on rigid or flexible substrates, which can also be used as a platform for integrating implant components. For powering an implant with 1 mm diameter, located 10 mm inside the tissue, the geometries of transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) PSCs were optimized at different fPs of 50 MHz, 200 MHz, and 500 MHz using a commercial field solver (HFSS). In simulations, PSC- and WWC-based links achieved maximum PTE of 0.13% and 3.3%, and delivered power of 65.7 μW and 720 μW under specific absorption rate (SAR) constraints at the optimal fp of 50 MHz and 100 MHz, respectively, suggesting that the performance of the PSC-based link is significantly inferior to that of the WWC-based link.

High energy density asymmetric supercapacitors with a nickel oxide nanoflake cathode and a 3D reduced graphene oxide anode.

PubMed

Luan, Feng; Wang, Gongming; Ling, Yichuan; Lu, Xihong; Wang, Hanyu; Tong, Yexiang; Liu, Xiao-Xia; Li, Yat

2013-09-07

Here we demonstrate a high energy density asymmetric supercapacitor with nickel oxide nanoflake arrays as the cathode and reduced graphene oxide as the anode. Nickel oxide nanoflake arrays were synthesized on a flexible carbon cloth substrate using a seed-mediated hydrothermal method. The reduced graphene oxide sheets were deposited on three-dimensional (3D) nickel foam by hydrothermal treatment of nickel foam in graphene oxide solution. The nanostructured electrodes provide a large effective surface area. The asymmetric supercapacitor device operates with a voltage of 1.7 V and achieved a remarkable areal capacitance of 248 mF cm(-2) (specific capacitance of 50 F g(-1)) at a charge/discharge current density of 1 mA cm(-2) and a maximum energy density of 39.9 W h kg(-1) (based on the total mass of active materials of 5.0 mg). Furthermore, the device showed an excellent charge/discharge cycling performance in 1.0 M KOH electrolyte at a current density of 5 mA cm(-2), with a capacitance retention of 95% after 3000 cycles.

Enhanced electrocaloric effect in displacive-type organic ferroelectrics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ding, L. J., E-mail: dinglinjie82@126.com; Zhong, Y.; Fan, S. W.

2015-08-07

We explore the intrinsic feature of electrocaloric effect (ECE) accompanied by ferroelectric (FE)-paraelectric (PE) transition for displacive-type organic ferroelectrics using Green's function theory. It is demonstrated that decreasing elastic constant K or increasing spin-lattice coupling λ can enhance the ECE, as well as polarization P and transition temperature T{sub C}. Indeed, one expects that the optimal operating temperature for solid-state refrigeration is around room temperature, at which the ECE achieves its maximum. As T{sub C} is tuned to ∼310 K, it presents larger ECE response and remanent polarization with lower coercive field for smaller K value, suggesting that well flexible displacive-typemore » organic ferroelectrics are excellent candidates both for electric cooling and data storage in the design of nonvolatile FE random-access memories. Furthermore, in an electric field, it provides a bridge between a Widom line that denotes FE-PE crossover above T{sub C} and a metaelectric transition line below T{sub C} that demonstrates an FE switching behavior with an antiparallel field.« less

Transition metal sulfides grown on graphene fibers for wearable asymmetric supercapacitors with high volumetric capacitance and high energy density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Weihua; Lai, Ting; Lai, Jianwei; Xie, Haoting; Ouyang, Liuzhang; Ye, Jianshan; Yu, Chengzhong

2016-06-01

Fiber shaped supercapacitors are promising candidates for wearable electronics because they are flexible and light-weight. However, a critical challenge of the widespread application of these energy storage devices is their low cell voltages and low energy densities, resulting in limited run-time of the electronics. Here, we demonstrate a 1.5 V high cell voltage and high volumetric energy density asymmetric fiber supercapacitor in aqueous electrolyte. The lightweight (0.24 g cm-3), highly conductive (39 S cm-1), and mechanically robust (221 MPa) graphene fibers were firstly fabricated and then coated by NiCo2S4 nanoparticles (GF/NiCo2S4) via the solvothermal deposition method. The GF/NiCo2S4 display high volumetric capacitance up to 388 F cm-3 at 2 mV s-1 in a three-electrode cell and 300 F cm-3 at 175.7 mA cm-3 (568 mF cm-2 at 0.5 mA cm-2) in a two-electrode cell. The electrochemical characterizations show 1000% higher capacitance of the GF/NiCo2S4 as compared to that of neat graphene fibers. The fabricated device achieves high energy density up to 12.3 mWh cm-3 with a maximum power density of 1600 mW cm-3, outperforming the thin-film lithium battery. Therefore, these supercapacitors are promising for the next generation flexible and wearable electronic devices.

Transition metal sulfides grown on graphene fibers for wearable asymmetric supercapacitors with high volumetric capacitance and high energy density

PubMed Central

Cai, Weihua; Lai, Ting; Lai, Jianwei; Xie, Haoting; Ouyang, Liuzhang; Ye, Jianshan; Yu, Chengzhong

2016-01-01

Fiber shaped supercapacitors are promising candidates for wearable electronics because they are flexible and light-weight. However, a critical challenge of the widespread application of these energy storage devices is their low cell voltages and low energy densities, resulting in limited run-time of the electronics. Here, we demonstrate a 1.5 V high cell voltage and high volumetric energy density asymmetric fiber supercapacitor in aqueous electrolyte. The lightweight (0.24 g cm−3), highly conductive (39 S cm−1), and mechanically robust (221 MPa) graphene fibers were firstly fabricated and then coated by NiCo2S4 nanoparticles (GF/NiCo2S4) via the solvothermal deposition method. The GF/NiCo2S4 display high volumetric capacitance up to 388 F cm−3 at 2 mV s−1 in a three-electrode cell and 300 F cm−3 at 175.7 mA cm−3 (568 mF cm−2 at 0.5 mA cm−2) in a two-electrode cell. The electrochemical characterizations show 1000% higher capacitance of the GF/NiCo2S4 as compared to that of neat graphene fibers. The fabricated device achieves high energy density up to 12.3 mWh cm−3 with a maximum power density of 1600 mW cm−3, outperforming the thin-film lithium battery. Therefore, these supercapacitors are promising for the next generation flexible and wearable electronic devices. PMID:27248510

Sustainability considerations for health research and analytic data infrastructures.

PubMed

Wilcox, Adam; Randhawa, Gurvaneet; Embi, Peter; Cao, Hui; Kuperman, Gilad J

2014-01-01

The United States has made recent large investments in creating data infrastructures to support the important goals of patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) and comparative effectiveness research (CER), with still more investment planned. These initial investments, while critical to the creation of the infrastructures, are not expected to sustain them much beyond the initial development. To provide the maximum benefit, the infrastructures need to be sustained through innovative financing models while providing value to PCOR and CER researchers. Based on our experience with creating flexible sustainability strategies (i.e., strategies that are adaptive to the different characteristics and opportunities of a resource or infrastructure), we define specific factors that are important considerations in developing a sustainability strategy. These factors include assets, expansion, complexity, and stakeholders. Each factor is described, with examples of how it is applied. These factors are dimensions of variation in different resources, to which a sustainability strategy should adapt. We also identify specific important considerations for maintaining an infrastructure, so that the long-term intended benefits can be realized. These observations are presented as lessons learned, to be applied to other sustainability efforts. We define the lessons learned, relating them to the defined sustainability factors as interactions between factors. Using perspectives and experiences from a diverse group of experts, we define broad characteristics of sustainability strategies and important observations, which can vary for different projects. Other descriptions of adaptive, flexible, and successful models of collaboration between stakeholders and data infrastructures can expand this framework by identifying other factors for sustainability, and give more concrete directions on how sustainability can be best achieved.

The Development and Deployment of a Virtual Unit Operations Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vaidyanath, Sreeram; Williams, Jason; Hilliard, Marcus; Wiesner, Theodore

2007-01-01

Computer-simulated experiments offer many benefits to engineering curricula in the areas of safety, cost, and flexibility. We report our experience in developing and deploying a computer-simulated unit operations laboratory, driven by the guiding principle of maximum fidelity to the physical lab. We find that, while the up-front investment in…

49 CFR 178.816 - Topple test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

.... For all flexible IBCs, there may be no loss of contents. A slight discharge (e.g., from closures or stitch holes) upon impact is not considered to be a failure, provided no further leakage occurs. [Amdt... must be filled to not less than 95 percent of its capacity and to its maximum net mass, with the load...

A Better Lemon Squeezer? Maximum-Likelihood Regression with Beta-Distributed Dependent Variables

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smithson, Michael; Verkuilen, Jay

2006-01-01

Uncorrectable skew and heteroscedasticity are among the "lemons" of psychological data, yet many important variables naturally exhibit these properties. For scales with a lower and upper bound, a suitable candidate for models is the beta distribution, which is very flexible and models skew quite well. The authors present…

Finance and Credit. Curriculum Guide. Marketing and Distributive Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northern Illinois Univ., DeKalb. Dept. of Business Education and Administration Services.

Designed to be used with the General Marketing Curriculum Guide (ED 156 860), this guide is intended to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing and to allow marketing and distributive education teacher-coordinators maximum flexibility. It contains job competency sheets in ten…

Marketing and Distributive Education. General Retail Merchandising Curriculum Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northern Illinois Univ., DeKalb. Dept. of Business Education and Administration Services.

This document is one of four curriculum guides designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing as well as to provide marketing and distributive education teachers with maximum flexibility. Introductory information provides directions for using the guide and information on…

Marketing and Distributive Education. General Marketing Curriculum Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northern Illinois Univ., DeKalb. Dept. of Business Education and Administration Services.

This general marketing curriculum guide is the master publication in a series of four curriculum guides. The series is designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing as well as to provide marketing and distributive education teachers with maximum flexibility. This guide…

Semiparametric Item Response Functions in the Context of Guessing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Falk, Carl F.; Cai, Li

2016-01-01

We present a logistic function of a monotonic polynomial with a lower asymptote, allowing additional flexibility beyond the three-parameter logistic model. We develop a maximum marginal likelihood-based approach to estimate the item parameters. The new item response model is demonstrated on math assessment data from a state, and a computationally…

Maximizing purchase decision factors other than price.

PubMed

Berkowitz, D A; Diamond, J F; Montagnolo, A J

1992-05-01

Assessing and acquiring technology does not have to be chaotic, driven solely by price, clinical preference, and emotion. With the tools available, it can be distilled to a process of organized common sense, which results in maximum flexibility for the user and allows materiel managers to procure the best, most cost-effective equipment for the hospital.

Marketing and Distributive Education Curriculum Guide. Marketing Services: Real Estate.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cluck, Janice Bona; Melliges, Pam

This curriculum guide has been designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of real estate marketing, as well as to provide the marketing and distributive education teacher/coordinator with maximum flexibility. The essential common and specialized competencies have been identified…

A flexible environmental reuse/recycle policy based on economic strength.

PubMed

Tsiliyannis, C A

2007-01-01

Environmental policies based on fixed recycling rates may lead to increased environmental impacts (e.g., landfilled wastes) during economic expansion. A rate policy is proposed, which is adjusted according to the overall strength or weakness of the economy, as reflected by overall packaging demand and consumption, production and imports-exports. During economic expansion featuring rising consumption, production or exports, the proposed flexible policy suggests a higher reuse/recycle rate. During economic slowdown a lower rate results in lower impacts. The flexible target rates are determined in terms of annual data, including consumption, imports-exports and production. Higher environmental gains can be achieved at lower cost if the flexible policy is applied to widely consumed packaging products and materials associated with low rates, or if cleaner recycling technology is adopted.

Flexible rotor balancing by the influence coefficient method: Multiple critical speeds with rigid or flexible supports

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tessarzik, J. M.

1975-01-01

Experimental tests were conducted to demonstrate the ability of the influence coefficient method to achieve precise balance of flexible rotors of virtually any design for operation through virtually any speed range. Various practical aspects of flexible-rotor balancing were investigated. Tests were made on a laboratory quality machine having a 122 cm (48 in.) long rotor weighing 50 kg (110 lb) and covering a speed range up to 18000 rpm. The balancing method was in every instance effective, practical, and economical and permitted safe rotor operation over the full speed range covering four rotor bending critical speeds. Improved correction weight removal methods for rotor balancing were investigated. Material removal from a rotating disk was demonstrated through application of a commercially available laser.

Light-weight robot using piezoelectric motor, sensor and actuator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zhen; Bao, Xiao-Qi; Varadan, Vijay K.; Varadan, Vasundara V.

1992-12-01

A prototype single-link, single-axis 'piezorobot' assembled in the laboratory is presented. It basically consists of a flexible arm with the piezoelectric sensors and actuators attached and a servo-controlled piezoelectric motor as the driver. The piezomotor has a diameter of 40 mm, a maximum speed of 520 rpm, and a maximum torque of 0.07 nm, and weighs about 0.07 kg. The 254-mm-long steel arm weighs about 0.0212 kg, including 0.0022 kg of piezoceramic pieces. This piezorobot is controlled by an IBM PC and can move to a programmed destination along a programmed path with quick start and stop responses and a very short settling time. The device's design is shown to be feasible; it has conceptually demonstrated its effectiveness for reducing the self-weight, using flexible linkage while controlling the vibration interferences, and reducing the settling time of a robotic arm. uly/August 1994 1994 7 Springer-Verlag 1994 BF02400853 10.1007/BF02400853 1 Sustainable development and deep ecology: An analysis of competing traditions Forum 477 488 2006 4 5 Springer-Verlag New York Inc 1994 267

Flexible Cryogenic Heat Pipe Development Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

A heat pipe was designed for operation in the 100 - 200 K temperature range with maximum heat transport as a primary design goal; another designed for operation in the 15 - 100 K temperature range with maximum flexibility as a design goal. Optimum geometry and materials for the container and wicking systems were determined. The high power (100 - 200 K) heat pipe was tested with methane at 100 - 140 K, and test data indicated only partial priming with a performance limit of less than 50 percent of theoretical. A series of tests were conducted with ammonia at approximately 280 K to determine the performance under varying fluid charge and test conditions. The low temperature heat pipe was tested with oxygen at 85 - 95 K and with methanol at 295 - 315 K. Performance of the low temperature heat pipe was below theoretical predictions. Results of the completed testing are presented and possible performance limitation mechanisms are discussed. The lower-than-expected performance was felt to be due to small traces of non-condensible gases which prevented the composite wick from priming.

Variability of the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 Flexibility Without Significant Change in the Initial Conformation of the Protein or Its Environment; a Computational Study.

PubMed

Taghizadeh, Mohammad; Goliaei, Bahram; Madadkar-Sobhani, Armin

2016-06-01

Protein flexibility, which has been referred as a dynamic behavior has various roles in proteins' functions. Furthermore, for some developed tools in bioinformatics, such as protein-protein docking software, considering the protein flexibility, causes a higher degree of accuracy. Through undertaking the present work, we have accomplished the quantification plus analysis of the variations in the human Cyclin Dependent Kinase 2 (hCDK2) protein flexibility without affecting a significant change in its initial environment or the protein per se. The main goal of the present research was to calculate variations in the flexibility for each residue of the hCDK2, analysis of their flexibility variations through clustering, and to investigate the functional aspects of the residues with high flexibility variations. Using Gromacs package (version 4.5.4), three independent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the hCDK2 protein (PDB ID: 1HCL) was accomplished with no significant changes in their initial environments, structures, or conformations, followed by Root Mean Square Fluctuations (RMSF) calculation of these MD trajectories. The amount of variations in these three curves of RMSF was calculated using two formulas. More than 50% of the variation in the flexibility (the distance between the maximum and the minimum amount of the RMSF) was found at the region of Val-154. As well, there are other major flexibility fluctuations in other residues. These residues were mostly positioned in the vicinity of the functional residues. The subsequent works were done, as followed by clustering all hCDK2 residues into four groups considering the amount of their variability with respect to flexibility and their position in the RMSF curves. This work has introduced a new class of flexibility aspect of the proteins' residues. It could also help designing and engineering proteins, with introducing a new dynamic aspect of hCDK2, and accordingly, for the other similar globular proteins. In addition, it could provide a better computational calculation of the protein flexibility, which is, especially important in the comparative studies of the proteins' flexibility.

Variability of the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 Flexibility Without Significant Change in the Initial Conformation of the Protein or Its Environment; a Computational Study

PubMed Central

Taghizadeh, Mohammad; Goliaei, Bahram; Madadkar-Sobhani, Armin

2016-01-01

Background Protein flexibility, which has been referred as a dynamic behavior has various roles in proteins’ functions. Furthermore, for some developed tools in bioinformatics, such as protein-protein docking software, considering the protein flexibility, causes a higher degree of accuracy. Through undertaking the present work, we have accomplished the quantification plus analysis of the variations in the human Cyclin Dependent Kinase 2 (hCDK2) protein flexibility without affecting a significant change in its initial environment or the protein per se. Objectives The main goal of the present research was to calculate variations in the flexibility for each residue of the hCDK2, analysis of their flexibility variations through clustering, and to investigate the functional aspects of the residues with high flexibility variations. Materials and Methods Using Gromacs package (version 4.5.4), three independent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the hCDK2 protein (PDB ID: 1HCL) was accomplished with no significant changes in their initial environments, structures, or conformations, followed by Root Mean Square Fluctuations (RMSF) calculation of these MD trajectories. The amount of variations in these three curves of RMSF was calculated using two formulas. Results More than 50% of the variation in the flexibility (the distance between the maximum and the minimum amount of the RMSF) was found at the region of Val-154. As well, there are other major flexibility fluctuations in other residues. These residues were mostly positioned in the vicinity of the functional residues. The subsequent works were done, as followed by clustering all hCDK2 residues into four groups considering the amount of their variability with respect to flexibility and their position in the RMSF curves. Conclusions This work has introduced a new class of flexibility aspect of the proteins’ residues. It could also help designing and engineering proteins, with introducing a new dynamic aspect of hCDK2, and accordingly, for the other similar globular proteins. In addition, it could provide a better computational calculation of the protein flexibility, which is, especially important in the comparative studies of the proteins’ flexibility. PMID:28959320

A MATLAB toolbox for the efficient estimation of the psychometric function using the updated maximum-likelihood adaptive procedure

PubMed Central

Richards, V. M.; Dai, W.

2014-01-01

A MATLAB toolbox for the efficient estimation of the threshold, slope, and lapse rate of the psychometric function is described. The toolbox enables the efficient implementation of the updated maximum-likelihood (UML) procedure. The toolbox uses an object-oriented architecture for organizing the experimental variables and computational algorithms, which provides experimenters with flexibility in experimental design and data management. Descriptions of the UML procedure and the UML Toolbox are provided, followed by toolbox use examples. Finally, guidelines and recommendations of parameter configurations are given. PMID:24671826

77 FR 52317 - Notice of Submission for OMB Review; Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-29

.... Department of Education (ED) invited State educational agencies (SEAs) to request flexibility pursuant to the... continuing to meet the intent and purpose of Title I of ESEA, including meeting the educational needs of low-achieving students, closing achievement gaps, and holding schools, local educational agencies, and SEAs...

77 FR 52704 - Notice of Submission for OMB Review; Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-30

.... Department of Education (ED) invited State educational agencies (SEAs) to request flexibility pursuant to the... continuing to meet the intent and purpose of Title I of ESEA, including meeting the educational needs of low-achieving students, closing achievement gaps, and holding schools, local educational agencies, and SEAs...

77 FR 32084 - Notice of Proposed Information Collection Requests; Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-31

... educational agencies (SEAs) to request flexibility pursuant to the authority in section 9401 of ESEA, which... purpose of Title I of ESEA, including meeting the educational needs of low-achieving students, closing achievement gaps, and holding schools, local educational agencies, and SEAs accountable for improving the...

Accountability and Virginia Public Schools, 2014-2015 School Year

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Virginia Department of Education, 2014

2014-01-01

This report explains that The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)--known since 2001 as No Child Left Behind (NCLB)--requires states to set annual objectives for increasing student achievement in reading and mathematics and closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Under the flexibility waiver granted by the US Department of…

Understanding the Change Styles of Teachers to Improve Student Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bigby, Arlene May Green

2009-01-01

The topic of this dissertation is the understanding of teacher change styles to improve student achievement. Teachers from public schools in a state located in the northern plains were surveyed regarding their Change Styles (preferred approaches to change) and flexibility scores. The results were statistically analyzed to determine if there were…

Enhanced spectral efficiency using bandwidth switchable SAW filtering for mobile satellite communications systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peach, Robert; Malarky, Alastair

1990-01-01

Currently proposed mobile satellite communications systems require a high degree of flexibility in assignment of spectral capacity to different geographic locations. Conventionally this results in poor spectral efficiency which may be overcome by the use of bandwidth switchable filtering. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology makes it possible to provide banks of filters whose responses may be contiguously combined to form variable bandwidth filters with constant amplitude and phase responses across the entire band. The high selectivity possible with SAW filters, combined with the variable bandwidth capability, makes it possible to achieve spectral efficiencies over the allocated bandwidths of greater than 90 percent, while retaining full system flexibility. Bandwidth switchable SAW filtering (BSSF) achieves these gains with a negligible increase in hardware complexity.

A slewing control experiment for flexible structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juang, J.-N.; Horta, L. G.; Robertshaw, H. H.

1985-01-01

A hardware set-up has been developed to study slewing control for flexible structures including a steel beam and a solar panel. The linear optimal terminal control law is used to design active controllers which are implemented in an analog computer. The objective of this experiment is to demonstrate and verify the dynamics and optimal terminal control laws as applied to flexible structures for large angle maneuver. Actuation is provided by an electric motor while sensing is given by strain gages and angle potentiometer. Experimental measurements are compared with analytical predictions in terms of modal parameters of the system stability matrix and sufficient agreement is achieved to validate the theory.

Internally supported flexible duct joint. [device for conducting fluids in high pressure systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuhn, R. F., Jr. (Inventor)

1975-01-01

An internally supported, flexible duct joint for use in conducting fluids under relatively high pressures in systems where relatively large deflection angles must be accommodated is presented. The joint includes a flexible tubular bellows and an elongated base disposed within the bellows. The base is connected through radiating struts to the bellows near mid-portion and to each of the opposite end portions of the bellows through a pivotal connecting body. A motion-controlling linkage is provided for linking the connecting bodies, whereby angular displacement of the joint is controlled and uniformity in the instantaneous bend radius of the duct is achieved as deflection is imposed.

Effect of Tip-Speed Constraints on the Optimized Design of a Wind Turbine

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dykes, K.; Resor, B.; Platt, A.

This study investigates the effect of tip-velocity constraints on system levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The results indicate that a change in maximum tip speed from 80 to 100~m/s could produce a 32% decrease in gearbox weight (a 33% reduction in cost) which would result in an overall reduction of 1%-9% in system LCOE depending on the design approach. Three 100~m/s design cases were considered including a low tip-speed ratio/high-solidity rotor design, a high tip-speed ratio/ low-solidity rotor design, and finally a flexible blade design in which a high tip-speed ratio was used along with removing the tip deflection constraintmore » on the rotor design. In all three cases, the significant reduction in gearbox weight caused by the higher tip-speed and lower overall gear ratio was counterbalanced by increased weights for the rotor and/or other drivetrain components and the tower. As a result, the increased costs of either the rotor or drivetrain components offset the overall reduction in turbine costs from down-sizing the gearbox. Other system costs were not significantly affected, whereas energy production was slightly reduced in the 100~m/s case low tip-speed ratio case and increased in the high tip-speed ratio case. This resulted in system cost of energy reductions moving from the 80~m/s design to the 100~m/s designs of 1.2% for the low tip-speed ratio, 4.6% for the high tip-speed ratio, and 9.5% for the final flexible case (the latter result is optimistic because the impact of deflection of the flexible blade on power production was not modeled). Overall, the results demonstrate that there is a trade-off in system design between the maximum tip velocity and the overall wind plant cost of energy, and there are many trade-offs within the overall system in designing a turbine for a high maximum tip velocity.« less

3D flexible alignment using 2D maximum common substructure: dependence of prediction accuracy on target-reference chemical similarity.

PubMed

Kawabata, Takeshi; Nakamura, Haruki

2014-07-28

A protein-bound conformation of a target molecule can be predicted by aligning the target molecule on the reference molecule obtained from the 3D structure of the compound-protein complex. This strategy is called "similarity-based docking". For this purpose, we develop the flexible alignment program fkcombu, which aligns the target molecule based on atomic correspondences with the reference molecule. The correspondences are obtained by the maximum common substructure (MCS) of 2D chemical structures, using our program kcombu. The prediction performance was evaluated using many target-reference pairs of superimposed ligand 3D structures on the same protein in the PDB, with different ranges of chemical similarity. The details of atomic correspondence largely affected the prediction success. We found that topologically constrained disconnected MCS (TD-MCS) with the simple element-based atomic classification provides the best prediction. The crashing potential energy with the receptor protein improved the performance. We also found that the RMSD between the predicted and correct target conformations significantly correlates with the chemical similarities between target-reference molecules. Generally speaking, if the reference and target compounds have more than 70% chemical similarity, then the average RMSD of 3D conformations is <2.0 Å. We compared the performance with a rigid-body molecular alignment program based on volume-overlap scores (ShaEP). Our MCS-based flexible alignment program performed better than the rigid-body alignment program, especially when the target and reference molecules were sufficiently similar.

Manganese dioxide decoration of macroscopic carbon nanotube fibers: From high-performance liquid-based to all-solid-state supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pendashteh, Afshin; Senokos, Evgeny; Palma, Jesus; Anderson, Marc; Vilatela, Juan J.; Marcilla, Rebeca

2017-12-01

Supercapacitors capable of providing high voltage, energy and power density but yet light, low volume occupying, flexible and mechanically robust are highly interesting and demanded for portable applications. Herein, freestanding flexible hybrid electrodes based on MnO2 nanoparticles grown on macroscopic carbon nanotube fibers (CNTf-MnO2) were fabricated, without the need of any metallic current collector. The CNTf, a support with excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical stability, and appropriate pore structure, was homogeneously decorated with porous akhtenskite ɛ-MnO2 nanoparticles produced via electrodeposition in an optimized organic-aqueous mixture. Electrochemical properties of these decorated fibers were evaluated in different electrolytes including a neutral aqueous solution and a pure 1-butyl-3-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquid (PYR14TFSI). This comparison helps discriminate the various contributions to the total capacitance: (surface) Faradaic and non-Faradaic processes, improved wetting by aqueous electrolytes. Accordingly, symmetric supercapacitors with PYR14TFSI led to a high specific energy of 36 Wh· kgMnO2-1 (16 Wh·kg-1 including the weight of CNTf) and real specific power of 17 kW· kgMnO2-1 (7.5 kW kg-1) at 3.0 V with excellent cycling stability. Moreover, flexible all solid-state supercapacitors were fabricated using PYR14TFSI-based polymer electrolyte, exhibiting maximum energy density of 21 Wh·kg-1 and maximum power density of 8 kW kg-1 normalized by total active material.

Stretch shorten cycle performance enhancement through flexibility training.

PubMed

Wilson, G J; Elliott, B C; Wood, G A

1992-01-01

Sixteen experienced male powerlifters served as subjects in a training study designed to examine the effect of flexibility training on: (i) the stiffness of the series elastic components (SEC) of the upper body musculature and (ii) rebound and purely concentric bench press performance. Nine of the subjects participated in two sessions of flexibility training twice per week for 8 wk. Prior to and after the training period the subjects' static flexibility, SEC stiffness, rebound bench press (RBP), and purely concentric bench press (PCBP) performance were recorded. The flexibility training induced a significant reduction in the maximal stiffness of the SEC. Furthermore, the experimental subjects produced significantly more work during the initial concentric portion of the RBP lift, enabling a significantly greater load to be lifted in the post-training testing occasion. The benefits to performance achieved by the experimental group consequent to flexibility training were greater during the RBP lift as compared with the PCBP lift. The control subjects exhibited no change in any variable over the training period. These results implied that the RBP performance enhancement observed consequent to flexibility training was directly caused by a reduction in SEC stiffness, increasing the utilization of elastic strain energy during the RBP lift.

Effect of Flexible Duty Hour Policies on Length of Stay for Complex Intra-Abdominal Operations: A Flexibility in Duty Hour Requirements for Surgical Trainees (FIRST) Trial Analysis.

PubMed

Stulberg, Jonah J; Pavey, Emily S; Cohen, Mark E; Ko, Clifford Y; Hoyt, David B; Bilimoria, Karl Y

2017-02-01

Changes to resident duty hour policies in the Flexibility in Duty Hour Requirements for Surgical Trainees (FIRST) trial could impact hospitalized patients' length of stay (LOS) by altering care coordination. Length of stay can also serve as a reflection of all complications, particularly those not captured in the FIRST trial (eg pneumothorax from central line). Programs were randomized to either maintaining current ACGME duty hour policies (Standard arm) or more flexible policies waiving rules on maximum shift lengths and time off between shifts (Flexible arm). Our objective was to determine whether flexibility in resident duty hours affected LOS in patients undergoing high-risk surgical operations. Patients were identified who underwent hepatectomy, pancreatectomy, laparoscopic colectomy, open colectomy, or ventral hernia repair (2014-2015 academic year) at 154 hospitals participating in the FIRST trial. Two procedure-stratified evaluations of LOS were undertaken: multivariable negative binomial regression analysis on LOS and a multivariable logistic regression analysis on the likelihood of a prolonged LOS (>75 th percentile). Before any adjustments, there was no statistically significant difference in overall mean LOS between study arms (Flexible Policy: mean [SD] LOS 6.03 [5.78] days vs Standard Policy: mean LOS 6.21 [5.82] days; p = 0.74). In adjusted analyses, there was no statistically significant difference in LOS between study arms overall (incidence rate ratio for Flexible vs Standard: 0.982; 95% CI, 0.939-1.026; p = 0.41) or for any individual procedures. In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients with prolonged LOS between study arms overall (Flexible vs Standard: odds ratio = 1.028; 95% CI, 0.871-1.212) or for any individual procedures. Duty hour flexibility had no statistically significant effect on LOS in patients undergoing complex intra-abdominal operations. Copyright © 2016 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Highly flexible, transparent and conducting CuS-nanosheet networks for flexible quantum-dot solar cells.

PubMed

Xu, Zijie; Li, Teng; Zhang, Fayin; Hong, Xiaodan; Xie, Shuyao; Ye, Meidan; Guo, Wenxi; Liu, Xiangyang

2017-03-17

The rapid development of modern electronics has given rise to a higher demand for flexible and wearable energy sources. Flexible transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) are one of the essential components of flexible/wearable thin-film solar cells (SCs). In this regard, we present highly transparent and conducting CuS-nanosheet (NS) networks with an optimized sheet resistance (R s ) as low as 50 Ω sq -1 at 85% transmittance as a counter electrode (CE) for flexible quantum-dot solar cells (QDSCs). The CuS NS network electrode exhibits remarkable mechanical flexibility under bending tests compared to traditional ITO/plastic substrates and sputtered CuS films. Herein, CuS NS networks not only served as conducting films for collecting electrons from the external circuit, but also served as superior catalysts for reducing polysulfide (S 2- /S x 2- ) electrolytes. A power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 3.25% was achieved for the QDSCs employing CuS NS networks as CEs, which was much higher than those of the devices based on Pt networks and sputtered CuS films. We believe that such CuS network TCEs with high flexibility, transparency, conductivity and catalytic activity could be widely used in making wearable electronic products.

Analytical and Experimental Research on Large Angle Maneuvers of Flexible Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-05-04

and achieved a much higher level of technical maturity than could be expected based upon I the the proposal and contractual requirements. This...would expect , for example, that a very smooth, small reference torque input should result in the flexible structure motion approaching the rigid body...alleviated on sound physical grounds by using the forced response data (e. g., the frequency response function) to impose the proper scaling on the system

A real options model to assess the role of flexibility in forestry and agroforestry adoption and disadoption in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley

Treesearch

Gregory E. Frey; D. Evan Mercer; Frederick W. Cubbage; Robert C. Abt

2013-01-01

Efforts to restore the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley’s forests have not achieved desired levels of ecosystem services production.We examined how the variability of returns and the flexibility to change or postpone decisions (option value) affects the economic potential of forestry and agroforestry systems to keep private land in production while still providing...

Impact of Data Transmission over 10 Gbps on High-Density and Low-Cost Optoelectronic Module with Polynorbornene Waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, Yuka; Terada, Shinsuke; Arai, Shinya; Fujiwara, Makoto; Mori, Tetsuya; Choki, Koji; Fukushima, Takafumi; Koyanagi, Mitsumasa

2012-04-01

We proposed a rigid/flex optoelectronic (O/E) module with 48-channel polymeric waveguides for short-distance board-level optical interconnection. A flexible O/E test module was fabricated in the following two steps by using standard packaging processes. First, two vertical cavity surface emitting laser diodes (VCSELs) and one VCSEL driver (VD) were flip-chip bonded to a completed flexible printed circuit board (PCB), and two photodiodes (PDs) and one transimpedance amplifier/limiting amplifier (TIA/LA) to another flexible PCB. Second, the two flexible PCBs were attached with a polynorbornene (PNB) sheet in which high-density PNB waveguides were formed by UV exposure. Active areas of VCSELs and PDs on the flexible PCBs were aligned to micromirrors of the waveguides with -6 µm offset toward the signal propagation direction. We successfully demonstrated data transmission over 10 Gbps and low inter-channel crosstalk of less than -20 dB was achieved in the flexible O/E test module with 120-mm-long and 62.5-µm-pitch waveguides.

Experimental demonstration of fronthaul flexibility for enhanced CoMP service in 5G radio and optical access networks.

PubMed

Zhang, Jiawei; Ji, Yuefeng; Yu, Hao; Huang, Xingang; Li, Han

2017-09-04

The RAN architecture towards mobile 5G and beyond is undergoing a fundamental evolution, which brings optics into the radio world. Fronthaul is a new segment that leverages on the advantages of optical communication for RAN transport. However, the current fronthaul architecture shows a fixed connection between an RRH and a BBU, which leads to inefficient resource utilization. In this paper, we focus on the fronthaul flexibility that allows "any-RRH to any-BBU" connection. In particular, we consider a CoMP service and discuss how flexible optical fronthaul helps to improve its performance. To achieve this goal, we propose an SDN-enabled orchestration for coordinating radio and optical access networks. Under this unified control manner, the agile RRH-BBU mapping can be reached through lightpath reconfiguration. To further verify the benefits of flexibility, we experiment the CoMP service in the cloud radio over flexible optical fronthaul (CRoFlex) testbed. Experimental results demonstrate the proposed SDN-enabled flexible optical fronthaul can improve the CoMP performance by optimizing the RRH-BBU mapping.

Flexible organic light emitting diodes fabricated on biocompatible silk fibroin substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yuqiang; Xie, Yuemin; Liu, Yuan; Song, Tao; Zhang, Ke-Qin; Liao, Liangsheng; Sun, Baoquan

2015-10-01

Flexible and biodegradable electronics are currently under extensive investigation for biocompatible and environmentally-friendly applications. Synthetic plastic foils are widely used as substrates for flexible electronics. But typical plastic substrates such as polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) could not be degraded in a natural bio-environment. A great demand still exists for a next-generation biocompatible and biodegradable substrate for future application. For example, electronic devices can be potentially integrated into the human body. In this work, we demonstrate that the biocompatible and biodegradable natural silk fibroin (SF) films embedded with silver nanowires (AgNWs) mesh could be employed as conductive transparent substrates to fabricate flexible organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Compared with commercial PEN substrates coated with indium tin oxide, the AgNWs/SF composite substrates exhibit a similar sheet resistance of 12 Ω sq-1, a lower surface roughness, as well as a broader light transmission range. Flexible OLEDs based on AgNWs/SF substrates achieve a current efficiency of 19 cd A-1, demonstrating the potential of the flexible AgNWs/SF films as conductive and transparent substrates for next-generation biodegradable devices.

Distributed Traffic Complexity Management by Preserving Trajectory Flexibility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Idris, Husni; Vivona, Robert A.; Garcia-Chico, Jose-Luis; Wing, David J.

2007-01-01

In order to handle the expected increase in air traffic volume, the next generation air transportation system is moving towards a distributed control architecture, in which groundbased service providers such as controllers and traffic managers and air-based users such as pilots share responsibility for aircraft trajectory generation and management. This paper presents preliminary research investigating a distributed trajectory-oriented approach to manage traffic complexity, based on preserving trajectory flexibility. The underlying hypotheses are that preserving trajectory flexibility autonomously by aircraft naturally achieves the aggregate objective of avoiding excessive traffic complexity, and that trajectory flexibility is increased by collaboratively minimizing trajectory constraints without jeopardizing the intended air traffic management objectives. This paper presents an analytical framework in which flexibility is defined in terms of robustness and adaptability to disturbances and preliminary metrics are proposed that can be used to preserve trajectory flexibility. The hypothesized impacts are illustrated through analyzing a trajectory solution space in a simple scenario with only speed as a degree of freedom, and in constraint situations involving meeting multiple times of arrival and resolving conflicts.

Polyimide-Epoxy Composites with Superior Bendable Properties for Application in Flexible Electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sangyoup; Yoo, Taewon; Han, Youngyu; Kim, Hanglim; Han, Haksoo

2017-08-01

The need for flexible electronics with outstanding bending properties is increasing due to the demand for wearable devices and next-generation flexible or rollable smartphones. In addition, the requirements for flexible or rigid-flexible electronics are sharply increasing to achieve the design of space-saving electronic devices. In this regard, coverlay (CL) film is a key material used in the bending area of flexible electronics, albeit infrequently. Because flexible electronics undergo folding and unfolding numerous times, CL films with superior mechanical and bending properties are required so that the bending area can endure such severe stress. However, because current CL films are only used for a designated bending area in the flexible electronics panel, their highly complicated and expensive manufacturing procedure is a disadvantage. In addition, the thickness of CL films must be decreased to satisfy the ongoing requirement for increasingly thin products. However, due to the limitations of the two-layer structure of existing CL films, the manufacturing process cannot be made more cost effective by simply applying more thin film onto the board. To address this problem, we have developed liquid coverlay inks (LCIs) with superior bendable properties, in comparison with CL films, when applied onto flexible electronics using a screen-printing method. The results show that LCIs have the potential to become one of the leading candidates to replace existing CL films because of their lower cost and faster manufacturing process.

Role of Pectoral Fin Flexibility in Robotic Fish Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bazaz Behbahani, Sanaz; Tan, Xiaobo

2017-08-01

Pectoral fins play a vital role in the maneuvering and locomotion of fish, and they have become an important actuation mechanism for robotic fish. In this paper, we explore the effect of flexibility of robotic fish pectoral fins on the robot locomotion performance and mechanical efficiency. A dynamic model for the robotic fish is presented, where the flexible fin is modeled as multiple rigid elements connected via torsional springs and dampers. Blade element theory is used to capture the hydrodynamic force on the fin. The model is validated with experimental results obtained on a robotic fish prototype, equipped with 3D-printed fins of different flexibility. The model is then used to analyze the impacts of fin flexibility and power/recovery stroke speed ratio on the robot swimming speed and mechanical efficiency. It is found that, in general, flexible fins demonstrate advantages over rigid fins in speed and efficiency at relatively low fin-beat frequencies, while rigid fins outperform flexible fins at higher frequencies. For a given fin flexibility, the optimal frequency for speed performance differs from the optimal frequency for mechanical efficiency. In addition, for any given fin, there is an optimal power/recovery stroke speed ratio, typically in the range of 2-3, that maximizes the speed performance. Overall, the presented model offers a promising tool for fin flexibility and gait design, to achieve speed and efficiency objectives for robotic fish actuated with pectoral fins.

Strategic performance in hospitals: the use of the balanced scorecard by nurse managers.

PubMed

Naranjo-Gil, David

2009-01-01

The competitive and dynamic health care sector has spurred hospitals into delivering greater flexibility and quality of services while cutting the hospital cost at the same time. However, hospitals differ in the extent to which they achieve these strategic goals. This article explores the use of a new management tool-the balanced scorecard-which facilitates managers to meet multiple strategic goals. It also analyzes how nurse managers use the balanced scorecard in an interactive or diagnostic way and its subsequent effect on strategic goal achievement (cost reduction and flexibility). It also examines how "balanced" is the balanced scorecard in terms of financial versus nonfinancial measures. Data were collected from a mail survey sent to 218 nurse managers in Spanish public hospitals. A satisfactory response rate was achieved, with 114 (52.29%) useful answered questionnaires. The results show that younger, more tenured, and clinically trained nurse managers would be more likely to use the balanced scorecard in an interactive way. Conversely, older, less tenured, and administratively trained managers would use it diagnostically. The results also indicate that the balanced scorecard facilitates the cost reduction and flexibility in hospitals only when it is used interactively. This article provides evidence that not only the technical design of the balanced scorecard matters, but also an appropriate use of the balanced scorecard is paramount for achievement of multiple strategic goals. An effective use of the balanced scorecard requires managers to actively stimulate dialogue and agreement among hospital's staff about desirable financial and nonfinancial performance measures in alignment with multiple strategic goals.

Dopamine and the Creative Mind: Individual Differences in Creativity Are Predicted by Interactions between Dopamine Genes DAT and COMT.

PubMed

Zabelina, Darya L; Colzato, Lorenza; Beeman, Mark; Hommel, Bernhard

2016-01-01

The dopaminergic (DA) system may be involved in creativity, however results of past studies are mixed. We attempted to clarify this putative relation by considering the mediofrontal and the nigrostriatal DA pathways, uniquely and in combination, and their contribution to two different measures of creativity--an abbreviated version of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking, assessing divergent thinking, and a real-world creative achievement index. We found that creativity can be predicted from interactions between genetic polymorphisms related to frontal (COMT) and striatal (DAT) DA pathways. Importantly, the Torrance test and the real-world creative achievement index related to different genetic patterns, suggesting that these two measures tap into different aspects of creativity, and depend on distinct, but interacting, DA sub-systems. Specifically, we report that successful performance on the Torrance test is linked with dopaminergic polymorphisms associated with good cognitive flexibility and medium top-down control, or with weak cognitive flexibility and strong top-down control. The latter is particularly true for the originality factor of divergent thinking. High real-world creative achievement, on the other hand, as assessed by the Creative Achievement Questionnaire, is linked with dopaminergic polymorphisms associated with weak cognitive flexibility and weak top-down control. Taken altogether, our findings support the idea that human creativity relies on dopamine, and on the interaction between frontal and striatal dopaminergic pathways in particular. This interaction may help clarify some apparent inconsistencies in the prior literature, especially if the genes and/or creativity measures were analyzed separately.

Dopamine and the Creative Mind: Individual Differences in Creativity Are Predicted by Interactions between Dopamine Genes DAT and COMT

PubMed Central

Zabelina, Darya L.; Colzato, Lorenza; Beeman, Mark; Hommel, Bernhard

2016-01-01

The dopaminergic (DA) system may be involved in creativity, however results of past studies are mixed. We attempted to clarify this putative relation by considering the mediofrontal and the nigrostriatal DA pathways, uniquely and in combination, and their contribution to two different measures of creativity–an abbreviated version of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking, assessing divergent thinking, and a real-world creative achievement index. We found that creativity can be predicted from interactions between genetic polymorphisms related to frontal (COMT) and striatal (DAT) DA pathways. Importantly, the Torrance test and the real-world creative achievement index related to different genetic patterns, suggesting that these two measures tap into different aspects of creativity, and depend on distinct, but interacting, DA sub-systems. Specifically, we report that successful performance on the Torrance test is linked with dopaminergic polymorphisms associated with good cognitive flexibility and medium top-down control, or with weak cognitive flexibility and strong top-down control. The latter is particularly true for the originality factor of divergent thinking. High real-world creative achievement, on the other hand, as assessed by the Creative Achievement Questionnaire, is linked with dopaminergic polymorphisms associated with weak cognitive flexibility and weak top-down control. Taken altogether, our findings support the idea that human creativity relies on dopamine, and on the interaction between frontal and striatal dopaminergic pathways in particular. This interaction may help clarify some apparent inconsistencies in the prior literature, especially if the genes and/or creativity measures were analyzed separately. PMID:26783754

Discrimination against RNA Backbones by a ssDNA Binding Protein.

PubMed

Lloyd, Neil R; Wuttke, Deborah S

2018-05-01

Pot1 is the shelterin component responsible for the protection of the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) overhang at telomeres in nearly all eukaryotic organisms. The C-terminal domain of the DNA-binding domain, Pot1pC, exhibits non-specific ssDNA recognition, achieved through thermodynamically equivalent alternative binding conformations. Given this flexibility, it is unclear how specificity for ssDNA over RNA, an activity required for biological function, is achieved. Examination of the ribose-position specificity of Pot1pC shows that ssDNA specificity is additive but not uniformly distributed across the ligand. High-resolution structures of several Pot1pC complexes with RNA-DNA chimeric ligands reveal Pot1pC discriminates against RNA by utilizing non-compensatory binding modes that feature significant rearrangement of the binding interface. These alternative conformations, accessed through both ligand and protein flexibility, recover much, but not all, of the binding energy, leading to the observed reduction in affinities. These findings suggest that intermolecular interfaces are remarkably sophisticated in their tuning of specificity toward flexible ligands. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.