Ground/Flight Correlation of Aerodynamic Loads with Structural Response

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mangalam, Arun S.; Davis, Mark C.

2009-01-01

United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) ground tests at the NASA Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT) and NASA flight tests provide a basis and methodology for in-flight characterization of the aeroelastic performance through the monitoring of the fluid-structure interaction using surface flow sensors. NASA NF-15B flight tests provided a unique opportunity to test the correlation of aerodynamic loads with sectional flow attachment/detachment points, also known as flow bifurcation points (FBPs), as observed in previous wind tunnel tests. The NF-15B tail was instrumented with hot-film sensors and strain gages for measuring root-bending strains. These data were gathered via selected sideslip maneuvers performed at level flight and subsonic speeds. The aerodynamic loads generated by the sideslip maneuver resulted in root-bending strains and hot-film sensor signals near the stagnation region that were highly correlated. For the TDT tests, a flexible wing section developed under the AFRL SensorCraft program was instrumented with strain gages, accelerometers, and hot-film sensors at multiple span stations. The TDT tests provided data showing a gradual phase change between the FBP and the structural mode occurred during a resonant condition as the wings structural modes were excited by the tunnel-generated gusts.

Optical Fiber Strain Instrumentation for High Temperature Aerospace Structural Monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, A.

2002-01-01

The objective of the program is the development and laboratory demonstration of sensors based on silica optical fibers for measurement of high temperature strain for aerospace materials evaluations. A complete fiber strain sensor system based on white-light interferometry was designed and implemented. An experiment set-up was constructed to permit testing of strain measurement up to 850 C. The strain is created by bending an alumina cantilever beam to which is the fiber sensor is attached. The strain calibration is provided by the application of known beam deflections. To ensure the high temperature operation capability of the sensor, gold-coated single-mode fiber is used. Moreover, a new method of sensor surface attachment which permits accurate sensor gage length determination is also developed. Excellent results were obtained at temperatures up to 800-850 C.

Highly Stretchable and Transparent Microfluidic Strain Sensors for Monitoring Human Body Motions.

PubMed

Yoon, Sun Geun; Koo, Hyung-Jun; Chang, Suk Tai

2015-12-16

We report a new class of simple microfluidic strain sensors with high stretchability, transparency, sensitivity, and long-term stability with no considerable hysteresis and a fast response to various deformations by combining the merits of microfluidic techniques and ionic liquids. The high optical transparency of the strain sensors was achieved by introducing refractive-index matched ionic liquids into microfluidic networks or channels embedded in an elastomeric matrix. The microfluidic strain sensors offer the outstanding sensor performance under a variety of deformations induced by stretching, bending, pressing, and twisting of the microfluidic strain sensors. The principle of our microfluidic strain sensor is explained by a theoretical model based on the elastic channel deformation. In order to demonstrate its capability of practical usage, the simple-structured microfluidic strain sensors were performed onto a finger, wrist, and arm. The highly stretchable and transparent microfluidic strain sensors were successfully applied as potential platforms for distinctively monitoring a wide range of human body motions in real time. Our novel microfluidic strain sensors show great promise for making future stretchable electronic devices.

Highly sensitive wearable strain sensor based on silver nanowires and nanoparticles.

PubMed

Shengbo, Sang; Lihua, Liu; Aoqun, Jian; Qianqian, Duan; Jianlong, Ji; Qiang, Zhang; Wendong, Zhang

2018-06-22

Here, we propose a highly sensitive and stretchable strain sensor based on silver nanoparticles and nanowires (Ag NPs and NWs), advancing the rapid development of electronic skin. To improve the sensitivity of strain sensors based on silver nanowires (Ag NWs), Ag NPs and NWs were added to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as an aid filler. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) increase the conductive paths for electrons, leading to the low resistance of the resulting sensor (14.9 Ω). The strain sensor based on Ag NPs and NWs showed strong piezoresistivity with a tunable gauge factor (GF) at 3766, and a change in resistance as the strain linearly increased from 0% to 28.1%. The high GF demonstrates the irreplaceable role of Ag NPs in the sensor. Moreover, the applicability of our high-performance strain sensor has been demonstrated by its ability to sense movements caused by human talking, finger bending, wrist raising and walking.

Highly sensitive wearable strain sensor based on silver nanowires and nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shengbo, Sang; Lihua, Liu; Aoqun, Jian; Qianqian, Duan; Jianlong, Ji; Qiang, Zhang; Wendong, Zhang

2018-06-01

Here, we propose a highly sensitive and stretchable strain sensor based on silver nanoparticles and nanowires (Ag NPs and NWs), advancing the rapid development of electronic skin. To improve the sensitivity of strain sensors based on silver nanowires (Ag NWs), Ag NPs and NWs were added to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as an aid filler. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) increase the conductive paths for electrons, leading to the low resistance of the resulting sensor (14.9 Ω). The strain sensor based on Ag NPs and NWs showed strong piezoresistivity with a tunable gauge factor (GF) at 3766, and a change in resistance as the strain linearly increased from 0% to 28.1%. The high GF demonstrates the irreplaceable role of Ag NPs in the sensor. Moreover, the applicability of our high-performance strain sensor has been demonstrated by its ability to sense movements caused by human talking, finger bending, wrist raising and walking.

Application of a Fiber Optic Distributed Strain Sensor System to Woven E-Glass Composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anastasi, Robert F.; Lopatin, Craig

2001-01-01

A distributed strain sensing system utilizing a series of identically written Bragg gratings along an optical fiber is examined for potential application to Composite Armored Vehicle health monitoring. A vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process was used to fabricate a woven fabric E-glass/composite panel with an embedded fiber optic strain sensor. Test samples machined from the panel were mechanically tested in 4-point bending. Experimental results are presented that show the mechanical strain from foil strain gages comparing well to optical strain from the embedded sensors. Also, it was found that the distributed strain along the sample length was consistent with the loading configuration.

Flexible organic transistors and circuits with extreme bending stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sekitani, Tsuyoshi; Zschieschang, Ute; Klauk, Hagen; Someya, Takao

2010-12-01

Flexible electronic circuits are an essential prerequisite for the development of rollable displays, conformable sensors, biodegradable electronics and other applications with unconventional form factors. The smallest radius into which a circuit can be bent is typically several millimetres, limited by strain-induced damage to the active circuit elements. Bending-induced damage can be avoided by placing the circuit elements on rigid islands connected by stretchable wires, but the presence of rigid areas within the substrate plane limits the bending radius. Here we demonstrate organic transistors and complementary circuits that continue to operate without degradation while being folded into a radius of 100μm. This enormous flexibility and bending stability is enabled by a very thin plastic substrate (12.5μm), an atomically smooth planarization coating and a hybrid encapsulation stack that places the transistors in the neutral strain position. We demonstrate a potential application as a catheter with a sheet of transistors and sensors wrapped around it that enables the spatially resolved measurement of physical or chemical properties inside long, narrow tubes.

Highly stretchable strain sensor based on SWCNTs/CB synergistic conductive network for wearable human-activity monitoring and recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xiaohui; Huang, Ying; Zhao, Yunong; Mao, Leidong; Gao, Le; Pan, Weidong; Zhang, Yugang; Liu, Ping

2017-09-01

Flexible, stretchable, and wearable strain sensors have attracted significant attention for their potential applications in human movement detection and recognition. Here, we report a highly stretchable and flexible strain sensor based on a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNTs)/carbon black (CB) synergistic conductive network. The fabrication, synergistic conductive mechanism, and characterization of the sandwich-structured strain sensor were investigated. The experimental results show that the device exhibits high stretchability (120%), excellent flexibility, fast response (˜60 ms), temperature independence, and superior stability and reproducibility during ˜1100 stretching/releasing cycles. Furthermore, human activities such as the bending of a finger or elbow and gestures were monitored and recognized based on the strain sensor, indicating that the stretchable strain sensor based on the SWCNTs/CB synergistic conductive network could have promising applications in flexible and wearable devices for human motion monitoring.

Shape sensing for torsionally compliant concentric-tube robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Ran; Yurkewich, Aaron; Patel, Rajni V.

2016-03-01

Concentric-tube robots (CTR) consist of a series of pre-curved flexible tubes that make up the robot structure and provide the high dexterity required for performing surgical tasks in constrained environments. This special design introduces new challenges in shape sensing as large twisting is experienced by the torsionally compliant structure. In the literature, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are attached to needle-sized continuum robots for curvature sensing, but they are limited to obtaining bending curvatures since a straight sensor layout is utilized. For a CTR, in addition to bending curvatures, the torsion along the robots shaft should be determined to calculate the shape and pose of the robot accurately. To solve this problem, in our earlier work, we proposed embedding FBG sensors in a helical pattern into the tube wall. The strain readings are converted to bending curvatures and torsion by a strain-curvature model. In this paper, a modified strain-curvature model is proposed that can be used in conjunction with standard shape reconstruction algorithms for shape and pose calculation. This sensing technology is evaluated for its accuracy and resolution using three FBG sensors with 1 mm sensing segments that are bonded into the helical grooves of a pre-curved Nitinol tube. The results show that this sensorized robot can obtain accurate measurements: resolutions of 0.02 rad/m with a 100 Hz sampling rate. Further, the repeatability of the obtained measurements during loading and unloading conditions are presented and analyzed.

Self-Activated Transparent All-Graphene Gas Sensor with Endurance to Humidity and Mechanical Bending.

PubMed

Kim, Yeon Hoo; Kim, Sang Jin; Kim, Yong-Jin; Shim, Yeong-Seok; Kim, Soo Young; Hong, Byung Hee; Jang, Ho Won

2015-10-27

Graphene is considered as one of leading candidates for gas sensor applications in the Internet of Things owing to its unique properties such as high sensitivity to gas adsorption, transparency, and flexibility. We present self-activated operation of all graphene gas sensors with high transparency and flexibility. The all-graphene gas sensors which consist of graphene for both sensor electrodes and active sensing area exhibit highly sensitive, selective, and reversible responses to NO2 without external heating. The sensors show reliable operation under high humidity conditions and bending strain. In addition to these remarkable device performances, the significantly facile fabrication process enlarges the potential of the all-graphene gas sensors for use in the Internet of Things and wearable electronics.

Modeling of Sensor Placement Strategy for Shape Sensing and Structural Health Monitoring of a Wing-Shaped Sandwich Panel Using Inverse Finite Element Method.

PubMed

Kefal, Adnan; Yildiz, Mehmet

2017-11-30

This paper investigated the effect of sensor density and alignment for three-dimensional shape sensing of an airplane-wing-shaped thick panel subjected to three different loading conditions, i.e., bending, torsion, and membrane loads. For shape sensing analysis of the panel, the Inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM) was used together with the Refined Zigzag Theory (RZT), in order to enable accurate predictions for transverse deflection and through-the-thickness variation of interfacial displacements. In this study, the iFEM-RZT algorithm is implemented by utilizing a novel three-node C°-continuous inverse-shell element, known as i3-RZT. The discrete strain data is generated numerically through performing a high-fidelity finite element analysis on the wing-shaped panel. This numerical strain data represents experimental strain readings obtained from surface patched strain gauges or embedded fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. Three different sensor placement configurations with varying density and alignment of strain data were examined and their corresponding displacement contours were compared with those of reference solutions. The results indicate that a sparse distribution of FBG sensors (uniaxial strain measurements), aligned in only the longitudinal direction, is sufficient for predicting accurate full-field membrane and bending responses (deformed shapes) of the panel, including a true zigzag representation of interfacial displacements. On the other hand, a sparse deployment of strain rosettes (triaxial strain measurements) is essentially enough to produce torsion shapes that are as accurate as those of predicted by a dense sensor placement configuration. Hence, the potential applicability and practical aspects of i3-RZT/iFEM methodology is proven for three-dimensional shape-sensing of future aerospace structures.

Flexible and Transparent Strain Sensors with Embedded Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Meshes.

PubMed

Nie, Bangbang; Li, Xiangming; Shao, Jinyou; Li, Xin; Tian, Hongmiao; Wang, Duorui; Zhang, Qiang; Lu, Bingheng

2017-11-22

Strain sensors combining high sensitivity with good transparency and flexibility would be of great usefulness in smart wearable/flexible electronics. However, the fabrication of such strain sensors is still challenging. In this study, new strain sensors with embedded multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) meshes in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films were designed and tested. The strain sensors showed elevated optical transparency of up to 87% and high sensitivity with a gauge factor of 1140 at a small strain of 8.75%. The gauge factors of the sensors were also found relatively stable since they did not obviously change after 2000 stretching/releasing cycles. The sensors were tested to detect motion in the human body, such as wrist bending, eye blinking, mouth phonation, and pulse, and the results were shown to be satisfactory. Furthermore, the fabrication of the strain sensor consisting of mechanically blading MWCNTs aqueous dispersions into microtrenches of prestructured PDMS films was straightforward, was low cost, and resulted in high yield. All these features testify to the great potential of these sensors in future real applications.

Wireless digital pressure gauge based on nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abay, Dilyara; Otarbay, Zhuldyz; Token, Madengul; Guseinov, Nazim; Muratov, Mukhit; Gabdullin, Maratbek; Ismailov, Daniyar

2018-03-01

In the article studies the efficiency of using nanostructured nickel copper films as thin films for bending sensors. Thin films of nickel-copper alloy were deposited using magnetron sputtering technology followed by the appropriate masks. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy- dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques were used to examine structure and surface of the Ni Cu coatings. The results of the bending sensors result indicated that the Ni Cu thin film strain gauge showed an excellent sensitive.

RGO-coated elastic fibres as wearable strain sensors for full-scale detection of human motions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mi, Qing; Wang, Qi; Zang, Siyao; Mao, Guoming; Zhang, Jinnan; Ren, Xiaomin

2018-01-01

In this study, we chose highly-elastic fabric fibres as the functional carrier and then simply coated the fibres with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using plasma treatment, dip coating and hydrothermal reduction steps, finally making a wearable strain sensor. As a result, the full-scale detection of human motions, ranging from bending joints to the pulse beat, has been achieved by these sensors. Moreover, high sensitivity, good stability and excellent repeatability were realized. The good sensing performances and economical fabrication process of this wearable strain sensor have strengthened our confidence in practical applications in smart clothing, smart fabrics, healthcare, and entertainment fields.

Flexible, Highly Sensitive, and Wearable Pressure and Strain Sensors with Graphene Porous Network Structure.

PubMed

Pang, Yu; Tian, He; Tao, Luqi; Li, Yuxing; Wang, Xuefeng; Deng, Ningqin; Yang, Yi; Ren, Tian-Ling

2016-10-03

A mechanical sensor with graphene porous network (GPN) combined with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is demonstrated by the first time. Using the nickel foam as template and chemically etching method, the GPN can be created in the PDMS-nickel foam coated with graphene, which can achieve both pressure and strain sensing properties. Because of the pores in the GPN, the composite as pressure and strain sensor exhibit wide pressure sensing range and highest sensitivity among the graphene foam-based sensors, respectively. In addition, it shows potential applications in monitoring or even recognize the walking states, finger bending degree, and wrist blood pressure.

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.

Flexible Strain Sensors Fabricated by Meniscus-Guided Printing of Carbon Nanotube-Polymer Composites.

PubMed

Wajahat, Muhammad; Lee, Sanghyeon; Kim, Jung Hyun; Chang, Won Suk; Pyo, Jaeyeon; Cho, Sung Ho; Seol, Seung Kwon

2018-06-13

Printed strain sensors have promising potential as a human-machine interface (HMI) for health-monitoring systems, human-friendly wearable interactive systems, and smart robotics. Herein, flexible strain sensors based on carbon nanotube (CNT)-polymer composites were fabricated by meniscus-guided printing using a CNT ink formulated from multiwall nanotubes (MWNTs) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP); the ink was suitable for micropatterning on nonflat (or curved) substrates and even three-dimensional structures. The printed strain sensors exhibit a reproducible response to applied tensile and compressive strains, having gauge factors of 13.07 under tensile strain and 12.87 under compressive strain; they also exhibit high stability during ∼1500 bending cycles. Applied strains induce a contact rearrangement of the MWNTs and a change in the tunneling distance between them, resulting in a change in the resistance (Δ R/ R 0 ) of the sensor. Printed MWNT-PVP sensors were used in gloves for finger movement detection; these can be applied to human motion detection and remote control of robotic equipment. Our results demonstrate that meniscus-guided printing using CNT inks can produce highly flexible, sensitive, and inexpensive HMI devices.

Microfabricated pressure and shear stress sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Chang (Inventor); Chen, Jack (Inventor); Engel, Jonathan (Inventor)

2009-01-01

A microfabricated pressure sensor. The pressure sensor comprises a raised diaphragm disposed on a substrate. The diaphragm is configured to bend in response to an applied pressure difference. A strain gauge of a conductive material is coupled to a surface of the raised diaphragm and to at least one of the substrate and a piece rigidly connected to the substrate.

An extensometer for global measurement of bone strain suitable for use in vivo in humans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perusek, G. P.; Davis, B. L.; Sferra, J. J.; Courtney, A. C.; D'Andrea, S. E.

2001-01-01

An axial extensometer able to measure global bone strain magnitudes and rates encountered during physiological activity, and suitable for use in vivo in human subjects, is described. The extensometer uses paired capacitive sensors mounted to intraosseus pins and allows measurement of strain due to bending in the plane of the extensometer as well as uniaxial compression or tension. Data are presented for validation of the device against a surface-mounted strain gage in an acrylic specimen under dynamic four-point bending, with square wave and sinusoidal loading inputs up to 1500 mu epsilon and 20 Hz, representative of physiological strain magnitudes and frequencies. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) between extensometer and strain gage ranged from 0.960 to 0.999. Mean differences between extensometer and strain gage ranged up to 15.3 mu epsilon. Errors in the extensometer output were directly proportional to the degree of bending that occurs in the specimen, however, these errors were predictable and less than 1 mu epsilon for the loading regime studied. The device is capable of tracking strain rates in excess of 90,000 mu epsilon/s.

Metallic nanoparticle-based strain sensors elaborated by atomic layer deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puyoo, E.; Malhaire, C.; Thomas, D.; Rafaël, R.; R'Mili, M.; Malchère, A.; Roiban, L.; Koneti, S.; Bugnet, M.; Sabac, A.; Le Berre, M.

2017-03-01

Platinum nanoparticle-based strain gauges are elaborated by means of atomic layer deposition on flexible polyimide substrates. Their electro-mechanical response is tested under mechanical bending in both buckling and conformational contact configurations. A maximum gauge factor of 70 is reached at a strain level of 0.5%. Although the exponential dependence of the gauge resistance on strain is attributed to the tunneling effect, it is shown that the majority of the junctions between adjacent Pt nanoparticles are in a short circuit state. Finally, we demonstrate the feasibility of an all-plastic pressure sensor integrating Pt nanoparticle-based strain gauges in a Wheatstone bridge configuration.

Fiber optic and laser sensors X; Proceedings of the Meeting, Boston, MA, Sept. 8-11, 1992

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Udd, Eric (Editor); Depaula, Ramon P. (Editor)

1993-01-01

Topics addressed include acoustic and pressure sensors; fiber optic gyros; electric and magnetic field sensors; bend, strain, and temperature sensors; industrial applications of sensors; and processing techniques. Particular attention is given to fiber optic interferometric acoustic sensors for wind tunnel applications, polished coupler and resonator fabrication, second-harmonic detection for rotation sensing in fiber optic gyros, simplified control theory in closed-loop fiber optic gyroscopes, and a Fabry-Perot sensor with digital signal processing for the measurement of magnetostriction. Also discussed are a Bragg fiber laser sensor, commercialization of fiber optic strain gauge systems, thermal ignition in hazardous environments due to stray light from optical fibers, a system for absolute measurements by interferometric sensors, and high-performance interferometric demodulation techniques.

Flexible strain sensor based on carbon nanotube rubber composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jin-Ho; Kim, Young-Ju; Baek, Woon Kyung; Lim, Kwon Taek; Kang, Inpil

2010-04-01

Electrically conducting rubber composites (CRC) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) filler have received much attention as potential materials for sensors. In this work, Ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber (EPDM)/CNT composites as a novel nano sensory material were prepared to develop flexible strain sensors that can measure large deformation of flexible structures. The EPDM/CNT composites were prepared by using a Brabender mixer with multi-walled CNTs and organo-clay. A strain sensor made of EPDM/CNT composite was attached to the surface of a flexible beam and change of resistance of the strain sensor was measured with respect to the beam deflection. Resistance of the sensor was change quite linearly under the bending and compressive large beam deflection. Upon external forces, CRC deformation takes place with the micro scale change of inter-electrical condition in rubber matrix due to the change of contact resistance, and CRC reveals macro scale piezoresistivity. It is anticipated that the CNT/EPDM fibrous strain sensor can be eligible to develop a biomimetic artificial neuron that can continuously sense deformation, pressure and shear force.

Flexible heartbeat sensor for wearable device.

PubMed

Kwak, Yeon Hwa; Kim, Wonhyo; Park, Kwang Bum; Kim, Kunnyun; Seo, Sungkyu

2017-08-15

We demonstrate a flexible strain-gauge sensor and its use in a wearable application for heart rate detection. This polymer-based strain-gauge sensor was fabricated using a double-sided fabrication method with polymer and metal, i.e., polyimide and nickel-chrome. The fabrication process for this strain-gauge sensor is compatible with the conventional flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) processes facilitating its commercialization. The fabricated sensor showed a linear relation for an applied normal force of more than 930 kPa, with a minimum detectable force of 6.25Pa. This sensor can also linearly detect a bending radius from 5mm to 100mm. It is a thin, flexible, compact, and inexpensive (for mass production) heart rate detection sensor that is highly sensitive compared to the established optical photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors. It can detect not only the timing of heart pulsation, but also the amplitude or shape of the pulse signal. The proposed strain-gauge sensor can be applicable to various applications for smart devices requiring heartbeat detection. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Strain evaluation of strengthened concrete structures using FBG sensors

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

Lau Kintak; Zhou Limin; Ye Lin

1999-12-02

Fibre-optic Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor presents a great deal of potential in monitoring the internal status of the concrete structures after repairing or strengthening by an external adhered reinforcement. It can be used in a variety of configurations ranging from pointwise to multi-point strain measurement in order to investigate the strain distribution of the structures. In this paper, an experimental investigation on the rectangular notched-concrete beam, which was strengthened by glass fibre composites with the embedment of multiplexing FBG sensors is presented. Three point bending test was performed to investigate the strain profile of the specimen. Frequency modulated continuous wavemore » (FMCW) technique was used to measure the strain variation of the fibre-grating regions. The results give a good agreement with the electrical resistance strain gauge in early loading condition. The difference of the strain-measuring results between the strain-gauge and FBG sensor was increased when further increasing the applied load. It was suspected that the micro/marco cracks occurred on the concrete surface and that the externally bonded strain-measuring device cannot be detected.« less

Monitoring of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Old Timber Beams via Strain and Multiresonant Acoustic Emission Sensors

PubMed Central

Rescalvo, Francisco J.; Valverde-Palacios, Ignacio; Gallego, Antolino

2018-01-01

This paper proposes the monitoring of old timber beams with natural defects (knots, grain deviations, fissures and wanes), reinforced using carbon composite materials (CFRP). Reinforcement consisted of the combination of a CFRP laminate strip and a carbon fabric discontinuously wrapping the timber element. Monitoring considered the use and comparison of two types of sensors: strain gauges and multi-resonant acoustic emission (AE) sensors. Results demonstrate that: (1) the mechanical behavior of the beams can be considerably improved by means of the use of CFRP (160% in bending load capacity and 90% in stiffness); (2) Acoustic emission sensors provide comparable information to strain gauges. This fact points to the great potential of AE techniques for in-service damage assessment in real wood structures. PMID:29673155

Monitoring of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Old Timber Beams via Strain and Multiresonant Acoustic Emission Sensors.

PubMed

Rescalvo, Francisco J; Valverde-Palacios, Ignacio; Suarez, Elisabet; Roldán, Andrés; Gallego, Antolino

2018-04-17

This paper proposes the monitoring of old timber beams with natural defects (knots, grain deviations, fissures and wanes), reinforced using carbon composite materials (CFRP). Reinforcement consisted of the combination of a CFRP laminate strip and a carbon fabric discontinuously wrapping the timber element. Monitoring considered the use and comparison of two types of sensors: strain gauges and multi-resonant acoustic emission (AE) sensors. Results demonstrate that: (1) the mechanical behavior of the beams can be considerably improved by means of the use of CFRP (160% in bending load capacity and 90% in stiffness); (2) Acoustic emission sensors provide comparable information to strain gauges. This fact points to the great potential of AE techniques for in-service damage assessment in real wood structures.

Knitted Strain Sensor Textiles of Highly Conductive All-Polymeric Fibers.

PubMed

Seyedin, Shayan; Razal, Joselito M; Innis, Peter C; Jeiranikhameneh, Ali; Beirne, Stephen; Wallace, Gordon G

2015-09-30

A scaled-up fiber wet-spinning production of electrically conductive and highly stretchable PU/PEDOT:PSS fibers is demonstrated for the first time. The PU/PEDOT:PSS fibers possess the mechanical properties appropriate for knitting various textile structures. The knitted textiles exhibit strain sensing properties that were dependent upon the number of PU/PEDOT:PSS fibers used in knitting. The knitted textiles show sensitivity (as measured by the gauge factor) that increases with the number of PU/PEDOT:PSS fibers deployed. A highly stable sensor response was observed when four PU/PEDOT:PSS fibers were co-knitted with a commercial Spandex yarn. The knitted textile sensor can distinguish different magnitudes of applied strain with cyclically repeatable sensor responses at applied strains of up to 160%. When used in conjunction with a commercial wireless transmitter, the knitted textile responded well to the magnitude of bending deformations, demonstrating potential for remote strain sensing applications. The feasibility of an all-polymeric knitted textile wearable strain sensor was demonstrated in a knee sleeve prototype with application in personal training and rehabilitation following injury.

Composite material embedded fiber-optic Fabry-Perot strain rosette

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valis, Thomas; Hogg, Dayle; Measures, Raymond M.

1990-12-01

A fiber-optic strain rosette is embedded in Kevlar/epoxy. The individual arms of the rosette are fiber Fabry-Perot interferometers operated in reflection-mode with gauge (i.e., cavity) lengths of approximately 5 mm. Procedures for manufacturing the cavities, and bending the fibers, to form a strain rosette are described. Experimental results showing 2D interlaminar strain-tensor measurement are presented. The sensor is also tested as a surface adhered device.

Optical fiber sensor based on a polymer optical fiber macro-bend to study thermal expansion of metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pakdeevanich, Paradorn

2018-05-01

Thermal expansion is an important parameter for characterization of metals. As metal is heated, the molecules vibrate more violently and expand in all direction. Investigators have focused to study the thermal strain. However, the amount of expansion is difficult to measure. An attempt has been made to develop an apparatus using optical technique. The principle of this system is the transformation of length changes into changes of light intensity. The purpose of this work is to design and develop an optical fiber sensor based on a macro-bend of a polymer optical fiber. In this system, thermal expansion of metal was converted into the rolling of a needle in which placed beneath a flat bar of metal. Optical fiber sensor was attached to the ended section of a needle. As the crimp tube of the fiber sensor was moved due to thermal expansion of metal, the bend radii of optical fiber sensor was changed. As a sequence, the loss induced by the bending effect was depended on the expansion of metal that changed with temperature. In this study, we utilized optical fiber sensor to monitor and compare the thermal expansion of copper, brass and aluminum. According to our experimental results, the linear response with temperature was reported. The measured values of coefficient of thermal expansion was analyzed to be 0.45, 0.35 and 0.32 a.u./°C for aluminum bar, brass bar and copper bar, respectively. In addition, the effect of the size of the diameter of a needle on the response of bending loss was investigated.

Monitoring the bending and twist of morphing structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smoker, J.; Baz, A.

2008-03-01

This paper presents the development of the theoretical basis for the design of sensor networks for determining the 2-dimensioal shape of morphing structures by monitoring simultaneously the bending and twist deflections. The proposed development is based on the non-linear theory of finite elements to extract the transverse linear and angular deflections of a plate-like structure. The sensors outputs are wirelessly transmitted to the command unit to simultaneously compute maps of the linear and angular deflections and maps of the strain distribution of the entire structure. The deflection and shape information are required to ascertain that the structure is properly deployed and that its surfaces are operating wrinkle-free. The strain map ensures that the structure is not loaded excessively to adversely affect its service life. The developed theoretical model is validated experimentally using a prototype of a variable cambered span morphing structure provided with a network of distributed sensors. The structure/sensor network system is tested under various static conditions to determine the response characteristics of the proposed sensor network as compared to other conventional sensor systems. The presented theoretical and experimental techniques can have a great impact on the safe deployment and effective operation of a wide variety of morphing and inflatable structures such as morphing aircraft, solar sails, inflatable wings, and large antennas.

Ground/Flight Correlation of Aerodynamic Loads with Structural Response

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mangalam, Arun S.; Davis, Mark C.

2009-01-01

Ground and flight tests provide a basis and methodology for in-flight characterization of the aerodynamic and structural performance through the monitoring of the fluid-structure interaction. The NF-15B flight tests of the Intelligent Flight Control System program provided a unique opportunity to test the correlation of aerodynamic loads with points of flow attaching and detaching from the surface, which are also known as flow bifurcation points, as observed in a previous wind tunnel test performed at the U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, Colorado). Moreover, flight tests, along with the subsequent unsteady aerodynamic tests in the NASA Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT), provide a basis using surface flow sensors as means of assessing the aeroelastic performance of flight vehicles. For the flight tests, the NF-15B tail was instrumented with hot-film sensors and strain gages for measuring root-bending strains. This data were gathered via selected sideslip maneuvers performed at level flight and subsonic speeds. The aerodynamic loads generated by the sideslip maneuver resulted in a structural response, which were then compared with the hot-film sensor signals. The hot-film sensor signals near the stagnation region were found to be highly correlated with the root-bending strains. For the TDT tests, a flexible wing section developed under the U.S. Air Force Research Lab SensorCraft program was instrumented with strain gages, accelerometers, and hot-film sensors at two span stations. The TDT tests confirmed the correlation between flow bifurcation points and the wing structural response to tunnel-generated gusts. Furthermore, as the wings structural modes were excited by the gusts, a gradual phase change between the flow bifurcation point and the structural mode occurred during a resonant condition.

Strain Sharing Assessment in Woven Fiber Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors

PubMed Central

Montanini, Roberto; Recupero, Antonino; De Domenico, Fabrizio; Freni, Fabrizio

2016-01-01

Embedded fiber Bragg grating sensors have been extensively used worldwide for health monitoring of smart structures. In civil engineering, they provide a powerful method for monitoring the performance of composite reinforcements used for concrete structure rehabilitation and retrofitting. This paper discusses the problem of investigating the strain transfer mechanism in composite strengthened concrete beams subjected to three-point bending tests. Fiber Bragg grating sensors were embedded both in the concrete tensioned surface and in the woven fiber reinforcement. It has been shown that, if interface decoupling occurs, strain in the concrete can be up to 3.8 times higher than that developed in the reinforcement. A zero friction slipping model was developed which fitted very well the experimental data. PMID:27669251

Strain Sharing Assessment in Woven Fiber Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors.

PubMed

Montanini, Roberto; Recupero, Antonino; De Domenico, Fabrizio; Freni, Fabrizio

2016-09-22

Embedded fiber Bragg grating sensors have been extensively used worldwide for health monitoring of smart structures. In civil engineering, they provide a powerful method for monitoring the performance of composite reinforcements used for concrete structure rehabilitation and retrofitting. This paper discusses the problem of investigating the strain transfer mechanism in composite strengthened concrete beams subjected to three-point bending tests. Fiber Bragg grating sensors were embedded both in the concrete tensioned surface and in the woven fiber reinforcement. It has been shown that, if interface decoupling occurs, strain in the concrete can be up to 3.8 times higher than that developed in the reinforcement. A zero friction slipping model was developed which fitted very well the experimental data.

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.

Optical-fiber strain sensors with asymmetric etched structures.

PubMed

Vaziri, M; Chen, C L

1993-11-01

Optical-fiber strain gauges with asymmetric etched structures have been analyzed, fabricated, and tested. These sensors are very sensitive with a gauge factor as high as 170 and a flat frequency response to at least 2.7 kHz. The gauge factor depends on the asymmetry of the etched structures and the number of etched sections. To understand the physical principles involved, researchers have used structural analysis programs based on a finite-element method to analyze fibers with asymmetric etched structures under tensile stress. The results show that lateral bends are induced on the etched fibers when they are stretched axially. To relate the lateral bending to the optical attenuation, we have also employed a ray-tracing technique to investigate the dependence of the attenuation on the structural deformation. Based on the structural analysis and the ray-tracing study parameters affecting the sensitivity have been studied. These results agree with the results of experimental investigations.

A dual modality optical fiber sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrera-Piad, Luis A.; Haus, Joseph W.; Jauregui-Vazquez, Daniel; Lopez-Dieguez, Yanelis; Estudillo-Ayala, Julian M.; Sierra-Hernandez, Juan M.; Hernandez-Garcia, Juan C.; Rojas-Laguna, Roberto

2018-02-01

We propose and demonstrate a fibre optic system based on bi-tapered silica fibre that can simultaneously measure strain and fibre curvature. Both modalities on the signal can be extracted with no measurable crosstalk between them. The experimental signal has a pure phase modulation when strain is applied to the tapered fibre optic section of the sensor and the signal shows only intensity modulation when an un-tapered fibre section is bent. High sensitivity is achieved from the experimental results for strain and bending losses and the estimation of measurement errors is 0.2 and 0.1%, respectively. This system offers low-cost, compactness and it can be adapted for structural health monitoring.

Sensitivity Enhancement in Magnetic Sensors Based on Ferroelectric-Bimorphs and Multiferroic Composites.

PubMed

Sreenivasulu, Gollapudi; Qu, Peng; Petrov, Vladimir; Qu, Hongwei; Srinivasan, Gopalan

2016-02-20

Multiferroic composites with ferromagnetic and ferroelectric phases have been studied in recent years for use as sensors of AC and DC magnetic fields. Their operation is based on magneto-electric (ME) coupling between the electric and magnetic subsystems and is mediated by mechanical strain. Such sensors for AC magnetic fields require a bias magnetic field to achieve pT-sensitivity. Novel magnetic sensors with a permanent magnet proof mass, either on a ferroelectric bimorph or a ferromagnetic-ferroelectric composite, are discussed. In both types, the interaction between the applied AC magnetic field and remnant magnetization of the magnet results in a mechanical strain and a voltage response in the ferroelectric. Our studies have been performed on sensors with a Nd-Fe-B permanent magnet proof mass on (i) a bimorph of oppositely-poled lead zirconate titanate (PZT) platelets and (ii) a layered multiferroic composite of PZT-Metglas-Ni. The sensors have been characterized in terms of sensitivity and equivalent magnetic noise N. Noise N in both type of sensors is on the order of 200 pT/√Hz at 1 Hz, a factor of 10 improvement compared to multiferroic sensors without a proof mass. When the AC magnetic field is applied at the bending resonance for the bimorph, the measured N ≈ 700 pT/√Hz. We discuss models based on magneto-electro-mechanical coupling at low frequency and bending resonance in the sensors and theoretical estimates of ME voltage coefficients are in very good agreement with the data.

High-Sensitivity Fiber-Optic Ultrasound Sensors for Medical Imaging Applications

PubMed Central

Wen, H.; Wiesler, D.G.; Tveten, A.; Danver, B.; Dandridge, A.

2010-01-01

This paper presents several designs of high-sensitivity, compact fiber-optic ultrasound sensors that may be used for medical imaging applications. These sensors translate ultrasonic pulses into strains in single-mode optical fibers, which are measured with fiber-based laser interferometers at high precision. The sensors are simpler and less expensive to make than piezoelectric sensors, and are not susceptible to electromagnetic interference. It is possible to make focal sensors with these designs, and several schemes are discussed. Because of the minimum bending radius of optical fibers, the designs are suitable for single element sensors rather than for arrays. PMID:9691368

A non-differential elastomer curvature sensor for softer-than-skin electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majidi, C.; Kramer, R.; Wood, R. J.

2011-10-01

We extend soft lithography microfabrication and design methods to introduce curvature sensors that are elastically soft (modulus 0.1-1 MPa) and stretchable (100-1000% strain). In contrast to existing curvature sensors that measure differential strain, sensors in this new class measure curvature directly and allow for arbitrary gauge factor and film thickness. Moreover, each sensor is composed entirely of a soft elastomer (PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) or Ecoflex®) and conductive liquid (eutectic gallium indium, eGaIn) and thus remains functional even when stretched to several times its natural length. The electrical resistance in the embedded eGaIn microchannel is measured as a function of the bending curvature for a variety of sensor designs. In all cases, the experimental measurements are in reasonable agreement with closed-form algebraic approximations derived from elastic plate theory and Ohm's law.

Compact Optical Fiber 3D Shape Sensor Based on a Pair of Orthogonal Tilted Fiber Bragg Gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Dingyi; Zhou, Wenjun; Qiao, Xueguang; Albert, Jacques

2015-11-01

In this work, a compact fiber-optic 3D shape sensor consisting of two serially connected 2° tilted fiber Bragg gratings (TFBGs) is proposed, where the orientations of the grating planes of the two TFBGs are orthogonal. The measurement of the reflective transmission spectrum from the pair of TFBGs was implemented by Fresnel reflection of the cleaved fiber end. The two groups of cladding mode resonances in the reflection spectrum respond differentially to bending, which allows for the unique determination of the magnitude and orientation of the bend plane (i.e. with a ± 180 degree uncertainty). Bending responses ranging from -0.33 to + 0.21 dB/m-1 (depending on orientation) are experimentally demonstrated with bending from 0 to 3.03 m-1. In the third (axial) direction, the strain is obtained directly by the shift of the TFBG Bragg wavelengths with a sensitivity of 1.06 pm/μɛ.

Continuous coaxial cable sensors for monitoring of RC structures with electrical time domain reflectometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Genda; Mu, Huimin; Pommerenke, David; Drewniak, James L.

2003-08-01

This study was aimed at developing and validating a new type of coaxial cable sensors that can be used to detect cracks or measure strains in reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The new sensors were designed based on the change in outer conductor configuration under strain effects in contrast to the geometry-based design in conventional coaxial cable sensors. Both numerical simulations and calibration tests with strain gauges of a specific design of the proposed cables were conducted to study the cables' sensitivity. Four designs of the proposed type of sensors were then respectively mounted near the surface of six 3-foot-long RC beams. They were tested in bending to further validate the cables' sensitivity in concrete members. The calibration test results generally agree with the numerical simulations. They showed that the proposed sensors are over 10~50 times more sensitive than conventional cable sensors. The test results of the beams not only validate the sensitivity of the new sensors but also indicate a good correlation with the measured crack width.

Ionic polymer-metal composite torsional sensor: physics-based modeling and experimental validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aidi Sharif, Montassar; Lei, Hong; Khalid Al-Rubaiai, Mohammed; Tan, Xiaobo

2018-07-01

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) have intrinsic sensing and actuation properties. Typical IPMC sensors are in the shape of beams and only respond to stimuli acting along beam-bending directions. Rod or tube-shaped IPMCs have been explored as omnidirectional bending actuators or sensors. In this paper, physics-based modeling is studied for a tubular IPMC sensor under pure torsional stimulus. The Poisson–Nernst–Planck model is used to describe the fundamental physics within the IPMC, where it is hypothesized that the anion concentration is coupled to the sum of shear strains induced by the torsional stimulus. Finite element simulation is conducted to solve for the torsional sensing response, where some of the key parameters are identified based on experimental measurements using an artificial neural network. Additional experimental results suggest that the proposed model is able to capture the torsional sensing dynamics for different amplitudes and rates of the torsional stimulus.

Evaluation of the sensitivity and fatigue performance of embedded piezopolymer sensor systems in sandwich composite laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chrysochoidis, N. A.; Gutiérrez, E.

2015-02-01

It has been claimed that embedding piezoceramic devices as structural diagnostic systems in advanced composite structures may introduce mechanical impedance mismatches that favor the formation of intralaminar defects. This and other factors, such as cost and their high strain sensitivity, have motivated the use of thin-film piezopolymer sensors. In this paper, we examine the performance of sandwich composite panels fitted with embedded piezopolymer sensors. Our experiments examine both how such thin-film sensors perform within a structure and how the inclusion of sensor films affects structural performance. Strain-controlled tests on sandwich panels subjected to three-point bending under wide-ranging static and dynamic strains lead us to conclude that embedding thin piezopolymer films has no marked reduction on the tensile strength for a wide range of strain loading paths and magnitudes, and that the resilience of the embedded sensor is itself satisfactory, even up to the point of structural failure. Comparing baseline data obtained from standard surface-mounted sensors and foil gauges, we note that whereas it is possible to match experimental and theoretical strain sensitivities, key properties—especially the pronounced orthotropic electromechanical factor of such films—must be duly considered before an effective calibration can take place.

Proprioceptive Flexible Fluidic Actuators Using Conductive Working Fluids

PubMed Central

Rossiter, Jonathan

2018-01-01

Abstract Soft robotic systems generally require both soft actuators and soft sensors to perform complex functions. Separate actuators and sensors are often combined into one composite device when proprioception (self-sensing) is required. In this article, we introduce the concept of using a conductive liquid to perform both the sensing and actuation functions of a proprioceptive soft actuator. The working fluid drives actuator deformation while simultaneously acting as a strain-sensing component for detecting actuator deformation. The concept is examined and demonstrated in two proprioceptive flexible fluidic actuators (FFAs) that use conductive liquids as their working fluids: a linear actuator and a bending actuator. In both cases, we show that resistance can be used to infer strain. Some hysteresis and nonlinearity are present, but repeatability is high. The bandwidth of resistance as a sensing variable in the bending FFA is tested and found to be ∼3.665 Hz. Resistance is demonstrated as a feedback variable in a control loop, and the proprioceptive bending FFA is controlled to respond to step input and sinusoidal target functions. The effect of temperature on resistance–strain behavior is also examined, and we demonstrate how measurement of volume and resistance can be used to detect when the actuator is constrained. Biocompatible proprioceptive soft actuators such as those presented in this article are ideal for use in low-cost bionic healthcare components such as orthotics, prosthetics, or even replacement muscles. PMID:29211627

Proprioceptive Flexible Fluidic Actuators Using Conductive Working Fluids.

PubMed

Helps, Tim; Rossiter, Jonathan

2018-04-01

Soft robotic systems generally require both soft actuators and soft sensors to perform complex functions. Separate actuators and sensors are often combined into one composite device when proprioception (self-sensing) is required. In this article, we introduce the concept of using a conductive liquid to perform both the sensing and actuation functions of a proprioceptive soft actuator. The working fluid drives actuator deformation while simultaneously acting as a strain-sensing component for detecting actuator deformation. The concept is examined and demonstrated in two proprioceptive flexible fluidic actuators (FFAs) that use conductive liquids as their working fluids: a linear actuator and a bending actuator. In both cases, we show that resistance can be used to infer strain. Some hysteresis and nonlinearity are present, but repeatability is high. The bandwidth of resistance as a sensing variable in the bending FFA is tested and found to be ∼3.665 Hz. Resistance is demonstrated as a feedback variable in a control loop, and the proprioceptive bending FFA is controlled to respond to step input and sinusoidal target functions. The effect of temperature on resistance-strain behavior is also examined, and we demonstrate how measurement of volume and resistance can be used to detect when the actuator is constrained. Biocompatible proprioceptive soft actuators such as those presented in this article are ideal for use in low-cost bionic healthcare components such as orthotics, prosthetics, or even replacement muscles.

Strain gauge ambiguity sensor for segmented mirror active optical system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wyman, C. L.; Howe, T. L. (Inventor)

1974-01-01

A system is described to measure alignment between interfacing edges of mirror segments positioned to form a segmented mirror surface. It serves as a gauge having a bending beam with four piezoresistive elements coupled across the interfaces of the edges of adjacent mirror segments. The bending beam has a first position corresponding to alignment of the edges of adjacent mirror segments, and it is bendable from the first position in a direction and to a degree dependent upon the relative misalignment between the edges of adjacent mirror segments to correspondingly vary the resistance of the strain guage. A source of power and an amplifier are connected in circuit with the strain gauge whereby the output of the amplifier varies according to the misalignment of the edges of adjacent mirror segments.

Low-voltage organic strain sensor on plastic using polymer/high- K inorganic hybrid gate dielectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Soyoun; Ji, Taeksoo; Varadan, Vijay K.

2007-12-01

In this paper, gate-induced pentacene semiconductor strain sensors based on hybrid-gate dielectrics using poly-vinylphenol (PVP) and high-K inorganic, Ta IIO 5 are fabricated on flexible substrates, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). The Ta IIO 5 gate dielectric layer is combined with a thin PVP layer to obtain very smooth and hydrophobic surfaces which improve the molecular structures of pentacene films. The PVP-Ta IIO 5 hybrid-gate dielectric films exhibit a high dielectric capacitance and low leakage current. The sensors adopting thin film transistor (TFT)-like structures show a significantly reduced operating voltage (~6V), and good device characteristics with a field-effect mobility of 1.89 cm2/V•s, a threshold voltage of -0.5 V, and an on/off ratio of 10 3. The strain sensor, one of the practical applications in large-area organic electronics, was characterized with different bending radii of 50, 40, 30, and 20 mm. The sensor output signals were significantly improved with low-operating voltages.

Sensitivity Enhancement in Magnetic Sensors Based on Ferroelectric-Bimorphs and Multiferroic Composites

PubMed Central

Sreenivasulu, Gollapudi; Qu, Peng; Petrov, Vladimir; Qu, Hongwei; Srinivasan, Gopalan

2016-01-01

Multiferroic composites with ferromagnetic and ferroelectric phases have been studied in recent years for use as sensors of AC and DC magnetic fields. Their operation is based on magneto-electric (ME) coupling between the electric and magnetic subsystems and is mediated by mechanical strain. Such sensors for AC magnetic fields require a bias magnetic field to achieve pT-sensitivity. Novel magnetic sensors with a permanent magnet proof mass, either on a ferroelectric bimorph or a ferromagnetic-ferroelectric composite, are discussed. In both types, the interaction between the applied AC magnetic field and remnant magnetization of the magnet results in a mechanical strain and a voltage response in the ferroelectric. Our studies have been performed on sensors with a Nd-Fe-B permanent magnet proof mass on (i) a bimorph of oppositely-poled lead zirconate titanate (PZT) platelets and (ii) a layered multiferroic composite of PZT-Metglas-Ni. The sensors have been characterized in terms of sensitivity and equivalent magnetic noise N. Noise N in both type of sensors is on the order of 200 pT/√Hz at 1 Hz, a factor of 10 improvement compared to multiferroic sensors without a proof mass. When the AC magnetic field is applied at the bending resonance for the bimorph, the measured N ≈ 700 pT/√Hz. We discuss models based on magneto-electro-mechanical coupling at low frequency and bending resonance in the sensors and theoretical estimates of ME voltage coefficients are in very good agreement with the data. PMID:26907290

Static characterization of a soft elastomeric capacitor for non destructive evaluation applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saleem, Hussam; Laflamme, Simon; Zhang, Huanhuan; Geiger, Randall; Kessler, Michael; Rajan, Krishna

2014-02-01

A large and flexible strain transducer consisting of a soft elastomeric capacitor (SEC) has been proposed by the authors. Arranged in a network setup, the sensing strategy offers tremendous potential at conducting non-destructive evaluation of large-scale surfaces. In prior work, the authors have demonstrated the performance of the sensor at tracking strain history, localizing cracks, and detecting vibration signatures. In this paper, we characterize the static performance of the proposed SEC. The characterization includes sensitivity of the signal, and temperature and humidity dependences. Tests are conducted on a simply supported aluminum beam subjected to bending as well as on a free standing sensor. The performance of the SEC is compared against off-the-shelf resistance-based strain gauges with resolution of 1 μɛ. A sensitivity of 1190 pF/ɛ is obtained experimentally, in agreement with theory. Results also show the sensor linearity over the given level of strain, showing the promise of the SEC at monitoring of surface strain.

Highly Stretchable Core-Sheath Fibers via Wet-Spinning for Wearable Strain Sensors.

PubMed

Tang, Zhenhua; Jia, Shuhai; Wang, Fei; Bian, Changsheng; Chen, Yuyu; Wang, Yonglin; Li, Bo

2018-02-21

Lightweight, stretchable, and wearable strain sensors have recently been widely studied for the development of health monitoring systems, human-machine interfaces, and wearable devices. Herein, highly stretchable polymer elastomer-wrapped carbon nanocomposite piezoresistive core-sheath fibers are successfully prepared using a facile and scalable one-step coaxial wet-spinning assembly approach. The carbon nanotube-polymeric composite core of the stretchable fiber is surrounded by an insulating sheath, similar to conventional cables, and shows excellent electrical conductivity with a low percolation threshold (0.74 vol %). The core-sheath elastic fibers are used as wearable strain sensors, exhibiting ultra-high stretchability (above 300%), excellent stability (>10 000 cycles), fast response, low hysteresis, and good washability. Furthermore, the piezoresistive core-sheath fiber possesses bending-insensitiveness and negligible torsion-sensitive properties, and the strain sensing performance of piezoresistive fibers maintains a high degree of stability under harsh conditions. On the basis of this high level of performance, the fiber-shaped strain sensor can accurately detect both subtle and large-scale human movements by embedding it in gloves and garments or by directly attaching it to the skin. The current results indicate that the proposed stretchable strain sensor has many potential applications in health monitoring, human-machine interfaces, soft robotics, and wearable electronics.

Algorithms for Determining Physical Responses of Structures Under Load

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richards, W. Lance; Ko, William L.

2012-01-01

Ultra-efficient real-time structural monitoring algorithms have been developed to provide extensive information about the physical response of structures under load. These algorithms are driven by actual strain data to measure accurately local strains at multiple locations on the surface of a structure. Through a single point load calibration test, these structural strains are then used to calculate key physical properties of the structure at each measurement location. Such properties include the structure s flexural rigidity (the product of the structure's modulus of elasticity, and its moment of inertia) and the section modulus (the moment of inertia divided by the structure s half-depth). The resulting structural properties at each location can be used to determine the structure s bending moment, shear, and structural loads in real time while the structure is in service. The amount of structural information can be maximized through the use of highly multiplexed fiber Bragg grating technology using optical time domain reflectometry and optical frequency domain reflectometry, which can provide a local strain measurement every 10 mm on a single hair-sized optical fiber. Since local strain is used as input to the algorithms, this system serves multiple purposes of measuring strains and displacements, as well as determining structural bending moment, shear, and loads for assessing real-time structural health. The first step is to install a series of strain sensors on the structure s surface in such a way as to measure bending strains at desired locations. The next step is to perform a simple ground test calibration. For a beam of length l (see example), discretized into n sections and subjected to a tip load of P that places the beam in bending, the flexural rigidity of the beam can be experimentally determined at each measurement location x. The bending moment at each station can then be determined for any general set of loads applied during operation.

Micropatterned stretchable circuit and strain sensor fabricated by lithography on an electrospun nanofiber mat.

PubMed

Park, Minwoo; Im, Jungkyun; Park, Jongjin; Jeong, Unyong

2013-09-11

This paper describes a novel approach for composite nanofiber mats and its application to fabricate a strain sensor. Electrospun poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) nanofiber mats are micropatterned by a lithographic approach that includes selective oxidation of the nanofibers and removal of unreacted fibers. The P4VP/HAuCl4 complex is converted to P4VP/Au composites by chemical reduction. We investigate the electrical resistivity of the composite mats according to the number of complexation-and-reduction cycles, the thickness of the fiber mats, and the annealing temperatures which control the percolation of the Au nanoparticles in the fiber mats. Nozzle printing of a polymeric solution on the patterned nanofiber mats simply produces an array of strain-sensitive and strain-invariant units. The patterns demonstrate high strain-sensing performance without any mechanical and electrical failure over 200 bending cycles in the strain range of ε<0.17.

A study of bending effect on the femtosecond-pulse inscribed fiber Bragg gratings in a dual-core fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yakushin, Sergey S.; Wolf, Alexey A.; Dostovalov, Alexandr V.; Skvortsov, Mikhail I.; Wabnitz, Stefan; Babin, Sergey A.

2018-07-01

Fiber Bragg gratings with different reflection wavelengths have been inscribed in different cores of a dual-core fiber section. The effect of fiber bending on the FBG reflection spectra has been studied. Various interrogation schemes are presented, including a single-end scheme based on a cross-talk between the cores that uses only standard optical components. Simultaneous interrogation of the FBGs in both cores allows to achieve a bending sensitivity of 12.8 pm/m-1, being free of temperature and strain influence. The technology enables the development of real-time bending sensors with high spatial resolution based on series of FBGs with different wavelength inscribed along the multi-core fiber.

Methods for In-Flight Wing Shape Predictions of Highly Flexible Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Formulation of Ko Displacement Theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ko, William L.; Fleischer, Van Tran

2010-01-01

The Ko displacement theory is formulated for a cantilever tubular wing spar under bending, torsion, and combined bending and torsion loading. The Ko displacement equations are expressed in terms of strains measured at multiple sensing stations equally spaced on the surface of the wing spar. The bending and distortion strain data can then be input to the displacement equations to calculate slopes, deflections, and cross-sectional twist angles of the wing spar at the strain-sensing stations for generating the deformed shapes of flexible aircraft wing spars. The displacement equations have been successfully validated for accuracy by finite-element analysis. The Ko displacement theory that has been formulated could also be applied to calculate the deformed shape of simple and tapered beams, plates, and tapered cantilever wing boxes. The Ko displacement theory and associated strain-sensing system (such as fiber optic sensors) form a powerful tool for in-flight deformation monitoring of flexible wings and tails, such as those often employed on unmanned aerial vehicles. Ultimately, the calculated displacement data can be visually displayed in real time to the ground-based pilot for monitoring the deformed shape of unmanned aerial vehicles during flight.

Study on Finite Element Model Updating in Highway Bridge Static Loading Test Using Spatially-Distributed Optical Fiber Sensors

PubMed Central

Wu, Bitao; Lu, Huaxi; Chen, Bo; Gao, Zhicheng

2017-01-01

A finite model updating method that combines dynamic-static long-gauge strain responses is proposed for highway bridge static loading tests. For this method, the objective function consisting of static long-gauge stains and the first order modal macro-strain parameter (frequency) is established, wherein the local bending stiffness, density and boundary conditions of the structures are selected as the design variables. The relationship between the macro-strain and local element stiffness was studied first. It is revealed that the macro-strain is inversely proportional to the local stiffness covered by the long-gauge strain sensor. This corresponding relation is important for the modification of the local stiffness based on the macro-strain. The local and global parameters can be simultaneously updated. Then, a series of numerical simulation and experiments were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the static deformation, macro-strain and macro-strain modal can be predicted well by using the proposed updating model. PMID:28753912

Study on Finite Element Model Updating in Highway Bridge Static Loading Test Using Spatially-Distributed Optical Fiber Sensors.

PubMed

Wu, Bitao; Lu, Huaxi; Chen, Bo; Gao, Zhicheng

2017-07-19

A finite model updating method that combines dynamic-static long-gauge strain responses is proposed for highway bridge static loading tests. For this method, the objective function consisting of static long-gauge stains and the first order modal macro-strain parameter (frequency) is established, wherein the local bending stiffness, density and boundary conditions of the structures are selected as the design variables. The relationship between the macro-strain and local element stiffness was studied first. It is revealed that the macro-strain is inversely proportional to the local stiffness covered by the long-gauge strain sensor. This corresponding relation is important for the modification of the local stiffness based on the macro-strain. The local and global parameters can be simultaneously updated. Then, a series of numerical simulation and experiments were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the static deformation, macro-strain and macro-strain modal can be predicted well by using the proposed updating model.

Oil pipeline geohazard monitoring using optical fiber FBG strain sensors (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salazar-Ferro, Andres; Mendez, Alexis

2016-04-01

Pipelines are naturally vulnerable to operational, environmental and man-made effects such as internal erosion and corrosion; mechanical deformation due to geophysical risks and ground movements; leaks from neglect and vandalism; as well as encroachments from nearby excavations or illegal intrusions. The actual detection and localization of incipient and advanced faults in pipelines is a very difficult, expensive and inexact task. Anything that operators can do to mitigate the effects of these faults will provide increased reliability, reduced downtime and maintenance costs, as well as increased revenues. This talk will review the on-line monitoring of an extensive network of oil pipelines in service in Colombia using optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensors for the measurement of strains and bending caused by geohazard risks such as soil movements, landslides, settlements, flooding and seismic activity. The FBG sensors were mounted on the outside of the pipelines at discrete locations where geohazard risk was expected. The system has been in service for the past 3 years with over 1,000 strain sensors mounted. The technique has been reliable and effective in giving advanced warning of accumulated pipeline strains as well as possible ruptures.

Microcantilever sensor

DOEpatents

Thundat, Thomas G.; Wachter, Eric A.

1998-01-01

An improved microcantilever sensor is fabricated with at least one microcantilever attached to a piezoelectric transducer. The microcantilever is partially surface treated with a compound selective substance having substantially exclusive affinity for a targeted compound in a monitored atmosphere. The microcantilever sensor is also provided with a frequency detection means and a bending detection means. The frequency detection means is capable of detecting changes in the resonance frequency of the vibrated microcantilever in the monitored atmosphere. The bending detection means is capable of detecting changes in the bending of the vibrated microcantilever in the monitored atmosphere coactively with the frequency detection means. The piezoelectric transducer is excited by an oscillator means which provides a signal driving the transducer at a resonance frequency inducing a predetermined order of resonance on the partially treated microcantilever. Upon insertion into a monitored atmosphere, molecules of the targeted chemical attach to the treated regions of the microcantilever resulting in a change in oscillating mass as well as a change in microcantilever spring constant thereby influencing the resonant frequency of the microcantilever oscillation. Furthermore, the molecular attachment of the target chemical to the treated regions induce areas of mechanical strain in the microcantilever consistent with the treated regions thereby influencing microcantilever bending. The rate at which the treated microcantilever accumulates the target chemical is a function of the target chemical concentration. Consequently, the extent of microcantilever oscillation frequency change and bending is related to the concentration of target chemical within the monitored atmosphere.

Microcantilever sensor

DOEpatents

Thundat, T.G.; Wachter, E.A.

1998-02-17

An improved microcantilever sensor is fabricated with at least one microcantilever attached to a piezoelectric transducer. The microcantilever is partially surface treated with a compound selective substance having substantially exclusive affinity for a targeted compound in a monitored atmosphere. The microcantilever sensor is also provided with a frequency detection means and a bending detection means. The frequency detection means is capable of detecting changes in the resonance frequency of the vibrated microcantilever in the monitored atmosphere. The bending detection means is capable of detecting changes in the bending of the vibrated microcantilever in the monitored atmosphere coactively with the frequency detection means. The piezoelectric transducer is excited by an oscillator means which provides a signal driving the transducer at a resonance frequency inducing a predetermined order of resonance on the partially treated microcantilever. Upon insertion into a monitored atmosphere, molecules of the targeted chemical attach to the treated regions of the microcantilever resulting in a change in oscillating mass as well as a change in microcantilever spring constant thereby influencing the resonant frequency of the microcantilever oscillation. Furthermore, the molecular attachment of the target chemical to the treated regions induce areas of mechanical strain in the microcantilever consistent with the treated regions thereby influencing microcantilever bending. The rate at which the treated microcantilever accumulates the target chemical is a function of the target chemical concentration. Consequently, the extent of microcantilever oscillation frequency change and bending is related to the concentration of target chemical within the monitored atmosphere. 16 figs.

Implementation of Fiber Optic Sensing System on Sandwich Composite Cylinder Buckling Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pena, Francisco; Richards, W. Lance; Parker, Allen R.; Piazza, Anthony; Schultz, Marc R.; Rudd, Michelle T.; Gardner, Nathaniel W.; Hilburger, Mark W.

2018-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Engineering and Safety Center Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project is a multicenter project tasked with developing new analysis-based shell buckling design guidelines and design factors (i.e., knockdown factors) through high-fidelity buckling simulations and advanced test technologies. To validate these new buckling knockdown factors for future launch vehicles, the Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project is carrying out structural testing on a series of large-scale metallic and composite cylindrical shells at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama). A fiber optic sensor system was used to measure strain on a large-scale sandwich composite cylinder that was tested under multiple axial compressive loads up to more than 850,000 lb, and equivalent bending loads over 22 million in-lb. During the structural testing of the composite cylinder, strain data were collected from optical cables containing distributed fiber Bragg gratings using a custom fiber optic sensor system interrogator developed at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center. A total of 16 fiber-optic strands, each containing nearly 1,000 fiber Bragg gratings, measuring strain, were installed on the inner and outer cylinder surfaces to monitor the test article global structural response through high-density real-time and post test strain measurements. The distributed sensing system provided evidence of local epoxy failure at the attachment-ring-to-barrel interface that would not have been detected with conventional instrumentation. Results from the fiber optic sensor system were used to further refine and validate structural models for buckling of the large-scale composite structures. This paper discusses the techniques employed for real-time structural monitoring of the composite cylinder for structural load introduction and distributed bending-strain measurements over a large section of the cylinder by utilizing unique sensing capabilities of fiber optic sensors.

Skin-like pressure and strain sensors based on transparent elastic films of carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Lipomi, Darren J; Vosgueritchian, Michael; Tee, Benjamin C-K; Hellstrom, Sondra L; Lee, Jennifer A; Fox, Courtney H; Bao, Zhenan

2011-10-23

Transparent, elastic conductors are essential components of electronic and optoelectronic devices that facilitate human interaction and biofeedback, such as interactive electronics, implantable medical devices and robotic systems with human-like sensing capabilities. The availability of conducting thin films with these properties could lead to the development of skin-like sensors that stretch reversibly, sense pressure (not just touch), bend into hairpin turns, integrate with collapsible, stretchable and mechanically robust displays and solar cells, and also wrap around non-planar and biological surfaces such as skin and organs, without wrinkling. We report transparent, conducting spray-deposited films of single-walled carbon nanotubes that can be rendered stretchable by applying strain along each axis, and then releasing this strain. This process produces spring-like structures in the nanotubes that accommodate strains of up to 150% and demonstrate conductivities as high as 2,200 S cm(-1) in the stretched state. We also use the nanotube films as electrodes in arrays of transparent, stretchable capacitors, which behave as pressure and strain sensors.

A Novel Low-Cost, Large Curvature Bend Sensor Based on a Bowden-Cable

PubMed Central

Jeong, Useok; Cho, Kyu-Jin

2016-01-01

Bend sensors have been developed based on conductive ink, optical fiber, and electronic textiles. Each type has advantages and disadvantages in terms of performance, ease of use, and cost. This study proposes a new and low-cost bend sensor that can measure a wide range of accumulated bend angles with large curvatures. This bend sensor utilizes a Bowden-cable, which consists of a coil sheath and an inner wire. Displacement changes of the Bowden-cable’s inner wire, when the shape of the sheath changes, have been considered to be a position error in previous studies. However, this study takes advantage of this position error to detect the bend angle of the sheath. The bend angle of the sensor can be calculated from the displacement measurement of the sensing wire using a Hall-effect sensor or a potentiometer. Simulations and experiments have shown that the accumulated bend angle of the sensor is linearly related to the sensor signal, with an R-square value up to 0.9969 and a root mean square error of 2% of the full sensing range. The proposed sensor is not affected by a bend curvature of up to 80.0 m−1, unlike previous bend sensors. The proposed sensor is expected to be useful for various applications, including motion capture devices, wearable robots, surgical devices, or generally any device that requires an affordable and low-cost bend sensor. PMID:27347959

Flexible and Compressible PEDOT:PSS@Melamine Conductive Sponge Prepared via One-Step Dip Coating as Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor for Human Motion Detection.

PubMed

Ding, Yichun; Yang, Jack; Tolle, Charles R; Zhu, Zhengtao

2018-05-09

Flexible and wearable pressure sensor may offer convenient, timely, and portable solutions to human motion detection, yet it is a challenge to develop cost-effective materials for pressure sensor with high compressibility and sensitivity. Herein, a cost-efficient and scalable approach is reported to prepare a highly flexible and compressible conductive sponge for piezoresistive pressure sensor. The conductive sponge, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)@melamine sponge (MS), is prepared by one-step dip coating the commercial melamine sponge (MS) in an aqueous dispersion of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). Due to the interconnected porous structure of MS, the conductive PEDOT:PSS@MS has a high compressibility and a stable piezoresistive response at the compressive strain up to 80%, as well as good reproducibility over 1000 cycles. Thereafter, versatile pressure sensors fabricated using the conductive PEDOT:PSS@MS sponges are attached to the different parts of human body; the capabilities of these devices to detect a variety of human motions including speaking, finger bending, elbow bending, and walking are evaluated. Furthermore, prototype tactile sensory array based on these pressure sensors is demonstrated.

Further Development of Ko Displacement Theory for Deformed Shape Predictions of Nonuniform Aerospace Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ko, William L.; Fleischer, Van Tran

2009-01-01

The Ko displacement theory previously formulated for deformed shape predictions of nonuniform beam structures is further developed mathematically. The further-developed displacement equations are expressed explicitly in terms of geometrical parameters of the beam and bending strains at equally spaced strain-sensing stations along the multiplexed fiber-optic sensor line installed on the bottom surface of the beam. The bending strain data can then be input into the displacement equations for calculations of local slopes, deflections, and cross-sectional twist angles for generating the overall deformed shapes of the nonuniform beam. The further-developed displacement theory can also be applied to the deformed shape predictions of nonuniform two-point supported beams, nonuniform panels, nonuniform aircraft wings and fuselages, and so forth. The high degree of accuracy of the further-developed displacement theory for nonuniform beams is validated by finite-element analysis of various nonuniform beam structures. Such structures include tapered tubular beams, depth-tapered unswept and swept wing boxes, width-tapered wing boxes, and double-tapered wing boxes, all under combined bending and torsional loads. The Ko displacement theory, combined with the fiber-optic strain-sensing system, provide a powerful tool for in-flight deformed shape monitoring of unmanned aerospace vehicles by ground-based pilots to maintain safe flights.

Finding the Effective Mass and Spring Constant of a Force Probe from Simple Harmonic Motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greene, Nathaniel R.; Gill, Tom; Eyerly, Stephen

2016-03-01

Force probes are versatile tools in the physics lab, but their internal workings can introduce artifacts when measuring rapidly changing forces. The Dual-Range Force Sensor by Vernier (Fig. 1) uses strain gage technology to measure force, based on the bending of a beam. Strain gages along the length of the beam change resistance as the beam bends (Fig. 2). The elasticity of the beam leads to oscillations that persist after being excited by an impulsive force. How quickly the force probe freely returns to zero is thus related to the rigidity of the beam and the total mass attached to it. By varying the added mass and measuring the resulting frequency of the probe's internal free oscillations, the effective mass and spring constant of the probe's moveable parts can be found. Weighing of the probe parts and conducting a Hooke's law experiment provide static verification of these parameters. Study of the force sensor's behavior helps students to learn about damped harmonic motion, mathematical modeling, and the limitations of measuring devices.

Wearable carbon nanotube-based fabric sensors for monitoring human physiological performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Long; Loh, Kenneth J.

2017-05-01

A target application of wearable sensors is to detect human motion and to monitor physical activity for improving athletic performance and for delivering better physical therapy. In addition, measuring human vital signals (e.g., respiration rate and body temperature) provides rich information that can be used to assess a subject’s physiological or psychological condition. This study aims to design a multifunctional, wearable, fabric-based sensing system. First, carbon nanotube (CNT)-based thin films were fabricated by spraying. Second, the thin films were integrated with stretchable fabrics to form the fabric sensors. Third, the strain and temperature sensing properties of sensors fabricated using different CNT concentrations were characterized. Furthermore, the sensors were demonstrated to detect human finger bending motions, so as to validate their practical strain sensing performance. Finally, to monitor human respiration, the fabric sensors were integrated with a chest band, which was directly worn by a human subject. Quantification of respiration rates were successfully achieved. Overall, the fabric sensors were characterized by advantages such as flexibility, ease of fabrication, lightweight, low-cost, noninvasiveness, and user comfort.

An etched fiber optic vibration sensor to monitor the simply supported beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putha, Kishore; Dinakar, Dantala; Rao, Pachava V.; Sengupta, Dipankar; Srimannarayana, K.; Sai Shankar, M.

2012-04-01

A single mode fiber optic vibration senor is designed and demonstrated to monitor the vibration of a simply supported beam. A rectangular beam (length 30.8 cm, width 2.5cm and thickness 0.5mm) made of spring-steel is arranged as simply supported beam and is made to vibrate periodically. To sense the vibrations a telecommunication fiber is chemically etched such that its diameter reaches 50μm and is glued using an epoxy at the centre of the beam. A broadband light (1550nm) is launched into Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) through a circulator. The light reflected by the FBG (1540.32nm) is coupled into the centre etched fibre through the circulator and is detected by photodiode connected to a transimpedance amplifier. The electrical signal is logged into the computer through NI-6016 DAQ. The sensor works on transmission power loss due to the mode volume mismatch and flexural strain (field strength) of the fiber due to the bending in the fiber with respect to the bending of the spring-steel beam. The beam is made to vibrate and the corresponding intensity of light is recorded. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) technique is used to measure the frequencies of vibration. The results show that this sensor can sense vibration of low frequency accurately and repeatability is high. The sensor has high linear response to axial displacement of about 0.8 mm with sensitivity of 32mV/10μm strain. This lowcost sensor may find a place in industry to monitor the vibrations of the beam structures and bridges.

Damage Detection of CFRP Plates by Full-Spectral Analysis of a Fibre Bragg Grating Sensor Signal

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

Mizutani, Yoshihiro; Solid and Structures Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan, 2-12-1-I1-70, Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552; Groves, Roger M.

2010-05-28

This paper describes the measurement of average strain, strain distribution and vibration of cantilever beam made of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP), using a single Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor mounted on the beam surface. Average strain is determined from the displacement of the peak wavelength of reflected light from the FBG sensor. Unstrained reference FBG sensors were used to compensate for temperature drift and the photoelastic coefficient (P{sub e}), which was used to calculate the gauge factor. Measured strains agree with those measured by a resistance foil strain gauge attached to the sample. Stress distributions are measured by monitoringmore » the variation in the full width half maximum (FWHM) values of the reflected spectrum, using a proposed optical analytical model, described in the paper. FWHM values were measured for both the cantilever test beam and a for a reference beam, loaded using a four-point bending rig. The trend of the stress distribution for the test beam matches with our analytical model, however with a relatively large noise present in the experimentally determined data. The vibration of cantilever beam was measured by temporal analysis of the peak reflection wavelength. This technique is very stable as measurements are not affected by variations in the signal amplitude. Finally an application of FBG sensors for damage detection of CFRP plates is demonstrated, by measuring the average strain and natural frequency. With small defects of different sizes applied to the CFRP plate, average strains were seen to increase with damage size and the natural frequency decreased with damage size.« less

Spatially distributed modal signals of free shallow membrane shell structronic system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, H. H.; Deng, Z. Q.; Tzou, H. S.

2008-11-01

Based on the smart material and structronics technology, distributed sensor and control of shell structures have been rapidly developed for the last 20 years. This emerging technology has been utilized in aerospace, telecommunication, micro-electromechanical systems and other engineering applications. However, distributed monitoring technique and its resulting global spatially distributed sensing signals of shallow paraboloidal membrane shells are not clearly understood. In this paper, modeling of free flexible paraboloidal shell with spatially distributed sensor, micro-sensing signal characteristics, and location of distributed piezoelectric sensor patches are investigated based on a new set of assumed mode shape functions. Parametric analysis indicates that the signal generation depends on modal membrane strains in the meridional and circumferential directions in which the latter is more significant than the former, when all bending strains vanish in membrane shells. This study provides a modeling and analysis technique for distributed sensors laminated on lightweight paraboloidal flexible structures and identifies critical components and regions that generate significant signals.

Spatial Signal Characteristics of Shallow Paraboloidal Shell Structronic Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, H. H.; Deng, Z. Q.; Tzou, H. S.

Based on the smart material and structronics technology, distributed sensor and control of shell structures have been rapidly developed for the last twenty years. This emerging technology has been utilized in aerospace, telecommunication, micro-electromechanical systems and other engineering applications. However, distributed monitoring technique and its resulting global spatially distributed sensing signals of thin flexible membrane shells are not clearly understood. In this paper, modeling of free thin paraboloidal shell with spatially distributed sensor, micro-sensing signal characteristics, and location of distributed piezoelectric sensor patches are investigated based on a new set of assumed mode shape functions. Parametric analysis indicates that the signal generation depends on modal membrane strains in the meridional and circumferential directions in which the latter is more significant than the former, when all bending strains vanish in membrane shells. This study provides a modeling and analysis technique for distributed sensors laminated on lightweight paraboloidal flexible structures and identifies critical components and regions that generate significant signals.

All-fiber intensity bend sensor based on photonic crystal fiber with asymmetric air-hole structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budnicki, Dawid; Szostkiewicz, Lukasz; Szymanski, Michal O.; Ostrowski, Lukasz; Holdynski, Zbigniew; Lipinski, Stanislaw; Murawski, Michal; Wojcik, Grzegorz; Makara, Mariusz; Poturaj, Krzysztof; Mergo, Pawel; Napierala, Marek; Nasilowski, Tomasz

2017-10-01

Monitoring the geometry of an moving element is a crucial task for example in robotics. The robots equipped with fiber bend sensor integrated in their arms can be a promising solution for medicine, physiotherapy and also for application in computer games. We report an all-fiber intensity bend sensor, which is based on microstructured multicore optical fiber. It allows to perform a measurement of the bending radius as well as the bending orientation. The reported solution has a special airhole structure which makes the sensor only bend-sensitive. Our solution is an intensity based sensor, which measures power transmitted along the fiber, influenced by bend. The sensor is based on a multicore fiber with the special air-hole structure that allows detection of bending orientation in range of 360°. Each core in the multicore fiber is sensitive to bend in specified direction. The principle behind sensor operation is to differentiate the confinement loss of fundamental mode propagating in each core. Thanks to received power differences one can distinguish not only bend direction but also its amplitude. Multicore fiber is designed to utilize most common light sources that operate at 1.55 μm thus ensuring high stability of operation. The sensitivity of the proposed solution is equal 29,4 dB/cm and the accuracy of bend direction for the fiber end point is up to 5 degrees for 15 cm fiber length. Such sensitivity allows to perform end point detection with millimeter precision.

Recent Progress on Cellulose-Based Electro-Active Paper, Its Hybrid Nanocomposites and Applications

PubMed Central

Khan, Asif; Abas, Zafar; Kim, Heung Soo; Kim, Jaehwan

2016-01-01

We report on the recent progress and development of research into cellulose-based electro-active paper for bending actuators, bioelectronics devices, and electromechanical transducers. The cellulose electro-active paper is characterized in terms of its biodegradability, chirality, ample chemically modifying capacity, light weight, actuation capability, and ability to form hybrid nanocomposites. The mechanical, electrical, and chemical characterizations of the cellulose-based electro-active paper and its hybrid composites such as blends or coatings with synthetic polymers, biopolymers, carbon nanotubes, chitosan, and metal oxides, are explained. In addition, the integration of cellulose electro-active paper is highlighted to form various functional devices including but not limited to bending actuators, flexible speaker, strain sensors, energy harvesting transducers, biosensors, chemical sensors and transistors for electronic applications. The frontiers in cellulose paper devices are reviewed together with the strategies and perspectives of cellulose electro-active paper and cellulose nanocomposite research and applications. PMID:27472335

Recent Progress on Cellulose-Based Electro-Active Paper, Its Hybrid Nanocomposites and Applications.

PubMed

Khan, Asif; Abas, Zafar; Kim, Heung Soo; Kim, Jaehwan

2016-07-26

We report on the recent progress and development of research into cellulose-based electro-active paper for bending actuators, bioelectronics devices, and electromechanical transducers. The cellulose electro-active paper is characterized in terms of its biodegradability, chirality, ample chemically modifying capacity, light weight, actuation capability, and ability to form hybrid nanocomposites. The mechanical, electrical, and chemical characterizations of the cellulose-based electro-active paper and its hybrid composites such as blends or coatings with synthetic polymers, biopolymers, carbon nanotubes, chitosan, and metal oxides, are explained. In addition, the integration of cellulose electro-active paper is highlighted to form various functional devices including but not limited to bending actuators, flexible speaker, strain sensors, energy harvesting transducers, biosensors, chemical sensors and transistors for electronic applications. The frontiers in cellulose paper devices are reviewed together with the strategies and perspectives of cellulose electro-active paper and cellulose nanocomposite research and applications.

Experimental studies on fatigue behavior of macro fiber composite (MFC) under mechanical loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Akash; Arockiarajan, A.

2016-04-01

Macro fiber Composite (MFC) finds its application in active control, vibration control and sensing elements. MFC can be laminated to surfaces or embedded in the structures to be used as an actuator and sensors. Due to its attractive properties and applications, it may be subjected to continuous loading, which leads to the deterioration of the properties. This study is focused on the fatigue lifetime of MFC under tensile and compressive loading at room temperature. Experiments were performed using 4 point bending setup, with MFC pasted at the center of the mild steel beam, to maintain constant bending stress along MFC. MFC is pasted using vacuum bagging technique. Sinusoidal loading is given to sample while maintaining R=0.13 (for tensile testing) and R=10 (for compressive testing). For d31 and d33 type of MFC, test was conducted for the strain values of 727 μ strain, 1400 μ strain, 1700 μ strain and 1900 μ strain for fatigue under tensile loading. For fatigue under compressive loading, both d33 and d31, was subjected to minimum strain of -2000 μ strain. Decrease in the slope of dielectric displacement vs. strain is the measure for the degradation. 10 percent decrease in the slope is set as the failure criteria. Experimental results show that MFC is very reliable below 1700 μ strain (R=0.13) at the room temperature.

Distributed fiber optic strain sensing to detect artificial pitting corrosion in stirrups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jiachen; Kancharla, Vinutha; Hoult, Neil A.

2017-04-01

Pitting corrosion is difficult to identify through visual inspection and can lead to sudden structural failures. As such, an experimental study was undertaken to investigate whether distributed fiber optic strain sensors are capable of detecting the locations and strain changes associated with stirrup corrosion in reinforced concrete beams. In comparison to conventional strain gauges, this type of sensor can measure the strain response along the entire length of the fiber optic cable. Two specimens were tested: a control and a deteriorated beam. The deteriorated beam was artificially corroded by reducing the cross sectional area of the closed stirrups by 50% on both sides of the stirrup at the mid-height. This level of area reduction represents severe pitting corrosion. The beams were instrumented with nylon coated fiber optic sensors to measure the distributed strains, and then tested to failure under three point bending. The load deflection behavior of the two specimens was compared to assess the impact of the artificial pitting corrosion on the capacity. Digital Image Correlation was used to locate the extent and trajectory of the crack paths. It was found that the pitting corrosion had no impact on capacity or stiffness. Also, in this investigation the fiber optic sensing system failed to detect the location and strain changes due to pitting corrosion since the shear cracks did not intersect with the pitting location.

A Temperature Sensor Based on a Polymer Optical Fiber Macro-Bend

PubMed Central

Moraleda, Alberto Tapetado; García, Carmen Vázquez; Zaballa, Joseba Zubia; Arrue, Jon

2013-01-01

The design and development of a plastic optical fiber (POF) macrobend temperature sensor is presented. The sensor has a linear response versus temperature at a fixed bend radius, with a sensitivity of 1.92·10−3 (°C)−1. The sensor system used a dummy fiber-optic sensor for reference purposes having a resolution below 0.3 °C. A comprehensive experimental analysis was carried out to provide insight into the effect of different surrounding media on practical macro-bend POF sensor implementation. Experimental results are successfully compared with bend loss calculations. PMID:24077323

Split-spectrum intensity-based optical fiber sensors for measurement of microdisplacement, strain, and pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Anbo; Miller, Mark S.; Plante, Angela J.; Gunther, Michael F.; Murphy, Kent A.; Claus, Richard O.

1996-05-01

A self-referencing technique compensating for fiber losses and source fluctuations in reflective air-gap intensity-based optical fiber sensors is described. A dielectric multilayer short-wave-pass filter is fabricated onto or attached to the output end face of the lead-in-lead-out multimode fiber. The incoming broadband light from a white light or a light-emitting diode is partially reflected at the filter. The transmitted light through the filter projects onto a mirror. The light returning from the reflecting mirror is recoupled into the lead-in-lead-out fiber. These two reflections from the filter and the reflecting mirror are spectrally separated at the detector end. The power ratio of these two reflections is insensitive to source fluctuations and fiber-bending loss. However, because the second optical signal depends on the air-gap separation between the end face of the lead-in-lead-out fiber and the reflecting mirror, the ratio provides the information on the air-gap length. A resolution of 0.13 mu m has been obtained over a microdisplacement measurement range of 0-254 mu m. The sensor is shown to be insensitive to both fiber-bending losses and variations in source power. Based on this approach, a fiber-strain sensor was fabricated with a multilayer interference filter directly fabricated on the end face of the fiber. A resolution of 13.4 microstrain was obtained over a measurement range of 0-20,000 microstrain with a gauge length of 10 mm. The split-spectrum method is also incorporated into a diaphragm displacement-based pressure sensor with a demonstrated resolution of 450 Pa over a measurement range of 0-0.8 MPa.

Modification of strain and 2DEG density induced by wafer bending of AlGaN/GaN heterostructure: Influence of edges caused by processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ashu; Zeng, Lingyan; Wang, Wen; Calle, Fernando

2018-03-01

Due to the piezoelectricity, the density of 2DEG (NS) formed in the AlGaN/GaN heterostructure can be altered when it is deformed externally, which may be exploited to develop pressure sensors and to enhance the performance of power devices by stress engineering based on the heterostructure. In this paper, a 3D electro-mechanical simulation is presented to study how the induced strains and NS for the AlGaN/GaN wafer under bending exerted uniaxial stress are influenced by the edges caused by processing: the fabrication of the mesa used for isolation, the ohmic contact metal, the gate metal, and the passivation. Results show that the influences are dependent on distance between the edges, depth of the edges, and direction of the exerted uniaxial stress.

Artificial Hair Cells for Sensing Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Jack

2007-01-01

The purpose of this article is to present additional information about the flow-velocity sensors described briefly in the immediately preceding article. As noted therein, these sensors can be characterized as artificial hair cells that implement an approximation of the sensory principle of flow-sensing cilia of fish: A cilium is bent by an amount proportional to the flow to which it is exposed. A nerve cell at the base of the cilium senses the flow by sensing the bending of the cilium. In an artificial hair cell, the artificial cilium is a microscopic cantilever beam, and the bending of an artificial cilium is measured by means of a strain gauge at its base (see Figure 1). Figure 2 presents cross sections of a representative sensor of this type at two different stages of its fabrication process. The process consists of relatively- low-temperature metallization, polymer-deposition, microfabrication, and surface-micromachining subprocesses, including plastic-deformation magnetic assembly (PDMA), which is described below. These subprocesses are suitable for a variety of substrate materials, including silicon, some glasses, and some polymers. Moreover, because it incorporates a polymeric supporting structure, this sensor is more robust, relative to its silicon-based counterparts.

Lightweight, Superelastic, and Mechanically Flexible Graphene/Polyimide Nanocomposite Foam for Strain Sensor Application.

PubMed

Qin, Yuyang; Peng, Qingyu; Ding, Yujie; Lin, Zaishan; Wang, Chunhui; Li, Ying; Xu, Fan; Li, Jianjun; Yuan, Ye; He, Xiaodong; Li, Yibin

2015-09-22

The creation of superelastic, flexible three-dimensional (3D) graphene-based architectures is still a great challenge due to structure collapse or significant plastic deformation. Herein, we report a facile approach of transforming the mechanically fragile reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogel into superflexible 3D architectures by introducing water-soluble polyimide (PI). The rGO/PI nanocomposites are fabricated using strategies of freeze casting and thermal annealing. The resulting monoliths exhibit low density, excellent flexibility, superelasticity with high recovery rate, and extraordinary reversible compressibility. The synergistic effect between rGO and PI endows the elastomer with desirable electrical conductivity, remarkable compression sensitivity, and excellent durable stability. The rGO/PI nanocomposites show potential applications in multifunctional strain sensors under the deformations of compression, bending, stretching, and torsion.

Electromagnetic Component Research

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

capacitor was designed so that the four capacitance states are approximately equally spaced. Fig. 8 shows a photomicrograph of the varactor and the...dimensional Millimeter-wave Coaxial Line with Coplanar Transition for Probing (b) 60 CI·lz Branch Line Coupler, Measured S-paramclers Agree with Design C urves... designed for compatibi lity with optical fiber installations and can be attached to structures to measure their bending strains. The sensors can be

Influence of fiber bending on wavelength demodulation of fiber-optic Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors.

PubMed

Liu, Guigen; Sheng, Qiwen; Hou, Weilin; Han, Ming

2016-11-14

In practical applications of fiber optic sensors based on Fabry-Perot interferometers (FPIs), the lead-in optical fiber often experiences dynamic or static bending due to environmental perturbations or limited installation space. Bending introduces wavelength-dependent losses to the sensors, which can cause erroneous readings for sensors based on wavelength demodulation interrogation. Here, we investigate the bending-induced wavelength shift (BIWS) to sensors based on FPIs. Partially explicit expressions of BIWSs for the reflection fringe peaks and valleys have been derived for sensors based on low-finesse FPI. The theoretical model predicts these findings: 1) provided that a fringe peak experiences the same modulation slope by bending losses with a fringe valley, BIWSs for the peak and valley have opposite signs and the BIWS for the valley has a smaller absolute value; 2) BIWS is a linear function of the length of the bending section; 3) a FPI with higher visibility and longer optical path length is more resistant to the influence of bending. Experiments have been carried out and the results agree well with the theoretical predictions.

Feasibility study on a strain based deflection monitoring system for wind turbine blades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kyunghyun; Aihara, Aya; Puntsagdash, Ganbayar; Kawaguchi, Takayuki; Sakamoto, Hiraku; Okuma, Masaaki

2017-01-01

The bending stiffness of the wind turbine blades has decreased due to the trend of wind turbine upsizing. Consequently, the risk of blades breakage by hitting the tower has increased. In order to prevent such incidents, this study proposes a deflection monitoring system that can be installed to already operating wind turbine's blades. The monitoring system is composed of an estimation algorithm to detect blade deflection and a wireless sensor network as a hardware equipment. As for the estimation method for blade deflection, a strain-based estimation algorithm and an objective function for optimal sensor arrangement are proposed. Strain-based estimation algorithm is using a linear correlation between strain and deflections, which can be expressed in a form of a transformation matrix. The objective function includes the terms of strain sensitivity and condition number of the transformation matrix between strain and deflection. In order to calculate the objective function, a simplified experimental model of the blade is constructed by interpolating the mode shape of a blade from modal testing. The interpolation method is effective considering a practical use to operating wind turbines' blades since it is not necessary to establish a finite element model of a blade. On the other hand, a sensor network with wireless connection with an open source hardware is developed. It is installed to a 300 W scale wind turbine and vibration of the blade on operation is investigated.

Through-Layer Buckle Wavelength-Gradient Design for the Coupling of High Sensitivity and Stretchability in a Single Strain Sensor.

PubMed

He, Tengyu; Lin, Chucheng; Shi, Liangjing; Wang, Ranran; Sun, Jing

2018-03-21

Recent years have witnessed a breathtaking development of wearable strain sensors. Coupling high sensitivity and stretchability in a strain sensor is greatly desired by emerging wearable applications but remains a big challenge. To tackle this issue, a through-layer buckle wavelength-gradient design is proposed and a facile and universal fabrication strategy is demonstrated to introduce such a gradient into the sensing film with multilayered sensing units. Following this strategy, strain sensors are fabricated using graphene woven fabrics (GWFs) as sensing units, which exhibit highly tunable electromechanical performances. Specifically, the sensor with 10-layer GWFs has a gauge factor (GF) of 2996 at a maximum strain of 242.74% and an average GF of 327. It also exhibits an extremely low minimum detection limit of 0.02% strain, a fast signal response of less than 90 ms, and a high cyclic durability through more than 10 000 cycling test. Such excellent performances qualify it in accurately monitoring full-range human activities, ranging from subtle stimuli (e.g., pulse, respiration, and voice recognition) to vigorous motions (finger bending, walking, jogging, and jumping). The combination of experimental observations and modeling study shows that the predesigned through-layer buckle wavelength gradient leads to a layer-by-layer crack propagation process, which accounts for the underlying working mechanism. Modeling study shows a great potential for further improvement of sensing performances by adjusting fabrication parameters such as layers of sensing units ( n) and step pre-strain (ε sp ). For one thing, when ε sp is fixed, the maximum sensing strain could be adjusted from >240% ( n = 10) to >450% ( n = 15) and >1200% ( n = 20). For the other, when n is fixed, the maximum sensing strain could be adjusted from >240% (ε sp = 13.2%) to >400% (ε sp = 18%) and >800% (ε sp = 25%).

Soft Sensors and Actuators based on Nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Shanshan

The focus of this research is using novel bottom-up synthesized nanomaterials and structures to build up devices for wearable sensors and soft actuators. The applications of the wearable sensors towards motion detection and health monitoring are investigated. In addition, flexible heaters for bimorph actuators and stretchable patches made of microgel depots containing drug-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) for stretch-triggered wearable drug delivery are studied. Considerable efforts have been made to achieve highly sensitive and wearable sensors that can simultaneously detect multiple stimuli such as stretch, pressure, temperature or touch. Highly stretchable multifunctional sensors that can detect strain (up to 50%), pressure (up to 1 MPa) and finger touch with good sensitivity, fast response time ( 40 ms) and good pressure mapping function were developed. The sensors were demonstrated for several wearable applications including monitoring thumb movements and knee motions, illustrating the potential utilities of such sensors in robotic systems, prosthetics, healthcare and flexible touch panels. In addition to mechanical sensors, a wearable skin hydration sensor made of silver nanowires (AgNWs) in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix was demonstrated based on skin impedance measurement. The hydration sensors were packaged into a flexible wristband for skin hydration monitoring and a chest patch consisting of a strain sensor, three electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes and a skin hydration sensor for multimodal sensing. The wearable wristband and chest patch may be used for low-cost, wireless and continuous sensing of skin hydration and other health parameters. Two representative applications of the nanomaterials for soft actuators were investigated. In the first application on bimorph actuation, low-voltage and extremely flexible electrothermal bimorph actuators were fabricated in a simple, efficient and scalable process. The bimorph actuators were made of flexible AgNW based heaters, which exhibited a fast heating rate of 18°C/s and stable heating performance under large bending. The actuators offered the largest bending angle (720°) or curvature (2.6 cm-1) at a very low actuation voltage (0.2 V sq-1 or 4.5 V) among all types of bimorph actuators that have been reported. The actuators can be designed and fabricated in different configurations that can achieve complex patterns and shapes upon actuation. Two applications of this type of soft actuators were demonstrated towards biomimetic robotics - a crawling robot that can walk spontaneously on ratchet surfaces and a soft gripper that is capable of manipulating lightweight and delicate objects. In another application towards wearable drug delivery, a wearable, tensile strain-triggered drug delivery device consisting of a stretchable elastomer and microgel depots containing drug loaded nanoparticles is described. By applying a tensile strain to the elastomer film, the release of drug from the micro-depot is promoted. Correspondingly, both sustained drug release by daily body motions and pulsatile release by intentional administration can be conveniently achieved. The work demonstrated that the tensile strain, applied to the stretchable device, facilitated release of therapeutics from micro-depots for anticancer and antibacterial treatments, respectively. Moreover, polymeric microneedles were further integrated with the stretch-responsive device for transcutaneous delivery of insulin and regulation of blood glucose levels of chemically-induced type 1 diabetic mice.

Fully integrated carbon nanotube composite thin film strain sensors on flexible substrates for structural health monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burton, A. R.; Lynch, J. P.; Kurata, M.; Law, K. H.

2017-09-01

Multifunctional thin film materials have opened many opportunities for novel sensing strategies for structural health monitoring. While past work has established methods of optimizing multifunctional materials to exhibit sensing properties, comparatively less work has focused on their integration into fully functional sensing systems capable of being deployed in the field. This study focuses on the advancement of a scalable fabrication process for the integration of multifunctional thin films into a fully integrated sensing system. This is achieved through the development of an optimized fabrication process that can create a broad range of sensing systems using multifunctional materials. A layer-by-layer deposited multifunctional composite consisting of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) in a polyvinyl alcohol and polysodium-4-styrene sulfonate matrix are incorporated with a lithography process to produce a fully integrated sensing system deposited on a flexible substrate. To illustrate the process, a strain sensing platform consisting of a patterned SWNT-composite thin film as a strain-sensitive element within an amplified Wheatstone bridge sensing circuit is presented. Strain sensing is selected because it presents many of the design and processing challenges that are core to patterning multifunctional thin film materials into sensing systems. Strain sensors fabricated on a flexible polyimide substrate are experimentally tested under cyclic loading using standard four-point bending coupons and a partial-scale steel frame assembly under lateral loading. The study reveals the material process is highly repeatable to produce fully integrated strain sensors with linearity and sensitivity exceeding 0.99 and 5 {{V}}/{ε }, respectively. The thin film strain sensors are robust and are capable of high strain measurements beyond 3000 μ {ε }.

Development of an optically-based tension-indicating implanted orthopedic screw with a luminescent spectral ruler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravikumar, Nakul; Rogalski, Melissa M.; Benza, Donny; Lake, Joshua; Urban, Matthew; Pelham, Hunter; Anker, Jeffrey N.; DesJardins, John D.

2017-03-01

An orthopaedic screw was designed with an optical tension-indicator to non-invasively quantify screw tension and monitor the load sharing between the bone and the implant. The screw both applies load to the bone, and measures this load by reporting the strain on the screw. The screw contains a colorimetric optical encoder that converts axial strain into colorimetric changes visible through the head of the screw, or luminescent spectral changes that are detected through tissue. Screws were tested under cyclic mechanical loading to mimic in-vivo conditions to verify the sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility of the sensor. In the absence to tissue, color was measured using a digital camera as a function of axial load on a stainless steel cannulated (hollow) orthopedic screw, modified by adding a passive colorimetric strain gauge through the central hole. The sensor was able to quantify clinically-relevant bone healing strains. The sensor exhibited good repeatability and reproducibility but also displayed hysteresis due to the internal mechanics of the screw. The strain indicator was also modified for measurement through tissue by replacing the reflective colorimetric sensor with a low-background X-ray excited optical luminescence signal. Luminescent spectra were acquired through 6 mm of chicken breast tissue. Overall, this research shows feasibility for a unique device which quantifies the strain on an orthopedic screw. Future research will involve reducing hysteresis by changing the mechanism of strain transduction in the screw, miniaturizing the luminescent strain gauge, monitoring bending as well as tension, using alternative luminescent spectral rulers based upon near infrared fluorescence or upconversion luminescence, and application to monitoring changes in pretension and load sharing during bone healing.

Flexible Thick-Film Electrochemical Sensors: Impact of Mechanical Bending and Stress on the Electrochemical Behavior

PubMed Central

Cai, Jiaying; Cizek, Karel; Long, Brenton; McAferty, Kenyon; Campbell, Casey G.; Allee, David R.; Vogt, Bryan D.; La Belle, Jeff; Wang, Joseph

2009-01-01

The influence of the mechanical bending, rolling and crimping of flexible screen-printed electrodes upon their electrical properties and electrochemical behavior has been elucidated. Three different flexible plastic substrates, Mylar, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and Kapton, have been tested in connection to the printing of graphite ink working electrodes. Our data indicate that flexible printed electrodes can be bent to extremely small radii of curvature and still function well, despite a marginal increase the electrical resistance. Below critical radii of curvature of ~8 mm, full recovery of the electrical resistance occurs upon strain release. The electrochemical response is maintained for sub-mm bending radii and a 180° pinch of the electrode does not lead to device failure. The electrodes appear to be resistant to repeated bending. Such capabilities are demonstrated using model compounds, including ferrocyanide, trinitrotoluene (TNT) and nitronaphthalene (NN). These printed electrodes hold great promise for widespread applications requiring flexible, yet robust non-planar sensing devices. PMID:20160861

Magnetic attachment for implant overdentures: influence of contact relationship with the denture base on stability and bending strain.

PubMed

Yang, Tsung-Chieh; Maeda, Yoshinobu; Gonda, Tomoya; Wada, Masahiro

2013-01-01

This study evaluated how the contact height between the magnetic attachment and denture base influences stability and bending strain. An implant modified with strain gauges and a magnetic attachment mounted in an acrylic resin block were used to characterize systems with varying degrees or heights of contact with the abutment. Bending strain under lateral loading increased significantly as the contact height decreased. In the no contact and resilient contact groups, magnetic assemblies separated at reduced bending strain in all loading conditions. The contact height of the magnetic attachment influenced the stability and the amount of bending strain on the implant.

Wireless Prototype Based on Pressure and Bending Sensors for Measuring Gate Quality

PubMed Central

Grenez, Florent; Villarejo, María Viqueira; Zapirain, Begoña García; Zorrilla, Amaia Méndez

2013-01-01

This paper presents a technological solution based on sensors controlled remotely in order to monitor, track and evaluate the gait quality in people with or without associated pathology. Special hardware simulating a shoe was developed, which consists of three pressure sensors, two bending sensors, an Arduino mini and a Bluetooth module. The obtained signals are digitally processed, calculating the standard deviation and establishing thresholds obtained empirically. A group of users was chosen with the aim of executing two modalities: natural walking and dragging the left foot. The gait was parameterized with the following variables: as far as pressure sensors are concerned, one pressure sensor under the first metatarsal (right sensor), another one under the fifth metatarsal (left) and a third one under the heel were placed. With respect to bending sensors, one bending sensor was placed for the ankle movement and another one for the foot sole. The obtained results show a rate accuracy oscillating between 85% (right sensor) and 100% (heel and bending sensors). Therefore, the developed prototype is able to differentiate between healthy gait and pathological gait, and it will be used as the base of a more complex and integral technological solution, which is being developed currently. PMID:23899935

Wireless prototype based on pressure and bending sensors for measuring gait [corrected] quality.

PubMed

Grenez, Florent; Viqueira Villarejo, María; García Zapirain, Begoña; Méndez Zorrilla, Amaia

2013-07-29

This paper presents a technological solution based on sensors controlled remotely in order to monitor, track and evaluate the gait quality in people with or without associated pathology. Special hardware simulating a shoe was developed, which consists of three pressure sensors, two bending sensors, an Arduino mini and a Bluetooth module. The obtained signals are digitally processed, calculating the standard deviation and establishing thresholds obtained empirically. A group of users was chosen with the aim of executing two modalities: natural walking and dragging the left foot. The gait was parameterized with the following variables: as far as pressure sensors are concerned, one pressure sensor under the first metatarsal (right sensor), another one under the fifth metatarsal (left) and a third one under the heel were placed. With respect to bending sensors, one bending sensor was placed for the ankle movement and another one for the foot sole. The obtained results show a rate accuracy oscillating between 85% (right sensor) and 100% (heel and bending sensors). Therefore, the developed prototype is able to differentiate between healthy gait and pathological gait, and it will be used as the base of a more complex and integral technological solution, which is being developed currently.

Effects of repeated bending load at room temperature for composite Nb3Sn wires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Awaji, Satoshi; Watanabe, Kazuo; Katagiri, Kazumune

2003-09-01

In order to realize a react and wind (R&W) method for Nb3Sn wires, the influences of a bending load at room temperature are investigated. Usually, the superconducting wires undergo bending loads at room temperature repeatedly during winding and insulation processes. We define these bending loads as 'pre-bending' treatments. We applied the pre-bending strain of 0 and 0.5% to the highly strengthened CuNb/(Nb, Ti)3Sn wires, and measured the stress/strain properties and critical currents. The improvements of stress dependence of normalized critical current and the increase of the maximum critical current by the pre-bending treatments were found. The model based on the distribution of the local tensile strain as a bending strain describes the experimental results well without the increase of the maximum critical current. When the pre-bending strain was applied, the calculated results indicate that the mechanical properties are improved due to the local work hardening, and hence the stress dependence of Ic increases.

Carbon Nanotube Coatings as Used in Strain Sensors for Composite Tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trigwell, Steve; Snyder, Sarah; Hatfield, Walt; Dervishi, Enkeleda; Biris, Alexandru S.

2011-01-01

The next generation of cryogenic fuel tanks, crew habitats and other components for future spacecraft will focus on the usc of lightweight carbon fiber composite materials. A critical issue in the design and optimization of such tanks and structures will bc in structural health monitoring, however, current strain sensors have limitations. In this study, a novel carbon nanotube thin film was applied to carbon fiber composites for structural monitoring. Applying a load using a 3-point bend test to simulate bowing of a tank wall, induced significant increases in the film's electrical resistance at small deflections. Upon release of the load, the resistance returned to its approximate start value and was reproducible over multiple tests. The results show that a carbon nanotube thin film has great potential for the health monitoring of composite structures.

Induced strain actuation of composite beams and rotor blades with embedded piezoceramic elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Peter C.; Chopra, Inderjit

1994-05-01

The objective of this research is to develop a dynamically scaled (Froude scale) helicopter rotor blade with embedded piezoceramic elements as sensors and actuators to control blade vibrations. A 6-ft-diameter two-bladed bearingless rotor model was built, where each blade is embedded with banks of piezoelectric actuators at +/- 45-degree angles with respect to the beam axis on the top and bottom surfaces. A twist distribution along the blade span is achieved through in-phase excitation of the top and bottom actuators at equal potentials, while a bending distribution is achieved through out-of-phase excitation. In order to fix design variables and to optimize blade performance, a uniform strain beam theory is formulated to analytically predict the static bending and torsional response of composite rectangular beams with embedded piezoelectric actuators. Parameters such as bond thicknesses, actuator skew angle, and actuator spacing are investigated by experiments and then validated by theory. The static bending and torsional response of the rotor blades is experimentally measured and correlated with theory. Dynamic torsional and bending responses are experimentally determined for frequencies from 2-120 HZ to assess the viability of a vibration reduction system based on piezoactuation of blade twist. Although the magnitudes of blade twist attained in this experiment were small, it is expected that future models can be built with improved performance.

Flexible strain sensors with high performance based on metallic glass thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xian, H. J.; Cao, C. R.; Shi, J. A.; Zhu, X. S.; Hu, Y. C.; Huang, Y. F.; Meng, S.; Gu, L.; Liu, Y. H.; Bai, H. Y.; Wang, W. H.

2017-09-01

Searching strain sensitive materials for electronic skin is of crucial significance because of the restrictions of current materials such as poor electrical conductivity, large energy consumption, complex manufacturing process, and high cost. Here, we report a flexible strain sensor based on the Zr55Cu30Ni5Al10 metallic glass thin film which we name metallic glass skin. The metallic glass skin, synthesized by ion beam deposition, exhibits piezoresistance effects with a gauge factor of around 2.86, a large detectable strain range (˜1% or 180° bending angle), and good conductivity. Compared to other e-skin materials, the temperature coefficient of resistance of the metallic glass skin is extremely low (9.04 × 10-6 K-1), which is essential for the reduction in thermal drift. In addition, the metallic glass skin exhibits distinct antibacterial behavior desired for medical applications, also excellent reproducibility and repeatability (over 1000 times), nearly perfect linearity, low manufacturing cost, and negligible energy consumption, all of which are required for electronic skin for practical applications.

Development of a high-sensitivity strain measurement system based on a SH SAW sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Haekwan; Lee, Keekeun; Eun, Kyoungtae; Choa, Sung-Hoon; Yang, Sang Sik

2012-02-01

A strain measurement system based on a shear horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH SAW) was developed. The developed system is composed of a SAW microsensor, a printed circuit board (PCB), an adhesive and a strain gauge. When a compression force is applied to the PCB by the strain gauge, the PCB is bent so that external strain energy can be evenly delivered to the microsensor without any detachment of the sensor from the board. When a stretching force is applied to the PCB under the condition that one side of the PCB is fixed and the other side is modulated, the actual length of the SAW delay line between the two interdigital transducers (IDTs) is increased. The increase in the delay line length causes a change in the time for the propagating SAW to reach the output IDT. If strain energy is applied to the piezoelectric substrate, the substrate density is changed, which then changes the propagation velocity of the SAW. Coupling-of-modes modeling was conducted prior to fabrication to determine the optimal device parameters. Depending on the strain, the frequency difference was linearly modulated. The obtained sensitivity for stretching was 17.3 kHz/% for the SH wave mode and split electrode. And the obtained sensitivity for bending was 46.1 kHz/% for the SH wave mode and split electrode. The SH wave showed about 15% higher sensitivity than the Rayleigh wave, and the dog-bone PCB showed about 8% higher sensitivity than the rectangular PCB. The obtained sensitivity was about five times higher than that of existing SAW-based strain sensors.

Real-Time Frequency Response Estimation Using Joined-Wing SensorCraft Aeroelastic Wind-Tunnel Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grauer, Jared A; Heeg, Jennifer; Morelli, Eugene A

2012-01-01

A new method is presented for estimating frequency responses and their uncertainties from wind-tunnel data in real time. The method uses orthogonal phase-optimized multi- sine excitation inputs and a recursive Fourier transform with a least-squares estimator. The method was first demonstrated with an F-16 nonlinear flight simulation and results showed that accurate short period frequency responses were obtained within 10 seconds. The method was then applied to wind-tunnel data from a previous aeroelastic test of the Joined- Wing SensorCraft. Frequency responses describing bending strains from simultaneous control surface excitations were estimated in a time-efficient manner.

Analytical investigation in bending characteristic of twisted stacked-tape cable conductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takayasu, Makoto; Chiesa, Luisa

2015-12-01

An analytical model to evaluate bending strains of a twisted stack-tape cable (TSTC) conductor has been developed. Through a comparison with experimental results obtained for a soldered 32-tape YBCO TSTC conductor, it has been found that a Perfect-Slip Model (PSM) taking into account the slipping between tapes in a stacked-tape cable during bending gives much better estimation of the bending performance compared to a No-Slip Model (NSM). In the PSM case the tapes can slip so that the internal longitudinal axial strain can be released. The longitudinal strains of compression and tension regions along the tape are balanced in one twist-pitch and cancel out evenly in a long cable. Therefore, in a cable the strains due to bending can be minimized. This is an important advantage of a TSTC conductor. The effect of the cable diameter size on the bending strain is also expected to be minor, and all tapes composing a TSTC conductor have the same strain response under bending, therefore the cable critical current can be characterized from a single tape behaviour.

A comparative study on simulation performances of rigid and bendable SAW for gas sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sidek, Fatini; Arsat, Rashidah; Ibrahim, Rafidah; Idris, Aizzat Ayuni Mohad; Johari, Zaharah; Ling, Leow Pei

2017-03-01

Flexible Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices are very promising technology for various applications that offers excellent flexibility, low in cost and light weight. In this paper, a SAW gas sensor is designed and simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics to investigate the degree of bending effect on the frequency and displacement. The investigations were conducted onto SAW gas sensor as rigid and two different bends direction; bend-in (concave) and bend-out (convex). The operating frequency of the SAW sensor were found to be at the range of 80-200 MHz. The frequency shift of the sensor were obtained after exposing the polyisobutylene (PIB) to the dichloromethane DCM gas which will change the density of sensing layer. From the simulation, it is shown that resonance frequency range of 189MHz for the rigid substrate with displacement of 0.706 nm. Notably, the bending degree of h range from 0.2 µm to 1.25 µm exhibits reduction for displacement and frequency. The higher frequency of bend-out (convex) design achieve is 1.8945 MHz with displacement of 0.68 nm at curve of h= 0.2 µm, Improvement have been observed for the frequency shift of 14 Hz and sensitivity of 1324.24. It shows that the sensor is more sensitive to detect the gas. The evaluation of device bending effect on the eigenfrequency, displacement and frequency shift provide ways to enhance the sensitivity of the gas sensor and expand its possibility of realizing their benefit particularly for sensing device enhancement.

Indigenously developed bending strain setup for I-V characterization of superconducting tapes and wires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panchal, Arun; Bano, Anees; Ghate, Mahesh; Raj, Piyush; Pradhan, Subrata

2017-04-01

An indigenously developed bending strain setup to examine the effect of pure bending on critical current of superconducting tapes and strands has been presented in this paper. This set up is capable of applying various bending radius in situ at cryogenic temperature with rack and pinion gear mechanism. The bending strain applied on samples can be controlled externally by rotational input which is transferred in the form of bending radius during experiments. The working principle, design and optimization of this set up have been discussed. The performance and validation of this setup has been done on various HTS tapes and copper strands at 77 K in actual experimental facility. Effect of bending radius (15.5 mm - 48 mm) i.e. strains and ramp rate (2 A/s - 8 A/s) is observed on current capability of various HTS Tapes. It is observed that in uniform bending condition, degradation in current carrying capacity BSCCO and Di-BSCCO (˜ 30 %) is more as compare to YBCO (˜ 2.75 %) at 77 K. The effect of pure mechanical strain has been experimentally observed and presented.

Early Damage Detection in Composites during Fabrication and Mechanical Testing.

PubMed

Chandarana, Neha; Sanchez, Daniel Martinez; Soutis, Constantinos; Gresil, Matthieu

2017-06-22

Fully integrated monitoring systems have shown promise in improving confidence in composite materials while reducing lifecycle costs. A distributed optical fibre sensor is embedded in a fibre reinforced composite laminate, to give three sensing regions at different levels through-the-thickness of the plate. This study follows the resin infusion process during fabrication of the composite, monitoring the development of strain in-situ and in real time, and to gain better understanding of the resin rheology during curing. Piezoelectric wafer active sensors and electrical strain gauges are bonded to the plate after fabrication. This is followed by progressive loading/unloading cycles of mechanical four point bending. The strain values obtained from the optical fibre are in good agreement with strain data collected by surface mounted strain gauges, while the sensing regions clearly indicate the development of compressive, neutral, and tensile strain. Acoustic emission event detection suggests the formation of matrix (resin) cracks, with measured damage event amplitudes in agreement with values reported in published literature on the subject. The Felicity ratio for each subsequent loading cycle is calculated to track the progression of damage in the material. The methodology developed here can be used to follow the full life cycle of a composite structure, from manufacture to end-of-life.

Early Damage Detection in Composites during Fabrication and Mechanical Testing

PubMed Central

Chandarana, Neha; Sanchez, Daniel Martinez; Soutis, Constantinos; Gresil, Matthieu

2017-01-01

Fully integrated monitoring systems have shown promise in improving confidence in composite materials while reducing lifecycle costs. A distributed optical fibre sensor is embedded in a fibre reinforced composite laminate, to give three sensing regions at different levels through-the-thickness of the plate. This study follows the resin infusion process during fabrication of the composite, monitoring the development of strain in-situ and in real time, and to gain better understanding of the resin rheology during curing. Piezoelectric wafer active sensors and electrical strain gauges are bonded to the plate after fabrication. This is followed by progressive loading/unloading cycles of mechanical four point bending. The strain values obtained from the optical fibre are in good agreement with strain data collected by surface mounted strain gauges, while the sensing regions clearly indicate the development of compressive, neutral, and tensile strain. Acoustic emission event detection suggests the formation of matrix (resin) cracks, with measured damage event amplitudes in agreement with values reported in published literature on the subject. The Felicity ratio for each subsequent loading cycle is calculated to track the progression of damage in the material. The methodology developed here can be used to follow the full life cycle of a composite structure, from manufacture to end-of-life. PMID:28773048

Nanoporous carbon-based electrodes for high strain ionomeric bending actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmre, Viljar; Brandell, Daniel; Mäeorg, Uno; Torop, Janno; Volobujeva, Olga; Punning, Andres; Johanson, Urmas; Kruusmaa, Maarja; Aabloo, Alvo

2009-09-01

Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) are electroactive material devices that bend at low applied voltage (1-4 V). Inversely, a voltage is generated when the materials are deformed, which makes them useful both as sensors and actuators. In this paper, we propose two new highly porous carbon materials as electrodes for IPMC actuators, generating a high specific area, and compare their electromechanical performance with recently reported RuO2 electrodes and conventional IPMCs. Using a direct assembly process (DAP), we synthesize ionic liquid (Emi-Tf) actuators with either carbide-derived carbon (CDC) or coconut-shell-based activated carbon-based electrodes. The carbon electrodes were applied onto ionic liquid-swollen Nafion membranes using a direct assembly process. The study demonstrates that actuators based on carbon electrodes derived from TiC have the greatest peak-to-peak strain output, reaching up to 20.4 mɛ (equivalent to>2%) at a 2 V actuation signal, exceeding that of the RuO2 electrodes by more than 100%. The electrodes synthesized from TiC-derived carbon also exhibit significantly higher maximum strain rate. The differences between the materials are discussed in terms of molecular interactions and mechanisms upon actuation in the different electrodes.

Strain tolerance in technical Nb3Al superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banno, N.; Takeuchi, T.; Kitaguchi, H.; Tagawa, K.

2006-10-01

We observed crack formation in transformation-processed Nb3Al wires at room temperature, the wire being bent with a small clamp fixture with a curvature. The polished cross-section parallel to the longitudinal axis was observed, using a high power optical microscope or a field-emission scanning electron microscope. The bend strain limit for microcrack formation is found, changing the radius of the curvature of the clamp. The bend strain limit was found to be around 0.3% for standard Nb3Al wires. This corresponds to the irreversible tensile strain limit of the Ic characteristics determined with a 0.1 µV cm-1 criterion. Reduction of the barrier thickness should be avoided to keep to the bend strain limit. A new configuration of the Nb3Al wire is demonstrated to improve the bend strain limit. The filament is divided into segments in the transverse cross-section. The wire is fabricated by a double-stacking method. The bend strain limit is enhanced to about 0.85% for the wire surface; the equivalent strain of the outermost filament location is about 0.66%. A simple react and wind test for this wire was performed, where the wire experienced 0.86% bend strain. The degradation of Jc was found to be very small.

Method for Estimating Operational Loads on Aerospace Structures Using Span-Wisely Distributed Surface Strains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ko, William L.; Fleischer, Van Tran

2013-01-01

This report presents a new method for estimating operational loads (bending moments, shear loads, and torques) acting on slender aerospace structures using distributed surface strains (unidirectional strains). The surface strain-sensing stations are to be evenly distributed along each span-wise strain-sensing line. A depth-wise cross section of the structure along each strain-sensing line can then be considered as an imaginary embedded beam. The embedded beam was first evenly divided into multiple small domains with domain junctures matching the strain-sensing stations. The new method is comprised of two steps. The first step is to determine the structure stiffness (bending or torsion) using surface strains obtained from a simple bending (or torsion) loading case, for which the applied bending moment (or torque) is known. The second step is to use the strain-determined structural stiffness (bending or torsion), and a new set of surface strains induced by any other loading case to calculate the associated operational loads (bending moments, shear loads, or torques). Performance of the new method for estimating operational loads was studied in light of finite-element analyses of several example structures subjected to different loading conditions. The new method for estimating operational loads was found to be fairly accurate, and is very promising for applications to the flight load monitoring of flying vehicles with slender wings.

Apparatus and method for detecting electromagnetic radiation using electron photoemission in a micromechanical sensor

DOEpatents

Datskos, Panagiotis G.; Rajic, Slobodan; Datskou, Irene C.; Egert, Charles M.

2002-01-01

A micromechanical sensor and method for detecting electromagnetic radiation involve producing photoelectrons from a metal surface in contact with a semiconductor. The photoelectrons are extracted into the semiconductor, which causes photo-induced bending. The resulting bending is measured, and a signal corresponding to the measured bending is generated and processed. A plurality of individual micromechanical sensors can be arranged in a two-dimensional matrix for imaging applications.

High Mechanical Property of Laminated Electromechanical Sensors by Carbonized Nanolignocellulose/Graphene Composites.

PubMed

Chen, Yipeng; Sheng, Chengmin; Dang, Baokang; Qian, Temeng; Jin, Chunde; Sun, Qingfeng

2018-02-28

Although widely used in nanocomposites, the effect of embedding graphene in carbonized nanolignocellulose substrates is less clear. We added graphene to a carbonized nanolignocellulose to change its mechanical and electromechanical properties. Here, the laminated carbonized nanolignocellulose/graphene composites were fabricated by carbonizing the nanolignocellulose/graphene composites prepared through mechanochemistry and flow-directed assembly process. The resulting composites exhibit excellent mechanical property with the ultimate bending strength of 25.6 ± 4.2 MPa. It is observed reversible electrical resistance change in these composites with strain, which is associated with the tunneling conduction model. This type of high-strength conductive composite has great potential applications in load-bearing electromechanical sensors.

Influence of bending strains on radio frequency characteristics of flexible microwave switches using single-crystal silicon nanomembranes on plastic substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2011-10-01

This letter presents radio frequency (RF) characterization of flexible microwave switches using single-crystal silicon nanomembranes (SiNMs) on plastic substrate under various uniaxial mechanical tensile bending strains. The flexible switches shows significant/negligible performance enhancement on strains under on/off states from dc to 10 GHz. Furthermore, an RF/microwave strain equivalent circuit model is developed and reveals the most influential factors, and un-proportional device parameters change with bending strains. The study demonstrates that flexible microwave single-crystal SiNM switches, as a simple circuit example towards the goal of flexible monolithic microwave integrated circuits, can be properly operated and modeled under mechanical bending conditions.

Analysis of fracture in sheet bending and roll forming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deole, Aditya D.; Barnett, Matthew; Weiss, Matthias

2018-05-01

The bending limit or minimum bending radius of sheet metal is conventionally measured in a wiping (swing arm) or in a vee bend test and reported as the minimum radius of the tool over which the sheet can be bent without fracture. Frequently the material kinks while bending so that the actual inner bend radius of the sheet metal is smaller than the tool radius giving rise to inaccuracy in these methods. It has been shown in the previous studies that conventional bend test methods may under-estimate formability in bending dominated processes such as roll forming. A new test procedure is proposed here to improve understanding and measurement of fracture in bending and roll forming. In this study, conventional wiping test and vee bend test have been performed on martensitic steel to determine the minimum bend radius. In addition, the vee bend test is performed in an Erichsen sheet metal tester equipped with the GOM Aramis system to enable strain measurement on the outer surface during bending. The strain measurement before the onset of fracture is then used to determine the minimum bend radius. To compare this result with a technological process, a vee channel is roll formed and in-situ strain measurement carried out with the Vialux Autogrid system. The strain distribution at fracture in the roll forming process is compared with that predicted by the conventional bending tests and by the improved process. It is shown that for this forming operation and material, the improved procedure gives a more accurate prediction of fracture.

Study on the Ag Nanowire/PDMS Pressure Sensors with Three-Layer and Back-to-Back Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jianhao; Lan, Qiuming; Yang, Weijia; He, Xin; Yue, Yunting; Jiang, Jiayi; Jiang, Tinghui

2018-01-01

Ag nanowire (NW)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pressure sensors with the three-layer and back-to-back structures were fabricated by a coating-peeling method. The bending and pressing responses of the sensors were comparably investigated. The results reveal that two kinds of pressure sensors show similar response linearity in the bending test with a bending angle of 0-180°. However, the response sensitivity of the three-layer structured pressure sensor is superior to that of the back-to-back structural one, which exhibits that the relationship between the capacitance value (Y) and the bending angle (X) is: Y = 0.01244X + 2.9763. On the contrary, in the pressing test, the response sensitivity of the back-to-back structural sensor is better than that of the three-layer structural one. The relationship between capacitance value (Y) and the number of paper clips (pressure, X2) is Y = 0.09241X2 + 88.03597.

Development of an embedded thin-film strain-gauge-based SHM network into 3D-woven composite structure for wind turbine blades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Dongning; Rasool, Shafqat; Forde, Micheal; Weafer, Bryan; Archer, Edward; McIlhagger, Alistair; McLaughlin, James

2017-04-01

Recently, there has been increasing demand in developing low-cost, effective structure health monitoring system to be embedded into 3D-woven composite wind turbine blades to determine structural integrity and presence of defects. With measuring the strain and temperature inside composites at both in-situ blade resin curing and in-service stages, we are developing a novel scheme to embed a resistive-strain-based thin-metal-film sensory into the blade spar-cap that is made of composite laminates to determine structural integrity and presence of defects. Thus, with fiberglass, epoxy, and a thinmetal- film sensing element, a three-part, low-cost, smart composite laminate is developed. Embedded strain sensory inside composite laminate prototype survived after laminate curing process. The internal strain reading from embedded strain sensor under three-point-bending test standard is comparable. It proves that our proposed method will provide another SHM alternative to reduce sensing costs during the renewable green energy generation.

Imperceptible and Ultraflexible p-Type Transistors and Macroelectronics Based on Carbon Nanotubes.

PubMed

Cao, Xuan; Cao, Yu; Zhou, Chongwu

2016-01-26

Flexible thin-film transistors based on semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotubes are promising for flexible digital circuits, artificial skins, radio frequency devices, active-matrix-based displays, and sensors due to the outstanding electrical properties and intrinsic mechanical strength of carbon nanotubes. Nevertheless, previous research effort only led to nanotube thin-film transistors with the smallest bending radius down to 1 mm. In this paper, we have realized the full potential of carbon nanotubes by making ultraflexible and imperceptible p-type transistors and circuits with a bending radius down to 40 μm. In addition, the resulted transistors show mobility up to 12.04 cm(2) V(-1) S(-1), high on-off ratio (∼10(6)), ultralight weight (<3 g/m(2)), and good mechanical robustness (accommodating severe crumpling and 67% compressive strain). Furthermore, the nanotube circuits can operate properly with 33% compressive strain. On the basis of the aforementioned features, our ultraflexible p-type nanotube transistors and circuits have great potential to work as indispensable components for ultraflexible complementary electronics.

Induced strain actuation of composite beams and rotor blades with embedded piezoceramic elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Peter C.; Chopra, Inderjit

1996-02-01

The objective of this research is to develop a dynamically-scaled (Froude scale) helicopter rotor blade with embedded piezoceramic elements as sensors and actuators to control blade vibrations. A 6 ft diameter 2-bladed bearingless rotor model was built where each blade is embedded with banks of piezoelectric actuators at 0964-1726/5/1/005/img1 degree angles with respect to the beam axis on the top and bottom surfaces. A twist distribution along the blade span is achieved through in-phase excitation of the top and bottom actuators at equal potentials, while a bending distribution is achieved through out-of-phase excitation. In order to fix design variables and to optimize blade performance, a uniform strain beam theory is formulated to analytically predict the static bending and torsional response of composite rectangular beams with embedded piezoelectric actuators. Parameters such as bond thicknesses, actuator skew angle and actuator spacing are investigated by experiments and then validated by theory. The static bending and torsional response of the rotor blades is experimentally measured and correlated with theory. Dynamic torsional and bending responses are experimentally determined for frequencies from 2 - 120 Hz to assess the viability of a vibration reduction system based on piezo-actuation of blade twist. To assess the performance of the piezo-actuators in rotation, hover tests were conducted where accelerometers embedded in the blades were used to resolve the tip twist amplitudes. Although the magnitudes of blade twist attained in this experiment were small, it is expected that future models can be built with improved performance.

Validation of an improved method to calculate the orientation and magnitude of pedicle screw bending moments.

PubMed

Freeman, Andrew L; Fahim, Mina S; Bechtold, Joan E

2012-10-01

Previous methods of pedicle screw strain measurement have utilized complex, time consuming methods of strain gauge application, experience high failure rates, do not effectively measure resultant bending moments, and cannot predict moment orientation. The purpose of this biomechanical study was to validate an improved method of quantifying pedicle screw bending moment orientation and magnitude. Pedicle screws were instrumented to measure biplanar screw bending moments by positioning four strain gauges on flat, machined surfaces below the screw head. Screws were calibrated to measure bending moments by hanging certified weights a known distance from the strain gauges. Loads were applied in 30 deg increments at 12 different angles while recording data from two independent strain channels. The data were then analyzed to calculate the predicted orientation and magnitude of the resultant bending moment. Finally, flexibility tests were performed on a cadaveric motion segment implanted with the instrumented screws to demonstrate the implementation of this technique. The difference between the applied and calculated orientation of the bending moments averaged (±standard error of the mean (SEM)) 0.3 ± 0.1 deg across the four screws for all rotations and loading conditions. The calculated resultant bending moments deviated from the actual magnitudes by an average of 0.00 ± 0.00 Nm for all loading conditions. During cadaveric testing, the bending moment orientations were medial/lateral in flexion-extension, variable in lateral bending, and diagonal in axial torsion. The technique developed in this study provides an accurate method of calculating the orientation and magnitude of screw bending moments and can be utilized with any pedicle screw fixation system.

Displacement Theories for In-Flight Deformed Shape Predictions of Aerospace Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ko, William L.; Richards, W. L.; Tran, Van t.

2007-01-01

Displacement theories are developed for a variety of structures with the goal of providing real-time shape predictions for aerospace vehicles during flight. These theories are initially developed for a cantilever beam to predict the deformed shapes of the Helios flying wing. The main structural configuration of the Helios wing is a cantilever wing tubular spar subjected to bending, torsion, and combined bending and torsion loading. The displacement equations that are formulated are expressed in terms of strains measured at multiple sensing stations equally spaced on the surface of the wing spar. Displacement theories for other structures, such as tapered cantilever beams, two-point supported beams, wing boxes, and plates also are developed. The accuracy of the displacement theories is successfully validated by finite-element analysis and classical beam theory using input-strains generated by finite-element analysis. The displacement equations and associated strain-sensing system (such as fiber optic sensors) create a powerful means for in-flight deformation monitoring of aerospace structures. This method serves multiple purposes for structural shape sensing, loads monitoring, and structural health monitoring. Ultimately, the calculated displacement data can be visually displayed to the ground-based pilot or used as input to the control system to actively control the shape of structures during flight.

Curved bones: An adaptation to habitual loading.

PubMed

Milne, Nick

2016-10-21

Why are long bones curved? It has long been considered a paradox that many long bones supporting mammalian bodies are curved, since this curvature results in the bone undergoing greater bending, with higher strains and so greater fracture risk under load. This study develops a theoretical model wherein the curvature is a response to bending strains imposed by the requirements of locomotion. In particular the radioulna of obligate quadrupeds is a lever operated by the triceps muscle, and the bending strains induced by the triceps muscle counter the bending resulting from longitudinal loads acting on the curved bone. Indeed the theoretical model reverses this logic and suggests that the curvature is itself a response to the predictable bending strains induced by the triceps muscle. This, in turn, results in anatomical arrangements of bone, muscle and tendon that create a simple physiological mechanism whereby the bone can resist the bending due to the action of triceps in supporting and moving the body. The model is illustrated by contrasting the behaviour of a finite element model of a llama radioulna to that of a straightened version of the same bone. The results show that longitudinal and flexor muscle forces produce bending strains that effectively counter strains due to the pull of the triceps muscle in the curved but not in the straightened model. It is concluded that the curvature of these and other curved bones adds resilience to the skeleton by acting as pre-stressed beams or strainable pre-buckled struts. It is also proposed that the cranial bending strains that result from triceps, acting on the lever that is the radioulna, can explain the development of the curvature of such bones. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Feeling stretched or compressed? The multiple mechanosensitive responses of wood formation to bending.

PubMed

Roignant, Jeanne; Badel, Éric; Leblanc-Fournier, Nathalie; Brunel-Michac, Nicole; Ruelle, Julien; Moulia, Bruno; Decourteix, Mélanie

2018-05-11

Trees constantly experience wind, perceive resulting mechanical cues, and modify their growth and development accordingly. Previous studies have demonstrated that multiple bending treatments trigger ovalization of the stem and the formation of flexure wood in gymnosperms, but ovalization and flexure wood have rarely been studied in angiosperms, and none of the experiments conducted so far has used multidirectional bending treatments at controlled intensities. Assuming that bending involves tensile and compressive strain, we hypothesized that different local strains may generate specific growth and wood differentiation responses. Basal parts of young poplar stems were subjected to multiple transient controlled unidirectional bending treatments during 8 weeks, which enabled a distinction to be made between the wood formed under tensile or compressive flexural strains. This set-up enabled a local analysis of poplar stem responses to multiple stem bending treatments at growth, anatomical, biochemical and molecular levels. In response to multiple unidirectional bending treatments, poplar stems developed significant cross-sectional ovalization. At the tissue level, some aspects of wood differentiation were similarly modulated in the compressed and stretched zones (vessel frequency and diameter of fibres without a G-layer), whereas other anatomical traits (vessel diameter, G-layer formation, diameter of fibres with a G-layer and microfibril angle) and the expression of fasciclin-encoding genes were differentially modulated in the two zones. This work leads us to propose new terminologies to distinguish the 'flexure wood' produced in response to multiple bidirectional bending treatments from wood produced under transient tensile strain (tensile flexure wood; TFW) or under transient compressive strain (compressive flexure wood; CFW). By highlighting similarities and differences between tension wood and TFW and by demonstrating that plants could have the ability to discriminate positive strains from negative strains, this work provides new insight into the mechanisms of mechanosensitivity in plants.

Nanowires Bending over Backward from Strain Partitioning in Asymmetric Core-Shell Heterostructures.

PubMed

Lewis, Ryan B; Corfdir, Pierre; Küpers, Hanno; Flissikowski, Timur; Brandt, Oliver; Geelhaar, Lutz

2018-04-11

The flexibility and quasi-one-dimensional nature of nanowires offer wide-ranging possibilities for novel heterostructure design and strain engineering. In this work, we realize arrays of extremely and controllably bent nanowires comprising lattice-mismatched and highly asymmetric core-shell heterostructures. Strain sharing across the nanowire heterostructures is sufficient to bend vertical nanowires over backward to contact either neighboring nanowires or the substrate itself, presenting new possibilities for designing nanowire networks and interconnects. Photoluminescence spectroscopy on bent-nanowire heterostructures reveals that spatially varying strain fields induce charge carrier drift toward the tensile-strained outside of the nanowires, and that the polarization response of absorbed and emitted light is controlled by the bending direction. This unconventional strain field is employed for light emission by placing an active region of quantum dots at the outer side of a bent nanowire to exploit the carrier drift and tensile strain. These results demonstrate how bending in nanoheterostructures opens up new degrees of freedom for strain and device engineering.

Plastic Optical Fibre Sensor for Spine Bending Monitoring with Power Fluctuation Compensation

PubMed Central

Zawawi, Mohd Anwar; O'Keeffe, Sinead; Lewis, Elfed

2013-01-01

This paper presents the implementation of power fluctuation compensation for an intensity-based optical fibre bending sensor aimed at monitoring human spine bending in a clinical environment. To compensate for the light intensity changes from the sensor light source, a reference signal was provided via the light reflection from an aluminum foil surface fixed at a certain distance from the source fibre end tips. From the results, it was found that the investigated sensor compensation technique was capable of achieving a 2° resolution for a bending angle working range between 0° and 20°. The study also suggested that the output voltage ratio has a 0.55% diversion due to input voltage variation between 2.9 V and 3.4 V and a 0.25% output drift for a 2 h measurement. With the achieved sensor properties, human spine monitoring in a clinical environment can potentially be implemented using this approach with power fluctuation compensation. PMID:24233073

Piezoresistive pressure sensor array for robotic skin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mirza, Fahad; Sahasrabuddhe, Ritvij R.; Baptist, Joshua R.; Wijesundara, Muthu B. J.; Lee, Woo H.; Popa, Dan O.

2016-05-01

Robots are starting to transition from the confines of the manufacturing floor to homes, schools, hospitals, and highly dynamic environments. As, a result, it is impossible to foresee all the probable operational situations of robots, and preprogram the robot behavior in those situations. Among human-robot interaction technologies, haptic communication is an intuitive physical interaction method that can help define operational behaviors for robots cooperating with humans. Multimodal robotic skin with distributed sensors can help robots increase perception capabilities of their surrounding environments. Electro-Hydro-Dynamic (EHD) printing is a flexible multi-modal sensor fabrication method because of its direct printing capability of a wide range of materials onto substrates with non-uniform topographies. In past work we designed interdigitated comb electrodes as a sensing element and printed piezoresistive strain sensors using customized EHD printable PEDOT:PSS based inks. We formulated a PEDOT:PSS derivative ink, by mixing PEDOT:PSS and DMSO. Bending induced characterization tests of prototyped sensors showed high sensitivity and sufficient stability. In this paper, we describe SkinCells, robot skin sensor arrays integrated with electronic modules. 4x4 EHD-printed arrays of strain sensors was packaged onto Kapton sheets and silicone encapsulant and interconnected to a custom electronic module that consists of a microcontroller, Wheatstone bridge with adjustable digital potentiometer, multiplexer, and serial communication unit. Thus, SkinCell's electronics can be used for signal acquisition, conditioning, and networking between sensor modules. Several SkinCells were loaded with controlled pressure, temperature and humidity testing apparatuses, and testing results are reported in this paper.

Deformation mechanisms of bent Si nanowires governed by the sign and magnitude of strain

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

Wang, Lihua, E-mail: wlh@bjut.edu.cn, E-mail: xdhan@bjut.edu.cn, E-mail: j.zou@uq.edu.au; Materials Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072; Kong, Deli

2016-04-11

In this study, the deformation mechanisms of bent Si nanowires are investigated at the atomic scale with bending strain up to 12.8%. The sign and magnitude of the applied strain are found to govern their deformation mechanisms, in which the dislocation types (full or partial dislocations) can be affected by the sign (tensile or compressive) and magnitude of the applied strain. In the early stages of bending, plastic deformation is controlled by 60° full dislocations. As the bending increases, Lomer dislocations can be frequently observed. When the strain increases to a significant level, 90° partial dislocations induced from the tensilemore » surfaces of the bent nanowires are observed. This study provides a deeper understanding of the effect of the sign and magnitude of the bending strain on the deformation mechanisms in bent Si nanowires.« less

Fabrication and characterization of bending and pressure sensors for a soft prosthetic hand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rocha, Rui Pedro; Alhais Lopes, Pedro; de Almeida, Anibal T.; Tavakoli, Mahmoud; Majidi, Carmel

2018-03-01

We demonstrate fabrication, characterization, and implementation of ‘soft-matter’ pressure and bending sensors for a soft robotic hand. The elastomer-based sensors are embedded in a robot finger composed of a 3D printed endoskeleton and covered by an elastomeric skin. Two types of sensors are evaluated, resistive pressure sensors and capacitive pressure sensors. The sensor is fabricated entirely out of insulating and conductive rubber, the latter composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer embedded with a percolating network of structured carbon black (CB). The sensor-integrated fingers have a simple materials architecture, can be fabricated with standard rapid prototyping methods, and are inexpensive to produce. When incorporated into a robotic hand, the CB-PDMS sensors and PDMS carrier medium function as an ‘artificial skin’ for touch and bend detection. Results show improved response with a capacitive sensor architecture, which, unlike a resistive sensor, is robust to electromechanical hysteresis, creep, and drift in the CB-PDMS composite. The sensorized fingers are integrated in an anthropomorphic hand and results for a variety of grasping tasks are presented.

[Spectral analysis of fiber bragg grating modulated by double long period grating and its application in smart structure monitoring].

PubMed

Lu, Ji-Yun; Liang, Da-Kai; Zhang, Xiao-Li; Zhu, Zhu

2009-12-01

Spectrum of fiber bragg grating (FBG) sensor modulated by double long period grating (LPFG) is proposed in the paper. Double LPFG consists of two LPFGS whose center wavelengths are the same and reflection spectrum of FBG sensor is located in linear range of double LPFG transmission spectrum. Based on spectral analysis of FBG and double LPFG, reflection spectrum of FBG modulated by double LPFG is obtained and studied by use of band-hider filter characteristics for double LPFG. An FBG sensor is attached on the surface of thin steel beam, which is strained by bending, and the center wavelength of FBG sensor will shift. The spectral peak of FBG sensor modulated by double LPFG is changed correspondingly, and the spectral change will lead to variation in exit light intensity from double LPFG. Experiment demonstrates that the relation of filtering light intensity from double LPFG monitored by optical power meter to center wavelength change of FBG sensor is linear and the minimum strain of material (steel beam) detected by the modulation and demodulation system is 1.05 microepsilon. This solution is used in impact monitoring of optical fibre smart structure, and FBG sensor is applied for impulse response signal monitoring induced by low-velocity impact, when impact pendulum is loaded to carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFP). The acquired impact response signal and fast Fourier transform of the signal detected by FBG sensor agree with the measurement results of eddy current displacement meter attached to the FBG sensor. From the results, the present method using FBG sensor is found to be effective for monitoring the impact. The research provides a practical reference in dynamic monitoring of optical fiber smart structure field.

Soft Smart Garments for Lower Limb Joint Position Analysis.

PubMed

Totaro, Massimo; Poliero, Tommaso; Mondini, Alessio; Lucarotti, Chiara; Cairoli, Giovanni; Ortiz, Jesùs; Beccai, Lucia

2017-10-12

Revealing human movement requires lightweight, flexible systems capable of detecting mechanical parameters (like strain and pressure) while being worn comfortably by the user, and not interfering with his/her activity. In this work we address such multifaceted challenge with the development of smart garments for lower limb motion detection, like a textile kneepad and anklet in which soft sensors and readout electronics are embedded for retrieving movement of the specific joint. Stretchable capacitive sensors with a three-electrode configuration are built combining conductive textiles and elastomeric layers, and distributed around knee and ankle. Results show an excellent behavior in the ~30% strain range, hence the correlation between sensors' responses and the optically tracked Euler angles is allowed for basic lower limb movements. Bending during knee flexion/extension is detected, and it is discriminated from any external contact by implementing in real time a low computational algorithm. The smart anklet is designed to address joint motion detection in and off the sagittal plane. Ankle dorsi/plantar flexion, adduction/abduction, and rotation are retrieved. Both knee and ankle smart garments show a high accuracy in movement detection, with a RMSE less than 4° in the worst case.

Evaluation of Strains and Thicknesses of Pipe Elbows on the Basis of Expressions Resulting from the Eudirective for the Case of Large and Small Deformations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Śloderbach, Z.

2017-12-01

The relations to calculate the maximum value of strains in processes of bending tubes on benders, in stretched layers of tubes, are presented in this work on the basis of the EU-Directive concerning production of pressure equipment. It has been shown that for large deformations that occur during bending of the pipes on knees, logarithmic strain measures (real) and relative strain measures give different values of strain but equal wall thicknesses in the bending zone. Logarithmic measures are frequently used in engineering practice and are valid for large and small deformations. Reverse expressions were also derived to calculate the required initial wall thickness of the tube to be bent, in order to obtain the desired wall thickness of the knee after bending.

Dynamic Method of Neutral Axis Position Determination and Damage Identification with Distributed Long-Gauge FBG Sensors

PubMed Central

Tang, Yongsheng; Ren, Zhongdao

2017-01-01

The neutral axis position (NAP) is a key parameter of a flexural member for structure design and safety evaluation. The accuracy of NAP measurement based on traditional methods does not satisfy the demands of structural performance assessment especially under live traffic loads. In this paper, a new method to determine NAP is developed by using modal macro-strain (MMS). In the proposed method, macro-strain is first measured with long-gauge Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors; then the MMS is generated from the measured macro-strain with Fourier transform; and finally the neutral axis position coefficient (NAPC) is determined from the MMS and the neutral axis depth is calculated with NAPC. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, some experiments on FE models, steel beam and reinforced concrete (RC) beam were conducted. From the results, the plane section was first verified with MMS of the first bending mode. Then the results confirmed the high accuracy and stability for assessing NAP. The results also proved that the NAPC was a good indicator of local damage. In summary, with the proposed method, accurate assessment of flexural structures can be facilitated. PMID:28230747

Dynamic Method of Neutral Axis Position Determination and Damage Identification with Distributed Long-Gauge FBG Sensors.

PubMed

Tang, Yongsheng; Ren, Zhongdao

2017-02-20

The neutral axis position (NAP) is a key parameter of a flexural member for structure design and safety evaluation. The accuracy of NAP measurement based on traditional methods does not satisfy the demands of structural performance assessment especially under live traffic loads. In this paper, a new method to determine NAP is developed by using modal macro-strain (MMS). In the proposed method, macro-strain is first measured with long-gauge Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors; then the MMS is generated from the measured macro-strain with Fourier transform; and finally the neutral axis position coefficient (NAPC) is determined from the MMS and the neutral axis depth is calculated with NAPC. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, some experiments on FE models, steel beam and reinforced concrete (RC) beam were conducted. From the results, the plane section was first verified with MMS of the first bending mode. Then the results confirmed the high accuracy and stability for assessing NAP. The results also proved that the NAPC was a good indicator of local damage. In summary, with the proposed method, accurate assessment of flexural structures can be facilitated.

A Small U-Shaped Bending-Induced Interference Optical Fiber Sensor for the Measurement of Glucose Solutions.

PubMed

Fang, Yu-Lin; Wang, Chen-Tung; Chiang, Chia-Chin

2016-09-09

The study proposes a small U-shaped bending-induced interference optical fiber sensor; this novel sensor is a probe-type sensor manufactured using a mechanical device, a heat source, optical fiber and a packaging module. This probe-type sensor overcomes the shortcomings of conventional optical fibers, including being difficult to repair and a tendency to be influenced by external forces. We manufactured three types of sensors with different curvature radiuses. Specifically, sensors with three radiuses (1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, and 3.0 mm) were used to measure common water and glucose solutions with concentrations of between 6% and 30% (the interval between concentrations was 4%). The results show that the maximal sensitivity was 0.85 dB/% and that the linearly-dependent coefficient was 0.925. The results further show that not only can the small U-shaped bending-induced interference optical fiber sensor achieve high sensitivity in the measurement of glucose solutions, but that it can also achieve great stability and repeatability.

From hemodynamic towards cardiomechanic sensors in implantable devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferek-Petric, Bozidar

2013-06-01

Sensor could significantly improve the cardiac electrotherapy. It has to provide long-term stabile signal not impeding the device longevity and lead reliability. It may not introduce special implantation and adjustment procedures. Hemodynamic sensors based on the blood flow velocity and cardiomechanic sensors based on the lead bending measurement are disclosed. These sensors have a broad clinical utility. Triboelectric and high-frequency lead bending sensors yield accurate and stable signals whereby functioning with every cardiac lead. Moreover, high frequency measurement avoids use of any kind of special hardware mounted on the cardiac lead.

Highly strain-sensitive magnetostrictive tunnel magnetoresistance junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tavassolizadeh, Ali; Hayes, Patrick; Rott, Karsten; Reiss, Günter; Quandt, Eckhard; Meyners, Dirk

2015-06-01

Tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) junctions with CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB layers are promising for strain sensing applications due to their high TMR effect and magnetostrictive sense layer (CoFeB). TMR junctions available even in submicron dimensions can serve as strain sensors for microelectromechanical systems devices. Upon stress application, the magnetization configuration of such junctions changes due to the inverse magnetostriction effect resulting in strain-sensitive tunnel resistance. Here, strain sensitivity of round-shaped junctions with diameters of 11.3 μm, 19.2 μm, 30.5 μm, and 41.8 μm were investigated on macroscopic cantilevers using a four-point bending apparatus. This investigation mainly focuses on changes in hard-axis TMR loops caused by the stress-induced anisotropy. A macrospin model is proposed, supported by micromagnetic simulations, which describes the complete rotation of the sense layer magnetization within TMR loops of junctions, exposed to high stress. Below 0.2‰ tensile strain, a representative junction with 30.5 μm diameter exhibits a very large gauge factor of 2150. For such high gauge factor a bias field H = - 3.2 kA / m is applied in an angle equal to 3 π / 2 toward the pinned magnetization of the reference layer. The strain sensitivity strongly depends on the bias field. Applying stress along π / 4 against the induced magnetocrystalline anisotropy, both compressive and tensile strain can be identified by a unique sensor. More importantly, a configuration with a gauge factor of 400 at zero bias field is developed which results in a straightforward and compact measuring setup.

Energy harvesting from coupled bending-twisting oscillations in carbon-fibre reinforced polymer laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Mengying; Zhang, Yan; Kraśny, Marcin J.; Rhead, Andrew; Bowen, Chris; Arafa, Mustafa

2018-07-01

The energy harvesting capability of resonant harvesting structures, such as piezoelectric cantilever beams, can be improved by utilizing coupled oscillations that generate favourable strain mode distributions. In this work, we present the first demonstration of the use of a laminated carbon fibre reinforced polymer to create cantilever beams that undergo coupled bending-twisting oscillations for energy harvesting applications. Piezoelectric layers that operate in bending and shear mode are attached to the bend-twist coupled beam surface at locations of maximum bending and torsional strains in the first mode of vibration to fully exploit the strain distribution along the beam. Modelling of this new bend-twist harvesting system is presented, which compares favourably with experimental results. It is demonstrated that the variety of bend and torsional modes of the harvesters can be utilized to create a harvester that operates over a wider range of frequencies and such multi-modal device architectures provides a unique approach to tune the frequency response of resonant harvesting systems.

Copper Nanowires as Conductive Ink for Low-Cost Draw-On Electronics.

PubMed

Jason, Naveen Noah; Shen, Wei; Cheng, Wenlong

2015-08-05

This work tackles the complicated problem of clump formation and entanglement of high aspect ratio copper nanowires, due to which a well dispersed solution for use as a true ink for drawable electronics has not been made until now. Through rheology studies even a hard to use material like copper nanowires was tailored to be made into a highly efficient conductive ink with only 2 vol % or 18.28 wt % loading which is far lower than existing nanoparticle based inks. This versatile ink can be applied onto various substrates such as paper, PET, PDMS and latex. By using the ink in a roller ball pen, a bending sensor device was simply drawn on paper, which demonstrated detection of various degrees of convex bending and was highly durable as shown in the 10,000 bending cycling test. A highly sensitive strain sensor which has a maximum gauge factor of 54.38 was also fabricated by simply painting the ink onto latex rubber strip using a paintbrush. Finally a complex conductive pattern depicting the Sydney Opera House was painted on paper to demonstrate the versatility and robustness of the ink. The use of Cu NWs is highly economical in terms of the conductive filler loading in the ink and the cost of copper itself as compared to other metal NPs, CNT, and graphene-based inks. The demonstrated e-ink, devices, and facile device fabrication methods push the field one step closer to truly creating cheap and highly reliable skin like devices "on the fly".

An Investigation of a Vertical Test Method for Large Deformation Bending of High Strain Composite Laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrmann, Kelsey M.

Research to date indicates that traditional composite material failure analysis methods are not appropriate for thin laminates in flexure. Thin composite structures subjected to large bending deformations often attain significantly higher strain-to-failure than previously anticipated tensile and compression coupon test data and linear material model assumption predict. At NASA Langley Research Center, a new bend test method is being developed for High Strain Composite (HSC) structures. This method provides an adequate approximation of a pure moment, large deformation bend test for thin-ply, high strain composites to analyze the large strain flexure response of the laminates. The objective of this research was to further develop this new test method to measure the true bending stiffness and strain-to-failure of high strain composite materials. Of primary importance is the ability to characterize composite laminates that are of interest for current NASA deployable structures in both materials and layups. Two separate testing campaigns were performed for the development of the testing procedure. Initially six laminates were bend tested in three different fiber orientations. These laminates were some combination of unidirectional intermediate modulus (IM) carbon, high tenacity (HT) carbon plain weave, and astroquartz plain weave composite materials. The second test campaign was performed as a more detailed look into the simplest composite laminates at thicknesses that better represented deployable boom structures. The second campaign tested three basic, thinner laminates, again in three different fiber orientations. All testing was monotonic loading to failure. The thickness of the laminates tested ranged from 0.166mm (campaign 2) to 0.45mm (campaign 1). The measured strains at failure for the unidirectional material were approximately 2.1% and 1.4% at the compression and tension sides, respectively, failing as fiber tensile fracture. Both of these values differ from what would be expected from considering much thicker coupons tested under pure compression and tension, that show a strain-to-failure of 1.0-1.1% and 1.6-1.7%, respectively. The significant differences in strain values obtained at the outer surfaces of the coupon is thought to be related to the shift in neutral axis that the specimen experiences during the large deformation bending test as a result of fiber material nonlinearities at higher strains. The vertical test nature of the CBT when compared to other test methods proves to be helpful for visually capturing with Digital Image Correlation the distinct behavior of the flexure on both the compressive and tensile sides. It was found that the thinner the laminate tested, the more confirmation of a nonlinear response of this classification of composites. The moment versus curvature curves were predominantly nonlinear resulting in a near linear bending stiffness versus curvature response. At these large strains, carbon fibers are highly nonlinear resulting in the laminate flexure modulus increasing by up to 5x. The theoretical bending stiffness values calculated using Classical Lamination Theory analysis are within small differences with respect to the experimentally measured values: errors of approximately 5-10% for both D11 and D22. The error between the finite element model computed strain response and the experimental values was on average around 22%, with 35% of the laminates and orientation having errors less than 7%. Comparison between CLT, FEA, and experimentation show that the Column Bend Test appears to be a promising candidate for characterization of large deformation bending behavior of thin-ply high strain composite laminates.

Hollow-Structured Graphene-Silicone-Composite-Based Piezoresistive Sensors: Decoupled Property Tuning and Bending Reliability.

PubMed

Luo, Ningqi; Huang, Yan; Liu, Jing; Chen, Shih-Chi; Wong, Ching Ping; Zhao, Ni

2017-10-01

A versatile flexible piezoresistive sensor should maintain high sensitivity in a wide linear range, and provide a stable and repeatable pressure reading under bending. These properties are often difficult to achieve simultaneously with conventional filler-matrix composite active materials, as tuning of one material component often results in change of multiple sensor properties. Here, a material strategy is developed to realize a 3D graphene-poly(dimethylsiloxane) hollow structure, where the electrical conductivity and mechanical elasticity of the composite can be tuned separately by varying the graphene layer number and the poly(dimethylsiloxane) composition ratio, respectively. As a result, the sensor sensitivity and linear range can be easily improved through a decoupled tuning process, reaching a sensitivity of 15.9 kPa -1 in a 60 kPa linear region, and the sensor also exhibits fast response (1.2 ms rising time) and high stability. Furthermore, by optimizing the density of the graphene percolation network and thickness of the composite, the stability and repeatability of the sensor output under bending are improved, achieving a measurement error below 6% under bending radius variations from -25 to +25 mm. Finally, the potential applications of these sensors in wearable medical devices and robotic vision are explored. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Performance Evaluation of Strain Gauge Printed Using Automatic Fluid Dispensing System on Conformal Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khairilhijra Khirotdin, Rd.; Faridzuan Ngadiron, Mohamad; Adzeem Mahadzir, Muhammad; Hassan, Nurhafizzah

2017-08-01

Smart textiles require flexible electronics that can withstand daily stresses like bends and stretches. Printing using conductive inks provides the flexibility required but the current printing techniques suffered from ink incompatibility, limited of substrates to be printed with and incompatible with conformal substrates due to its rigidity and low flexibility. An alternate printing technique via automatic fluid dispensing system is proposed and its performances on printing strain gauge on conformal substrates were evaluated to determine its feasibility. Process parameters studied including printing speed, deposition height, curing time and curing temperature. It was found that the strain gauge is proven functional as expected since different strains were induced when bent on variation of bending angles and curvature radiuses from designated bending fixtures. The average change of resistances were doubled before the strain gauge starts to break. Printed strain gauges also exhibited some excellence elasticity as they were able to resist bending up to 70° angle and 3 mm of curvature radius.

Surface-agnostic highly stretchable and bendable conductive MXene multilayers

PubMed Central

An, Hyosung; Habib, Touseef; Shah, Smit; Gao, Huili; Radovic, Miladin; Green, Micah J.; Lutkenhaus, Jodie L.

2018-01-01

Stretchable, bendable, and foldable conductive coatings are crucial for wearable electronics and biometric sensors. These coatings should maintain functionality while simultaneously interfacing with different types of surfaces undergoing mechanical deformation. MXene sheets as conductive two-dimensional nanomaterials are promising for this purpose, but it is still extremely difficult to form surface-agnostic MXene coatings that can withstand extreme mechanical deformation. We report on conductive and conformal MXene multilayer coatings that can undergo large-scale mechanical deformation while maintaining a conductivity as high as 2000 S/m. MXene multilayers are successfully deposited onto flexible polymer sheets, stretchable poly(dimethylsiloxane), nylon fiber, glass, and silicon. The coating shows a recoverable resistance response to bending (up to 2.5-mm bending radius) and stretching (up to 40% tensile strain), which was leveraged for detecting human motion and topographical scanning. We anticipate that this discovery will allow for the implementation of MXene-based coatings onto mechanically deformable objects. PMID:29536044

Bending strain engineering in quantum spin hall system for controlling spin currents

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

Huang, Bing; Jin, Kyung-Hwan; Cui, Bin

Quantum spin Hall system can exhibit exotic spin transport phenomena, mediated by its topological edge states. The concept of bending strain engineering to tune the spin transport properties of a quantum spin Hall system is demonstrated. Here, we show that bending strain can be used to control the spin orientation of counter-propagating edge states of a quantum spin system to generate a non-zero spin current. This physics mechanism can be applied to effectively tune the spin current and pure spin current decoupled from charge current in a quantum spin Hall system by control of its bending curvature. Moreover, the curvedmore » quantum spin Hall system can be achieved by the concept of topological nanomechanical architecture in a controllable way, as demonstrated by the material example of Bi/Cl/Si(111) nanofilm. This concept of bending strain engineering of spins via topological nanomechanical architecture affords a promising route towards the realization of topological nano-mechanospintronics.« less

Bending strain engineering in quantum spin hall system for controlling spin currents

DOE PAGES

Huang, Bing; Jin, Kyung-Hwan; Cui, Bin; ...

2017-06-16

Quantum spin Hall system can exhibit exotic spin transport phenomena, mediated by its topological edge states. The concept of bending strain engineering to tune the spin transport properties of a quantum spin Hall system is demonstrated. Here, we show that bending strain can be used to control the spin orientation of counter-propagating edge states of a quantum spin system to generate a non-zero spin current. This physics mechanism can be applied to effectively tune the spin current and pure spin current decoupled from charge current in a quantum spin Hall system by control of its bending curvature. Moreover, the curvedmore » quantum spin Hall system can be achieved by the concept of topological nanomechanical architecture in a controllable way, as demonstrated by the material example of Bi/Cl/Si(111) nanofilm. This concept of bending strain engineering of spins via topological nanomechanical architecture affords a promising route towards the realization of topological nano-mechanospintronics.« less

Damage detection methodology under variable load conditions based on strain field pattern recognition using FBGs, nonlinear principal component analysis, and clustering techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sierra-Pérez, Julián; Torres-Arredondo, M.-A.; Alvarez-Montoya, Joham

2018-01-01

Structural health monitoring consists of using sensors integrated within structures together with algorithms to perform load monitoring, damage detection, damage location, damage size and severity, and prognosis. One possibility is to use strain sensors to infer structural integrity by comparing patterns in the strain field between the pristine and damaged conditions. In previous works, the authors have demonstrated that it is possible to detect small defects based on strain field pattern recognition by using robust machine learning techniques. They have focused on methodologies based on principal component analysis (PCA) and on the development of several unfolding and standardization techniques, which allow dealing with multiple load conditions. However, before a real implementation of this approach in engineering structures, changes in the strain field due to conditions different from damage occurrence need to be isolated. Since load conditions may vary in most engineering structures and promote significant changes in the strain field, it is necessary to implement novel techniques for uncoupling such changes from those produced by damage occurrence. A damage detection methodology based on optimal baseline selection (OBS) by means of clustering techniques is presented. The methodology includes the use of hierarchical nonlinear PCA as a nonlinear modeling technique in conjunction with Q and nonlinear-T 2 damage indices. The methodology is experimentally validated using strain measurements obtained by 32 fiber Bragg grating sensors bonded to an aluminum beam under dynamic bending loads and simultaneously submitted to variations in its pitch angle. The results demonstrated the capability of the methodology for clustering data according to 13 different load conditions (pitch angles), performing the OBS and detecting six different damages induced in a cumulative way. The proposed methodology showed a true positive rate of 100% and a false positive rate of 1.28% for a 99% of confidence.

Experimental investigation on mass flow rate measurements using fibre Bragg grating sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thekkethil, S. R.; Thomas, R. J.; Neumann, H.; Ramalingam, R.

2017-02-01

Flow measurement and control of cryogens is one of the major requirements of systems such as superconductor magnets for fusion reactors, MRI magnets etc. They can act as an early diagnostic tool for detection of any faults and ensure correct distribution of cooling load while also accessing thermal performance of the devices. Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors provide compact and accurate measurement systems which have added advantages such as immunity towards electrical and magnetic interference, low attenuation losses and remote sensing. This paper summarizes the initial experimental investigations and calibration of a novel FBG based mass flow meter. This design utilizes the viscous drag due to the flow to induce a bending strain on the fibre. The strain experienced by the fibre will be proportional to the flowrate and can be measured in terms of Bragg wavelength shift. The flowmeter is initially tested at atmospheric conditions using helium. The results are summarized and the performance parameters of the sensor are estimated. The results were also compared to a numerical model and further results for liquid helium is also reported. An overall sensitivity of 29 pm.(g.s-1)-1 was obtained for a helium flow, with a resolution of 0.2 g.s-1. A hysteresis error of 8 pm was also observed during load-unload cycles. The sensor is suitable for further tests using cryogens.

Strain Characterization and Microstructure Evolution Under Deformation in 2060 Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, X.; Zhang, G. D.; Zhao, Y. F.; Xue, F.

2018-05-01

A new method of DIC combined with EBSD is developed for the characterization of strain and microstructure evolution during bending. The traditional microhardness point and DIC methods are used to study the microstructure evolution in 2060 alloy during bending; the interested area suffers under tensile stress, the microstructure evolution is collected by SEM, EBSD, digital image correlation (DIC) method during bending. The results shows that the DIC method can both realize the strain tensor characterization of the interested area, and can also express the local strain tensor in the micro-area even more. The degree of grain division in the process of deformation is related to the strain in this region; the grains have larger strain of small angle grain boundary (SLGBs), which results in a new micro-organizational structure. The misorientation is smaller with larger strain degree while the misorientation is larger with smaller strain.

Integrated optical refractometer based on bend waveguide with air trench structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryu, Jin Hwa; Park, Jaehoon; Kang, Chan-mo; Son, Youngdal; Do, Lee-Mi; Baek, Kyu-Ha

2015-07-01

This study proposed a novel optical sensor based on a refractometer integrating a bend waveguide and a trench structure. The optical sensor is a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) device involving a bend waveguide with maximum optical loss. A trench structure was aligned with the partially exposed core layer's sidewall of the bend waveguide, providing a quantitative measurement condition. The insertion losses of the proposed 1 x 2 single-mode optical splitter-type sensor were 4.38 dB and 8.67 dB for the reference waveguide and sensing waveguide, respectively, at a wavelength of 1,550 nm. The optical loss of the sensing waveguide depends on the change in the refractive index of the material in contact with the trench, but the reference waveguide had stable optical propagating characteristic regardless of the variations of the refractive index.

Springback Mechanism Analysis and Experiments on Robotic Bending of Rectangular Orthodontic Archwire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Jin-Gang; Han, Ying-Shuai; Zhang, Yong-De; Liu, Yan-Jv; Wang, Zhao; Liu, Yi

2017-11-01

Fixed-appliance technology is the most common and effective malocclusion orthodontic treatment method, and its key step is the bending of orthodontic archwire. The springback of archwire did not consider the movement of the stress-strain-neutral layer. To solve this problem, a springback calculation model for rectangular orthodontic archwire is proposed. A bending springback experiment is conducted using an orthodontic archwire bending springback measurement device. The springback experimental results show that the theoretical calculation results using the proposed model coincide better with the experimental testing results than when movement of the stress-strain-neutral layer was not considered. A bending experiment with rectangular orthodontic archwire is conducted using a robotic orthodontic archwire bending system. The patient expriment result show that the maximum and minimum error ratios of formed orthodontic archwire parameters are 22.46% and 10.23% without considering springback and are decreased to 11.35% and 6.13% using the proposed model. The proposed springback calculation model, which considers the movement of the stress-strain-neutral layer, greatly improves the orthodontic archwire bending precision.

Characterization of plastic deformation in a disk bend test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byun, T. S.; Lee, E. H.; Hunn, J. D.; Farrell, K.; Mansur, L. K.

2001-04-01

A disk bend test technique has been developed to study deformation mechanisms as well as mechanical properties. In the disk bend test, a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) disk size specimen of 3 mm diameter ×0.25 mm thick is clamped around its rim in a circular holder and indented with a tungsten carbide ball of 1 mm diameter on its back face. AISI 316LN austenitic stainless steel and 9Cr-2WVTa ferritic/martensitic steel were selected as test materials. A model was developed to determine the average plastic strain and surface plastic strain in the disk bend test. The deformation regimes of the plastic strain versus deflection curves corresponded to those of the load versus deflection curves. The stress state of the disk bend deformation was analyzed for the two test materials and compared with those of other mechanical tests such as uniaxial tensile, compact tension, and ball indentation tests. Slip line features at the deformed surface and the corresponding TEM microstructures were examined for both tensile and disk bend specimens. Differences and similarities in deformation between the disk bend and the tensile tests are described.

A plant-inspired robot with soft differential bending capabilities.

PubMed

Sadeghi, A; Mondini, A; Del Dottore, E; Mattoli, V; Beccai, L; Taccola, S; Lucarotti, C; Totaro, M; Mazzolai, B

2016-12-20

We present the design and development of a plant-inspired robot, named Plantoid, with sensorized robotic roots. Natural roots have a multi-sensing capability and show a soft bending behaviour to follow or escape from various environmental parameters (i.e., tropisms). Analogously, we implement soft bending capabilities in our robotic roots by designing and integrating soft spring-based actuation (SSBA) systems using helical springs to transmit the motor power in a compliant manner. Each robotic tip integrates four different sensors, including customised flexible touch and innovative humidity sensors together with commercial gravity and temperature sensors. We show how the embedded sensing capabilities together with a root-inspired control algorithm lead to the implementation of tropic behaviours. Future applications for such plant-inspired technologies include soil monitoring and exploration, useful for agriculture and environmental fields.

Curvature reduces bending strains in the quokka femur

PubMed Central

McCabe, Kyle; Henderson, Keith; Pantinople, Jess; Milne, Nick

2017-01-01

This study explores how curvature in the quokka femur may help to reduce bending strain during locomotion. The quokka is a small wallaby, but the curvature of the femur and the muscles active during stance phase are similar to most quadrupedal mammals. Our hypothesis is that the action of hip extensor and ankle plantarflexor muscles during stance phase place cranial bending strains that act to reduce the caudal curvature of the femur. Knee extensors and biarticular muscles that span the femur longitudinally create caudal bending strains in the caudally curved (concave caudal side) bone. These opposing strains can balance each other and result in less strain on the bone. We test this idea by comparing the performance of a normally curved finite element model of the quokka femur to a digitally straightened version of the same bone. The normally curved model is indeed less strained than the straightened version. To further examine the relationship between curvature and the strains in the femoral models, we also tested an extra-curved and a reverse-curved version with the same loads. There appears to be a linear relationship between the curvature and the strains experienced by the models. These results demonstrate that longitudinal curvature in bones may be a manipulable mechanism whereby bone can induce a strain gradient to oppose strains induced by habitual loading. PMID:28348929

Strain-effect transistors: Theoretical study on the effects of external strain on III-nitride high-electron-mobility transistors on flexible substrates

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

Shervin, Shahab; Asadirad, Mojtaba; Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204

This paper presents strain-effect transistors (SETs) based on flexible III-nitride high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) through theoretical calculations. We show that the electronic band structures of InAlGaN/GaN thin-film heterostructures on flexible substrates can be modified by external bending with a high degree of freedom using polarization properties of the polar semiconductor materials. Transfer characteristics of the HEMT devices, including threshold voltage and transconductance, are controlled by varied external strain. Equilibrium 2-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) is enhanced with applied tensile strain by bending the flexible structure with the concave-side down (bend-down condition). 2DEG density is reduced and eventually depleted with increasing compressive strainmore » in bend-up conditions. The operation mode of different HEMT structures changes from depletion- to enchantment-mode or vice versa depending on the type and magnitude of external strain. The results suggest that the operation modes and transfer characteristics of HEMTs can be engineered with an optimum external bending strain applied in the device structure, which is expected to be beneficial for both radio frequency and switching applications. In addition, we show that drain currents of transistors based on flexible InAlGaN/GaN can be modulated only by external strain without applying electric field in the gate. The channel conductivity modulation that is obtained by only external strain proposes an extended functional device, gate-free SETs, which can be used in electro-mechanical applications.« less

Design of process parameters for the incremental tube forming (ITF) by FEM to control product properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nazari, Esmaeil; Löbbe, Christian; Gallus, Stefan; Izadyar, S. Ahmad; Tekkaya, A. Erman

2018-05-01

The incremental tube forming (ITF) is a process combination of the kinematic tube bending and spinning to shape high strength and tailored tubes with variable diameters and thicknesses. In contrast to conventional bending methods, the compressive stress superposition by the spinning process facilitates low bending stresses, so that geometrical errors are avoided and the shape accuracy is improved. The study reveals the interaction of plastic strains of the rolling and bending process through an explicit FEM investigation. For this purpose, the three-dimensional machine set-up is discretized and modeled in terms of the fully disclosed spinning process during the gradual deflection of the tube end for bending. The analysis shows that, depending on the forming tool shape, the stress superposition is accompanied by high plastic strains. Furthermore, this phenomenon is explained by the three dimensional normal and shear strains during the incremental spinning. Analyzing the strains history also shows a nonlinearity between the strains by bending and spinning. It is also shown that process parameters like rotational velocity of the spinning rolls have a huge influence on the deformation pattern. Finally, the method is used for the manufacturing of an example product, which reveals the high process flexibility. In one clamp a component with a graded wall thickness and outside diameter along the longitudinal axis is produced.

Applications of Displacement Transfer Functions to Deformed Shape Predictions of the G-III Swept-Wing Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lung, Shun-Fat; Ko, William L.

2016-01-01

In support of the Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge [ACTE] project at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, displacement transfer functions were applied to the swept wing of a Gulfstream G-III airplane (Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Savannah, Georgia) to obtain deformed shape predictions. Four strainsensing lines (two on the lower surface, two on the upper surface) were used to calculate the deformed shape of the G III wing under bending and torsion. There being an insufficient number of surface strain sensors, the existing G III wing box finite element model was used to generate simulated surface strains for input to the displacement transfer functions. The resulting predicted deflections have good correlation with the finite-element generated deflections as well as the measured deflections from the ground load calibration test. The convergence study showed that the displacement prediction error at the G III wing tip can be reduced by increasing the number of strain stations (for each strain-sensing line) down to a minimum error of l.6 percent at 17 strain stations; using more than 17 strain stations yielded no benefit because the error slightly increased to 1.9% when 32 strain stations were used.

Miniature fiber optic loop subcomponent for compact sensors and dense routing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gillham, Frederick J.; Stowe, David W.; Ouellette, Thomas R.; Pryshlak, Adrian P.

1999-05-01

Fiber optic data links and embedded sensors, such as Fabry- Perot and Mach-Zehnders, are important elements in smart structure architectures. Unfortunately, one problem with optical fiber is the inherent limit through which fibers and cables can be looped. A revolutionary, patented technology has been developed which overcomes this problem. Based on processing the fiber into low loss miniature bends, it permits routing the fiber to difficult areas, and minimizing the size of sensors and components. The minimum bend diameter for singlemode fiber is typically over two inches in diameter, to avoid light attenuation and limit stresses which could prematurely break the fiber. With the new miniature bend technology, bend diameters as small as 1 mm are readily achieved. One embodiment is a sub-component with standard singlemode fiber formed into a 180 degree bend and packaged in a glass tube only 1.5 mm OD X 8 mm long, Figure 1. Measured insertion loss is less than 0.2 dB from 1260 nm to 1680 nm. A final processing step which anneals the fiber into the eventual curvature, reduces the internal stress, thereby resulting in long life expectancy with robust immunity to external loading. This paper addresses the optical and physical performance of the sub-component. Particular attention is paid to attenuation spectra, polarization dependent loss, reflectance, thermal cycle, damp heat, and shock tests. Applications are presented which employs the bend technology. Concatenating right angle bends into a 'wire harness' demonstrates the ability to route fiber through a smart engine or satellite structure. Miniature optical coils are proposed for sensors and expansion joints.

Polarity Control and Growth of Lateral Polarity Structures in AlN

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-10

domains. Transmission electron microscopy shows mixed edge-screw type dislocations with polarity-dependent dislocation bending. Raman 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM...polarity-dependent dislocation bending. Raman spectroscopy reveals compressively strained Al-polar and relaxed N-polar domains. The near band edge...dislocation bending. Raman spectroscopy reveals compressively strained Al-polar and relaxed N-polar domains. The near band edge luminescence consists of

Numerical and analytical investigation of steel beam subjected to four-point bending

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farida, F. M.; Surahman, A.; Sofwan, A.

2018-03-01

A One type of bending tests is four-point bending test. The aim of this test is to investigate the properties and behavior of materials with structural applications. This study uses numerical and analytical studies. Results from both of these studies help to improve in experimental works. The purpose of this study is to predict steel beam behavior subjected to four-point bending test. This study intension is to analyze flexural beam subjected to four-point bending prior to experimental work. Main results of this research are location of strain gauge and LVDT on steel beam based on numerical study, manual calculation, and analytical study. Analytical study uses linear elasticity theory of solid objects. This study results is position of strain gauge and LVDT. Strain gauge is located between two concentrated loads at the top beam and bottom beam. LVDT is located between two concentrated loads.

Explicit formulation of an anisotropic Allman/DKT 3-node thin triangular flat shell elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ertas, A.; Krafcik, J. T.; Ekwaro-Osire, S.

A simple, explicit formulation of the stiffness matrix for an anisotropic, 3-node, thin triangular, flat shell element in global coordinates is presented. An Allman triangle is used for membrane stiffness. The membrane stiffness matrix is explicitly derived by applying an Allman transformation to a Felippa 6-node linear strain triangle (LST). Bending stiffness is incorporated by the use of a discrete Kirchhoff triangle (DKT) bending triangle. Stiffness terms resulting from anisotropic membrane-bending coupling are included by integrating, in area coordinates, membrane and bending strain-displacement matrices.

Highly Flexible and Sensitive Wearable E-Skin Based on Graphite Nanoplatelet and Polyurethane Nanocomposite Films in Mass Industry Production Available.

PubMed

Wu, Jianfeng; Wang, Huatao; Su, Zhiwei; Zhang, Minghao; Hu, Xiaodong; Wang, Yijie; Wang, Ziao; Zhong, Bo; Zhou, Weiwei; Liu, Junpeng; Xing, Scott Guozhong

2017-11-08

Graphene and nanomaterials based flexible pressure sensors R&D activities are becoming hot topics due to the huge marketing demand on wearable devices and electronic skin (E-Skin) to monitor the human body's actions for dedicated healthcare. Herein, we report a facile and efficient fabrication strategy to construct a new type of highly flexible and sensitive wearable E-Skin based on graphite nanoplates (GNP) and polyurethane (PU) nanocomposite films. The developed GNP/PU E-Skin sensors are highly flexible with good electrical conductivity due to their unique binary microstructures with synergistic interfacial characteristics, which are sensitive to both static and dynamic pressure variation, and can even accurately and quickly detect the pressure as low as 0.005 N/50 Pa and momentum as low as 1.9 mN·s with a gauge factor of 0.9 at the strain variation of up to 30%. Importantly, our GNP/PU E-Skin is also highly sensitive to finger bending and stretching with a linear correlation between the relative resistance change and the corresponding bending angles or elongation percentage. In addition, our E-Skin shows excellent sensitivity to voice vibration when exposed to a volunteer's voice vibration testing. Notably, the entire E-Skin fabrication process is scalable, low cost, and industrially available. Our complementary experiments with comprehensive results demonstrate that the developed GNP/PU E-Skin is impressively promising for practical healthcare applications in wearable devices, and enables us to monitor the real-world force signals in real-time and in-situ mode from pressing, hitting, bending, stretching, and voice vibration.

Stress and plasticity in Cu thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weihnacht, Volker; Brückner, Winfried

1999-11-01

Aim of the work was to get more detailed knowledge about the processes of plasticity in thin Cu films. For this purpose, stress measurements and microstructural investigations have been done on 535nm thick Cu films on oxidized Si substrates. The film stress was measured by wafer-curvature technique using a home-made laser-optical apparatus. This apparatus allowed four-point bending experiments additionally to thermal cycling. It turned out that applied bending strains even higher than 0.5% did not leave significant plastic strains after relief of bending stress. It is concluded, that the elastic interaction of parallel dislocations at the film-substrate interface may play an important role in strain hardening even after small plastic strains.

Synthesis and Development of Gold Polypyrrole Actuator for Underwater Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panda, S. K.; Bandopadhya, D.

2018-02-01

Electro-active polymer (EAP) such as Polypyrrole has gained much attention in the category of functional materials for fabrication of both active actuator and sensor. Particularly, PPy actuator has shown potential in fluid medium application because of high strain, large bending displacement and work density. This paper focuses on developing a low cost active actuator promising in delivering high performance in underwater environment. The proposed Au-pyrrole actuator is synthesized by adopting the layer-by-layer electrochemical polymerization technique and is fabricated as strip actuator from aqueous solution of Pyrrole and NaDBS in room temperature. In the follow-up, topographical analysis has been carried out using SEM and FESEM instruments showing surface morphology and surface integrity of chemical components of the structure. Several experiments have been conducted under DC input voltage evaluating performance effectiveness such as underwater bending displacement and tip force etc. This is observed that the actuator exhibits quite similar stress profile as of natural muscle, endowed with high modulus makes them effective in working nearly 10,000 cycles underwater environment. In addition, the bending displacement up to 5.4 mm with a low input voltage 1.3 V makes the actuator suitable for underwater micro-robotics applications.

Ultrathin flexible piezoelectric sensors for monitoring eye fatigue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lü, Chaofeng; Wu, Shuang; Lu, Bingwei; Zhang, Yangyang; Du, Yangkun; Feng, Xue

2018-02-01

Eye fatigue is a symptom induced by long-term work of both eyes and brains. Without proper treatment, eye fatigue may incur serious problems. Current studies on detecting eye fatigue mainly focus on computer vision detect technology which can be very unreliable due to occasional bad visual conditions. As a solution, we proposed a wearable conformal in vivo eye fatigue monitoring sensor that contains an array of piezoelectric nanoribbons integrated on an ultrathin flexible substrate. By detecting strains on the skin of eyelid, the sensors may collect information about eye blinking, and, therefore, reveal human’s fatigue state. We first report the design and fabrication of the piezoelectric sensor and experimental characterization of voltage responses of the piezoelectric sensors. Under bending stress, the output voltage curves yield key information about the motion of human eyelid. We also develop a theoretical model to reveal the underlying mechanism of detecting eyelid motion. Both mechanical load test and in vivo test are conducted to convince the working performance of the sensors. With satisfied durability and high sensitivity, this sensor may efficiently detect abnormal eyelid motions, such as overlong closure, high blinking frequency, low closing speed and weak gazing strength, and may hopefully provide feedback for assessing eye fatigue in time so that unexpected situations can be prevented.

In situ strain profiling of elastoplastic bending in Ti-6Al-4V alloy by synchrotron energy dispersive x-ray diffraction

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

Croft, M.; National Synchrotron Light Source, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973; Shukla, V.

Elastic and plastic strain evolution under four-point bending has been studied by synchrotron energy dispersive x-ray diffraction. Measured strain profiles across the specimen thickness showed an increasing linear elastic strain gradient under increasing four-point bending load up to approx2 kN. The bulk elastic modulus of Ti-6Al-4V was determined as 118 GPa. The onset of plastic deformation was found to set in at a total in-plane strain of approx0.008, both under tension and compression. Plastic deformation under bending is initiated in the vicinity of the surface and at a stress of 1100 MPa, and propagates inward, while a finite core regionmore » remains elastically deformed up to 3.67 kN loading. The onset of the plastic regime and the plastic regime itself has been verified by monitoring the line broadening of the (100) peak of alpha-Ti. The effective compression/tension stress-strain curve has been obtained from the scaling collapse of strain profile data taken at seven external load levels. A similar multiple load scaling collapse of the plastic strain variation has also been obtained. The level of precision in strain measurement reported herein was evaluated and found to be 1.5x10{sup -5} or better.« less

Enhanced bending failure strain in biological glass fibers due to internal lamellar architecture.

PubMed

Monn, Michael A; Kesari, Haneesh

2017-12-01

The remarkable mechanical properties of biological structures, like tooth and bone, are often a consequence of their architecture. The tree ring-like layers that comprise the skeletal elements of the marine sponge Euplectella aspergillum are a quintessential example of the intricate architectures prevalent in biological structures. These skeletal elements, known as spicules, are hair-like fibers that consist of a concentric array of silica cylinders separated by thin, organic layers. Thousands of spicules act like roots to anchor the sponge to the sea floor. While spicules have been the subject of several structure-property investigations, those studies have mostly focused on the relationship between the spicule's layered architecture and toughness properties. In contrast, we hypothesize that the spicule's layered architecture enhances its bending failure strain, thereby allowing it to provide a better anchorage to the sea floor. We test our hypothesis by performing three-point bending tests on E. aspergillum spicules, measuring their bending failure strains, and comparing them to those of spicules from a related sponge, Tethya aurantia. The T. aurantia spicules have a similar chemical composition to E. aspergillum spicules but have no architecture. Thus, any difference between the bending failure strains of the two types of spicules can be attributed to the E. aspergillum spicules' layered architecture. We found that the bending failure strains of the E. aspergillum spicules were roughly 2.4 times larger than those of the T. aurantia spicules. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bend, stretch, and touch: Locating a finger on an actively deformed transparent sensor array

PubMed Central

Sarwar, Mirza Saquib; Dobashi, Yuta; Preston, Claire; Wyss, Justin K. M.; Mirabbasi, Shahriar; Madden, John David Wyndham

2017-01-01

The development of bendable, stretchable, and transparent touch sensors is an emerging technological goal in a variety of fields, including electronic skin, wearables, and flexible handheld devices. Although transparent tactile sensors based on metal mesh, carbon nanotubes, and silver nanowires demonstrate operation in bent configurations, we present a technology that extends the operation modes to the sensing of finger proximity including light touch during active bending and even stretching. This is accomplished using stretchable and ionically conductive hydrogel electrodes, which project electric field above the sensor to couple with and sense a finger. The polyacrylamide electrodes are embedded in silicone. These two widely available, low-cost, transparent materials are combined in a three-step manufacturing technique that is amenable to large-area fabrication. The approach is demonstrated using a proof-of-concept 4 × 4 cross-grid sensor array with a 5-mm pitch. The approach of a finger hovering a few centimeters above the array is readily detectable. Light touch produces a localized decrease in capacitance of 15%. The movement of a finger can be followed across the array, and the location of multiple fingers can be detected. Touch is detectable during bending and stretch, an important feature of any wearable device. The capacitive sensor design can be made more or less sensitive to bending by shifting it relative to the neutral axis. Ultimately, the approach is adaptable to the detection of proximity, touch, pressure, and even the conformation of the sensor surface. PMID:28345045

Bend, stretch, and touch: Locating a finger on an actively deformed transparent sensor array.

PubMed

Sarwar, Mirza Saquib; Dobashi, Yuta; Preston, Claire; Wyss, Justin K M; Mirabbasi, Shahriar; Madden, John David Wyndham

2017-03-01

The development of bendable, stretchable, and transparent touch sensors is an emerging technological goal in a variety of fields, including electronic skin, wearables, and flexible handheld devices. Although transparent tactile sensors based on metal mesh, carbon nanotubes, and silver nanowires demonstrate operation in bent configurations, we present a technology that extends the operation modes to the sensing of finger proximity including light touch during active bending and even stretching. This is accomplished using stretchable and ionically conductive hydrogel electrodes, which project electric field above the sensor to couple with and sense a finger. The polyacrylamide electrodes are embedded in silicone. These two widely available, low-cost, transparent materials are combined in a three-step manufacturing technique that is amenable to large-area fabrication. The approach is demonstrated using a proof-of-concept 4 × 4 cross-grid sensor array with a 5-mm pitch. The approach of a finger hovering a few centimeters above the array is readily detectable. Light touch produces a localized decrease in capacitance of 15%. The movement of a finger can be followed across the array, and the location of multiple fingers can be detected. Touch is detectable during bending and stretch, an important feature of any wearable device. The capacitive sensor design can be made more or less sensitive to bending by shifting it relative to the neutral axis. Ultimately, the approach is adaptable to the detection of proximity, touch, pressure, and even the conformation of the sensor surface.

Development and Testing of a Post-Installable Deepwater Monitoring System Using Fiber-Optic Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seaman, Calvin H.; Brower, David V.; Le, Suy Q.; Tang, Henry H.

2015-01-01

This paper addresses the design and development of a fiber-optic monitoring system that can be deployed on existing deepwater risers and flowlines; and provides a summary of test article fabrication and the subsequent laboratory testing performed at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Johnson Space Center (NASA-JSC). A major challenge of a post-installed instrumentation system is to ensure adequate coupling between the instruments and the riser or flowline of interest. This work investigates the sensor coupling for pipelines that are suspended in a water column (from topside platform to seabed) using a fiber-optic sensor clamp and subsea bonding adhesive. The study involved the design, fabrication, and test of several prototype clamps that contained fiber-optic sensors. A mold was produced by NASA using 3-D printing methods that allowed the casting of polyurethane clamp test articles to accommodate 4-inch and 8-inch diameter pipes. The prototype clamps were installed with a subsea adhesive in a "wet" environment and then tested in the NASA Structures Test Laboratory (STL). The tension, compression, and bending test data showed that the prototype sensor clamps achieved good structural coupling, and could provide high quality strain measurement for active monitoring.

Temperature insensitive bending sensor based on in-line Mach-Zehnder interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xue; Yu, Yongqin; Xu, Xiaomei; Huang, Quandong; Ou, Zhilong; Wang, Jishun; Yan, Peiguang; Du, Chenlin

2014-09-01

A simple and compact fiber bending sensor based on the Mach-Zehnder interferometer was proposed. A photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with a length of 10 mm was spliced by collapsing air holes with two conventional single mode fibers to consist of an all fiber bending sensor. The sensitivity of 0.53 nm/m-1 was obtained at 1586 nm for the curvature range from 0 to 8.514 m-1. The temperature sensitivity was very low. The measurement error due to the temperature effect was about 8.68×10-3 m-1/°c, and the temperature effect in the curvature measurement could be ignored. This device can avoid the cross sensitivity of the temperature in the curvature measurement.

Electromagnetic and nuclear radiation detector using micromechanical sensors

DOEpatents

Thundat, Thomas G.; Warmack, Robert J.; Wachter, Eric A.

2000-01-01

Electromagnetic and nuclear radiation is detected by micromechanical sensors that can be coated with various interactive materials. As the micromechanical sensors absorb radiation, the sensors bend and/or undergo a shift in resonance characteristics. The bending and resonance changes are detected with high sensitivity by any of several detection methods including optical, capacitive, and piezoresistive methods. Wide bands of the electromagnetic spectrum can be imaged with picoJoule sensitivity, and specific absorptive coatings can be used for selective sensitivity in specific wavelength bands. Microcantilevers coated with optical cross-linking polymers are useful as integrating optical radiation dosimeters. Nuclear radiation dosimetry is possible by fabricating cantilevers from materials that are sensitive to various nuclear particles or radiation. Upon exposure to radiation, the cantilever bends due to stress and its resonance frequency shifts due to changes in elastic properties, based on cantilever shape and properties of the coating.

Experimental Observations of a Stitched Composite with a Notch Subjected to Combined Bending and Tension Loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmer, Susan O.; Nettles, Alan T.; Poe, C. C.

1998-01-01

A series of tests was conducted to support development of an analytical model for predicting the failure strains of stitched warp-knit carbon/epoxy composite materials with through-thicknesss damage in the form of a crack-like notch. Measurements of strain near notch tips, crack opening displacement (COD), and applied load were monitored in all tests. The out-of-plane displacement at the center of the notch was also measured when the specimen was subjected to bending. Three types of loading were applied: pure bending, pure tension, and combined bending and tension.

The influence of temperature to a refractive index sensor based on a macro-bending tapered plastic optical fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teng, Chuan-xin; Yu, Fang-da; Jing, Ning; Zheng, Jie

2016-09-01

The temperature influence to a refractive index (RI) sensor based on a macro-bending tapered plastic optical fiber (POF) was investigated experimentally. The total temperature dependence loss (TDLtotal) and total temperature dependence RI deviation (TDRtotal) were measured at different temperature (10-60 °C) over an RI range of 1.33-1.41. The temperature dependence RI deviation of the sensor itself was obtained by subtracting the temperature dependence RI of measured liquid from TDRtotal. Therefore, the influence of temperature variation to the sensor was characterized and corrected.

Twofold origin of strain-induced bending in core-shell nanowires: the GaP/InGaP case.

PubMed

Gagliano, Luca; Albani, Marco; Verheijen, Marcel A; Bakkers, Erik P A M; Miglio, Leo

2018-08-03

Nanowires have emerged as a promising platform for the development of novel and high-quality heterostructures at large lattice misfit, inaccessible in a thin film configuration. However, despite core-shell nanowires allowing a very efficient elastic release of the misfit strain, the growth of highly uniform arrays of nanowire heterostructures still represents a challenge, for example due to a strain-induced bending morphology. Here we investigate the bending of wurtzite GaP/In x Ga 1-x P core-shell nanowires using transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, both in terms of geometric and compositional asymmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis. We compare the experimental data with finite element method simulations in three dimensions, showing that both asymmetries are responsible for the actual bending. Such findings are valid for all lattice-mismatched core-shell nanowire heterostructures based on ternary alloys. Our work provides a quantitative understanding of the bending effect in general while also suggesting a strategy to minimise it.

Effects of bending on the superconducting critical current density of monofilamentary Nb3Sn wires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaiho, K.; Luhman, T. S.; Suenaga, M.; Sampson, W. B.

1980-02-01

Variations in the superconducting current density Jc of the Nb3Sn wires upon bending were measured for a series of monofilamentary wires in which the ratio Rv of the matrix (Cu+Sn) to the core (Nb3Sn,Nb) was changed from 0 to 58. In most cases Jc was found to increase slightly until the bending strain exceeded a value of ɛirrB , beyond which it severely and irreversibly degraded. For wires with intermediate values of Rv (˜2 to 10), ɛirrB , calculated by geometrical considerations, was substantially lower than the measured value of the tensile strain ɛirrT which was required to irreversibly degrade the critical current. The influence of bending strains on Jc can qualitatively be described by considering residual prestrains in the matrix and the core.

Identification of minute damage in composite bridge structures equipped with fiber optic sensors using the location of neutral axis and finite element analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xi; Glisic, Branko

2016-04-01

By definition, the neutral axis of a loaded composite beam structure is the curve along which the section experiences zero bending strain. When no axial loading is present, the location of the neutral axis passes through the centroid of stiffness of the beam cross-section. In the presence of damage, the centroid of stiffness, as well as the neutral axis, shift from the healthy position. The concept of neutral axis can be widely applied to all beam-like structures. According to literature, a change in location of the neutral axis can be associated with damage in the corresponding cross-section. In this paper, the movement of neutral axis near locations of minute damage in a composite bridge structure was studied using finite element analysis and experimental results. The finite element model was developed based on a physical scale model of a composite simply-supported structure with controlled minute damage in the reinforced concrete deck. The structure was equipped with long-gauge fiber optic strain and temperature sensors at a healthy reference location as well as two locations of damage. A total of 12 strain sensors were installed during construction and used to monitor the structure during various loading events. This paper aims to explain previous experimental results which showed that the observed positions of neutral axis near damage locations were higher than the predicted healthy locations in some loading events. Analysis has shown that finite element analysis has potential to simulate and explain the physical behavior of the test structure.

Correlation between bending of the VM region and pathogenicity of different Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid strains.

PubMed Central

Schmitz, A; Riesner, D

1998-01-01

Only 40 of the 359 nucleotides of Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid (PSTVd) represent the virulence-modulating (VM) region. Minor sequence variations in this domain distinguish mild from severe and even necrotic strains. Our recent hypothesis (Owens RA et al., 1996, Virology 222:144-158) that these differences result in varying degrees of bending of this part of the molecule could be tested experimentally. By in vitro transcription and partial double-strand formation, three types of model RNAs were prepared and subjected to electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels: (1) Fragments representing the VM regions of six different PSTVd strains; (2) control fragments containing a bulge-loop as a rigid bend or an internal loop as a point of increased flexibility; and (3) dsRNAs of 36, 39, and 43 bp as length standards. Migration anomalies in gels of increasing percentage were evaluated and resulted in the following conclusions. In the absence of Mg2+, the VM regions differ only in terms of flexibility. Addition of Mg2+ induces conformational changes in these RNAs. All strains but Mild exhibit a rigid bend, and the angle of bending increases monotonically with the pathogenicity of the strain. The data are discussed in terms of a mechanism of pathogenicity, that protein-binding to the VM region is the primary pathogenic event. PMID:9769103

Development of Bend Sensor for Catheter Tip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagano, Yoshitaka; Sano, Akihito; Fujimoto, Hideo

Recently, a minimally invasive surgery which makes the best use of the catheter has been becoming more popular. In endovascular coil embolization for a cerebral aneurysm, the observation of the catheter's painting phenomenon is very important to execute the appropriate manipulation of the delivery wire and the catheter. In this study, the internal bend sensor which consists of at least two bending enhanced plastic optical fibers was developed in order to measure the curvature of the catheter tip. Consequently, the painting could be more sensitively detected in the neighborhood of the aneurysm. In this paper, the basic characteristics of the developed sensor system are described and its usefulness is confirmed from the comparison of the insertion force of delivery wire and the curvature of catheter tip in the experiment of coil embolization.

Imperceptible magnetoelectronics

PubMed Central

Melzer, Michael; Kaltenbrunner, Martin; Makarov, Denys; Karnaushenko, Dmitriy; Karnaushenko, Daniil; Sekitani, Tsuyoshi; Someya, Takao; Schmidt, Oliver G.

2015-01-01

Future electronic skin aims to mimic nature’s original both in functionality and appearance. Although some of the multifaceted properties of human skin may remain exclusive to the biological system, electronics opens a unique path that leads beyond imitation and could equip us with unfamiliar senses. Here we demonstrate giant magnetoresistive sensor foils with high sensitivity, unmatched flexibility and mechanical endurance. They are <2 μm thick, extremely flexible (bending radii <3 μm), lightweight (≈3 g m−2) and wearable as imperceptible magneto-sensitive skin that enables proximity detection, navigation and touchless control. On elastomeric supports, they can be stretched uniaxially or biaxially, reaching strains of >270% and endure over 1,000 cycles without fatigue. These ultrathin magnetic field sensors readily conform to ubiquitous objects including human skin and offer a new sense for soft robotics, safety and healthcare monitoring, consumer electronics and electronic skin devices. PMID:25607534

Imperceptible magnetoelectronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melzer, Michael; Kaltenbrunner, Martin; Makarov, Denys; Karnaushenko, Dmitriy; Karnaushenko, Daniil; Sekitani, Tsuyoshi; Someya, Takao; Schmidt, Oliver G.

2015-01-01

Future electronic skin aims to mimic nature’s original both in functionality and appearance. Although some of the multifaceted properties of human skin may remain exclusive to the biological system, electronics opens a unique path that leads beyond imitation and could equip us with unfamiliar senses. Here we demonstrate giant magnetoresistive sensor foils with high sensitivity, unmatched flexibility and mechanical endurance. They are <2 μm thick, extremely flexible (bending radii <3 μm), lightweight (≈3 g m-2) and wearable as imperceptible magneto-sensitive skin that enables proximity detection, navigation and touchless control. On elastomeric supports, they can be stretched uniaxially or biaxially, reaching strains of >270% and endure over 1,000 cycles without fatigue. These ultrathin magnetic field sensors readily conform to ubiquitous objects including human skin and offer a new sense for soft robotics, safety and healthcare monitoring, consumer electronics and electronic skin devices.

Bending energy of buckled edge dislocations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kupferman, Raz

2017-12-01

The study of elastic membranes carrying topological defects has a longstanding history, going back at least to the 1950s. When allowed to buckle in three-dimensional space, membranes with defects can totally relieve their in-plane strain, remaining with a bending energy, whose rigidity modulus is small compared to the stretching modulus. In this paper we study membranes with a single edge dislocation. We prove that the minimum bending energy associated with strain-free configurations diverges logarithmically with the size of the system.

Soft Smart Garments for Lower Limb Joint Position Analysis

PubMed Central

Totaro, Massimo; Poliero, Tommaso; Mondini, Alessio; Lucarotti, Chiara; Cairoli, Giovanni; Ortiz, Jesùs; Beccai, Lucia

2017-01-01

Revealing human movement requires lightweight, flexible systems capable of detecting mechanical parameters (like strain and pressure) while being worn comfortably by the user, and not interfering with his/her activity. In this work we address such multifaceted challenge with the development of smart garments for lower limb motion detection, like a textile kneepad and anklet in which soft sensors and readout electronics are embedded for retrieving movement of the specific joint. Stretchable capacitive sensors with a three-electrode configuration are built combining conductive textiles and elastomeric layers, and distributed around knee and ankle. Results show an excellent behavior in the ~30% strain range, hence the correlation between sensors’ responses and the optically tracked Euler angles is allowed for basic lower limb movements. Bending during knee flexion/extension is detected, and it is discriminated from any external contact by implementing in real time a low computational algorithm. The smart anklet is designed to address joint motion detection in and off the sagittal plane. Ankle dorsi/plantar flexion, adduction/abduction, and rotation are retrieved. Both knee and ankle smart garments show a high accuracy in movement detection, with a RMSE less than 4° in the worst case. PMID:29023365

Design of liquid temperature sensor based on bending loss phenomenon of plastic optic fiber and electro-optic effect of Mach-Zehnder interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Santosh; Swaminathan, S.

2016-04-01

The efficient application of electro-optic effect in lithium niobate based Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) to construct the temperature sensor is used. An experimental set up for liquid temperature sensor is proposed. Temperature dependence of the bending loss light energy in multimode micro-plastic optical fiber (m-POF) and electro-optic effect of MZI are used. The performance of sensor at different temperatures is measured. It is seen that the light output of MZI switches from one port to the other port as temperature of liquid changes from 0°C to 100°C.

Channel width dependence of electrical characteristics of a-Si:H TFTs under bending stresses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Hyungon; Cho, Kyoungah; Kim, Sangsig

2017-04-01

In this study, we investigate the electrical characteristics of bendable a-Si:H thin-film transistors (TFTs) with various channel widths as a function of bending stress. Compared with a narrower channel TFT, a wider channel TFT exhibits a stable performance even at a bending strain of 1.3%. Our stress and strain distribution analysis reveals an inverse relationship between the channel width and the channel stress. As the channel width widens from 8 to 50 μm, the stress experienced by the middle channel region decreases from 545 to 277 MPa. Moreover, a 50 μm-channel-width TFT operates stably even after a 15 000 bending cycle while the 8 μm-channel-width TFT fails to operate after a 2000 bending cycle.

A direction detective asymmetrical twin-core fiber curving sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Maowei; Geng, Tao; Yang, Wenlei; Zeng, Hongyi; Li, Jian

2015-10-01

Long period fiber gratings (LPFGs), which can couple the core mode to the forward propagating cladding modes of a fiber and have the advantage of small additional loss, no backward reflection, small size, which is widely used in optical fiber sensors and optical communication systems. LPFG has different fabricating methods, in order to write gratings on the twin-core at the same time effectively, we specially choose electric heating fused taper system to fabricate asymmetric dual-core long period fiber grating, because this kind of method can guarantee the similarity of gratings on the twin cores and obtain good geometric parameters of LPFG, such as cycle, cone waist. Then we use bending test platform to conduct bending test for each of the core of twin-core asymmetric long period fiber grating. Experiments show that: the sensitivity of asymmetrical twin-core long period fiber grating's central core under bending is -5.47nm·m, while the sensitivity of asymmetric twin-core long period fiber grating partial core changed with the relative position of screw micrometer. The sensitivity at 0°, 30°, 90° direction is -4.22nm·m, -9.84nm·m, -11.44nm·m respectively. The experiment results strongly demonstrate the properties of rim sensing of asymmetrical twin-core fiber gratings which provides the possibility of simultaneously measuring the bending magnitude and direction and solving the problem of cross sensing when multi-parameter measuring. In other words, we can detect temperature and bend at the same time by this sensor. As our knowledge, it is the first time simultaneously measuring bend and temperature using this structure of fiber sensors.

Can extra-articular strains be used to measure facet contact forces in the lumbar spine? An in-vitro biomechanical study.

PubMed

Zhu, Q A; Park, Y B; Sjovold, S G; Niosi, C A; Wilson, D C; Cripton, P A; Oxland, T R

2008-02-01

Experimental measurement of the load-bearing patterns of the facet joints in the lumbar spine remains a challenge, thereby limiting the assessment of facet joint function under various surgical conditions and the validation of computational models. The extra-articular strain (EAS) technique, a non-invasive measurement of the contact load, has been used for unilateral facet joints but does not incorporate strain coupling, i.e. ipsilateral EASs due to forces on the contralateral facet joint. The objectives of the present study were to establish a bilateral model for facet contact force measurement using the EAS technique and to determine its effectiveness in measuring these facet joint contact forces during three-dimensional flexibility tests in the lumbar spine. Specific goals were to assess the accuracy and repeatability of the technique and to assess the effect of soft-tissue artefacts. In the accuracy and repeatability tests, ten uniaxial strain gauges were bonded to the external surface of the inferior facets of L3 of ten fresh lumbar spine specimens. Two pressure-sensitive sensors (Tekscan) were inserted into the joints after the capsules were cut. Facet contact forces were measured with the EAS and Tekscan techniques for each specimen in flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending under a +/- 7.5 N m pure moment. Four of the ten specimens were tested five times in axial rotation and extension for repeatability. These same specimens were disarticulated and known forces were applied across the facet joint using a manual probe (direct accuracy) and a materials-testing system (disarticulated accuracy). In soft-tissue artefact tests, a separate set of six lumbar spine specimens was used to document the virtual facet joint contact forces during a flexibility test following removal of the superior facet processes. Linear strain coupling was observed in all specimens. The average peak facet joint contact forces during flexibility testing was greatest in axial rotation (71 +/- 25 N), followed by extension (27 +/- 35 N) and lateral bending (25 +/- 28 N), and they were most repeatable in axial rotation (coefficient of variation, 5 per cent). The EAS accuracy was about 20 per cent in the direct accuracy assessment and about 30 per cent in the disarticulated accuracy test. The latter was very similar to the Tekscan accuracy in the same test. Virtual facet loads (r.m.s.) were small in axial rotation (12 N) and lateral bending (20 N), but relatively large in flexion (34 N) and extension (35 N). The results suggested that the bilateral EAS model could be used to determine the facet joint contact forces in axial rotation but may result in considerable error in flexion, extension, and lateral bending.

A novel vibration measurement and active control method for a hinged flexible two-connected piezoelectric plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Zhi-cheng; Wang, Xian-feng; Zhang, Xian-Min; Liu, Jin-guo

2018-07-01

A novel non-contact vibration measurement method using binocular vision sensors is proposed for piezoelectric flexible hinged plate. Decoupling methods of the bending and torsional low frequency vibration on measurement and driving control are investigated, using binocular vision sensors and piezoelectric actuators. A radial basis function neural network controller (RBFNNC) is designed to suppress both the larger and the smaller amplitude vibrations. To verify the non-contact measurement method and the designed controller, an experimental setup of the flexible hinged plate with binocular vision is constructed. Experiments on vibration measurement and control are conducted by using binocular vision sensors and the designed RBFNNC controllers, compared with the classical proportional and derivative (PD) control algorithm. The experimental measurement results demonstrate that the binocular vision sensors can detect the low-frequency bending and torsional vibration effectively. Furthermore, the designed RBF can suppress the bending vibration more quickly than the designed PD controller owing to the adjustment of the RBF control, especially for the small amplitude residual vibrations.

Evaluation and optimization of footwear comfort parameters using finite element analysis and a discrete optimization algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papagiannis, P.; Azariadis, P.; Papanikos, P.

2017-10-01

Footwear is subject to bending and torsion deformations that affect comfort perception. Following review of Finite Element Analysis studies of sole rigidity and comfort, a three-dimensional, linear multi-material finite element sole model for quasi-static bending and torsion simulation, overcoming boundary and optimisation limitations, is described. Common footwear materials properties and boundary conditions from gait biomechanics are used. The use of normalised strain energy for product benchmarking is demonstrated along with comfort level determination through strain energy density stratification. Sensitivity of strain energy against material thickness is greater for bending than for torsion, with results of both deformations showing positive correlation. Optimization for a targeted performance level and given layer thickness is demonstrated with bending simulations sufficing for overall comfort assessment. An algorithm for comfort optimization w.r.t. bending is presented, based on a discrete approach with thickness values set in line with practical manufacturing accuracy. This work illustrates the potential of the developed finite element analysis applications to offer viable and proven aids to modern footwear sole design assessment and optimization.

Evaluation of a novel, ultrathin, tip-bending endoscope in a synthetic force-sensing pancreas with comparison to medical guide wires

PubMed Central

Chandler, John E; Lee, Cameron M; Babchanik, Alexander P; Melville, C David; Saunders, Michael D; Seibel, Eric J

2012-01-01

Purpose Direct visualization of pancreatic ductal tissue is critical for early diagnosis of pancreatic diseases and for guiding therapeutic interventions. A novel, ultrathin (5 Fr) scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) with tip-bending capability has been developed specifically to achieve high resolution imaging as a pancreatoscope during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This device has potential to dramatically improve both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities during ERCP by providing direct video feedback and tool guidance to clinicians. Methods Invasiveness of the new tip-bending SFE was evaluated by a performance comparison to ERCP guide wires, which are routinely inserted into the pancreatic duct during ERCP. An in vitro test model with four force sensors embedded in a synthetic pancreas was designed to detect and compare the insertion forces for 0.89 mm and 0.53 mm diameter guide wires as well as the 1.7 mm diameter SFE. Insertions were performed through the working channel of a therapeutic duodenoscope for the two types of guide wires and using a statistically similar direct insertion method for comparison to the SFE. Results Analysis of the forces detected by the sensors showed the smaller diameter 0.53 mm wire produced significantly less average and maximum forces during insertion than the larger diameter 0.89 mm wire. With the use of tip-bending and optical visualization, the 1.7 mm diameter SFE produced significantly less average force during insertion than the 0.89 mm wire at every sensor, despite its larger size. It was further shown that the use of tip-bending with the SFE significantly reduced the forces at all sensors, compared to insertions when tip-bending was not used. Conclusion Combining high quality video imaging with two-axis tip-bending allows a larger diameter guide wire-style device to be inserted into the pancreatic duct during ERCP with improved capacity to perform diagnostics and therapy. PMID:23166452

A Robust Distributed Multipoint Fiber Optic Gas Sensor System Based on AGC Amplifier Structure.

PubMed

Zhu, Cunguang; Wang, Rende; Tao, Xuechen; Wang, Guangwei; Wang, Pengpeng

2016-07-28

A harsh environment-oriented distributed multipoint fiber optic gas sensor system realized by automatic gain control (AGC) technology is proposed. To improve the photoelectric signal reliability, the electronic variable gain can be modified in real time by an AGC closed-loop feedback structure to compensate for optical transmission loss which is caused by the fiber bend loss or other reasons. The deviation of the system based on AGC structure is below 4.02% when photoelectric signal decays due to fiber bending loss for bending radius of 5 mm, which is 20 times lower than the ordinary differential system. In addition, the AGC circuit with the same electric parameters can keep the baseline intensity of signals in different channels of the distributed multipoint sensor system at the same level. This avoids repetitive calibrations and streamlines the installation process.

An Artificial Nose Based on Microcantilever Array Sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lang, H. P.; Ramseyer, J. P.; Grange, W.; Braun, T.; Schmid, D.; Hunziker, P.; Jung, C.; Hegner, M.; Gerber, C.

2007-03-01

We used microfabricated cantilever array sensors for an artificial nose setup. Each cantilever is coated on its top surface with a polymer layer. Volatile gaseous analytes are detected by tracking the diffusion process of the molecules into the polymer layers, resulting in swelling of the polymer layers and therewith bending of the cantilevers. From the bending pattern of all cantilevers in the array, a characteristic 'fingerprint' of the analyte is obtained, which is evaluated using principal component analysis. In a flow of dry nitrogen gas, the bending of the cantilevers is reverted to its initial state before exposure to the analyte, which allows reversible and reproducible operation of the sensor. We show examples of detection of solvents, perfume essences and beverage flavors. In a medical application, the setup provides indication of presence of diseases in patient's breath samples.

Strain Distribution in REBCO-Coated Conductors Bent With the Constant-Perimeter Geometry

DOE PAGES

Wang, Xiaorong; Arbelaez, Diego; Caspi, Shlomo; ...

2017-10-24

Here, cable and magnet applications require bending REBa 2Cu 3O 7-δ (REBCO, RE = rare earth) tapes around a former to carry high current or generate specific magnetic fields. With a high aspect ratio, REBCO tapes favor the bending along their broad surfaces (easy way) than their thin edges (hard way). The easy-way bending forms can be effectively determined by the constant-perimeter method that was developed in the 1970s to fabricate accelerator magnets with flat thin conductors. The method, however, does not consider the strain distribution in the REBCO layer that can result from bending. Therefore, the REBCO layer canmore » be overstrained and damaged even if it is bent in an easy way as determined by the constant-perimeter method. To address this issue, we developed a numerical approach to determine the strain in the REBCO layer using the local curvatures of the tape neutral plane. Two orthogonal strain components are determined: the axial component along the tape length and the transverse component along the tape width. These two components can be used to determine the conductor critical current after bending. The approach is demonstrated with four examples relevant for applications: a helical form for cables, forms for canted cos θ dipole and quadrupole magnets, and a form for the coil end design. The approach allows us to optimize the design of REBCO cables and magnets based on the constant-perimeter geometry and to reduce the strain-induced critical current degradation.« less

Strain Distribution in REBCO-Coated Conductors Bent With the Constant-Perimeter Geometry

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

Wang, Xiaorong; Arbelaez, Diego; Caspi, Shlomo

Here, cable and magnet applications require bending REBa 2Cu 3O 7-δ (REBCO, RE = rare earth) tapes around a former to carry high current or generate specific magnetic fields. With a high aspect ratio, REBCO tapes favor the bending along their broad surfaces (easy way) than their thin edges (hard way). The easy-way bending forms can be effectively determined by the constant-perimeter method that was developed in the 1970s to fabricate accelerator magnets with flat thin conductors. The method, however, does not consider the strain distribution in the REBCO layer that can result from bending. Therefore, the REBCO layer canmore » be overstrained and damaged even if it is bent in an easy way as determined by the constant-perimeter method. To address this issue, we developed a numerical approach to determine the strain in the REBCO layer using the local curvatures of the tape neutral plane. Two orthogonal strain components are determined: the axial component along the tape length and the transverse component along the tape width. These two components can be used to determine the conductor critical current after bending. The approach is demonstrated with four examples relevant for applications: a helical form for cables, forms for canted cos θ dipole and quadrupole magnets, and a form for the coil end design. The approach allows us to optimize the design of REBCO cables and magnets based on the constant-perimeter geometry and to reduce the strain-induced critical current degradation.« less

Theoretical and experimental study on fiber-optic displacement sensor with bowknot bending modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yong; Huang, Da; Zhu, Zheng-Wei

2018-03-01

A novel and simple fiber-optic sensor for measuring a large displacement range in civil engineering has been developed. The sensor incorporates an extremely simple bowknot bending modulation that increases its sensitivity in bending, light source and detector. In this paper, to better understand the working principle and improve the performance of the sensor, the transduction of displacement to light loss is described analytically by using the geometry of sensor and principle of optical fiber loss. Results of the calibration tests show a logarithmic function relationship between light loss and displacement with two calibrated parameters. The sensor has a response over a wide displacement range of 44.7 mm with an initial accuracy of 2.65 mm, while for a small displacement range of 34 mm it shows a more excellent accuracy of 0.98 mm. The direct shear tests for the six models with the same dimensions were conducted to investigate the application of the sensor for warning the shear and sliding failure in civil engineering materials or geo-materials. Results address that the sliding displacement of sliding body can be relatively accurately captured by the theory logarithmic relation between sliding distance and optical loss in a definite structure, having a large dynamic range of 22.32 mm with an accuracy of 0.99 mm, which suggests that the sensor has a promising prospect in monitoring civil engineering, especially for landslides.

Development of Flexible Pneumatic Cylinder with Built-in Flexible Linear Encoder and Flexible Bending Sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akagi, Tetsuya; Dohta, Shujiro; Matsushita, Hisashi; Fukuhara, Akimasa

The purpose of this study is to develop a lightweight and intelligent soft actuator which can be safely attached to the human body. A novel flexible pneumatic cylinder that can be used even if it is deformed by external force had been proposed. The cylinder can realize both pushing and pulling motions even if the cylinder bends. In this paper, a flexible pneumatic cylinder with a built-in flexible linear encoder is proposed and tested. The encoder can detect the cylinder displacement even if the cylinder bends. In the next step, to realize an intelligent flexible cylinder, it is essential to recognize the angle of deflection of the cylinder to estimate the direction of the external force. Therefore, a flexible bending sensor that can measure the directional angle by attaching it to the end of the cylinder is also proposed and tested. The tested bending sensor also consists of four inexpensive photo-reflectors set on the circumferential surface to the cylinder tube every 90 degrees from the center of the tube. By measuring the distance between the photo reflector and the surface of the tube at each point, the bending directional angle of the cylinder can be obtained. A low cost measuring system using a micro-computer incorporating a programmed Up/Down counter to measure the displacement of the cylinder is also developed. As a result, it was confirmed that the measuring accuracy of the bending directional angle was good, less than 0.7 degrees as a standard deviation.

Development of a relationship between external measurements and reinforcement stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brault, Andre; Hoult, Neil A.; Lees, Janet M.

2015-03-01

As many countries around the world face an aging infrastructure crisis, there is an increasing need to develop more accurate monitoring and assessment techniques for reinforced concrete structures. One of the challenges associated with assessing existing infrastructure is correlating externally measured parameters such as crack widths and surface strains with reinforcement stresses as this is dependent on a number of variables. The current research investigates how the use of distributed fiber optic sensors to measure reinforcement strain can be correlated with digital image correlation measurements of crack widths to relate external crack width measurements to reinforcement stresses. An initial set of experiments was undertaken involving a series of small-scale beam specimens tested in three-point bending with variable reinforcement properties. Relationships between crack widths and internal reinforcement strains were observed including that both the diameter and number of bars affected the measured maximum strain and crack width. A model that uses measured crack width to estimate reinforcement strain was presented and compared to the experimental results. The model was found to provide accurate estimates of load carrying capacity for a given crack width, however, the model was potentially less accurate when crack widths were used to estimate the experimental reinforcement strains. The need for more experimental data to validate the conclusions of this research was also highlighted.

Shape Tracking of a Dexterous Continuum Manipulator Utilizing Two Large Deflection Shape Sensors

PubMed Central

Farvardin, Amirhossein; Grupp, Robert; Murphy, Ryan J.; Taylor, Russell H.; Iordachita, Iulian

2016-01-01

Dexterous continuum manipulators (DCMs) can largely increase the reachable region and steerability for minimally and less invasive surgery. Many such procedures require the DCM to be capable of producing large deflections. The real-time control of the DCM shape requires sensors that accurately detect and report large deflections. We propose a novel, large deflection, shape sensor to track the shape of a 35 mm DCM designed for a less invasive treatment of osteolysis. Two shape sensors, each with three fiber Bragg grating sensing nodes is embedded within the DCM, and the sensors’ distal ends fixed to the DCM. The DCM centerline is computed using the centerlines of each sensor curve. An experimental platform was built and different groups of experiments were carried out, including free bending and three cases of bending with obstacles. For each experiment, the DCM drive cable was pulled with a precise linear slide stage, the DCM centerline was calculated, and a 2D camera image was captured for verification. The reconstructed shape created with the shape sensors is compared with the ground truth generated by executing a 2D–3D registration between the camera image and 3D DCM model. Results show that the distal tip tracking accuracy is 0.40 ± 0.30 mm for the free bending and 0.61 ± 0.15 mm, 0.93 ± 0.05 mm and 0.23 ± 0.10 mm for three cases of bending with obstacles. The data suggest FBG arrays can accurately characterize the shape of large-deflection DCMs. PMID:27761103

Fiber-optic bending sensor for cochlear implantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Enbang; Yao, Jianquan

2006-09-01

Cochlear implantation has been proved as a great success in treating profound sensorineural deafness in both children and adults. Cochlear electrode array implantation is a complex and delicate surgical process. Surgically induced damage to the inner wall of the scala tympani could happen if the insertion angle of the electrode is incorrect and an excessive insertion force is applied to the electrode. This damage could lead to severe degeneration of the remaining neural elements. It is therefore of vital importance to monitor the shape and position of the electrode during the implantation surgery. In this paper, we report a fiber-optic bending sensor which can be integrated with the electrode and used to guide the implantation process. The sensor consists of a piece of optical fiber. The end of the fiber is coated with aluminum layer to form a mirror. Bending the fiber with the electrode introduces loss to the light transmitting in the fiber. By detecting the power of the reflected light, we can detennine the bending happened to the fiber, and consequently measure the curved shape of the electrode. Experimental results show that the proposed fiber sensor is a promising technique to make in-situ monitoring of the shape and position of the electrode during the implantation process.

Thin film strain transducer. [suitable for in-flight measurement of scientific balloon strain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rand, J. L. (Inventor)

1985-01-01

A strain transducer system and process for making same is disclosed wherein a beryllium-copper ring having four strain gages disposed thereon is electrically connected in Wheatstone bridge fashion to output instrumentation. Tabs are bonded to a balloon or like surface with strain on the surface causing bending of the ring and providing an electrical signal through the gages proportional to the surface strain. A figure is provided which illustrates a pattern of a one-half ring segment as placed on a sheet of beryllium-copper for chem-mill etch formation, prior to bending and welding of a pair of the segments to form a ring structure.

Analysis and experiments for composite laminates with holes and subjected to 4-point bending

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shuart, M. J.; Prasad, C. B.

1990-01-01

Analytical and experimental results are presented for composite laminates with a hole and subjected to four-point bending. A finite-plate analysis is used to predict moment and strain distributions for six-layer quasi-isotropic laminates and transverse-ply laminates. Experimental data are compared with the analytical results. Experimental and analytical strain results show good agreement for the quasi-isotropic laminates. Failure of the two types of composite laminates is described, and failure strain results are presented as a function of normalized hole diameter. The failure results suggest that the initial failure mechanism for laminates subjected to four-point bending are similar to the initial failure mechanisms for corresponding laminates subjected to uniaxial inplane loadings.

Mechanosensing of stem bending and its interspecific variability in five neotropical rainforest species.

PubMed

Coutand, Catherine; Chevolot, Malia; Lacointe, André; Rowe, Nick; Scotti, Ivan

2010-02-01

In rain forests, sapling survival is highly dependent on the regulation of trunk slenderness (height/diameter ratio): shade-intolerant species have to grow in height as fast as possible to reach the canopy but also have to withstand mechanical loadings (wind and their own weight) to avoid buckling. Recent studies suggest that mechanosensing is essential to control tree dimensions and stability-related morphogenesis. Differences in species slenderness have been observed among rainforest trees; the present study thus investigates whether species with different slenderness and growth habits exhibit differences in mechanosensitivity. Recent studies have led to a model of mechanosensing (sum-of-strains model) that predicts a quantitative relationship between the applied sum of longitudinal strains and the plant's responses in the case of a single bending. Saplings of five different neotropical species (Eperua falcata, E. grandiflora, Tachigali melinonii, Symphonia globulifera and Bauhinia guianensis) were subjected to a regimen of controlled mechanical loading phases (bending) alternating with still phases over a period of 2 months. Mechanical loading was controlled in terms of strains and the five species were subjected to the same range of sum of strains. The application of the sum-of-strain model led to a dose-response curve for each species. Dose-response curves were then compared between tested species. The model of mechanosensing (sum-of-strain model) applied in the case of multiple bending as long as the bending frequency was low. A comparison of dose-response curves for each species demonstrated differences in the stimulus threshold, suggesting two groups of responses among the species. Interestingly, the liana species B. guianensis exhibited a higher threshold than other Leguminosae species tested. This study provides a conceptual framework to study variability in plant mechanosensing and demonstrated interspecific variability in mechanosensing.

Controlled manipulation of flexible carbon nanotubes through shape-dependent pushing by atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Yang, Seung-Cheol; Qian, Xiaoping

2013-09-17

A systematic approach to manipulating flexible carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been developed on the basis of atomic force microscope (AFM) based pushing. Pushing CNTs enables efficient transport and precise location of individual CNTs. A key issue for pushing CNTs is preventing defective distortion in repetitive bending and unbending deformation. The approach presented here controls lateral movement of an AFM tip to bend CNTs without permanent distortion. The approach investigates possible defects caused by tensile strain of the outer tube under uniform bending and radial distortion by kinking. Using the continuum beam model and experimental bending tests, dependency of maximum bending strain on the length of bent CNTs and radial distortion on bending angles at a bent point have been demonstrated. Individual CNTs are manipulated by limiting the length of bent CNTs and the bending angle. In our approach, multiwalled CNTs with 5-15 nm diameter subjected to bending deformation produce no outer tube breakage under uniform bending and reversible radial deformation with bending angles less than 110°. The lateral tip movement is determined by a simple geometric model that relies on the shape of multiwalled CNTs. The model effectively controls deforming CNT length and bending angle for given CNT shape. Experimental results demonstrate successful manipulation of randomly dispersed CNTs without visual defects. This approach to pushing can be extended to develop a wide range of CNT based nanodevice applications.

Numerical investigation of perforated polymer microcantilever sensor for contractile behavior of cardiomyocytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khoa Nguyen, Trieu; Lee, Dong-Weon; Lee, Bong-Kee

2017-06-01

In this study, a numerical investigation of microcantilever sensors for detecting the contractile behavior of cardiomyocytes (CMs) was performed. Recently, a novel surface-patterned perforated SU-8 microcantilever sensor has been developed for the preliminary screening of cardiac toxicity. From the contractile motion of the CMs cultured on the microcantilever surface, a macroscopic bending of the microcantilever was obtained, which is considered to reflect a physiological change. As a continuation of the previous research, a novel numerical method based on a surface traction model was proposed and verified to further understand the bending behavior of the microcantilevers. Effects of various factors, including surface traction magnitude, focal area of CMs, and stiffness of microcantilever, on the bending displacement were investigated. From static and transient analyses, the focal area was found to be the most crucial factor. In addition, the current result can provide a design guideline for various micromechanical devices based on the same principle.

Highly sensitive force sensor based on balloon-like interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yue; Xiao, Shiying; Xu, Yao; Shen, Ya; Jiang, Youchao; Jin, Wenxing; Yang, Yuguang; Jian, Shuisheng

2018-07-01

An all-fiber highly sensitive force sensor based on modal interferometer has been presented and demonstrated. The single-mode fiber (SMF) with coating stripped is designed into a balloon-like shape to form a modal interferometer. Due to the bent SMF, the interference occurs between the core mode and cladding modes. With variation of the force applied to the balloon-like interferometer, the bending diameter changes, which caused the wavelength shift of the modal interference. Thus the measurement of the force variation can be achieved by monitoring the wavelength shift. The performances of the interferometer with different bending diameter are experimentally investigated, and the maximum force sensitivity of 24.9 pm/ μ N can be achieved with the bending diameter 14 mm ranging from 0 μ N to 1464.12 μ N. Furthermore, the proposed fiber sensor exhibits the advantages of easy fabrication and low cost, making it a suitable candidate in the optical fiber sensing field.

Reduction of the coupling vibration between the bending vibrators of the frequency-change-type two-axis acceleration sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugawara, Sumio; Sasaki, Yoshifumi; Kudo, Subaru

2018-07-01

The frequency-change-type two-axis acceleration sensor uses a cross-type vibrator consisting of four bending vibrators. When coupling vibration exists between these four bending vibrators, the resonance frequency of each vibrator cannot be adjusted independently. In this study, methods of reducing the coupling vibration were investigated by finite-element analysis. A method of adjusting the length of the short arm of each vibrator was proposed for reducing the vibration. When piezoelectric ceramics were bonded to the single-sided surface of the vibrator, the method was not sufficient. Thus, the ceramics with the same dimensions were bonded to double-sided surfaces. As a result, a marked reduction was obtained in this case. Also, the linearity of the sensor characteristics was significantly improved in a small acceleration range. Accordingly, it was clarified that considering the symmetry along the thickness direction of the vibrator is very important.

Ex vivo biomechanical evaluation of pigeon (Columba livia) cadaver intact humeri and ostectomized humeri stabilized with caudally applied titanium locking plate or stainless steel nonlocking plate constructs.

PubMed

Darrow, Brett G; Biskup, Jeffrey J; Weigel, Joseph P; Jones, Michael P; Xie, Xie; Liaw, Peter K; Tharpe, Josh L; Sharma, Aashish; Penumadu, Dayakar

2017-05-01

OBJECTIVE To evaluate mechanical properties of pigeon (Columba livia) cadaver intact humeri versus ostectomized humeri stabilized with a locking or nonlocking plate. SAMPLE 30 humeri from pigeon cadavers. PROCEDURES Specimens were allocated into 3 groups and tested in bending and torsion. Results for intact pigeon humeri were compared with results for ostectomized humeri repaired with a titanium 1.6-mm screw locking plate or a stainless steel 1.5-mm dynamic compression plate; the ostectomized humeri mimicked a fracture in a thin cortical bone. Locking plates were secured with locking screws (2 bicortical and 4 monocortical), and nonlocking plates were secured with bicortical nonlocking screws. Constructs were cyclically tested nondestructively in 4-point bending and then tested to failure in bending. A second set of constructs were cyclically tested non-destructively and then to failure in torsion. Stiffness, strength, and strain energy of each construct were compared. RESULTS Intact specimens were stiffer and stronger than the repair groups for all testing methods, except for nonlocking constructs, which were significantly stiffer than intact specimens under cyclic bending. Intact bones had significantly higher strain energies than locking plates in both bending and torsion. Locking and nonlocking plates were of equal strength and strain energy, but not stiffness, in bending and were of equal strength, stiffness, and strain energy in torsion. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results for this study suggested that increased torsional strength may be needed before bone plate repair can be considered as the sole fixation method for avian species.

New generation of wearable goniometers for motion capture systems

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Monitoring joint angles through wearable systems enables human posture and gesture to be reconstructed as a support for physical rehabilitation both in clinics and at the patient’s home. A new generation of wearable goniometers based on knitted piezoresistive fabric (KPF) technology is presented. Methods KPF single-and double-layer devices were designed and characterized under stretching and bending to work as strain sensors and goniometers. The theoretical working principle and the derived electromechanical model, previously proved for carbon elastomer sensors, were generalized to KPF. The devices were used to correlate angles and piezoresistive fabric behaviour, to highlight the differences in terms of performance between the single layer and the double layer sensors. A fast calibration procedure is also proposed. Results The proposed device was tested both in static and dynamic conditions in comparison with standard electrogoniometers and inertial measurement units respectively. KPF goniometer capabilities in angle detection were experimentally proved and a discussion of the device measurement errors of is provided. The paper concludes with an analysis of sensor accuracy and hysteresis reduction in particular configurations. Conclusions Double layer KPF goniometers showed a promising performance in terms of angle measurements both in quasi-static and dynamic working mode for velocities typical of human movement. A further approach consisting of a combination of multiple sensors to increase accuracy via sensor fusion technique has been presented. PMID:24725669

An Experimental Study of a Stitched Composite with a Notch Subjected to Combined Bending and Tension Loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmer, Susan O.; Nettles, Alan T.; Poe, C. C., Jr.

1999-01-01

A series of tests was conducted to measure the strength of stitched carbon/epoxy composites containing through-thickness damage in the form of a crack-like notch. The specimens were subjected to three types of loading: pure bending, pure tension, and combined bending and tension loads. Measurements of applied loads, strains near crack tips, and crack opening displacements (COD) were monitored in all tests. The transverse displacement at the center of the specimen was measured using a Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT). The experimental data showed that the outer surface of the pure tension specimen failed at approximately 6,000 microstrain, while in combined bending and tension loads the measured tensile strains reached 10,000 microstrain.

Effect of martensitic transformation on springback behavior of 304L austenitic stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fathi, H.; Mohammadian Semnani, H. R.; Emadoddin, E.; Sadeghi, B. Mohammad

2017-09-01

The present paper studies the effect of martensitic transformation on the springback behavior of 304L austenitic stainless steel. Martensite volume fraction was determined at the bent portion under various strain rates after bending test. Martensitic transformation has a significant effect on the springback behavior of this material. The findings of this study indicated that the amount of springback was reduced under a situation of low strain rate, while a higher amount of springback was obtained with a higher strain rate. The reason for this phenomenon is that higher work hardening occurs during the forming process with the low strain rate due to the higher martensite volume fraction, therefore the formability of the sheet is enhanced and it leads to a decreased amount of springback after the bending test. Dependency of the springback on the martensite volume fraction and strain rate was expressed as formulas from the results of the experimental tests and simulation method. Bending tests were simulated using LS-DYNA software and utilizing MAT_TRIP to determine the martensite volume fraction and strain under various strain rates. Experimental result reveals good agreement with the simulation method.

Ultrasoft Electronics for Hyperelastic Strain, Pressure, and Direct Curvature Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majidi, Carmel; Kramer, Rebecca; Wood, Robert

2011-03-01

Progress in soft robotics, wearable computing, and programmable matter demands a new class of ultrasoft electronics for tactile control, contact detection, and deformation mapping. This next generation of sensors will remain electrically functional under extreme deformation without influencing the natural mechanics of the host system. Ultrasoft strain and pressure sensing has previously been demonstrated with elastomer sheets (eg. PDMS, silicone rubber) embedded with microchannels of conductive liquid (mercury, eGaIn). Building on these efforts, we introduce a novel method for direct curvature sensing that registers the location and intensity of surface curvature. An elastomer sheet is embedded with micropatterned cavities and microchannels of conductive liquid. Bending the elastomer or placing it on a curved surface leads to a change in channel cross-section and a corresponding change in its electrical resistance. In contrast to conventional methods of curvature sensing, this approach does not depend on semi-rigid components or differential strain measurement. Direct curvature sensing completes the portfolio of sensing elements required to completely map hyperelastic deformation for future soft robotics and computing. NSF MRSEC DMR-0820484.

Electrochemical sensor having suspended element counter electrode and deflection method for current sensing

DOEpatents

Thundat, Thomas G.; Brown, Gilbert M.

2010-05-18

An electrochemical suspended element-based sensor system includes a solution cell for holding an electrolyte comprising solution including at least one electrochemically reducible or oxidizable species. A working electrode (WE), reference electrode (RE) and a counter electrode (CE) are disposed in the solution. The CE includes an asymmetric suspended element, wherein one side of the suspended element includes a metal or a highly doped semiconductor surface. The suspended element bends when current associated with reduction or oxidation of the electrochemically reducible or oxidizable species at the WE passes through the suspended element. At least one measurement system measures the bending of the suspended element or a parameter which is a function of the bending.

Determination of post-shakedown quantities of a pipe bend via the simplified theory of plastic zones compared with load history dependent incremental analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vollrath, Bastian; Hübel, Hartwig

2018-01-01

The Simplified Theory of Plastic Zones (STPZ) may be used to determine post-shakedown quantities such as strain ranges and accumulated strains at plastic or elastic shakedown. The principles of the method are summarized. Its practical applicability is shown by the example of a pipe bend subjected to constant internal pressure along with cyclic in-plane bending or/and cyclic radial temperature gradient. The results are compared with incremental analyses performed step-by-step throughout the entire load history until the state of plastic shakedown is achieved.

Fully Printed Flexible and Stretchable Electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Suoming

Through this thesis proposal, the author has demonstrated series of flexible or stretchable sensors including strain gauge, pressure sensors, display arrays, thin film transistors and photodetectors fabricated by a direct printing process. By adopting the novel serpentine configuration with conventional non-stretchable materials silver nanoparticles, the fully printed stretchable devices are successfully fabricated on elastomeric substrate with the demonstration of stretchable conductors that can maintain the electrical properties under strain and the strain gauge, which could be used to measure the strain in desired locations and also to monitor individual person's finger motion. And by investigating the intrinsic stretchable materials silver nanowires (AgNWs) with the conventional configuration, the fully printed stretchable conductors are achieved on various substrates including Si, glass, Polyimide, Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and Very High Bond (VHB) tape with the illustration of the capacitive pressure sensor and stretchable electroluminescent displays. In addition, intrinsically stretchable thin-film transistors (TFTs) and integrated logic circuits are directly printed on elastomeric PDMS substrates. The printed devices utilize carbon nanotubes and a type of hybrid gate dielectric comprising PDMS and barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles. The BaTiO3/PDMS composite simultaneously provides high dielectric constant, superior stretchability, low leakage, as well as good printability and compatibility with the elastomeric substrate. Both TFTs and logic circuits can be stretched beyond 50% strain along either channel length or channel width directions for thousands of cycles while showing no significant degradation in electrical performance. Finally, by applying the SWNTs as the channel layer of the thin film transistor, we successfully fabricate the fully printed flexible photodetector which exhibits good electrical characteristics and the transistors exhibit good reliability under bending conditions owing to the ultrathin polyimide substrate as well as the superior mechanical flexibility of the gate dielectric and carbon nanotube network. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that by using two types of SWCNT samples with different optical absorption characteristics, the photoresponse exhibits unique wavelength selectivity, as manifested by the good correlation between the responsive wavelengths of the devices with the absorption peaks of the corresponding carbon nanotubes. All the proposed materials above together with the unique direct printing process may offer an entry into more sophisticated flexible or stretchable electronic systems with monolithically integrated sensors, actuators, and displays for real life applications.

Predicting the bending properties of long bones: Insights from an experimental mouse model.

PubMed

Peacock, Sarah J; Coats, Brittney R; Kirkland, J Kyle; Tanner, Courtney A; Garland, Theodore; Middleton, Kevin M

2018-03-01

Analyses of bone cross-sectional geometry are frequently used by anthropologists and paleontologists to infer the loading histories of past populations. To address some underlying assumptions, we investigated the relative roles of genetics and exercise on bone cross-sectional geometry and bending mechanics in three mouse strains: high bone density (C3H/He), low bone density (C57BL/6), and a high-runner strain homozygous for the Myh4 Minimsc allele (MM). Weanlings of each strain were divided into exercise (wheel) or control (sedentary) treatment groups for a 7-week experimental period. Morphometrics of the femoral mid-diaphysis and mechanical testing were used to assess both theoretical and ex vivo bending mechanics. Across all measured morphological and bending traits, we found relatively small effects of exercise treatment compared to larger and more frequent interstrain differences. In the exercised group, total distance run over the experimental period was not a predictor of any morphological or bending traits. Cross-sectional geometry did not accurately predict bone response to loading. Results from this experimental model do not support hypothesized associations among extreme exercise, cross-sectional geometry, and bending mechanics. Our results suggest that analysis of cross-sectional geometry alone is insufficient to predict loading response, and questions the common assumption that cross-sectional geometry differences are indicative of differential loading history. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Plastic Muscles TM as lightweight, low voltage actuators and sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennett, Matthew; Leo, Donald; Duncan, Andrew

2008-03-01

Using proprietary technology, Discover Technologies has developed ionomeric polymer transducers that are capable of long-term operation in air. These "Plastic Muscle TM" transducers are useful as soft distributed actuators and sensors and have a wide range of applications in the aerospace, robotics, automotive, electronics, and biomedical industries. Discover Technologies is developing novel fabrication methods that allow the Plastic Muscles TM to be manufactured on a commercial scale. The Plastic Muscle TM transducers are capable of generating more than 0.5% bending strain at a peak strain rate of over 0.1 %/s with a 3 V input. Because the Plastic Muscles TM use an ionic liquid as a replacement solvent for water, they are able to operate in air for long periods of time. Also, the Plastic Muscles TM do not exhibit the characteristic "back relaxation" phenomenon that is common in water-swollen devices. The elastic modulus of the Plastic Muscle TM transducers is estimated to be 200 MPa and the maximum generated stress is estimated to be 1 MPa. Based on these values, the maximum blocked force at the tip of a 6 mm wide, 35 mm long actuator is estimated to be 19 mN. Modeling of the step response with an exponential series reveals nonlinearity in the transducers' behavior.

Macrobend optical sensing for pose measurement in soft robot arms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sareh, Sina; Noh, Yohan; Li, Min; Ranzani, Tommaso; Liu, Hongbin; Althoefer, Kaspar

2015-12-01

This paper introduces a pose-sensing system for soft robot arms integrating a set of macrobend stretch sensors. The macrobend sensory design in this study consists of optical fibres and is based on the notion that bending an optical fibre modulates the intensity of the light transmitted through the fibre. This sensing method is capable of measuring bending, elongation and compression in soft continuum robots and is also applicable to wearable sensing technologies, e.g. pose sensing in the wrist joint of a human hand. In our arrangement, applied to a cylindrical soft robot arm, the optical fibres for macrobend sensing originate from the base, extend to the tip of the arm, and then loop back to the base. The connectors that link the fibres to the necessary opto-electronics are all placed at the base of the arm, resulting in a simplified overall design. The ability of this custom macrobend stretch sensor to flexibly adapt its configuration allows preserving the inherent softness and compliance of the robot which it is installed on. The macrobend sensing system is immune to electrical noise and magnetic fields, is safe (because no electricity is needed at the sensing site), and is suitable for modular implementation in multi-link soft continuum robotic arms. The measurable light outputs of the proposed stretch sensor vary due to bend-induced light attenuation (macrobend loss), which is a function of the fibre bend radius as well as the number of repeated turns. The experimental study conducted as part of this research revealed that the chosen bend radius has a far greater impact on the measured light intensity values than the number of turns (if greater than five). Taking into account that the bend radius is the only significantly influencing design parameter, the macrobend stretch sensors were developed to create a practical solution to the pose sensing in soft continuum robot arms. Henceforward, the proposed sensing design was benchmarked against an electromagnetic tracking system (NDI Aurora) for validation.

Optical bending sensor using distributed feedback solid state dye lasers on optical fiber.

PubMed

Kubota, Hiroyuki; Oomi, Soichiro; Yoshioka, Hiroaki; Watanabe, Hirofumi; Oki, Yuji

2012-07-02

Novel type of optical fiber sensor was proposed and demonstrated. The print-like fabrication technique fabricates multiple distributed feedback solid state dye lasers on a polymeric optical fiber (POF) with tapered coupling. This multi-active-sidecore structure was easily fabricated and provides multiple functions. Mounting the lasers on the same point of a multimode POF demonstrated a bending radius sensitivity of 20 m without any supports. Two axis directional sensing without cross talk was also confirmed. A more complicated mounting formation can demonstrate a twisted POF. The temperature property of the sensor was also studied, and elimination of the temperature influence was experimentally attained.

Enamel Insulated Copper Wire in Electric Motors: Sliding Behavior and Possible Damage Mechanisms During Die Bending

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demiri, Albion

This study investigates the sliding friction and the forming behaviour of enamel insulated copper wire during the die-forming process. It also aims to determine potential damage mechanisms to the wire during bending process for electric motor coils. In this investigation a wire-bending machine was designed and built in order to simulate the wire forming process in a laboratory scale. Bending angle of the wire and the bending radii were used to control the strain on the wire surface. The effect of speed on COF was investigated for different speeds of of 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20mm/s. A positive correlation was observed between the COF and the testing speed. Additionally, the effect of strain on COF was studied for 2% and 23% to determine its influence on the COF. A general trend was observed of decreased COF with increased strain in wires. Finally, the ability of the enamel coating to resist external damage and wire strain was investigated by tensile testing of pre-scratched magnet wire. The results showed that wire enamel can withstand significant surface damage prior to breach and failure. The insulating polymer coating failed under the scratch tests at 20N load using a Rockwell indenter and at 5N load using a 90° conical steel indenter. Additional tests, such as tensile testing, scratch testing and reciprocating friction testing, were used to characterize the mechanical and tribological properties of the enamel insulated copper wire.

Flexible packaging of solid-state integrated circuit chips with elastomeric microfluidics

PubMed Central

Zhang, Bowei; Dong, Quan; Korman, Can E.; Li, Zhenyu; Zaghloul, Mona E.

2013-01-01

A flexible technology is proposed to integrate smart electronics and microfluidics all embedded in an elastomer package. The microfluidic channels are used to deliver both liquid samples and liquid metals to the integrated circuits (ICs). The liquid metals are used to realize electrical interconnects to the IC chip. This avoids the traditional IC packaging challenges, such as wire-bonding and flip-chip bonding, which are not compatible with current microfluidic technologies. As a demonstration we integrated a CMOS magnetic sensor chip and associate microfluidic channels on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate that allows precise delivery of small liquid samples to the sensor. Furthermore, the packaged system is fully functional under bending curvature radius of one centimetre and uniaxial strain of 15%. The flexible integration of solid-state ICs with microfluidics enables compact flexible electronic and lab-on-a-chip systems, which hold great potential for wearable health monitoring, point-of-care diagnostics and environmental sensing among many other applications.

Study on the fabricating process monitoring of thermoplastic based materials packaged OFBG and their sensing properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chuan; Zhou, Zhi; Zhang, Zhichun; Ou, Jinping

2007-04-01

As common materials or engineering materials, thermoplastic resin based materials can be used not only directly fabricating products but also FRTP(fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer) materials for other uses. As one kind of FRTP material, GFRPP(glass fiber reinforced polypropylene) has lots of merits, such as: light weight, high strength, high tenacity, high elongation percentage, good durability, reshaping character and no environmental pollution characters. And they also can be conveniently formed hoop rebar in civil engineering. While a new kind of GFRPP-OFBG smart rod which combined GFRPP and OFBG together can be used as not only structure materials but also sensing materials. Meanwhile, PP packaged OFBG strain sensor can be expected for its low modulus, good sensitivity and good durability. Furthermore, it can be used for large strain measuring. In this paper, we have successfully fabricated a new kind of GFRPP-OFBG(Glass Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene-Optic Fiber Bragg Grating) rod by our own thermoplastic pultrusion production line and a new kind of PP packaged OFBG strain sensor by extruding techniques. And we monitored the inner strain and temperature changes with tow OFBG simultaneously of the fabricating process. The results show that: OFBG can truly reflect the strain and temperature changes in both the GFRPP rod and the PP packaged OFBG, these are very useful to modify our processing parameters. And we also find that because of the shrinkage of PP, this new kind of PP packaged OFBG have -13000μɛ storage, and the strain sensing performance is still very well, so which can be used for large strain measuring. Besides these, GFRPP-OFBG smart rod has good sensing performance in strain sensing just like that of FRSP-OFBG rod, the strain sensitivity coefficient is about1.19pm/μɛ. Besides these, the surface of GFRPP-OFBG rods can be handled just as steel bars and also can be bended and reshaped. These are all very useful and very important for the use of FRP materials in civil engineering structures.

Novel auto-correction method in a fiber-optic distributed-temperature sensor using reflected anti-Stokes Raman scattering.

PubMed

Hwang, Dusun; Yoon, Dong-Jin; Kwon, Il-Bum; Seo, Dae-Cheol; Chung, Youngjoo

2010-05-10

A novel method for auto-correction of fiber optic distributed temperature sensor using anti-Stokes Raman back-scattering and its reflected signal is presented. This method processes two parts of measured signal. One part is the normal back scattered anti-Stokes signal and the other part is the reflected signal which eliminate not only the effect of local losses due to the micro-bending or damages on fiber but also the differential attenuation. Because the beams of the same wavelength are used to cancel out the local variance in transmission medium there is no differential attenuation inherently. The auto correction concept was verified by the bending experiment on different bending points. (c) 2010 Optical Society of America.

Upper limit for the effect of elastic bending stress on the saturation magnetization of L a0.8S r0.2Mn O3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Q.; Chen, A. P.; Guo, E. J.; Roldan, M. A.; Jia, Q. X.; Fitzsimmons, M. R.

2018-01-01

Using polarized neutron reflectometry, we measured the influence of elastic bending stress on the magnetization depth profile of a L a0.8S r0.2Mn O3 (LSMO) epitaxial film grown on a SrTi O3 substrate. The elastic bending strain of ±0.03 % has no obvious effect on the magnetization depth profile at saturation. This result is in stark contrast to that of (L a1 -xP rx)1 -y C ayMn O3 (LPCMO) films for which strain of ±0.01 % produced dramatic changes in the magnetization profile and Curie temperature. We attribute the difference between the influence of strain on the saturation magnetization in LSMO (weak or none) and LPCMO (strong) to a difference in the ability of LSMO (weak or none) and LPCMO (strong) to phase separate. Our observation provides an upper limit of tuning LSMO saturation magnetization via elastic strain effect.

Direct imaging of defect formation in strained organic flexible electronics by Scanning Kelvin Probe Microscopy

PubMed Central

Cramer, Tobias; Travaglini, Lorenzo; Lai, Stefano; Patruno, Luca; de Miranda, Stefano; Bonfiglio, Annalisa; Cosseddu, Piero; Fraboni, Beatrice

2016-01-01

The development of new materials and devices for flexible electronics depends crucially on the understanding of how strain affects electronic material properties at the nano-scale. Scanning Kelvin-Probe Microscopy (SKPM) is a unique technique for nanoelectronic investigations as it combines non-invasive measurement of surface topography and surface electrical potential. Here we show that SKPM in non-contact mode is feasible on deformed flexible samples and allows to identify strain induced electronic defects. As an example we apply the technique to investigate the strain response of organic thin film transistors containing TIPS-pentacene patterned on polymer foils. Controlled surface strain is induced in the semiconducting layer by bending the transistor substrate. The amount of local strain is quantified by a mathematical model describing the bending mechanics. We find that the step-wise reduction of device performance at critical bending radii is caused by the formation of nano-cracks in the microcrystal morphology of the TIPS-pentacene film. The cracks are easily identified due to the abrupt variation in SKPM surface potential caused by a local increase in resistance. Importantly, the strong surface adhesion of microcrystals to the elastic dielectric allows to maintain a conductive path also after fracture thus providing the opportunity to attenuate strain effects. PMID:27910889

Detection of bacteria using bacteriophage with hollow gold nanostructures immobilized fiber optic sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halkare, Pallavi; Punjabi, Nirmal; Wangchuk, Jigme; Kondabagil, Kiran; Mukherji, Soumyo

2016-04-01

Hollow gold nanostructures (HGNS) have been used in variety of optical biosensors due to their inherent advantage of operating at near infra red (NIR) wavelength, large extinction coefficient and high dielectric sensitivity. The absorption wavelength of these nanostructures can be modulated by changing the ratio of hollow region to the core shell thickness. The aim of the present study is to incorporate the properties of HGNS, to develop LSPR based U-bent fiber optic sensor for detection of pathogens. The detection was carried out using an experimental set up consisting of a white light source, 200 μm diameter optical fiber having bend diameter of 1.6 mm +/- 0. 2 mm and a spectrometer. The HGNS were immobilized on the decladded portion of the fiber optic probe by chemisorptions. The effective plasmon penetration depth of the HGNS immobilized fiber optic sensor was approximated by using alternating layers of positively and negatively charged polyelectrolytes. The HGNS immobilized U-bent fiber optic sensor was used for detection of E.coli B40 strain using bacteriophage T4. The preliminary experiments were carried out with 104 cfu/ml of E.coli B40 and the change in absorbance obtained was approx. 0.042 +/- 0.0045 abs. units (n = 3). The response of this sensor was found to be better than spherical gold nanoparticle immobilized sensing platforms.

Deformed Shape Calculation of a Full-Scale Wing Using Fiber Optic Strain Data from a Ground Loads Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jutte, Christine V.; Ko, William L.; Stephens, Craig A.; Bakalyar, John A.; Richards, W. Lance

2011-01-01

A ground loads test of a full-scale wing (175-ft span) was conducted using a fiber optic strain-sensing system to obtain distributed surface strain data. These data were input into previously developed deformed shape equations to calculate the wing s bending and twist deformation. A photogrammetry system measured actual shape deformation. The wing deflections reached 100 percent of the positive design limit load (equivalent to 3 g) and 97 percent of the negative design limit load (equivalent to -1 g). The calculated wing bending results were in excellent agreement with the actual bending; tip deflections were within +/- 2.7 in. (out of 155-in. max deflection) for 91 percent of the load steps. Experimental testing revealed valuable opportunities for improving the deformed shape equations robustness to real world (not perfect) strain data, which previous analytical testing did not detect. These improvements, which include filtering methods developed in this work, minimize errors due to numerical anomalies discovered in the remaining 9 percent of the load steps. As a result, all load steps attained +/- 2.7 in. accuracy. Wing twist results were very sensitive to errors in bending and require further development. A sensitivity analysis and recommendations for fiber implementation practices, along with, effective filtering methods are included

Ultra-precise micro-motion stage for optical scanning test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Wen; Zhang, Jianhuan; Jiang, Nan

2009-05-01

This study aims at the application of optical sensing technology in a 2D flexible hinge test stage. Optical fiber sensor which is manufactured taking advantage of the various unique properties of optical fiber, such as good electric insulation properties, resistance of electromagnetic disturbance, sparkless property and availability in flammable and explosive environment, has lots of good properties, such as high accuracy and wide dynamic range, repeatable, etc. and is applied in 2D flexible hinge stage driven by PZT. Several micro-bending structures are designed utilizing the characteristics of the flexible hinge stage. And through experiments, the optimal micro-bending tooth structure and the scope of displacement sensor trip under this optimal micro-bending tooth structure are derived. These experiments demonstrate that the application of optical fiber displacement sensor in 2D flexible hinge stage driven by PZT substantially broadens the dynamic testing range and improves the sensitivity of this apparatus. Driving accuracy and positioning stability are enhanced as well. [1,2

Highly Sensitive Flexible Human Motion Sensor Based on ZnSnO3/PVDF Composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Young Jin; Aziz, Shahid; Mehdi, Syed Murtuza; Sajid, Memoon; Jagadeesan, Srikanth; Choi, Kyung Hyun

2017-07-01

A highly sensitive body motion sensor has been fabricated based on a composite active layer of zinc stannate (ZnSnO3) nano-cubes and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer. The thin film-based active layer was deposited on polyethylene terephthalate flexible substrate through D-bar coating technique. Electrical and morphological characterizations of the films and sensors were carried out to discover the physical characteristics and the output response of the devices. The synergistic effect between piezoelectric ZnSnO3 nanocubes and β phase PVDF provides the composite with a desirable electrical conductivity, remarkable bend sensitivity, and excellent stability, ideal for the fabrication of a motion sensor. The recorded resistance of the sensor towards the bending angles of -150° to 0° to 150° changed from 20 MΩ to 55 MΩ to 100 MΩ, respectively, showing the composite to be a very good candidate for motion sensing applications.

Stretchable and flexible high-strain sensors made using carbon nanotubes and graphite films on natural rubber.

PubMed

Tadakaluru, Sreenivasulu; Thongsuwan, Wiradej; Singjai, Pisith

2014-01-06

Conventional metallic strain sensors are flexible, but they can sustain maximum strains of only ~5%, so there is a need for sensors that can bear high strains for multifunctional applications. In this study, we report stretchable and flexible high-strain sensors that consist of entangled and randomly distributed multiwall carbon nanotubes or graphite flakes on a natural rubber substrate. Carbon nanotubes/graphite flakes were sandwiched in natural rubber to produce these high-strain sensors. Using field emission scanning electron microscopy, the morphology of the films for both the carbon nanotube and graphite sensors were assessed under different strain conditions (0% and 400% strain). As the strain was increased, the films fractured, resulting in an increase in the electrical resistance of the sensor; this change was reversible. Strains of up to 246% (graphite sensor) and 620% (carbon nanotube sensor) were measured; these values are respectively ~50 and ~120 times greater than those of conventional metallic strain sensors.

Stretchable and Flexible High-Strain Sensors Made Using Carbon Nanotubes and Graphite Films on Natural Rubber

PubMed Central

Tadakaluru, Sreenivasulu; Thongsuwan, Wiradej; Singjai, Pisith

2014-01-01

Conventional metallic strain sensors are flexible, but they can sustain maximum strains of only ∼5%, so there is a need for sensors that can bear high strains for multifunctional applications. In this study, we report stretchable and flexible high-strain sensors that consist of entangled and randomly distributed multiwall carbon nanotubes or graphite flakes on a natural rubber substrate. Carbon nanotubes/graphite flakes were sandwiched in natural rubber to produce these high-strain sensors. Using field emission scanning electron microscopy, the morphology of the films for both the carbon nanotube and graphite sensors were assessed under different strain conditions (0% and 400% strain). As the strain was increased, the films fractured, resulting in an increase in the electrical resistance of the sensor; this change was reversible. Strains of up to 246% (graphite sensor) and 620% (carbon nanotube sensor) were measured; these values are respectively ∼50 and ∼120 times greater than those of conventional metallic strain sensors. PMID:24399158

Few-mode optical fiber based simultaneously distributed curvature and temperature sensing.

PubMed

Wu, Hao; Tang, Ming; Wang, Meng; Zhao, Can; Zhao, Zhiyong; Wang, Ruoxu; Liao, Ruolin; Fu, Songnian; Yang, Chen; Tong, Weijun; Shum, Perry Ping; Liu, Deming

2017-05-29

The few-mode fiber (FMF) based Brillouin sensing operated in quasi-single mode (QSM) has been reported to achieve the distributed curvature measurement by monitoring the bend-induced strain variation. However, its practicality is limited by the inherent temperature-strain cross-sensitivity of Brillouin sensors. Here we proposed and experimentally demonstrated an approach for simultaneously distributed curvature and temperature sensing, which exploits a hybrid QSM operated Raman-Brillouin system in FMFs. Thanks to the larger spot size of the fundamental mode in the FMF, the Brillouin frequency shift change of the FMF is used for curvature estimation while the temperature variation is alleviated through Raman signals with the enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Within 2 minutes measuring time, a 1.5 m spatial resolution is achieved along a 2 km FMF. The worst resolution of the square of fiber curvature is 0.333 cm -2 while the temperature resolution is 1.301 °C at the end of fiber.

Flexible Light Emission Diode Arrays Made of Transferred Si Microwires-ZnO Nanofilm with Piezo-Phototronic Effect Enhanced Lighting.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoyi; Liang, Renrong; Tao, Juan; Peng, Zhengchun; Xu, Qiming; Han, Xun; Wang, Xiandi; Wang, Chunfeng; Zhu, Jing; Pan, Caofeng; Wang, Zhong Lin

2017-04-25

Due to the fragility and the poor optoelectronic performances of Si, it is challenging and exciting to fabricate the Si-based flexible light-emitting diode (LED) array devices. Here, a flexible LED array device made of Si microwires-ZnO nanofilm, with the advantages of flexibility, stability, lightweight, and energy savings, is fabricated and can be used as a strain sensor to demonstrate the two-dimensional pressure distribution. Based on piezo-phototronic effect, the intensity of the flexible LED array can be increased more than 3 times (under 60 MPa compressive strains). Additionally, the device is stable and energy saving. The flexible device can still work well after 1000 bending cycles or 6 months placed in the atmosphere, and the power supplied to the flexible LED array is only 8% of the power of the surface-contact LED. The promising Si-based flexible device has wide range application and may revolutionize the technologies of flexible screens, touchpad technology, and smart skin.

Epidermal electronics.

PubMed

Kim, Dae-Hyeong; Lu, Nanshu; Ma, Rui; Kim, Yun-Soung; Kim, Rak-Hwan; Wang, Shuodao; Wu, Jian; Won, Sang Min; Tao, Hu; Islam, Ahmad; Yu, Ki Jun; Kim, Tae-il; Chowdhury, Raeed; Ying, Ming; Xu, Lizhi; Li, Ming; Chung, Hyun-Joong; Keum, Hohyun; McCormick, Martin; Liu, Ping; Zhang, Yong-Wei; Omenetto, Fiorenzo G; Huang, Yonggang; Coleman, Todd; Rogers, John A

2011-08-12

We report classes of electronic systems that achieve thicknesses, effective elastic moduli, bending stiffnesses, and areal mass densities matched to the epidermis. Unlike traditional wafer-based technologies, laminating such devices onto the skin leads to conformal contact and adequate adhesion based on van der Waals interactions alone, in a manner that is mechanically invisible to the user. We describe systems incorporating electrophysiological, temperature, and strain sensors, as well as transistors, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, radio frequency inductors, capacitors, oscillators, and rectifying diodes. Solar cells and wireless coils provide options for power supply. We used this type of technology to measure electrical activity produced by the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles and show that the resulting data contain sufficient information for an unusual type of computer game controller.

Epidermal Electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dae-Hyeong; Lu, Nanshu; Ma, Rui; Kim, Yun-Soung; Kim, Rak-Hwan; Wang, Shuodao; Wu, Jian; Won, Sang Min; Tao, Hu; Islam, Ahmad; Yu, Ki Jun; Kim, Tae-il; Chowdhury, Raeed; Ying, Ming; Xu, Lizhi; Li, Ming; Chung, Hyun-Joong; Keum, Hohyun; McCormick, Martin; Liu, Ping; Zhang, Yong-Wei; Omenetto, Fiorenzo G.; Huang, Yonggang; Coleman, Todd; Rogers, John A.

2011-08-01

We report classes of electronic systems that achieve thicknesses, effective elastic moduli, bending stiffnesses, and areal mass densities matched to the epidermis. Unlike traditional wafer-based technologies, laminating such devices onto the skin leads to conformal contact and adequate adhesion based on van der Waals interactions alone, in a manner that is mechanically invisible to the user. We describe systems incorporating electrophysiological, temperature, and strain sensors, as well as transistors, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, radio frequency inductors, capacitors, oscillators, and rectifying diodes. Solar cells and wireless coils provide options for power supply. We used this type of technology to measure electrical activity produced by the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles and show that the resulting data contain sufficient information for an unusual type of computer game controller.

Influence of Tension-Compression Asymmetry on the Mechanical Behavior of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy Sheets in Bending

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Ping; Beeh, Elmar; Friedrich, Horst E.

2016-03-01

Magnesium alloys are promising materials for lightweight design in the automotive industry due to their high strength-to-mass ratio. This study aims to study the influence of tension-compression asymmetry on the radius of curvature and energy absorption capacity of AZ31B-O magnesium alloy sheets in bending. The mechanical properties were characterized using tension, compression, and three-point bending tests. The material exhibits significant tension-compression asymmetry in terms of strength and strain hardening rate due to extension twinning in compression. The compressive yield strength is much lower than the tensile yield strength, while the strain hardening rate is much higher in compression. Furthermore, the tension-compression asymmetry in terms of r value (Lankford value) was also observed. The r value in tension is much higher than that in compression. The bending results indicate that the AZ31B-O sheet can outperform steel and aluminum sheets in terms of specific energy absorption in bending mainly due to its low density. In addition, the AZ31B-O sheet was deformed with a larger radius of curvature than the steel and aluminum sheets, which brings a benefit to energy absorption capacity. Finally, finite element simulation for three-point bending was performed using LS-DYNA and the results confirmed that the larger radius of curvature of a magnesium specimen is mainly attributed to the high strain hardening rate in compression.

Highly Sensitive Electromechanical Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors Based on Large-Area Layered PtSe2 Films.

PubMed

Wagner, Stefan; Yim, Chanyoung; McEvoy, Niall; Kataria, Satender; Yokaribas, Volkan; Kuc, Agnieszka; Pindl, Stephan; Fritzen, Claus-Peter; Heine, Thomas; Duesberg, Georg S; Lemme, Max C

2018-05-23

Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials are ideal for micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) due to their ultimate thinness. Platinum diselenide (PtSe 2 ), an exciting and unexplored 2D transition metal dichalcogenide material, is particularly interesting because its low temperature growth process is scalable and compatible with silicon technology. Here, we report the potential of thin PtSe 2 films as electromechanical piezoresistive sensors. All experiments have been conducted with semimetallic PtSe 2 films grown by thermally assisted conversion of platinum at a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible temperature of 400 °C. We report high negative gauge factors of up to -85 obtained experimentally from PtSe 2 strain gauges in a bending cantilever beam setup. Integrated NEMS piezoresistive pressure sensors with freestanding PMMA/PtSe 2 membranes confirm the negative gauge factor and exhibit very high sensitivity, outperforming previously reported values by orders of magnitude. We employ density functional theory calculations to understand the origin of the measured negative gauge factor. Our results suggest PtSe 2 as a very promising candidate for future NEMS applications, including integration into CMOS production lines.

Strain Sensing Based on Multiscale Composite Materials Reinforced with Graphene Nanoplatelets.

PubMed

Moriche, Rocío; Prolongo, Silvia G; Sánchez, María; Jiménez-Suárez, Alberto; Campo, Mónica; Ureña, Alejandro

2016-11-07

The electrical response of NH2-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets composite materials under strain was studied. Two different manufacturing methods are proposed to create the electrical network in this work: (a) the incorporation of the nanoplatelets into the epoxy matrix and (b) the coating of the glass fabric with a sizing filled with the same nanoplatelets. Both types of multiscale composite materials, with an in-plane electrical conductivity of ~10 -3 S/m, showed an exponential growth of the electrical resistance as the strain increases due to distancing between adjacent functionalized graphene nanoplatelets and contact loss between overlying ones. The sensitivity of the materials analyzed during this research, using the described procedures, has been shown to be higher than commercially available strain gauges. The proposed procedures for self-sensing of the structural composite material would facilitate the structural health monitoring of components in difficult to access emplacements such as offshore wind power farms. Although the sensitivity of the multiscale composite materials was considerably higher than the sensitivity of metallic foils used as strain gauges, the value reached with NH2 functionalized graphene nanoplatelets coated fabrics was nearly an order of magnitude superior. This result elucidated their potential to be used as smart fabrics to monitor human movements such as bending of fingers or knees. By using the proposed method, the smart fabric could immediately detect the bending and recover instantly. This fact permits precise monitoring of the time of bending as well as the degree of bending.

Impact of measurement uncertainty from experimental load distribution factors on bridge load rating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gangone, Michael V.; Whelan, Matthew J.

2018-03-01

Load rating and testing of highway bridges is important in determining the capacity of the structure. Experimental load rating utilizes strain transducers placed at critical locations of the superstructure to measure normal strains. These strains are then used in computing diagnostic performance measures (neutral axis of bending, load distribution factor) and ultimately a load rating. However, it has been shown that experimentally obtained strain measurements contain uncertainties associated with the accuracy and precision of the sensor and sensing system. These uncertainties propagate through to the diagnostic indicators that in turn transmit into the load rating calculation. This paper will analyze the effect that measurement uncertainties have on the experimental load rating results of a 3 span multi-girder/stringer steel and concrete bridge. The focus of this paper will be limited to the uncertainty associated with the experimental distribution factor estimate. For the testing discussed, strain readings were gathered at the midspan of each span of both exterior girders and the center girder. Test vehicles of known weight were positioned at specified locations on each span to generate maximum strain response for each of the five girders. The strain uncertainties were used in conjunction with a propagation formula developed by the authors to determine the standard uncertainty in the distribution factor estimates. This distribution factor uncertainty is then introduced into the load rating computation to determine the possible range of the load rating. The results show the importance of understanding measurement uncertainty in experimental load testing.

Distributed Stress Sensing and Non-Destructive Tests Using Mechanoluminescence Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahimi, Mohammad Reza

Rapid aging of infrastructure systems is currently pervasive in the US and the anticipated cost until 2020 for rehabilitation of aging lifeline will reach 3.6 trillion US dollars (ASCE 2013). Reliable condition or serviceability assessment is critically important in decision-making for economic and timely maintenance of the infrastructure systems. Advanced sensors and nondestructive test (NDT) methods are the key technologies for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications that can provide information on the current state of structures. There are many traditional sensors and NDT methods, for examples, strain gauges, ultrasound, radiography and other X-ray, etc. to detect any defect on the infrastructure. Considering that civil infrastructure is typically large-scale and exhibits complex behavior, estimation of structural conditions by the local sensing and NDT methods is a challenging task. Non-contact and distributed (or full-field) sensing and NDT method are desirable that can provide rich information on the civil infrastructure's state. Materials with the ability of emitting light, especially in the visible range, are named as luminescent materials. Mechanoluminescence (ML) phenomenon is the light emission from luminescent materials as a response of an induced mechanical stress. ML materials offer new opportunities for SHM that can directly visualize the stress and crack distributions on the surface of structures through ML light emission. Although material research for ML phenomena have been made substantially, applications of the ML sensors to full-field stress and crack visualization are still at infant stage and have yet to be full-fledged. Moreover, practical applications of the ML sensors for SHM of civil infrastructure have difficulties since numerous challenging problems (e.g. environmental effect) arise in actual applications. In order to realize a practical SHM system employing ML sensors, more research needs to be conducted, for examples, fundamental understandings of physics of ML phenomenon, method for quantitative stress measurements, calibration method for ML sensors, improvement of sensitivity, optimal manufacturing and design of ML sensors, environmental effects of ML phenomenon (e.g. temperature), image processing and analysis, etc. In this research, fundamental ML phenomena of two most promising ML sensing materials were experimentally studied and a methodology for full-field quantitative strain measurements, for the first time, was proposed along with a standardized calibration method. Characteristics and behavior of ML composites and thin films coated on the structure have been studied under various material tests including compression, tension, pure shear, bending, etc. In addition, ML emission sensitivity to the manufacturing parameters and experimental conditions was addressed in order to find optimal design the ML sensor. A phenomenological stress-optics transduction model for predicting the ML light intensity from a thin-film ML coating sensor subjected to in-plane stresses was proposed. A new full-field quantitative strain measuring methodology by ML thin film sensor was developed, for the first time, in order to visualize and measure the strain field. The results from the ML sensor were compared and verified by finite element simulation results. For NDT applications of ML sensors, experimental tests were conducted to visualize the cracks on structural surfaces and detect damages on structural components. In summary, this research proposes and realizes a new distributed stress sensor and NDT method using ML sensing materials. The proposed method is experimentally validated to be effective for stress measurement and crack visualizations. Successful completion of this research provides a leap toward a commercial light intensity-based optic sensor to be used as a new full-field stress measurement technology and NDT method.

Mechanical Properties of Four Human Longbones.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-30

torsion. RT3793 had compressive strains parallel to the torsional axis and, since the gages were in the medio - anterior surface, these strains...bending toward the latero-posterior side while LT3782 was twisted eversively and tended to bend medio -anteriorly. This is opposite to the indications of the... ambient conditions of the laboratory for periods of time in excess of that allowed for 390 smAll scale tests of bone tissue, the performance of the four

Compression, bend, and tension studies on forged Al67Ti25Cr8 and Al66Ti25Mn(g) L1(2) compounds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kumar, K. S.; Brown, S. A.; Whittenberger, J. D.

1991-01-01

Cast, homogenized, and isothermally forged aluminum-rich L1(2) compounds Al67Ti25Cr8 and Al66Ti25Mn(g) were tested in compression as a function of temperature and as a function of strain rate at elevated temperatures (1000 K and 1100 K). Three-point bend specimens were tested as a function of temperature in the range 300 K to 873 K. Strain gages glued on the tensile side of the ambient and 473 K specimens enabled direct strain measurements. A number of 'buttonhead' tensile specimens were electro-discharge machined, fine polished, and tested between ambient and 1073 K for yield strength and ductility as a function of temperature. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination of fracture surfaces from both the bend and tensile specimens revealed a gradual transition from transgranular cleavage to intergranular failure with increasing temperature.

Sheath-Core Graphite/Silk Fiber Made by Dry-Meyer-Rod-Coating for Wearable Strain Sensors.

PubMed

Zhang, Mingchao; Wang, Chunya; Wang, Qi; Jian, Muqiang; Zhang, Yingying

2016-08-17

Recent years have witnessed the explosive development of flexible strain sensors. Nanomaterials have been widely utilized to fabricate flexible strain sensors, because of their high flexibility and electrical conductivity. However, the fabrication processes for nanomaterials and the subsequent strain sensors are generally complicated and are manufactured at high cost. In this work, we developed a facile dry-Meyer-rod-coating process to fabricate sheath-core-structured single-fiber strain sensors using ultrafine graphite flakes as the sheath and silk fibers as the core by virtue of their flexibility, high production, and low cost. The fabricated strain sensor exhibits a high sensitivity with a gauge factor of 14.5 within wide workable strain range up to 15%, and outstanding stability (up to 3000 cycles). The single-fiber-based strain sensors could be attached to a human body to detect joint motions or easily integrated into the multidirectional strain sensor for monitoring multiaxial strain, showing great potential applications as wearable strain sensors.

Development of a Spoke Type Torque Sensor Using Painting Carbon Nanotube Strain Sensors.

PubMed

Kim, Sung Yong; Park, Se Hoon; Choi, Baek Gyu; Kang, In Hyuk; Park, Sang Wook; Shin, Jeong Woo; Kim, Jin Ho; Baek, Woon Kyung; Lim, Kwon Taek; Kim, Young-Ju; Song, Jae-Bok; Kang, Inpil

2018-03-01

This study reports a hub-spoke type joint torque sensor involving strain gauges made of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). We developed the novel joint torque sensor for robots by means of MWCNT/epoxy strain sensors (0.8 wt%, gauge factor 2) to overcome the limits of conventional foil strain gauges. Solution mixing process was hired to fabricate a liquid strain sensor that can easily be installed on any complicated surfaces. We painted the MWCNT/epoxy mixing liquid on the hub-spoke type joint torque sensor to form the piezoresistive strain gauges. The painted sensor converted its strain into torque by mean of the installed hub-spoke structure after signal processing. We acquired sufficient torque voltage responses from the painted MWCNT/epoxy strain sensor.

Alcohol sensor based on u-bent hetero-structured fiber optic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patrialova, Sefi N.; Hatta, Agus M.; Sekartedjo, Sekartedjo

2016-11-01

A sensor based on a fiber optic hetero-structure to determine the concentration of alcohol has been proposed. The structure of the sensing probe in this research is a singlemode-multimode-singlemode (SMS) which bent into Ushaped and soon called as SMS u-bent. The SMS structure was chosen to get a higher sensitivity. This research utilizes the principle of multimode interference and evanescent field by modifying the cladding with various alcohol concentration. Testing of the sensor's performance has been done by measuring the sensor's power output response to the length of the SMS fiber optic, bending diameter, and alcohol concentration. Based on the experiment result, the ubent SMS fiber optic with 50 mm bending diameter and 63 mm MMF lenght has the highest sensitivity, 3.87 dB/% and the minimum resolution, 0.26 x 10-3 %.

Fiber optic level sensor for cryogens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sharma, M.

1981-01-01

Sensor is useful in cryogenic environments where liquids of very low index of refraction are encountered. It is "yes/no" indication of whether liquid is in contact with sensor. Sharp bends in fiber alter distribution of light among propagation modes. This amplifies change in light output observed when sensor contacts liquid, without requiring long fiber that would increse insertion loss.

Chondron curvature mapping in growth plate cartilage under compressive loading.

PubMed

Vendra, Bhavya B; Roan, Esra; Williams, John L

2018-05-18

The physis, or growth plate, is a layer of cartilage responsible for long bone growth. It is organized into reserve, proliferative and hypertrophic zones. Unlike the reserve zone where chondrocytes are randomly arranged, either singly or in pairs, the proliferative and hypertrophic chondrocytes are arranged within tubular structures called chondrons. In previous studies, the strain patterns within the compressed growth plate have been reported to be nonuniform and inhomogeneous, with an apparent random pattern in compressive strains and a localized appearance of tensile strains. In this study we measured structural deformations along the entire lengths of chondrons when the physis was subjected to physiological (20%) and hyper-physiological (30% and 40%) levels of compression. This provided a means to interpret the apparent random strain patterns seen in texture correlation maps in terms of bending deformations of chondron structures and provided a physical explanation for the inhomogeneous and nonuniform strain patterns reported in previous studies. We observed relatively large bending deformations (kinking) of the chondron structures at the interface of the reserve and proliferative zones during compression. Bending in this region may induce dividing cells to align longitudinally to maintain column formation and drive longitudinal growth. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Combined tension and bending testing of tapered composite laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Brien, T. Kevin; Murri, Gretchen B.; Hagemeier, Rick; Rogers, Charles

1994-11-01

A simple beam element used at Bell Helicopter was incorporated in the Computational Mechanics Testbed (COMET) finite element code at the Langley Research Center (LaRC) to analyze the responce of tappered laminates typical of flexbeams in composite rotor hubs. This beam element incorporated the influence of membrane loads on the flexural response of the tapered laminate configurations modeled and tested in a combined axial tension and bending (ATB) hydraulic load frame designed and built at LaRC. The moments generated from the finite element model were used in a tapered laminated plate theory analysis to estimate axial stresses on the surface of the tapered laminates due to combined bending and tension loads. Surfaces strains were calculated and compared to surface strains measured using strain gages mounted along the laminate length. The strain distributions correlated reasonably well with the analysis. The analysis was then used to examine the surface strain distribution in a non-linear tapered laminate where a similarly good correlation was obtained. Results indicate that simple finite element beam models may be used to identify tapered laminate configurations best suited for simulating the response of a composite flexbeam in a full scale rotor hub.

Sensitivity Enhancement of FBG-Based Strain Sensor.

PubMed

Li, Ruiya; Chen, Yiyang; Tan, Yuegang; Zhou, Zude; Li, Tianliang; Mao, Jian

2018-05-17

A novel fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based strain sensor with a high-sensitivity is presented in this paper. The proposed FBG-based strain sensor enhances sensitivity by pasting the FBG on a substrate with a lever structure. This typical mechanical configuration mechanically amplifies the strain of the FBG to enhance overall sensitivity. As this mechanical configuration has a high stiffness, the proposed sensor can achieve a high resonant frequency and a wide dynamic working range. The sensing principle is presented, and the corresponding theoretical model is derived and validated. Experimental results demonstrate that the developed FBG-based strain sensor achieves an enhanced strain sensitivity of 6.2 pm/με, which is consistent with the theoretical analysis result. The strain sensitivity of the developed sensor is 5.2 times of the strain sensitivity of a bare fiber Bragg grating strain sensor. The dynamic characteristics of this sensor are investigated through the finite element method (FEM) and experimental tests. The developed sensor exhibits an excellent strain-sensitivity-enhancing property in a wide frequency range. The proposed high-sensitivity FBG-based strain sensor can be used for small-amplitude micro-strain measurement in harsh industrial environments.

Sensitivity Enhancement of FBG-Based Strain Sensor

PubMed Central

Chen, Yiyang; Tan, Yuegang; Zhou, Zude; Mao, Jian

2018-01-01

A novel fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based strain sensor with a high-sensitivity is presented in this paper. The proposed FBG-based strain sensor enhances sensitivity by pasting the FBG on a substrate with a lever structure. This typical mechanical configuration mechanically amplifies the strain of the FBG to enhance overall sensitivity. As this mechanical configuration has a high stiffness, the proposed sensor can achieve a high resonant frequency and a wide dynamic working range. The sensing principle is presented, and the corresponding theoretical model is derived and validated. Experimental results demonstrate that the developed FBG-based strain sensor achieves an enhanced strain sensitivity of 6.2 pm/με, which is consistent with the theoretical analysis result. The strain sensitivity of the developed sensor is 5.2 times of the strain sensitivity of a bare fiber Bragg grating strain sensor. The dynamic characteristics of this sensor are investigated through the finite element method (FEM) and experimental tests. The developed sensor exhibits an excellent strain-sensitivity-enhancing property in a wide frequency range. The proposed high-sensitivity FBG-based strain sensor can be used for small-amplitude micro-strain measurement in harsh industrial environments. PMID:29772826

Design of micro bending deformer for optical fiber weight sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ula, R. K.; Hanto, D.; Waluyo, T. B.; Adinanta, H.; Widiyatmoko, B.

2017-04-01

The road damage due to excessive load is one of the causes of accidents on the road. A device to measure weight of the passing vehicles needs to be planted in the road structure. Thus, a weight sensor for the passing vehicles is required. In this study, we designed a weight sensor for a static load based on a power loss due to a micro bending on the optical fiber flanked on a board. The following main components are used i.e. LED 1310 nm as a light source, a multimode fiber optic as a transmission media and a power meter for measuring power loss. This works focuses on obtaining a suitable deformer design for weight sensor. Experimental results show that deformer design with 1.5 mm single side has level of accuracy as 4.32% while the design with 1.5 mm double side has level of accuracy as 98.77%. Increasing deformer length to 2.5 mm gives 71.18% level of accuracy for single side, and 76.94% level of accuracy for double side. Micro bending design with 1.5 mm double side has a high sensitivity and it is also capable of measuring load up to 100 kg. The sensor designed has been tested for measuring the weight of motor cycle, and it can be upgraded for measuring heavy vehicles.

Influence of hydrogen on formability and bendability of DP1180 steel for car body application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Q.; Han, F.; Wortberg, D.; Bleck, W.; Liewald, M.

2016-11-01

In order to reach future light weight targets, it is increasing necessary to use advanced high strength steels with tensile strength 980 MPa or higher in automotive body-inwhite structures. Due to the sensitivity to hydrogen embrittlement and the limited understanding of various aspects of hydrogen embrittlement on processing and function, the wide application of these steels is still limited. In the current work, the influence of hydrogen on the multiaxial forming behavior was investigated by determining the forming limit curve and bending limit curve of DP1180 steel. Hydrogen concentration in the material was modified by cathodic charging. Then Nakajima tests on hydrogen uncharged and pre-charged samples were carried out in order to adjust and study different strain states resulting in the forming limit curve. In the study of bending limit curve, the steel sheets were pre-strained by Marciniak test. Bending load on the uncharged and pre-charged samples was introduced by VDA238-100 bending tests. The experimental results indicated that the presence of hydrogen affected the formability and bendability of DP1180 steel. A clear difference in the influence of hydrogen at different strain states was observed. When formed in a biaxial strain state via the Nakajima test, the material showed the highest degradation in formability. Moreover, the samples with biaxial pre-loading showed more degradation in bendability comparing to those pre-strained in plane strain and uni-axial paths. Fractography by scanning electron microscope gave evidence of hydrogen-induced cleavage fracture on pre-charged Nakajima samples. Thus this investigation improves the understanding of influences of hydrogen on forming processes and provides important evidence for further studies on HE susceptibility of AHSS for the application on car body constructions.

The strain and thermal induced tunable charging phenomenon in low power flexible memory arrays with a gold nanoparticle monolayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Ye; Han, Su-Ting; Xu, Zong-Xiang; Roy, V. A. L.

2013-02-01

The strain and temperature dependent memory effect of organic memory transistors on plastic substrates has been investigated under ambient conditions. The gold (Au) nanoparticle monolayer was prepared and embedded in an atomic layer deposited aluminum oxide (Al2O3) as the charge trapping layer. The devices exhibited low operation voltage, reliable memory characteristics and long data retention time. Experimental analysis of the programming and erasing behavior at various bending states showed the relationship between strain and charging capacity. Thermal-induced effects on these memory devices have also been analyzed. The mobility shows ~200% rise and the memory window increases from 1.48 V to 1.8 V when the temperature rises from 20 °C to 80 °C due to thermally activated transport. The retention capability of the devices decreases with the increased working temperature. Our findings provide a better understanding of flexible organic memory transistors under various operating temperatures and validate their applications in various areas such as temperature sensors, temperature memory or advanced electronic circuits. Furthermore, the low temperature processing procedures of the key elements (Au nanoparticle monolayer and Al2O3 dielectric layer) could be potentially integrated with large area flexible electronics.The strain and temperature dependent memory effect of organic memory transistors on plastic substrates has been investigated under ambient conditions. The gold (Au) nanoparticle monolayer was prepared and embedded in an atomic layer deposited aluminum oxide (Al2O3) as the charge trapping layer. The devices exhibited low operation voltage, reliable memory characteristics and long data retention time. Experimental analysis of the programming and erasing behavior at various bending states showed the relationship between strain and charging capacity. Thermal-induced effects on these memory devices have also been analyzed. The mobility shows ~200% rise and the memory window increases from 1.48 V to 1.8 V when the temperature rises from 20 °C to 80 °C due to thermally activated transport. The retention capability of the devices decreases with the increased working temperature. Our findings provide a better understanding of flexible organic memory transistors under various operating temperatures and validate their applications in various areas such as temperature sensors, temperature memory or advanced electronic circuits. Furthermore, the low temperature processing procedures of the key elements (Au nanoparticle monolayer and Al2O3 dielectric layer) could be potentially integrated with large area flexible electronics. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: UV-vis spectrum of Au nanoparticle aqueous solution, transfer characteristics of the transistors without inserting an Au nanoparticle monolayer, AFM image of the pentacene layer, transfer characteristics at different program voltages and memory windows with respect to the P/E voltage. See DOI: 10.1039/c2nr32579a

Upper limit for the effect of elastic bending stress on the saturation magnetization of L a 0.8 S r 0.2 Mn O 3

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

Wang, Qiang; Chen, A. P.; Guo, Erjia J.

In this study, using polarized neutron reflectometry, we measured the influence of elastic bending stress on the magnetization depth profile of a La 0.8Sr 0.2MnO 3 (LSMO) epitaxial film grown on a SrTiO 3 substrate. The elastic bending strain of ±0.03% has no obvious effect on the magnetization depth profile at saturation. This result is in stark contrast to that of (La 1-xPr x)1-yCayMnO 3 (LPCMO) films for which strain of ±0.01% produced dramatic changes in the magnetization profile and Curie temperature. We attribute the difference between the influence of strain on the saturation magnetization in LSMO (weak or none)more » and LPCMO (strong) to a difference in the ability of LSMO (weak or none) and LPCMO (strong) to phase separate. Our observation provides an upper limit of tuning LSMO saturation magnetization via elastic strain effect.« less

Upper limit for the effect of elastic bending stress on the saturation magnetization of L a 0.8 S r 0.2 Mn O 3

DOE PAGES

Wang, Qiang; Chen, A. P.; Guo, Erjia J.; ...

2018-01-31

In this study, using polarized neutron reflectometry, we measured the influence of elastic bending stress on the magnetization depth profile of a La 0.8Sr 0.2MnO 3 (LSMO) epitaxial film grown on a SrTiO 3 substrate. The elastic bending strain of ±0.03% has no obvious effect on the magnetization depth profile at saturation. This result is in stark contrast to that of (La 1-xPr x)1-yCayMnO 3 (LPCMO) films for which strain of ±0.01% produced dramatic changes in the magnetization profile and Curie temperature. We attribute the difference between the influence of strain on the saturation magnetization in LSMO (weak or none)more » and LPCMO (strong) to a difference in the ability of LSMO (weak or none) and LPCMO (strong) to phase separate. Our observation provides an upper limit of tuning LSMO saturation magnetization via elastic strain effect.« less

Material approaches to stretchable strain sensors.

PubMed

Park, Jaeyoon; You, Insang; Shin, Sangbaie; Jeong, Unyong

2015-04-27

With the recent progress made in wearable electronics, devices now require high flexibility and stretchability up to large strain levels (typically larger than 30 % strain). Wearable strain sensors or deformable strain sensors have been gaining increasing research interest because of the rapid development of electronic skins and robotics and because of their biomedical applications. Conventional brittle strain sensors made of metals and piezoresistors are not applicable for such stretchable sensors. This Review summarizes recent advances in stretchable sensors and focuses on material aspects for high stretchability and sensitivity. It begins with a brief introduction to the Wheatstone bridge circuit of conventional resistive strain sensors. Then, studies on the manipulation of materials are reviewed, including waved structural approaches for making metals and semiconductors stretchable, the use of liquid metals, and conductive filler/elastomer composites by using percolation among the fillers. For capacitive strain sensors, the constant conductivity of the electrode is a key factor in obtaining reliable sensors. Possible approaches to developing capacitive strain sensors are presented. This Review concludes with a discussion on the major challenges and perspectives related to stretchable strain sensors. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Large strain detection of SRM composite shell based on fiber Bragg grating sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lei; Chang, Xinlong; Zhang, Youhong; Yang, Fan

2017-12-01

There may be more than 2% strain of carbon fiber composite material on solid rocket motor (SRM) in some extreme cases. A surface-bonded silica fiber Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensor coated by polymer is designed to detect the large strain of composite material. The strain transfer relation of the FBG large strain sensor is deduced, and the strain transfer mechanism is verified by finite element simulation. To calibrate the sensors, the tensile test is done by using the carbon fiber composite plate specimen attached to the designed strain sensor. The results show that the designed sensor can detect the strain more than 3%, the strain sensitivity is 0.0762 pm/μɛ, the resolution is 13.13μɛ, and the fitting degree of the wavelength-strain curve fitting function is 0.9988. The accuracy and linearity of the sensor can meet the engineering requirements.

Fatigue life prediction in bending from axial fatigue information

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manson, S. S.; Muralidharan, U.

1982-01-01

Bending fatigue in the low cyclic life range differs from axial fatigue due to the plastic flow which alters the linear stress-strain relation normally used to determine the nominal stresses. An approach is presented to take into account the plastic flow in calculating nominal bending stress (S sub bending) based on true surface stress. These functions are derived in closed form for rectangular and circular cross sections. The nominal bending stress and the axial fatigue stress are plotted as a function of life (N sub S) and these curves are shown for several materials of engineering interest.

An Optical Actuation System and Curvature Sensor for a MR-compatible Active Needle

PubMed Central

Ryu, Seok Chang; Quek, Zhan Fan; Renaud, Pierre; Black, Richard J.; Daniel, Bruce L.; Cutkosky, Mark R.

2015-01-01

A side optical actuation method is presented for a slender MR-compatible active needle. The needle includes an active region with a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire actuator, where the wire generates a contraction force when optically heated by a laser delivered though optical fibers, producing needle tip bending. A prototype, with multiple side heating spots, demonstrates twice as fast an initial response compared to fiber tip heating when 0.8 W of optical power is applied. A single-ended optical sensor with a gold reflector is also presented to measure the curvature as a function of optical transmission loss. Preliminary tests with the sensor prototype demonstrate approximately linear response and a repeatable signal, independent of the bending history. PMID:26509099

Dielectric Sensors Based on Electromagnetic Energy Tunneling

PubMed Central

Siddiqui, Omar; Kashanianfard, Mani; Ramahi, Omar

2015-01-01

We show that metallic wires embedded in narrow waveguide bends and channels demonstrate resonance behavior at specific frequencies. The electromagnetic energy at these resonances tunnels through the narrow waveguide channels with almost no propagation losses. Under the tunneling behavior, high-intensity electromagnetic fields are produced in the vicinity of the metallic wires. These intense field resonances can be exploited to build highly sensitive dielectric sensors. The sensor operation is explained with the help of full-wave simulations. A practical setup consisting of a 3D waveguide bend is presented to experimentally observe the tunneling phenomenon. The tunneling frequency is predicted by determining the input impedance minima through a variational formula based on the Green function of a probe-excited parallel plate waveguide. PMID:25835188

Mechanical Flexibility of Zinc Oxide Thin-Film Transistors Prepared by Transfer Printing Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eun, K. T.; Hwang, W. J.; Sharma, B. K.; Ahn, J. H.; Lee, Y. K.; Choa, S. H.

In the present study, we demonstrate the performance of Zinc oxide thin film transistors (ZnO TFTs) array subjected to the strain under high bending test and the reliability of TFTs was confirmed for the bending fatigue test of 2000 cycles. Initially, ZnO TFTs were fabricated on Si substrate and subsequently transferred on flexible PET substrate using transfer printing process. It was observed that when the bending radius reached ≥ 11 mm then cracks start to initiate first at SiO2 bridges, acting as interconnecting layers among individual TFT. Whatever the strain is applied to the devices, it is almost equivalently adopted by the SiO2 bridges, as they are relatively weak compared to rest of the part. The initial cracking of destructed SiO2 bridge leads to the secondary cracks to the ITO electrodes upon further increment of bending radius. Numerical simulation suggested that the strain of SiO2 layer reached to fracture level of 0.55% which was concentrated at the edge of SiO2 bridge layer. It also suggests that the round shape of SiO2 bridge can be more fruitful to compensate the stress concentration and to prevent failure of device.

Capturing tensile size-dependency in polymer nanofiber elasticity.

PubMed

Yuan, Bo; Wang, Jun; Han, Ray P S

2015-02-01

As the name implies, tensile size-dependency refers to the size-dependent response under uniaxial tension. It defers markedly from bending size-dependency in terms of onset and magnitude of the size-dependent response; the former begins earlier but rises to a smaller value than the latter. Experimentally, tensile size-dependent behavior is much harder to capture than its bending counterpart. This is also true in the computational effort; bending size-dependency models are more prevalent and well-developed. Indeed, many have questioned the existence of tensile size-dependency. However, recent experiments seem to support the existence of this phenomenon. Current strain gradient elasticity theories can accurately predict bending size-dependency but are unable to track tensile size-dependency. To rectify this deficiency a higher-order strain gradient elasticity model is constructed by including the second gradient of the strain into the deformation energy. Tensile experiments involving 10 wt% polycaprolactone nanofibers are performed to calibrate and verify our model. The results reveal that for the selected nanofibers, their size-dependency begins when their diameters reduce to 600 nm and below. Further, their characteristic length-scale parameter is found to be 1095.8 nm. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Extremely flexible, transparent, and strain-sensitive electroluminescent device based on ZnS:Cu-polyvinyl butyral composite and silver nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jun, Sungwoo; Kim, Youngmin; Ju, Byeong-Kwon; Kim, Jong-Woong

2018-01-01

A multifunctional alternate current electroluminescent device (ACEL) was achieved by compositing ZnS:Cu particles in polyvinyl butyral (PVB) with two layers of percolated silver nanowire (AgNW) electrodes. The strong hydrogen bonding interactions and entanglement of PVB chains considerably strengthened the PVB, and thus, the cured mixture of ZnS:Cu particles and freestanding PVB required no additional support. The device was fabricated by embedding AgNWs on both sides of the ZnS:Cu-PVB composite film using an inverted layer process and intense-pulsed-light treatment. The strong affinity of PVB to the polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) layer, which capped the AgNWs, mechanically stabilized the device to such an extent that it could resist 10,000 bending cycles under a curvature radius of 500 μm. Using AgNW networks in both the top and bottom electrodes made a double-sided light-emitting device that could be applied to wearable lightings or flexible digital signage. The capacitance formed in the device sensitively varied with the applied bending and unfolding, thus demonstrating that the device can also be used as a deformation sensor.

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

Kunal, K.; Aluru, N. R., E-mail: aluru@illinois.edu

We investigate the effect of size on intrinsic dissipation in nano-structures. We use molecular dynamics simulation and study dissipation under two different modes of deformation: stretching and bending mode. In the case of stretching deformation (with uniform strain field), dissipation takes place due to Akhiezer mechanism. For bending deformation, in addition to the Akhiezer mechanism, the spatial temperature gradient also plays a role in the process of entropy generation. Interestingly, we find that the bending modes have a higher Q factor in comparison with the stretching deformation (under the same frequency of operation). Furthermore, with the decrease in size, themore » difference in Q factor between the bending and stretching deformation becomes more pronounced. The lower dissipation for the case of bending deformation is explained to be due to the surface scattering of phonons. A simple model, for phonon dynamics under an oscillating strain field, is considered to explain the observed variation in dissipation rate. We also studied the scaling of Q factor with initial tension, in a beam under flexure. We develop a continuum theory to explain the observed results.« less

Improving Kinematic Accuracy of Soft Wearable Data Gloves by Optimizing Sensor Locations

PubMed Central

Kim, Dong Hyun; Lee, Sang Wook; Park, Hyung-Soon

2016-01-01

Bending sensors enable compact, wearable designs when used for measuring hand configurations in data gloves. While existing data gloves can accurately measure angular displacement of the finger and distal thumb joints, accurate measurement of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint movements remains challenging due to crosstalk between the multi-sensor outputs required to measure the degrees of freedom (DOF). To properly measure CMC-joint configurations, sensor locations that minimize sensor crosstalk must be identified. This paper presents a novel approach to identifying optimal sensor locations. Three-dimensional hand surface data from ten subjects was collected in multiple thumb postures with varied CMC-joint flexion and abduction angles. For each posture, scanned CMC-joint contours were used to estimate CMC-joint flexion and abduction angles by varying the positions and orientations of two bending sensors. Optimal sensor locations were estimated by the least squares method, which minimized the difference between the true CMC-joint angles and the joint angle estimates. Finally, the resultant optimal sensor locations were experimentally validated. Placing sensors at the optimal locations, CMC-joint angle measurement accuracies improved (flexion, 2.8° ± 1.9°; abduction, 1.9° ± 1.2°). The proposed method for improving the accuracy of the sensing system can be extended to other types of soft wearable measurement devices. PMID:27240364

The Effect of Applied Tensile Stress on Localized Corrosion in Sensitized AA5083

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

of stainless steel 4-point bending rig used to apply elastic stress to aluminum plate samples. (Bottom) Stress- strain data based on displacement and...ASTM-G39, from [25]. ..........................20 Figure 13. Photograph of stainless steel 4-point bending rig used to apply elastic stress to...aluminum plate samples, from [8]. ....................................................20 Figure 14. Photograph of stainless steel 4-point bending rig

Wearable sensors for patient-specific boundary shape estimation to improve the forward model for electrical impedance tomography (EIT) of neonatal lung function.

PubMed

Khor, Joo Moy; Tizzard, Andrew; Demosthenous, Andreas; Bayford, Richard

2014-06-01

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) could be significantly advantageous to continuous monitoring of lung development in newborn and, in particular, preterm infants as it is non-invasive and safe to use within the intensive care unit. It has been demonstrated that accurate boundary form of the forward model is important to minimize artefacts in reconstructed electrical impedance images. This paper presents the outcomes of initial investigations for acquiring patient-specific thorax boundary information using a network of flexible sensors that imposes no restrictions on the patient's normal breathing and movements. The investigations include: (1) description of the basis of the reconstruction algorithms, (2) tests to determine a minimum number of bend sensors, (3) validation of two approaches to reconstruction and (4) an example of a commercially available bend sensor and its performance. Simulation results using ideal sensors show that, in the worst case, a total shape error of less than 6% with respect to its total perimeter can be achieved.

High Temperature Mechanical Properties of Free-Standing HVOF CoNiCrAlY Coatings by Lateral Compression of Circular Tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waki, Hiroyuki; Nakamura, Kyousuke; Yamaguchi, Itsuki; Kobayashi, Akira

MCrAlY, M means Co and/or Ni, sprayed coating is used to protect a super alloy substrate from corrosion or oxidation in a gas turbine blade. However, the mechanical properties are not well-known, because there are few proper measurement methods for a thin coating at high temperature. Authors have developed the new easy method to measure the mechanical properties using the lateral compression of a circular tube. The method is useful to apply to a thin coating because it does not need chucking and manufacturing a test piece is very easy. The method is also easily applicable to high temperature measurement. In this study, high temperature mechanical properties, Young's modulus, bending strength and fracture strain, of CoNiCrAlY coatings by HVOF were systematically measured. The results obtained were as follows: Young's modulus and bending strength suddenly decreased beyond 400˜450°C. The Young's modulus and bending strength thermally treated at higher than 1050°C was significantly higher than that of virgin CoNiCrAlY coating. It was found that higher thermal treatment in atmosphere was the most effective in increasing the Young's modulus and bending strength. It was also found that the improvement of Young's modulus was primarily caused by not the effect of TGO but the sintering and diffusion of unfused particles. On the contrary, the fracture strain increased beyond 400°C differently from the bending strength. The fracture strains of CoNiCrAlY thermally treated in vacuum were higher than those of CoNiCrAlY treated in atmosphere. It was found that higher thermal treatment in vacuum was the most effective in increasing the fracture strain.

Development and modification of a device for three-dimensional measurement of orthodontic force system: The V-bend system re-visited.

PubMed

Lai, WeiJen; Midorikawa, Yoshiyuki; Kanno, Zuisei; Takemura, Hiroshi; Suga, Kazuhiro; Soga, Kohei; Ono, Takashi; Uo, Motohiro

2016-12-01

We developed a device to evaluate the orthodontic force applied by systems requiring high operability. A life-sized, two-tooth model was designed, and the measurements were performed using a custom-made jointed attachment, referred to as an "action stick", to allow clearance for the oversized six-axis sensors. This tooth-sensor apparatus was accurately calibrated, and the error was limited. Vector analysis and rotating coordinate transformation were required to derive the force and moment at the tooth from the sensor readings. The device was then used to obtain measurements of the force and moment generated by the V-bend system. Our device was effective, providing results that were consistent with those of previous studies. This measurement device can be manufactured with force sensors of any size, and it can also be expanded to models with any number of teeth.

Experimental Stress Analysis of Stiffened Cylinders with Cutouts : Pure Bending

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schlechte, Floyd R; Rosecrans, Richard

1954-01-01

Bending tests were made on a cylindrical semimonocoque shell of circular cross section. The cylinder was tested without a cutout and then with a rectangular cutout which was successively enlarged through six sizes varying from 30 degrees to 130 degrees in circumference and from 1 to 2 bays in length. Strain measurements were made with resistance-type wire strain gages near the cutout on the stringers, the skin, and the rings for each size of cutout, and the stresses obtained are presented in tables. (author)

Finite element prediction on the chassis design of UniART4 racing car

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaman, Z. I.; Basaruddin, K. S.; Basha, M. H.; Rahman, M. T. Abd; Daud, R.

2017-09-01

This paper presents the analysis and evaluation of the chassis design for University Automotive Racing Team No. 4 (UniART4) car based on finite element analysis. The existing UniART4 car chassis was measured and modelled geometrically using Solidwork before analysed in FEA software (ANSYS). Four types of static structural analysis were used to predict the chassis design capability under four different loading conditions; vertical bending, lateral bending, lateral torsion and horizontal lozenging. The results showed the chassis subjected to the highest stress and strain under horizontal lozenging, whereas the minimum stress and strain response was obtained under lateral bending. The present analysis result could provide valuable information in predicting the sustainability of the current UniART car chassis design.

Kinematics and strain distribution of a thrust-related fold system in the Lewis thrust plate, northwestern Montana (U.S.A.)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, An; Oertel, Gerhard

1993-06-01

In order to understand interactions between motion along thrusts and the associated style of deformation and strain distribution in their hangingwalls, geologic mapping and strain measurements were conducted in an excellently exposed thrust-related fold system in the Lewis thrust plate, northwestern Montana. This system consists of: (1) an E-directed basal thrust (the Gunsight thrust) that has a flat-ramp geometry and a slip of about 3.6 km; (2) an E-verging asymmetric anticline with its nearly vertical forelimb truncated by the basal thrust from below; (3) a 4-km wide fold belt, the frontal fold complex, that lies directly in front of the E-verging anticline; (4) a W-directed bedding-parallel fault (the Mount Thompson fault) that bounds the top of the frontal fold belt and separates it from the undeformed to broadly folded strata above; and (5) regionally developed, W-dipping spaced cleavage. Although the overall geometry of the thrust-related fold system differs from any previously documented fault-related folds, the E-verging anticline itself resembles geometrically a Rich-type fault-bend fold. The observed initial cut-off and fold interlimb angles of this anticline, however, cannot be explained by cross-section balancing models for the development of either a fault-bend fold or a fault propagation fold. Possible origins for the E-verging anticline include (1) the fold initiated as an open fault-bend fold and tightened only later during its emplacement along the basal thrust and (2) the fold started as either a fault-bend or a fault-propagation fold, but simultaneous or subsequent volume change incompatible with any balanced cross-section models altered its shape. Strain in the thrust-related fold system was determined by the preferred orientation of mica and chlorite grains. The direction and magnitude of the post-compaction strain varies from place to place. Strains in the foreclimb of the hangingwall anticline imply bedding-parallel thinning at some localities and thickening at others. This inhomogeneity may be caused by the development of thrusts and folds. Strain in the backlimb of the hangingwall anticline implies bedding-parallel stretching in the thrust transport direction. This could be the effect of bending as the E-verging anticline was tightened and transported across the basal thrust ramp. Strain measured next to the Gunsight thrust again indicates locally varying shortening and extension in the transport direction, perhaps in response to inhomogeneous friction on the fault or else to a history of alternating strain hardening and softening in the basal thrust zone.

Thermal Property Analysis of Axle Load Sensors for Weighing Vehicles in Weigh-in-Motion System

PubMed Central

Burnos, Piotr; Gajda, Janusz

2016-01-01

Systems which permit the weighing of vehicles in motion are called dynamic Weigh-in-Motion scales. In such systems, axle load sensors are embedded in the pavement. Among the influencing factors that negatively affect weighing accuracy is the pavement temperature. This paper presents a detailed analysis of this phenomenon and describes the properties of polymer, quartz and bending plate load sensors. The studies were conducted in two ways: at roadside Weigh-in-Motion sites and at a laboratory using a climate chamber. For accuracy assessment of roadside systems, the reference vehicle method was used. The pavement temperature influence on the weighing error was experimentally investigated as well as a non-uniform temperature distribution along and across the Weigh-in-Motion site. Tests carried out in the climatic chamber allowed the influence of temperature on the sensor intrinsic error to be determined. The results presented clearly show that all kinds of sensors are temperature sensitive. This is a new finding, as up to now the quartz and bending plate sensors were considered insensitive to this factor. PMID:27983704

Gravitropism in Higher Plant Shoots 1

PubMed Central

Mueller, Wesley J.; Salisbury, Frank B.; Blotter, P. Thomas

1984-01-01

Dimensional changes during gravitropic bending of cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) dicot stems were measured using techniques of stereo photogrammetry. The differential growth is from an increased growth rate on the bottom of the stem and a stopping or contraction of the top. Contraction of the top was especially evident upon release and immediate bending of horizontal stems that had been restrained between stiff wires for 36 hours. The energy for this could have been stored in both the top and bottom, since the bottom elongated, and the top contracted. Forces developed during bending were measured by fastening a stem tip to the end of a bar with attached strain gauges and recording electrical output from the strain gauges. Restrained mature cocklebur stems continued to accumulate potential energy for bending for about 120 hours, after which the recorded force reached a maximum. Pressures within castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) stems were also measured with 3.5-millimeter diameter pressure transducers. As expected, the pressure on the bottom of the restrained plants increased with time; pressures decreased in vertical controls, tops of restrained stems, and bottoms of free-bending stems. Pressures increased in tops of free-bending stems. When restrained plants were released, pressure on the bottom decreased and pressure on the top increased. Results suggest a possible role for cell contraction in the top of stems bending upward in response to gravity. Images Fig. 5 Fig. 11 PMID:16663987

Monitoring Human Performance During Suited Operations: A Technology Feasibility Study Using EMU Gloves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bekdash, Omar; Norcross, Jason; McFarland, Shane

2015-01-01

Mobility tracking of human subjects while conducting suited operations still remains focused on the external movement of the suit and little is known about the human movement within it. For this study, accelerometers and bend sensitive resistors were integrated into a custom carrier glove to quantify range of motion and dexterity from within the pressurized glove environment as a first stage feasibility study of sensor hardware, integration, and reporting capabilities. Sensors were also placed on the exterior of the pressurized glove to determine if it was possible to compare a glove joint angle to the anatomical joint angle of the subject during tasks. Quantifying human movement within the suit was feasible, with accelerometers clearly detecting movements in the wrist and reporting expected joint angles at maximum flexion or extension postures with repeatability of plus or minus 5 degrees between trials. Bend sensors placed on the proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints performed less well. It was not possible to accurately determine the actual joint angle using these bend sensors, but these sensors could be used to determine when the joint was flexed to its maximum and provide a general range of mobility needed to complete a task. Further work includes additional testing with accelerometers and the possible inclusion of hardware such as magnetometers or gyroscopes to more precisely locate the joint in 3D space. We hope to eventually expand beyond the hand and glove and develop a more comprehensive suit sensor suite to characterize motion across more joints (knee, elbow, shoulder, etc.) and fully monitor the human body operating within the suit environment.

Bending of Euler-Bernoulli nanobeams based on the strain-driven and stress-driven nonlocal integral models: a numerical approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oskouie, M. Faraji; Ansari, R.; Rouhi, H.

2018-04-01

Eringen's nonlocal elasticity theory is extensively employed for the analysis of nanostructures because it is able to capture nanoscale effects. Previous studies have revealed that using the differential form of the strain-driven version of this theory leads to paradoxical results in some cases, such as bending analysis of cantilevers, and recourse must be made to the integral version. In this article, a novel numerical approach is developed for the bending analysis of Euler-Bernoulli nanobeams in the context of strain- and stress-driven integral nonlocal models. This numerical approach is proposed for the direct solution to bypass the difficulties related to converting the integral governing equation into a differential equation. First, the governing equation is derived based on both strain-driven and stress-driven nonlocal models by means of the minimum total potential energy. Also, in each case, the governing equation is obtained in both strong and weak forms. To solve numerically the derived equations, matrix differential and integral operators are constructed based upon the finite difference technique and trapezoidal integration rule. It is shown that the proposed numerical approach can be efficiently applied to the strain-driven nonlocal model with the aim of resolving the mentioned paradoxes. Also, it is able to solve the problem based on the strain-driven model without inconsistencies of the application of this model that are reported in the literature.

Prediction of fracture healing under axial loading, shear loading and bending is possible using distortional and dilatational strains as determining mechanical stimuli.

PubMed

Steiner, Malte; Claes, Lutz; Ignatius, Anita; Niemeyer, Frank; Simon, Ulrich; Wehner, Tim

2013-09-06

Numerical models of secondary fracture healing are based on mechanoregulatory algorithms that use distortional strain alone or in combination with either dilatational strain or fluid velocity as determining stimuli for tissue differentiation and development. Comparison of these algorithms has previously suggested that healing processes under torsional rotational loading can only be properly simulated by considering fluid velocity and deviatoric strain as the regulatory stimuli. We hypothesize that sufficient calibration on uncertain input parameters will enhance our existing model, which uses distortional and dilatational strains as determining stimuli, to properly simulate fracture healing under various loading conditions including also torsional rotation. Therefore, we minimized the difference between numerically simulated and experimentally measured courses of interfragmentary movements of two axial compressive cases and two shear load cases (torsional and translational) by varying several input parameter values within their predefined bounds. The calibrated model was then qualitatively evaluated on the ability to predict physiological changes of spatial and temporal tissue distributions, based on respective in vivo data. Finally, we corroborated the model on five additional axial compressive and one asymmetrical bending load case. We conclude that our model, using distortional and dilatational strains as determining stimuli, is able to simulate fracture-healing processes not only under axial compression and torsional rotation but also under translational shear and asymmetrical bending loading conditions.

Mechanical properties of nano and bulk Fe pillars using molecular dynamics and dislocation dynamics simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nath, S. K. Deb

2017-10-01

Using molecular dynamics simulation, tension and bending tests of a Fe nanopillar are carried out to obtain its Young's modulus and yield strength. Then the comparative study of Young's modulus and yield strength of a Fe nanopillar under bending and tension are carried out varying its diameter in the range of diameter 1-15nm. We find out the reasons why bending Young's modulus and yield strength of a Fe nanopillar are higher than those of tension Young's modulus and yield strength of a Fe nanopillar. Using the mobility parameters of bulk Fe from the experimental study [N. Urabe and J. Weertman, Materials Science and Engineering 18, 41 (1975)], its temperature dependent stress-strain relationship, yield strength and strain hardening modulus are obtained from the dislocation dynamics simulations. Strain rate dependent yield strength and strain hardening modulus of bulk Fe pillars under tension are studied. Temperature dependent creep behaviors of bulk Fe pillars under tension are also studied. To verify the soundness of the present dislocation dynamics studies of the mechanical properties of bulk Fe pillars under tension, the stress vs. strain relationship and dislocation density vs. strain of bulk Fe pillars obtained by us are compared with the published results obtained by S. Queyreau, G. Monnet, and B. Devincre, International Journal of Plasticity 25, 361 (2009).

3D Printed Wearable Sensors with Liquid Metals for the Pose Detection of Snakelike Soft Robots.

PubMed

Zhou, Luyu; Gao, Qing; Zhan, Jun-Fu; Xie, Chao-Qi; Fu, Jianzhong; He, Yong

2018-06-18

Liquid metal-based flexible sensors, which utilize advanced liquid conductive material to serve as sensitive element, is emerging as a promising solution to measure large deformations. Nowadays, one of the biggest challenges for precise control of soft robots is the detection of their real time positions. Existing fabrication methods are unable to fabricate flexible sensors that match the shape of soft robots. In this report, we firstly described a novel 3D printed multi-function inductance flexible and stretchable sensor with liquid metals (LMs), which is capable of measuring both axial tension and curvature. This sensor is fabricated with a developed coaxial liquid metal 3D printer by co-printing of silicone rubber and LMs. Due to the solenoid shape, this sensor can be easily installed on snakelike soft robots and can accurately distinguish different degrees of tensile and bending deformation. We determined the structural parameters of the sensor and proved its excellent stability and reliability. As a demonstration, we used this sensor to measure the curvature of a finger and feedback the position of endoscope, a typical snakelike structure. Because of its bending deformation form consistent with the actual working status of the soft robot and unique shape, this sensor has better practical application prospects in the pose detection.

Model For Bending Actuators That Use Electrostrictive Graft Elastomers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Costen, Robert C.; Su, Ji; Harrison, Joycelyn S.

2001-01-01

Recently, it was reported that an electrostrictive graft elastomer exhibits large electric field-induced strain (4%). Combined with its high mechanical modulus, the elastomer can offer very promising electromechanical properties, in terms of output mechanical energy density, for an electroactive polymeric material. Therefore, it has been considered as one of the candidates that can be used in high performance, low mass actuation devices in many aerospace applications. Various bilayer- based bending actuators have been designed and fabricated. An analytic model based on beam theory in the strength of materials has been derived for the transverse deflection, or curvature, and the longitudinal strain of the bi-layer beam. The curvature and strain are functions of the applied voltage and the thickness, width, and Young s modulus of the active and passive layers. The model can be used to optimize the performance of electrostrictive graft elastomer-based actuators to meet the requirements of various applications. In this presentation, optimization and sensitivity studies are applied to the bending performance of such actuators.

Large-displacement structural durability analyses of simple bend specimen emulating rocket nozzle liners

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arya, Vinod K.; Halford, Gary R.

1994-01-01

Large-displacement elastic and elastic-plastic, finite-element stress-strain analyses of an oxygen-tree high-conductivity (OFHC) copper plate specimen were performed using an updated Lagrangian formulation. The plate specimen is intended for low-cost experiments that emulate the most important thermomechanical loading and failure modes of a more complex rocket nozzle. The plate, which is loaded in bending at 593 C, contains a centrally located and internally pressurized channel. The cyclic crack initiation lives were estimated using the results from the analyses and isothermal strain-controlled low-cycle fatigue data for OFHC copper. A comparison of the predicted and experimental cyclic lives showed that an elastic analysis predicts a longer cyclic life than that observed in experiments by a factor greater than 4. The results from elastic-plastic analysis for the plate bend specimen, however, predicted a cyclic life in close agreement with experiment, thus justifying the need for the more rigorous stress-strain analysis.

Application of the self-diagnosis composite into concrete structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsubara, Hideaki; Shin, Soon-Gi; Okuhara, Yoshiki; Nomura, Hiroshi; Yanagida, Hiroaki

2001-04-01

The function and performance of the self-diagnosis composites embedded in mortar/concrete blocks and concrete piles were investigated by bending tests and electrical resistance measurements. Carbon powder (CP) and carbon fiber (CF) were introduced in glass fiber reinforced plastics composites to obtain electrical conductivity. The CP composite has commonly good performances in various bending tests of block and pile specimens, comparing to the CF composite. The electrical resistance of the CP composite increases in a small strain to response remarkably micro-crack formation at about 200 (mu) strain and to detect well to smaller deformations before the crack formation. The CP composite possesses a continuous resistance change up to a large strain level near the final fracture of concrete structures reinforced by steel bars. The cyclic bending tests showed that the micro crack closed at unloading state was able to be evaluated from the measurement of residual resistance. It has been concluded that the self- diagnosis composite is fairly useful for the measurement of damage and fracture in concrete blocks and piles.

Creep-Rupture Behavior of Ni-Based Alloy Tube Bends for A-USC Boilers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shingledecker, John

Advanced ultrasupercritical (A-USC) boiler designs will require the use of nickel-based alloys for superheaters and reheaters and thus tube bending will be required. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section II PG-19 limits the amount of cold-strain for boiler tube bends for austenitic materials. In this summary and analysis of research conducted to date, a number of candidate nickel-based A-USC alloys were evaluated. These alloys include alloy 230, alloy 617, and Inconel 740/740H. Uniaxial creep and novel structural tests and corresponding post-test analysis, which included physical measurements, simplified analytical analysis, and detailed microscopy, showed that different damage mechanisms may operate based on test conditions, alloy, and cold-strain levels. Overall, creep strength and ductility were reduced in all the alloys, but the degree of degradation varied substantially. The results support the current cold-strain limits now incorporated in ASME for these alloys for long-term A-USC boiler service.

Self-adapted and tunable graphene strain sensors for detecting both subtle and large human motions.

PubMed

Tao, Lu-Qi; Wang, Dan-Yang; Tian, He; Ju, Zhen-Yi; Liu, Ying; Pang, Yu; Chen, Yuan-Quan; Yang, Yi; Ren, Tian-Ling

2017-06-22

Conventional strain sensors rarely have both a high gauge factor and a large strain range simultaneously, so they can only be used in specific situations where only a high sensitivity or a large strain range is required. However, for detecting human motions that include both subtle and large motions, these strain sensors can't meet the diverse demands simultaneously. Here, we come up with laser patterned graphene strain sensors with self-adapted and tunable performance for the first time. A series of strain sensors with either an ultrahigh gauge factor or a preferable strain range can be fabricated simultaneously via one-step laser patterning, and are suitable for detecting all human motions. The strain sensors have a GF of up to 457 with a strain range of 35%, or have a strain range of up to 100% with a GF of 268. Most importantly, the performance of the strain sensors can be easily tuned by adjusting the patterns of the graphene, so that the sensors can meet diverse demands in both subtle and large motion situations. The graphene strain sensors show significant potential in applications such as wearable electronics, health monitoring and intelligent robots. Furthermore, the facile, fast and low-cost fabrication method will make them possible and practical to be used for commercial applications in the future.

Waterproof Electronic-Bandage with Tunable Sensitivity for Wearable Strain Sensors.

PubMed

Jeon, Jun-Young; Ha, Tae-Jun

2016-02-03

We demonstrate high-performance wearable electronic-bandage (E-bandage) based on carbon nanotube (CNT)/silver nanoparticle (AgNP) composites covered with flexible media of fluoropolymer-coated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films. The E-bandage can be used for motion-related sensors by directly attaching them to human skin, which achieves a fast and accurate electric response with high sensitivity according to the bending and stretching movements that induce changes in the conductivity. This advance in the E-bandage is realized as a result of the sensitivity that can be achieved by controlling the concentration of AgNPs in CNT pastes and by modifying the device architecture. The fluoropolymer encapsulation with hydrophobic surface characteristics allows for the E-bandage to operate in water and protects it from physical and chemical contact with the daily life conditions of the human skin. The reliability and scalability of the E-bandage as well as the compatibility with conventional microfabrication allow new possibilities to integrate flexible human-interactive nanoelectronics into mobile health-care monitoring systems combined with Internet of things (IoTs).

Micro-mechanics of ionic electroactive polymer actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Punning, Andres; Põldsalu, Inga; Kaasik, Friedrich; Vunder, Veiko; Aabloo, Alvo

2015-04-01

Commonly, modeling of the bending behavior of the ionic electroactive polymer (IEAP) actuators is based on the classical mechanics of cantilever beam. It is acknowledged, that the actuation of the ionic electroactive polymer (IEAP) actuators is symmetric about the centroid - the convex side of the actuator is expanding and the concave side is contracting for exactly the same amount, while the thickness of the actuator remains invariant. Actuating the IEAP actuators and sensors under scanning electron microscope (SEM), in situ, reveals that for some types of them this approach is incorrect. Comparison of the SEM micrographs using the Digital Image Correction (DIC) method results with the precise strain distribution of the IEAP actuators in two directions: in the axial direction, and in the direction of thickness. This information, in turn, points to the physical processes taking place within the electrodes as well as membrane of the trilayer laminate of sub-millimeter thickness. Comparison of the EAP materials, engaged as an actuator as well as a sensor, reveals considerable differences between the micro-mechanics of the two modes.

Nonlinear fracture of concrete and ceramics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kobayashi, Albert S.; Du, Jia-Ji; Hawkins, Niel M.; Bradt, Richard C.

1989-01-01

The nonlinear fracture process zones in an impacted unnotched concrete bend specimen, a prenotched ceramic bend specimen, and an unnotched ceramic/ceramic composite bend specimen were estimated through hybrid experimental numerical analysis. Aggregate bridging in concrete, particulate bridging in ceramics, and fiber bridging in ceramic/ceramic composite are modeled by Barenblatt-type cohesive zones which are incorporated into the finite-element models of the bend specimens. Both generation and propagation analyses are used to estimate the distribution of crack closure stresses in the nonlinear fracture process zones. The finite-element models are then used to simulate fracture tests consisting of rapid crack propagation in an impacted concrete bend specimen, and stable crack growth and strain softening in a ceramic and ceramic/ceramic composite bend specimens.

Method for measuring tri-axial lumbar motion angles using wearable sheet stretch sensors

PubMed Central

Nakamoto, Hiroyuki; Yamaji, Tokiya; Ootaka, Hideo; Bessho, Yusuke; Nakamura, Ryo; Ono, Rei

2017-01-01

Background Body movements, such as trunk flexion and rotation, are risk factors for low back pain in occupational settings, especially in healthcare workers. Wearable motion capture systems are potentially useful to monitor lower back movement in healthcare workers to help avoid the risk factors. In this study, we propose a novel system using sheet stretch sensors and investigate the system validity for estimating lower back movement. Methods Six volunteers (female:male = 1:1, mean age: 24.8 ± 4.0 years, height 166.7 ± 5.6 cm, weight 56.3 ± 7.6 kg) participated in test protocols that involved executing seven types of movements. The movements were three uniaxial trunk movements (i.e., trunk flexion-extension, trunk side-bending, and trunk rotation) and four multiaxial trunk movements (i.e., flexion + rotation, flexion + side-bending, side-bending + rotation, and moving around the cranial–caudal axis). Each trial lasted for approximately 30 s. Four stretch sensors were attached to each participant’s lower back. The lumbar motion angles were estimated using simple linear regression analysis based on the stretch sensor outputs and compared with those obtained by the optical motion capture system. Results The estimated lumbar motion angles showed a good correlation with the actual angles, with correlation values of r = 0.68 (SD = 0.35), r = 0.60 (SD = 0.19), and r = 0.72 (SD = 0.18) for the flexion-extension, side bending, and rotation movements, respectively (all P < 0.05). The estimation errors in all three directions were less than 3°. Conclusion The stretch sensors mounted on the back provided reasonable estimates of the lumbar motion angles. The novel motion capture system provided three directional angles without capture space limits. The wearable system possessed great potential to monitor the lower back movement in healthcare workers and helping prevent low back pain. PMID:29020053

Four-point bending protocols to study the effects of dynamic strain in osteoblastic cells in vitro.

PubMed

Galea, Gabriel L; Price, Joanna S

2015-01-01

Strain engendered within bone tissue by mechanical loading of the skeleton is a major influence on the processes of bone modeling and remodeling and so a critical determinant of bone mass and architecture. The cells best placed to respond to strain in bone tissue are the resident osteocytes and osteoblasts. To address the mechanisms of strain-related responses in osteoblast-like cells, our group uses both in vivo and in vitro approaches, including a system of four-point bending of the substrate on which cells are cultured. A range of cell lines can be studied using this system but we routinely compare their responses to those in primary cultures of osteoblast-like cells derived from explants of mouse long bones. These cells show a range of well-characterized responses to physiological levels of strain, including increased proliferation, which in vivo is a feature of the osteogenic response.

Highly stretchable miniature strain sensor for large dynamic strain measurement

DOE PAGES

Song, Bo; Yao, Shurong; Nie, Xu; ...

2016-01-01

In this paper, a new type of highly stretchable strain sensor was developed to measure large strains. The sensor was based on the piezo-resistive response of carbon nanotube (CNT)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite thin films. The piezo-resistive response of CNT composite gives accurate strain measurement with high frequency response, while the ultra-soft PDMS matrix provides high flexibility and ductility for large strain measurement. Experimental results show that the CNT/PDMS sensor measures large strains (up to 8 %) with an excellent linearity and a fast frequency response. The new miniature strain sensor also exhibits much higher sensitivities than the conventional foil strain gages,more » as its gauge factor is 500 times of that of the conventional foil strain gages.« less

Development of topologically structured membranes of aluminum oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bankova, A.; Videkov, V.; Tzaneva, B.

2014-05-01

In recent years, nanomembranes have become one of the most widely used construction material for ultrasensitive and ultrathin applications in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and other sensor structures due to their remarkable mechanical properties. Among these, the mechanical stability is of particular importance. We present an approach to the analysis of the stability of nanostructured anodic aluminum oxide free membranes subjected to mechanical bending. The membranes tested were with a thickness of 500 nm to 15 urn in various topological shapes; we describe the technological schemes of their preparation. Bends were applied to membranes prepared by using a selective process of etching and anodizing. The results of the preparation of the membranes are discussed, together with the influence of the angle of deflection, and the number of bendings. The results obtained can be used in designing MEMS structures and sensors which use nanostructured anodic aluminum oxide.

Off-axis ultraviolet-written thin-core fiber Bragg grating for directional bending measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lisong; Qiao, Xueguang; Liu, Qinpeng; Shao, Min; Jiang, Youhua; Huang, Dong

2018-03-01

A directional bending sensor based on thin-core fiber Bragg grating is proposed and demonstrated experimentally. It is inscribed by off-center technique and exposed by 193 nm ArF excimer laser through a phase mask. A series of cladding modes are excited and their intensities are enhanced to about 10 dB. The formation mechanism of those cladding modes is discussed and analyzed. The intensities of these cladding mode resonances is detected for bending and direction with maximum sensitivity 1.93 dB/m1 at 0° to - 1 . 95 dB/m1 at 180°under the curvature varied from 0 m-1to 2.5 m-1. The sensitivity of surrounding temperature is 11.3pm/°C ranging from 25 °C to 60 °C. This all-fiber structure has a great advantage for fiber orientation identification sensor with more convenient manufacture and needless de-localize FBGs.

Performance of an anisotropic Allman/DKT 3-node thin triangular flat shell element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ertas, A.; Krafcik, J. T.; Ekwaro-Osire, S.

1992-05-01

A simple, explicit formulation of the stiffness matrix for an anisotropic, 3-node, thin triangular flat shell element in global coordinates is presented. An Allman triangle (AT) is used for membrane stiffness. The membrane stiffness matrix is explicitly derived by applying an Allman transformation to a Felippa 6-node linear strain triangle (LST). Bending stiffness is incorporated by the use of a discrete Kirchhoff triangle (DKT) bending element. Stiffness terms resulting from anisotropic membrane-bending coupling are included by integrating, in area coordinates, the membrane and bending strain-displacement matrices. Using the aforementioned approach, the objective of this study is to develop and test the performance of a practical 3-node flat shell element that could be used in plate problems with unsymmetrically stacked composite laminates. The performance of the latter element is tested on plates of varying aspect ratios. The developed 3-node shell element should simplify the programming task and have the potential of reducing the computational time.

Analysis, compensation, and correction of temperature effects on FBG strain sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haber, T. C.; Ferguson, S.; Guthrie, D.; Graver, T. W.; Soller, B. J.; Mendez, Alexis

2013-05-01

One of the most common fiber optic sensor (FOS) types used are fiber Bragg gratings (FBG), and the most frequently measured parameter is strain. Hence, FBG strain sensors are one of the most prevalent FOS devices in use today in structural sensing and monitoring in civil engineering, aerospace, marine, oil and gas, composites and smart structure applications. However, since FBGs are simultaneously sensitive to both temperature and strain, it becomes essential to utilize sensors that are either fully temperature insensitive or, alternatively, properly temperature compensated to avoid erroneous measurements. In this paper, we introduce the concept of measured "total strain", which is inherent and unique to optical strain sensors. We review and analyze the temperature and strain sensitivities of FBG strain sensors and decompose the total measured strain into thermal and non-thermal components. We explore the differences between substrate CTE and System Thermal Response Coefficients, which govern the type and quality of thermal strain decomposition analysis. Finally, we present specific guidelines to achieve proper temperature-insensitive strain measurements by combining adequate installation, sensor packaging and data correction techniques.

Development of a Post-Installed Deepwater Monitoring System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seaman, C.; Brower, D. V.; Tang, H.; Le, S.

2015-01-01

A monitoring system that can be deployed on already existing deep water risers and flowlines has been developed. This paper describes the design concepts and testing that was performed in developing the monitoring system. A major challenge of a post-installed instrumentation system is to ensure adequate coupling is achieved between the instruments and the riser or flowline. This work investigates the sensor coupling for pipelines that are suspended in both the water column (from topside platform to the seabed) and for those that are located directly on the seabed. These different environments have resulted in two sensor attachment methods: (1) subsea adhesive sensor clamp design and (2) a friction surface sensor attachment method. This paper presents the adhesive attachment method. The monitoring elements consist of fiber optic sensors that are encased in a polyurethane clamp. With a subsea adhesive, the clamp can be installed by divers in shallow depths or by use of an ROV for deeper applications. The NASA Johnson Space Center was initially involved in the selection and testing of subsea adhesives. It was determined that up to 75 percent of the bonding strength could be achieved with the adhesive from optimal dry bonding versus bonding in submerged sea water environments. The next phase of the study involved the design, fabrication, and testing of several prototype clamps that contained the fiber optic sensors. A mold was produced by NASA using 3-D printing methods that allowed the fabrication of subscale test articles that would accommodate 4-inch and 8-inch diameter pipes. The clamps were installed with adhesive in a "wet" environment on the pipe test articles and tested in the NASA Structures Test Laboratory. The tension/compression and bending tests showed that the prototype sensor clamps achieved good coupling, and could provide high quality strain measurement for active monitoring.

Tension and fatigue behavior of 316LVM 1x7 multi-strand cables used as implantable electrodes.

PubMed

Lewandowski, John J; Varadarajan, Ravikumar; Smith, Brian; Tuma, Chris; Shazly, Mostafa; Vatamanu, Luciano O

2008-07-15

The mechanical behavior of 316LVM 1x7 cables were evaluated in uniaxial tension, and in cyclic strain-controlled fatigue with the use of a Flex tester operated to provide fully reversed bending fatigue. The magnitude of cyclic strains imparted to each cable tested was controlled via the use of different diameter mandrels. Smaller diameter mandrels produced higher values of cyclic strain and lower fatigue life. Multiple samples were tested and analyzed via scanning electron microscopy. The fatigue results were analyzed via a Coffin-Manson-Basquin approach and compared to fatigue data obtained from the literature where testing was conducted on similar materials, but under rotating bending fatigue conditions.

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.

Built for speed: strain in the cartilaginous vertebral columns of sharks.

PubMed

Porter, M E; Diaz, Candido; Sturm, Joshua J; Grotmol, Sindre; Summers, A P; Long, John H

2014-02-01

In most bony fishes vertebral column strain during locomotion is almost exclusively in the intervertebral joints, and when these joints move there is the potential to store and release strain energy. Since cartilaginous fishes have poorly mineralized vertebral centra, we tested whether the vertebral bodies undergo substantial strain and thus may be sites of energy storage during locomotion. We measured axial strains of the intervertebral joints and vertebrae in vivo and ex vivo to characterize the dynamic behavior of the vertebral column. We used sonomicrometry to directly measure in vivo and in situ strains of intervertebral joints and vertebrae of Squalus acanthias swimming in a flume. For ex vivo measurements, we used a materials testing system to dynamically bend segments of vertebral column at frequencies ranging from 0.25 to 1.00 Hz and a range of physiologically relevant curvatures, which were determined using a kinematic analysis. The vertebral centra of S. acanthias undergo strain during in vivo volitional movements as well as in situ passive movements. Moreover, when isolated segments of vertebral column were tested during mechanical bending, we measured the same magnitudes of strain. These data support our hypothesis that vertebral column strain in lateral bending is not limited to the intervertebral joints. In histological sections, we found that the vertebral column of S. acanthias has an intracentral canal that is open and covered with a velum layer. An open intracentral canal may indicate that the centra are acting as tunics around some sections of a hydrostat, effectively stiffening the vertebral column. These data suggest that the entire vertebral column of sharks, both joints and centra, is mechanically engaged as a dynamic spring during locomotion. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Modeling of a Surface Acoustic Wave Strain Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, W. C.; Atkinson, Gary M.

2010-01-01

NASA Langley Research Center is investigating Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) sensor technology for harsh environments aimed at aerospace applications. To aid in development of sensors a model of a SAW strain sensor has been developed. The new model extends the modified matrix method to include the response of Orthogonal Frequency Coded (OFC) reflectors and the response of SAW devices to strain. These results show that the model accurately captures the strain response of a SAW sensor on a Langasite substrate. The results of the model of a SAW Strain Sensor on Langasite are presented

An ultrasensitive strain sensor with a wide strain range based on graphene armour scales.

PubMed

Yang, Yi-Fan; Tao, Lu-Qi; Pang, Yu; Tian, He; Ju, Zhen-Yi; Wu, Xiao-Ming; Yang, Yi; Ren, Tian-Ling

2018-06-12

An ultrasensitive strain sensor with a wide strain range based on graphene armour scales is demonstrated in this paper. The sensor shows an ultra-high gauge factor (GF, up to 1054) and a wide strain range (ε = 26%), both of which present an advantage compared to most other flexible sensors. Moreover, the sensor is developed by a simple fabrication process. Due to the excellent performance, this strain sensor can meet the demands of subtle, large and complex human motion monitoring, which indicates its tremendous application potential in health monitoring, mechanical control, real-time motion monitoring and so on.

A stretchable strain sensor based on a metal nanoparticle thin film for human motion detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jaehwan; Kim, Sanghyeok; Lee, Jinjae; Yang, Daejong; Park, Byong Chon; Ryu, Seunghwa; Park, Inkyu

2014-09-01

Wearable strain sensors for human motion detection are being highlighted in various fields such as medical, entertainment and sports industry. In this paper, we propose a new type of stretchable strain sensor that can detect both tensile and compressive strains and can be fabricated by a very simple process. A silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) thin film patterned on the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp by a single-step direct transfer process is used as the strain sensing material. The working principle is the change in the electrical resistance caused by the opening/closure of micro-cracks under mechanical deformation. The fabricated stretchable strain sensor shows highly sensitive and durable sensing performances in various tensile/compressive strains, long-term cyclic loading and relaxation tests. We demonstrate the applications of our stretchable strain sensors such as flexible pressure sensors and wearable human motion detection devices with high sensitivity, response speed and mechanical robustness.Wearable strain sensors for human motion detection are being highlighted in various fields such as medical, entertainment and sports industry. In this paper, we propose a new type of stretchable strain sensor that can detect both tensile and compressive strains and can be fabricated by a very simple process. A silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) thin film patterned on the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp by a single-step direct transfer process is used as the strain sensing material. The working principle is the change in the electrical resistance caused by the opening/closure of micro-cracks under mechanical deformation. The fabricated stretchable strain sensor shows highly sensitive and durable sensing performances in various tensile/compressive strains, long-term cyclic loading and relaxation tests. We demonstrate the applications of our stretchable strain sensors such as flexible pressure sensors and wearable human motion detection devices with high sensitivity, response speed and mechanical robustness. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr03295k

Ionic polymer metal composites with nanoporous carbon electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmre, Viljar; Brandell, Daniel; Mäeorg, Uno; Torop, Janno; Volobujeva, Olga; Punning, Andres; Johanson, Urmas; Aabloo, Alvo

2010-04-01

Ionic Polymer Metal Composites (IPMCs) are soft electroactive polymer materials that bend in response to the voltage stimulus (1 - 4 V). They can be used as actuators or sensors. In this paper, we introduce two new highly-porous carbon materials for assembling high specific area electrodes for IPMC actuators and compare their electromechanical performance with recently reported IPMCs based on RuO2 electrodes. We synthesize ionic liquid (Emi-Tf) actuators with either Carbide-Derived Carbon (CDC) (derived from TiC) or coconut shell based activated carbon electrodes. The carbon electrodes are applied onto ionic liquid-swollen Nafion membranes using the direct assembly process. Our results show that actuators assembled with CDC electrodes have the greatest peak-to-peak strain output, reaching up to 20.4 mɛ (equivalent to >2%) at a 2 V actuation signal, exceeding that of the RuO2 electrodes by more than 100%. The electrodes synthesized from TiC-derived carbon also revealed significantly higher maximum strain rate. The differences between the materials are discussed in terms of molecular interactions and mechanisms upon actuation in the different electrodes.

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

Hayashi, T; Morokuma, Keiji; Meunier, Vincent

We have used in-situ current-voltage measurements of cup-stacked carbon nanotubes (CSCNTs) to establish a reversible strain induced (compressive bending) semiconducting to metallic behavior. The corresponding electrical resistance decreases by two orders of magnitude during the process, and reaches values comparable to those of highly crystalline multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and graphite. Joule heating experiments on the same CSCNTs showed that the edges of individual cups merge to form loops induced by the heating process. The resistance of these looped CSCNTs was close to that of highly deformed CSCNTs (and crystalline MWCNTs), thus suggesting that a similar conduction mechanism took placemore » in both cases. Using a combination of molecular dynamics and first-principles calculations based on density functional theory, we conclude that an edge-to-edge interlayer transport mechanism results in conduction channels at the compressed side of the CSCNTs due to electronic density overlap between individual cups, thus making CSCNT more conducting. This strain-induced CSCNT semiconductor to metal transition could potentially be applied to enabling functional composite materials (e.g. mechanical sensors) with enhanced and tunable conducting properties upon compression.« less

Optical design of endoscopic shape-tracker using quantum dots embedded in fiber bundles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eisenstein, Jessica; Gavalis, Robb; Wong, Peter Y.; Cao, Caroline G. L.

2009-08-01

Colonoscopy is the current gold standard for colon cancer screening and diagnosis. However, the near-blind navigation process employed during colonoscopy results in endoscopist disorientation and scope looping, leading to missed detection of tumors, incorrect localization, and pain for the patient. A fiber optic bend sensor, which would fit into the working channel of a colonoscope, is developed to aid navigation through the colon during colonoscopy. The bend sensor is comprised of a bundle of seven fibers doped with quantum dots (QDs). Each fiber within the bundle contains a unique region made up of three zones with differently-colored QDs, spaced 120° apart circumferentially on the fiber. During bending at the QD region, light lost from the fiber's core is coupled into one of the QD zones, inducing fluorescence of the corresponding color whose intensity is proportional to the degree of bending. A complementary metal oxide semiconductor camera is used to obtain an image of the fluorescing end faces of the fiber bundle. The location of the fiber within the bundle, the color of fluorescence, and the fluorescence intensity are used to determine the bundle's bending location, direction, and degree of curvature, respectively. Preliminary results obtained using a single fiber with three QD zones and a seven-fiber bundle containing one active fiber with two QDs (180° apart) demonstrate the feasibility of the concept. Further developments on fiber orientation during bundling and the design of a graphical user interface to communicate bending information are also discussed.

Apparatus for measuring fluid flow

DOEpatents

Smith, Jack E.; Thomas, David G.

1984-01-01

Flow measuring apparatus includes a support loop having strain gages mounted thereon and a drag means which is attached to one end of the support loop and which bends the sides of the support loop and induces strains in the strain gages when a flow stream impacts thereon.

Apparatus for measuring fluid flow

DOEpatents

Smith, J.E.; Thomas, D.G.

Flow measuring apparatus includes a support loop having strain gages mounted thereon and a drag means which is attached to one end of the support loop and which bends the sides of the support loop and induces strains in the strain gages when a flow stream impacts thereon.

Magnesium for Crashworthy Components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbott, T.; Easton, M.; Schmidt, R.

Most applications of magnesium in automobiles are for nonstructural components. However, the light weight properties of magnesium make it attractive in structural applications where energy absorption in a crash is critical. Because most deformation in a crash occurs as bending rather than simple tension or compression, the advantages of magnesium are greater than anticipated simply from tensile strength to weight ratios. The increased thickness possible with magnesium strongly influences bending behavior and theoretical calculations suggest almost an order of magnitude greater energy absorption with magnesium compared to the same weight of steel. The strain rate sensitivity of steel is of concern for energy absorption. Mild steels exhibit a distinct yield point which increases with strain rate. At strain rates typical of vehicle impact, this can result in strain localization and poor energy absorption. Magnesium alloys with relatively low aluminum contents exhibit strain rate sensitivity, however, this is manifest as an increase in work hardening and tensile / yield ratio. This behavior suggests that the performance of magnesium alloys in terms of energy absorption actually improves at high strain rates.

Nonlinear Deformation and Stability of a Noncircular Cylindrical Shell Under Combined Loading with Bending and Twisting Moments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belov, V. K.; Zheleznov, L. P.; Ognyanova, T. S.

2018-03-01

A previously developed technique is used to solve problems of strength and stability of discretely reinforced noncircular cylindrical shells made of a composite material with allowance for the moments and nonlinearity of their subcritical stress-strain state. Stability of a reinforced bay of the aircraft fuselage made of a composite material under combined loading with bending and twisting moments is studied. The effects of straining nonlinearity, stiffness of longitudinal ribs, and shell thickness on the critical loads that induce shell buckling are analyzed.

The effect of temperature and moisture on electrical resistance, strain sensitivity and crack sensitivity of steel fiber reinforced smart cement composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teomete, Egemen

2016-07-01

Earthquakes, material degradations and other environmental factors necessitate structural health monitoring (SHM). Metal foil strain gages used for SHM have low durability and low sensitivity. These factors motivated researchers to work on cement based strain sensors. In this study, the effects of temperature and moisture on electrical resistance, compressive and tensile strain gage factors (strain sensitivity) and crack sensitivity were determined for steel fiber reinforced cement based composite. A rapid increase of electrical resistance at 200 °C was observed due to damage occurring between cement paste, aggregates and steel fibers. The moisture—electrical resistance relationship was investigated. The specimens taken out of the cure were saturated with water and had a moisture content of 9.49%. The minimum electrical resistance was obtained at 9% moisture at which fiber-fiber and fiber-matrix contact was maximum and the water in micro voids was acting as an electrolyte, conducting electrons. The variation of compressive and tensile strain gage factors (strain sensitivities) and crack sensitivity were investigated by conducting compression, split tensile and notched bending tests with different moisture contents. The highest gage factor for the compression test was obtained at optimal moisture content, at which electrical resistance was minimum. The tensile strain gage factor for split tensile test and crack sensitivity increased by decreasing moisture content. The mechanisms between moisture content, electrical resistance, gage factors and crack sensitivity were elucidated. The relations of moisture content with electrical resistance, gage factors and crack sensitivities have been presented for the first time in this study for steel fiber reinforced cement based composites. The results are important for the development of self sensing cement based smart materials.

Pile Model Tests Using Strain Gauge Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krasiński, Adam; Kusio, Tomasz

2015-09-01

Ordinary pile bearing capacity tests are usually carried out to determine the relationship between load and displacement of pile head. The measurement system required in such tests consists of force transducer and three or four displacement gauges. The whole system is installed at the pile head above the ground level. This approach, however, does not give us complete information about the pile-soil interaction. We can only determine the total bearing capacity of the pile, without the knowledge of its distribution into the shaft and base resistances. Much more information can be obtained by carrying out a test of instrumented pile equipped with a system for measuring the distribution of axial force along its core. In the case of pile model tests the use of such measurement is difficult due to small scale of the model. To find a suitable solution for axial force measurement, which could be applied to small scale model piles, we had to take into account the following requirements: - a linear and stable relationship between measured and physical values, - the force measurement accuracy of about 0.1 kN, - the range of measured forces up to 30 kN, - resistance of measuring gauges against aggressive counteraction of concrete mortar and against moisture, - insensitivity to pile bending, - economical factor. These requirements can be fulfilled by strain gauge sensors if an appropriate methodology is used for test preparation (Hoffmann [1]). In this paper, we focus on some aspects of the application of strain gauge sensors for model pile tests. The efficiency of the method is proved on the examples of static load tests carried out on SDP model piles acting as single piles and in a group.

Inertial sensor real-time feedback enhances the learning of cervical spine manipulation: a prospective study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Cervical Spinal Manipulation (CSM) is considered a high-level skill of the central nervous system because it requires bimanual coordinated rhythmical movements therefore necessitating training to achieve proficiency. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of real-time feedback on the performance of CSM. Methods Six postgraduate physiotherapy students attending a training workshop on Cervical Spine Manipulation Technique (CSMT) using inertial sensor derived real-time feedback participated in this study. The key variables were pre-manipulative position, angular displacement of the thrust and angular velocity of the thrust. Differences between variables before and after training were investigated using t-tests. Results There were no significant differences after training for the pre-manipulative position (rotation p = 0.549; side bending p = 0.312) or for thrust displacement (rotation p = 0.247; side bending p = 0.314). Thrust angular velocity demonstrated a significant difference following training for rotation (pre-training mean (sd) 48.9°/s (35.1); post-training mean (sd) 96.9°/s (53.9); p = 0.027) but not for side bending (p = 0.521). Conclusion Real-time feedback using an inertial sensor may be valuable in the development of specific manipulative skill. Future studies investigating manipulation could consider a randomized controlled trial using inertial sensor real time feedback compared to traditional training. PMID:24942483

A Polymer Optical Fiber Fuel Level Sensor: Application to Paramotoring and Powered Paragliding

PubMed Central

Montero, David Sánchez; Lallana, Pedro Contreras; Vázquez, Carmen

2012-01-01

A low-cost intensity-based polymer optical fiber (POF) sensor for fuel level measurements in paramotoring and powered paragliding is presented, exploiting the advantages of the optical fiber sensing technology. Experimental results demonstrate that the best option can be performed by stripping the fiber at the desired discrete points to measure the fuel level as well as with a gauge-shape fiber bending. The prototype has a good linearity, better than 4% full scale (F.S.), and sensitivity around 0.5 V per bend are obtained. Hysteresis due to residual fluid at the sensing points is found to be less than 9% F.S. PMID:22778637

A Model of the THUNDER Actuator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curtis, Alan R. D.

1997-01-01

A THUNDER actuator is a composite of three thin layers, a metal base, a piezoelectric wafer and a metal top cover, bonded together under pressure and at high temperature with the LaRC SI polyimid adhesive. When a voltage is applied between the metal layers across the PZT the actuator will bend and can generate a force. This document develops and describes an analytical model the transduction properties of THUNDER actuators. The model development is divided into three sections. First, a static model is described that relates internal stresses and strains and external displacements to the thermal pre-stress and applied voltage. Second, a dynamic energy based model is described that allows calculation of the resonance frequencies, developed force and electrical input impedance. Finally, a fully coupled electro-mechanical transducer model is described. The model development proceeds by assuming that both the thermal pre-stress and the piezoelectric actuation cause the actuator to deform in a pure bend in a single plane. It is useful to think of this as a two step process, the actuator is held flat, differential stresses induce a bending moment, the actuator is released and it bends. The thermal pre-stress is caused by the different amounts that the constituent layers shrink due to their different coefficients of thermal expansion. The adhesive between layers sets at a high temperature and as the actuator cools, the metal layers shrink more than the PZT. The PZT layer is put into compression while the metal layers are in tension. The piezoelectric actuation has a similar effect. An applied voltage causes the PZT layer to strain, which in turn strains the two metal layers. If the PZT layer expands it will put the metal layers into tension and PZT layer into compression. In both cases, if shear force effects are neglected, the actuator assembly will experience a uniform in-plane strain. As the materials each have a different elastic modulus, different stresses will develop in each layer and these stresses will induce a bending moment. When the actuator is released from its flat configuration, the differential stresses are relieved as the actuator bends.

Enhanced Strain Measurement Range of an FBG Sensor Embedded in Seven-Wire Steel Strands.

PubMed

Kim, Jae-Min; Kim, Chul-Min; Choi, Song-Yi; Lee, Bang Yeon

2017-07-18

FBG sensors offer many advantages, such as a lack of sensitivity to electromagnetic waves, small size, high durability, and high sensitivity. However, their maximum strain measurement range is lower than the yield strain range (about 1.0%) of steel strands when embedded in steel strands. This study proposes a new FBG sensing technique in which an FBG sensor is recoated with polyimide and protected by a polyimide tube in an effort to enhance the maximum strain measurement range of FBG sensors embedded in strands. The validation test results showed that the proposed FBG sensing technique has a maximum strain measurement range of 1.73% on average, which is 1.73 times higher than the yield strain of the strands. It was confirmed that recoating the FBG sensor with polyimide and protecting the FBG sensor using a polyimide tube could effectively enhance the maximum strain measurement range of FBG sensors embedded in strands.

Flexural Vibration Test of a Cantilever Beam with a Force Sensor: Fast Determination of Young's Modulus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Digilov, Rafael M.

2008-01-01

We describe a simple and very inexpensive undergraduate laboratory experiment for fast determination of Young's modulus at moderate temperatures with the aid of a force sensor. A strip-shaped specimen rigidly bolted to the force sensor forms a clamped-free cantilever beam. Placed in a furnace, it is subjected to free-bending vibrations followed by…

Thick film wireless and powerless strain sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Yi; Sun, Ke

2006-03-01

The development of an innovative wireless strain sensing technology has a great potential to extend its applications in manufacturing, civil engineering and aerospace industry. This paper presents a novel wireless and powerless strain sensor with a multi-layer thick film structure. The sensor employs a planar inductor (L) and capacitive transducer (C) resonant tank sensing circuit, and a strain sensitive material of a polarized polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric thick film to realize the wireless strain sensing by strain to frequency conversion and to receive radio frequency electromagnetic energy for powering the sensor. The prototype sensor was designed and fabricated. The results of calibration on a strain constant cantilever beam show a great linearity and sensitivity about 0.0013 in a strain range of 0-0.018.

A micro S-shaped optical fiber temperature sensor based on dislocation fiber splice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Haitao; Li, Pengfei; Zhang, Haojie; Shen, Xiaoyue; Wang, Yongzhen

2017-12-01

We fabricated a simple, compact, and stable temperature sensor based on an S-shaped dislocated optical fiber. The dislocation optical fiber has two splice points, and we obtained the optimal parameters based on the theory and our experiment, such as the dislocation amount and length of the dislocation optical fiber. According to the relationship between the temperature and the peak wavelength shift, the temperature of the environment can be obtained. Then, we made this fiber a micro bending as S-shape between the two dislocation points, and the S-shaped micro bending part could release stress with the change in temperature and reduce the effect of stress on the temperature measurement. This structure could solve the problem of sensor distortion caused by the cross response of temperature and stress. We measured the S-shaped dislocation fiber sensor and the dislocation fiber without S-shape under the same environment and conditions, and the S-shaped dislocation fiber had the advantages of the stable reliability and good linearity.

Optimization of sensor introduction into laminated composite materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaaf, Kristin; Nemat-Nasser, Sia

2008-03-01

This work seeks to extend the functionality of the composite material beyond that of simply load-bearing and to enable in situ sensing, without compromising the structural integrity of the host composite material. Essential to the application of smart composites is the issue of the mechanical coupling of the sensor to the host material. Here we present various methods of embedding sensors within the host composite material. In this study, quasi-static three-point bending (short beam) and fatigue three-point bending (short beam) tests are conducted in order to characterize the effects of introducing the sensors into the host composite material. The sensors that are examined include three types of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) thin film sensors: silver ink with a protective coating of urethane, silver ink without a protective coating, and nickel-copper alloy without a protective coating. The methods of sensor integration include placement at the midplane between the layers of prepreg material as well as a sandwich configuration in which a PVDF thin film sensor is placed between the first and second and nineteenth and twentieth layers of prepreg. Each PVDF sensor is continuous and occupies the entire layer, lying in the plane normal to the thickness direction in laminated composites. The work described here is part of an ongoing effort to understand the structural effects of integrating microsensor networks into a host composite material.

Impact compressive and bending behaviour of rocks accompanied by electromagnetic phenomena.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Hidetoshi; Horikawa, Keitaro; Ogawa, Kinya; Watanabe, Keiko

2014-08-28

It is well known that electromagnetic phenomena are often observed preceding earthquakes. However, the mechanism by which these electromagnetic waves are generated during the fracture and deformation of rocks has not been fully identified. Therefore, in order to examine the relationship between the electromagnetic phenomena and the mechanical properties of rocks, uniaxial compression and three-point bending tests for two kinds of rocks with different quartz content, granite and gabbro, have been carried out at quasi-static and dynamic rates. Especially, in the bending tests, pre-cracked specimens of granite were also tested. Using a split Hopkinson pressure bar and a ferrite-core antenna in close proximity to the specimens, both the stress-strain (load-displacement) curve and simultaneous electromagnetic wave magnitude were measured. It was found that the dynamic compressive and bending strengths and the stress increase slope of both rocks were higher than those observed in static tests; therefore, there is a strain-rate dependence in their strength and stress increase rate. It was found from the tests using the pre-cracked bending specimens that the intensity of electromagnetic waves measured during crack extension increased almost proportionally to the increase of the maximum stress intensity factor of specimens. This tendency was observed in both the dynamic and quasi-static three-point bending tests for granite. © 2014 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

The strain and thermal induced tunable charging phenomenon in low power flexible memory arrays with a gold nanoparticle monolayer.

PubMed

Zhou, Ye; Han, Su-Ting; Xu, Zong-Xiang; Roy, V A L

2013-03-07

The strain and temperature dependent memory effect of organic memory transistors on plastic substrates has been investigated under ambient conditions. The gold (Au) nanoparticle monolayer was prepared and embedded in an atomic layer deposited aluminum oxide (Al(2)O(3)) as the charge trapping layer. The devices exhibited low operation voltage, reliable memory characteristics and long data retention time. Experimental analysis of the programming and erasing behavior at various bending states showed the relationship between strain and charging capacity. Thermal-induced effects on these memory devices have also been analyzed. The mobility shows ~200% rise and the memory window increases from 1.48 V to 1.8 V when the temperature rises from 20 °C to 80 °C due to thermally activated transport. The retention capability of the devices decreases with the increased working temperature. Our findings provide a better understanding of flexible organic memory transistors under various operating temperatures and validate their applications in various areas such as temperature sensors, temperature memory or advanced electronic circuits. Furthermore, the low temperature processing procedures of the key elements (Au nanoparticle monolayer and Al(2)O(3) dielectric layer) could be potentially integrated with large area flexible electronics.

Applications of Ko Displacement Theory to the Deformed Shape Predictions of the Doubly-Tapered Ikhana Wing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ko, William L.; Richards, W. Lance; Fleischer, Van Tran

2009-01-01

The Ko displacement theory, formulated for weak nonuniform (slowly changing cross sections) cantilever beams, was applied to the deformed shape analysis of the doubly-tapered wings of the Ikhana unmanned aircraft. The two-line strain-sensing system (along the wingspan) was used for sensing the bending strains needed for the wing-deformed shapes (deflections and cross-sectional twist) analysis. The deflection equation for each strain-sensing line was expressed in terms of the bending strains evaluated at multiple numbers of strain-sensing stations equally spaced along the strain-sensing line. For the preflight shape analysis of the Ikhana wing, the strain data needed for input to the displacement equations for the shape analysis were obtained from the nodal-stress output of the finite-element analysis. The wing deflections and cross-sectional twist angles calculated from the displacement equations were then compared with those computed from the finite-element computer program. The Ko displacement theory formulated for weak nonlinear cantilever beams was found to be highly accurate in the deformed shape predictions of the doubly-tapered Ikhana wing.

Micro-patterned graphene-based sensing skins for human physiological monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Long; Loh, Kenneth J.; Chiang, Wei-Hung; Manna, Kausik

2018-03-01

Ultrathin, flexible, conformal, and skin-like electronic transducers are emerging as promising candidates for noninvasive and nonintrusive human health monitoring. In this work, a wearable sensing membrane is developed by patterning a graphene-based solution onto ultrathin medical tape, which can then be attached to the skin for monitoring human physiological parameters and physical activity. Here, the sensor is validated for monitoring finger bending/movements and for recognizing hand motion patterns, thereby demonstrating its future potential for evaluating athletic performance, physical therapy, and designing next-generation human-machine interfaces. Furthermore, this study also quantifies the sensor’s ability to monitor eye blinking and radial pulse in real-time, which can find broader applications for the healthcare sector. Overall, the printed graphene-based sensing skin is highly conformable, flexible, lightweight, nonintrusive, mechanically robust, and is characterized by high strain sensitivity.

Strain monitoring of bismaleimide composites using embedded microcavity sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Amardeep; Anandan, Sudharshan; Yuan, Lei; Watkins, Steve E.; Chandrashekhara, K.; Xiao, Hai; Phan, Nam

2016-03-01

A type of extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (EFPI) fiber optic sensor, i.e., the microcavity strain sensor, is demonstrated for embedded, high-temperature applications. The sensor is fabricated using a femtosecond (fs) laser. The fs-laser-based fabrication makes the sensor thermally stable to sustain operating temperatures as high as 800°C. The sensor has low sensitivity toward the temperature as compared to its response toward the applied strain. The performance of the EFPI sensor is tested in an embedded application. The host material is carbon fiber/bismaleimide (BMI) composite laminate that offer thermally stable characteristics at high ambient temperatures. The sensor exhibits highly linear response toward the temperature and strain. Analytical work done with embedded optical-fiber sensors using the out-of-autoclave BMI laminate was limited until now. The work presented in this paper offers an insight into the strain and temperature interactions of the embedded sensors with the BMI composites.

Real-Time Characterization of Aerospace Structures Using Onboard Strain Measurement Technologies and Inverse Finite Element Method

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

strain data provided by in-situ strain sensors. The application focus is on the stain data obtained from FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor arrays...sparsely distributed lines to simulate strain data from FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) arrays that provide either single-core (axial) or rosette (tri...when the measured strain data are sparse, as it is often the case when FBG sensors are used. For an inverse element without strain-sensor data, the

Tree shoot bending generates hydraulic pressure pulses: a new long-distance signal?

PubMed Central

Lopez, Rosana; Badel, Eric

2014-01-01

When tree stems are mechanically stimulated, a rapid long-distance signal is induced that slows down primary growth. An investigation was carried out to determine whether the signal might be borne by a mechanically induced pressure pulse in the xylem. Coupling xylem flow meters and pressure sensors with a mechanical testing device, the hydraulic effects of mechanical deformation of tree stem and branches were measured. Organs of several tree species were studied, including gymnosperms and angiosperms with different wood densities and anatomies. Bending had a negligible effect on xylem conductivity, even when deformations were sustained or were larger than would be encountered in nature. It was found that bending caused transient variation in the hydraulic pressure within the xylem of branch segments. This local transient increase in pressure in the xylem was rapidly propagated along the vascular system in planta to the upper and lower regions of the stem. It was shown that this hydraulic pulse originates from the apoplast. Water that was mobilized in the hydraulic pulses came from the saturated porous material of the conduits and their walls, suggesting that the poroelastic behaviour of xylem might be a key factor. Although likely to be a generic mechanical response, quantitative differences in the hydraulic pulse were found in different species, possibly related to differences in xylem anatomy. Importantly the hydraulic pulse was proportional to the strained volume, similar to known thigmomorphogenetic responses. It is hypothesized that the hydraulic pulse may be the signal that rapidly transmits mechanobiological information to leaves, roots, and apices. PMID:24558073

Tree shoot bending generates hydraulic pressure pulses: a new long-distance signal?

PubMed

Lopez, Rosana; Badel, Eric; Peraudeau, Sebastien; Leblanc-Fournier, Nathalie; Beaujard, François; Julien, Jean-Louis; Cochard, Hervé; Moulia, Bruno

2014-05-01

When tree stems are mechanically stimulated, a rapid long-distance signal is induced that slows down primary growth. An investigation was carried out to determine whether the signal might be borne by a mechanically induced pressure pulse in the xylem. Coupling xylem flow meters and pressure sensors with a mechanical testing device, the hydraulic effects of mechanical deformation of tree stem and branches were measured. Organs of several tree species were studied, including gymnosperms and angiosperms with different wood densities and anatomies. Bending had a negligible effect on xylem conductivity, even when deformations were sustained or were larger than would be encountered in nature. It was found that bending caused transient variation in the hydraulic pressure within the xylem of branch segments. This local transient increase in pressure in the xylem was rapidly propagated along the vascular system in planta to the upper and lower regions of the stem. It was shown that this hydraulic pulse originates from the apoplast. Water that was mobilized in the hydraulic pulses came from the saturated porous material of the conduits and their walls, suggesting that the poroelastic behaviour of xylem might be a key factor. Although likely to be a generic mechanical response, quantitative differences in the hydraulic pulse were found in different species, possibly related to differences in xylem anatomy. Importantly the hydraulic pulse was proportional to the strained volume, similar to known thigmomorphogenetic responses. It is hypothesized that the hydraulic pulse may be the signal that rapidly transmits mechanobiological information to leaves, roots, and apices.

Fabrication and Analysis Signal Optical Fiber Sensor Based On Bend Loss for Weight in Motion Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aftah Syukron, Ahmad; Marzuki, Ahmad; Setyawan, Ary

2017-11-01

Road network plays very important role in economic development. Overweight is one of the main factors contributing to road damage. To minimize this factor, road authority has to make sure that all vehicles operate in according to maximum vehicle regulation set by the government. The one solution can use from this problem is Weight in motion (WIM) technology. WIM technology allows measuring vehicle weight quickly. The sensor is one of the important components in the WIM system. This paper presents a model of WIM fiber sensor work based on bend loss. Fiber sensor has made by coiling optical fiber. Coiling optical fiber has managed in the elliptical shape rubber coil. Rubber coil then is planted in the pad of sensor. The principle of this sensor is a detecting of the shift light intensity output of optical fiber when the vehicles a passing through on fiber sensor. Loading was carried out using loaded truck model. Data was carried out with variations of load and load positions in the truck. The results can be concluded that the shift light intensity is greater with the more shift loads. The loader of the truck has also resulted in the greater loss. Loads in the truck distributed on the axles due to the position of loads.

Development of tube-packaged FBG strain sensor and application in the vibration experiment of submarine pipeline model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Liang; Li, Hong-Nan; Sun, Li; Li, Dong-Sheng

2005-05-01

Optical fiber sensors have received increasing attention in the fields of aeronautic and civil engineering for their superior ability of explosion proof, immunity to electromagnetic interference and high accuracy, especially fitting for measurement applications in harsh environment. In this paper, a novel FBG (fiber Bragg grating) strain sensor, which was packaged in a 1.2mm stainless steel tube by epoxy resin, was developed. Experiments were conducted on the universal material testing machine to calibrate its strain transferring characteristics. The sensor has the advantages of small size, high precision and flexible use, and demonstrates promising potentials. Ten of tube-packaged strain FBG sensors were applied in the vibration experiment of submarine pipeline model. The strain measured by FBG sensor agrees well with the electric resistance strain sensor.

Development of tube-packaged FBG strain sensor and application in the vibration experiment of submarine pipeline model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Liang; Li, Hong-Nan; Sun, Li; Li, Dong-Sheng

2005-02-01

Optical fiber sensors have received increasing attention in the fields of aeronautic and civil engineering for their superior ability of explosion proof, immunity to electromagnetic interference and high accuracy, especially fitting for measurement applications in harsh environment. In this paper, a novel FBG (fiber Bragg grating) strain sensor, which was packaged in a 1.2mm stainless steel tube by epoxy resin, was developed. Experiments were conducted on the universal material testing machine to calibrate its strain transferring characteristics. The sensor has the advantages of small size, high precision and flexible use, and demonstrates promising potentials. Ten of tube-packaged strain FBG sensors were applied in the vibration experiment of submarine pipeline model. The strain measured by FBG sensor agrees well with the electric resistance strain sensor.

Graphene-based bimorphs for the fabrication of micron-sized, autonomous origami machines.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miskin, Marc; Dorsey, Kyle; Bircan, Baris; Reynolds, Michael; Rose, Peter; Cohen, Itai; McEuen, Paul

We present a new platform for the construction of micron sized origami machines that change shape in fractions of a second in response to environmental stimuli. The enabling technology behind our machines is the graphene-glass bimorph. We show that graphene sheets bound to nanometer thick layers of glass are ultrathin actuators that bend in response to small strain differentials. These bimorphs can bend to micron radii of curvature using strains that are two orders of magnitude lower than the fracture strain of graphene. By patterning thick rigid panels on top of bimorphs, we localize bending to the unpatterned regions to produce folds. Using panels and bimorphs, we can scale down existing origami patterns to produce a wide range of machines. These machines can sense their environments, respond, and perform useful functions on time and length scales comparable to microscale biological organisms. this work was supported by NSF Grants DMR-1435829 and DMR-1120296, and performed at Cornell NanoScale Facility, a member of the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NSF Grant ECCS-0335765).

A wireless strain sensor consumes less than 10 mW

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hew, Y.; Deshmukh, S.; Huang, H.

2011-10-01

This paper presents a wireless strain sensor that consumes about 9 mW. To achieve such an ultra-low power operation, a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) is utilized to convert the direct-current (DC) strain signal to a high frequency oscillatory signal. This oscillatory signal is then transmitted using an unpowered wireless transponder (Huang et al 2011 Smart Mater. Struct. 20 015017). A photocell-based energy harvester was developed to power the wireless strain sensor. The energy harvested from a flash light placed at 65 cm away is sufficient to power the wireless strain sensor continuously. The implementation of the wireless strain sensor and its characterization are presented.

Reinforced Electrode Architecture for a Flexible Battery with Paperlike Characteristics

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

Gaikwad, AM; Chu, HN; Qeraj, R

2013-02-10

Compliant energy storage has not kept pace with flexible electronics. Herein we demonstrate a technique to reinforce arbitrary battery electrodes by supporting them with mechanically tough, low-cost fibrous membranes, which also serve as the separator. The membranes were laminated to form a full cell, and this stacked membrane reinforcement bears the loads during flexing. This technique was used to make a high energy density, nontoxic Zn-MnO2 battery with printed current collectors. The Zn and MnO2 electrodes were prepared by using a solution-based embedding process. The cell had a nominal potential of 1.5 V and an effective capacity of approximately 3more » mA h cm(-2). We investigated the effect of bending and fatigue on the electrochemical performance and mechanical integrity of the battery. The battery was able to maintain its capacity even after 1000 flex cycles to a bend radius of 2.54 cm. The battery showed an improvement in discharge capacity (ca. 10%) if the MnO2 electrode was flexed to tension as a result of the improvement of particle-to-particle contact. In a demonstration, the flexible battery was used to power a light-emitting diode display integrated with a strain sensor and microcontroller.« less

Analysis and experimental study on the strain transfer mechanism of an embedded basalt fiber-encapsulated fiber Bragg grating sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhenglin; Wang, Yuan; Sun, Yangyang; Zhang, Qinghua; You, Zewei; Huang, Xiaodi

2017-01-01

The precision of the encapsulated fiber optic sensor embedded into a host suffers from the influences of encapsulating materials. Furthermore, an interface transfer effect of strain sensing exists. This study uses an embedded basalt fiber-encapsulated fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor as the research object to derive an expression in a multilayer interface strain transfer coefficient by considering the mechanical properties of the host material. The direct impact of the host material on the strain transfer at an embedded multipoint continuous FBG (i.e., multiple gratings written on a single optical fiber) monitoring strain sensor, which was self-developed and encapsulated with basalt fiber, is studied to present the strain transfer coefficients corresponding to the positions of various gratings. The strain transfer coefficients of the sensor are analyzed based on the experiments designed for this study. The error of the experimental results is ˜2 μɛ when the strain is at 60 μɛ and below. Moreover, the measured curves almost completely coincide with the theoretical curves. The changes in the internal strain field inside the embedded structure of the basalt fiber-encapsulated FBG strain sensor could be easily monitored. Hence, important references are provided to measure the internal stress strain of the sensor.

Uniaxial, Pure Bending, and Column Buckling Experiments on Superelastic NiTi Rods and Tubes

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

Watkins, Ryan T.; Reedlunn, Benjamin; Daly, Samantha

Many existing shape memory alloy (SMA) devices consist of slender beams and frames. To better understand SMA beam behavior, we experimentally examined the isothermal, room temperature response of superelastic NiTi rods and tubes, of similar outer diameters, subjected to four different modes of loading. Pure tension, pure compression, and pure bending experiments were first performed to establish and compare the baseline uniaxial and bending behaviors of rods and tubes. Column buckling experiments were then performed on rod and tube columns of several slenderness ratios to investigate their mechanical responses, phase transformation kinetics under combined uniaxial and bending deformation, and themore » interaction between material and structural instabilities. In all experiments, stereo digital image correlation measured local displacement fields in order to capture phenomena such as strain localization and propagating phase boundaries. Superelastic mechanical behavior and the nature of stress-induced phase transformation were found to be strongly affected by specimen geometry and the deformation mode. Under uniaxial tension, both the rod and tube had well-defined loading and unloading plateaus in their superelastic responses, during which stress-induced phase transformation propagated along the length of the specimen in the form of a high/low strain front. Due to the dependence of strain localization on kinematic compatibility, the high/low strain front morphologies differed between the rod and tube: for the rod, the high/low strain front consisted of a diffuse “neck”, while the high/low strain front in the tube consisted of distinct, criss-crossing “fingers.” During uniaxial compression, both cross-sectional forms exhibited higher transformation stresses and smaller transformation strains than uniaxial tension, highlighting the now well-known tension-compression asymmetry of SMAs. Additionally, phase transformation localization and propagation were absent under compressive loading. During pure bending, the moment-curvature response of both forms exhibited plateaus and strain localization during forward and reverse transformations. Rod specimens developed localized, high-curvature regions that propagated along the specimen axis and caused shear strain near the high/low curvature interface; whereas, the tube specimens exhibited finger/wedge-like high strain regions over the tensile side of the tube which caused nonlinear strain profiles through the thickness of the specimen that did not propagate. Here, it was therefore found that classical beam theory assumptions did not hold in the presence of phase transformation localization (although, the assumptions did hold on average for the tube). During column buckling, the structures were loaded into the post-buckling regime yet recovered nearly-straight forms upon unloading. Strain localization was observed only for high aspect ratio (slender) tubes, but the mechanical responses were similar to that of rods of the same slenderness ratio. Also, an interesting “unbuckling” phenomenon was discovered in certain low aspect ratio (stout) columns, where late post-buckling straightening was observed despite continuous monotonic loading. Thus, these behaviors are some of the challenging phenomena which must be captured when developing SMA constitutive models and executing structural simulations.« less

Uniaxial, Pure Bending, and Column Buckling Experiments on Superelastic NiTi Rods and Tubes

DOE PAGES

Watkins, Ryan T.; Reedlunn, Benjamin; Daly, Samantha; ...

2018-03-23

Many existing shape memory alloy (SMA) devices consist of slender beams and frames. To better understand SMA beam behavior, we experimentally examined the isothermal, room temperature response of superelastic NiTi rods and tubes, of similar outer diameters, subjected to four different modes of loading. Pure tension, pure compression, and pure bending experiments were first performed to establish and compare the baseline uniaxial and bending behaviors of rods and tubes. Column buckling experiments were then performed on rod and tube columns of several slenderness ratios to investigate their mechanical responses, phase transformation kinetics under combined uniaxial and bending deformation, and themore » interaction between material and structural instabilities. In all experiments, stereo digital image correlation measured local displacement fields in order to capture phenomena such as strain localization and propagating phase boundaries. Superelastic mechanical behavior and the nature of stress-induced phase transformation were found to be strongly affected by specimen geometry and the deformation mode. Under uniaxial tension, both the rod and tube had well-defined loading and unloading plateaus in their superelastic responses, during which stress-induced phase transformation propagated along the length of the specimen in the form of a high/low strain front. Due to the dependence of strain localization on kinematic compatibility, the high/low strain front morphologies differed between the rod and tube: for the rod, the high/low strain front consisted of a diffuse “neck”, while the high/low strain front in the tube consisted of distinct, criss-crossing “fingers.” During uniaxial compression, both cross-sectional forms exhibited higher transformation stresses and smaller transformation strains than uniaxial tension, highlighting the now well-known tension-compression asymmetry of SMAs. Additionally, phase transformation localization and propagation were absent under compressive loading. During pure bending, the moment-curvature response of both forms exhibited plateaus and strain localization during forward and reverse transformations. Rod specimens developed localized, high-curvature regions that propagated along the specimen axis and caused shear strain near the high/low curvature interface; whereas, the tube specimens exhibited finger/wedge-like high strain regions over the tensile side of the tube which caused nonlinear strain profiles through the thickness of the specimen that did not propagate. Here, it was therefore found that classical beam theory assumptions did not hold in the presence of phase transformation localization (although, the assumptions did hold on average for the tube). During column buckling, the structures were loaded into the post-buckling regime yet recovered nearly-straight forms upon unloading. Strain localization was observed only for high aspect ratio (slender) tubes, but the mechanical responses were similar to that of rods of the same slenderness ratio. Also, an interesting “unbuckling” phenomenon was discovered in certain low aspect ratio (stout) columns, where late post-buckling straightening was observed despite continuous monotonic loading. Thus, these behaviors are some of the challenging phenomena which must be captured when developing SMA constitutive models and executing structural simulations.« less

Effects of mechanical deformation on energy conversion efficiency of piezoelectric nanogenerators.

PubMed

Yoo, Jinho; Cho, Seunghyeon; Kim, Wook; Kwon, Jang-Yeon; Kim, Hojoong; Kim, Seunghyun; Chang, Yoon-Suk; Kim, Chang-Wan; Choi, Dukhyun

2015-07-10

Piezoelectric nanogenerators (PNGs) are capable of converting energy from various mechanical sources into electric energy and have many attractive features such as continuous operation, replenishment and low cost. However, many researchers still have studied novel material synthesis and interfacial controls to improve the power production from PNGs. In this study, we report the energy conversion efficiency (ECE) of PNGs dependent on mechanical deformations such as bending and twisting. Since the output power of PNGs is caused by the mechanical strain of the piezoelectric material, the power production and their ECE is critically dependent on the types of external mechanical deformations. Thus, we examine the output power from PNGs according to bending and twisting. In order to clearly understand the ECE of PNGs in the presence of those external mechanical deformations, we determine the ECE of PNGs by the ratio of output electrical energy and input mechanical energy, where we suggest that the input energy is based only on the strain energy of the piezoelectric layer. We calculate the strain energy of the piezoelectric layer using numerical simulation of bending and twisting of the PNG. Finally, we demonstrate that the ECE of the PNG caused by twisting is much higher than that caused by bending due to the multiple effects of normal and lateral piezoelectric coefficients. Our results thus provide a design direction for PNG systems as high-performance power generators.

3D printing of highly elastic strain sensors using polyurethane/multiwall carbon nanotube composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christ, Josef F.; Hohimer, Cameron J.; Aliheidari, Nahal; Ameli, Amir; Mo, Changki; Pötschke, Petra

2017-04-01

As the desire for wearable electronics increases and the soft robotics industry advances, the need for novel sensing materials has also increased. Recently, there have been many attempts at producing novel materials, which exhibit piezoresistive behavior. However, one of the major shortcomings in strain sensing technologies is in the fabrication of such sensors. While there is significant research and literature covering the various methods for developing piezoresistive materials, fabricating complex sensor platforms is still a manufacturing challenge. Here, we report a facile method to fabricate multidirectional embedded strain sensors using additive manufacturing technology. Pure thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and TPU/multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) nanocomposites were 3D printed in tandem using a low-cost multi-material FDM printer to fabricate uniaxial and biaxial strain sensors with conductive paths embedded within the insulative TPU platform. The sensors were then subjected to a series of cyclic strain loads. The results revealed excellent piezoresistive responses of the sensors with cyclic repeatability in both the axial and transverse directions and in response to strains as high as 50%. Further, while strain-softening did occur in the embedded printed strain sensors, it was predictable and similar to the results found in the literature for bulk polymer nanocomposites. This works demonstrates the possibility of manufacturing embedded and multidirectional flexible strain sensors using an inexpensive and versatile method, with potential applications in soft robotics and flexible electronics and health monitoring.

Fractal serpentine-shaped design for stretchable wireless strain sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Wentao; Cheng, Xiao; Wang, Xiaoming; Zhang, Hailiang

2018-07-01

Stretchable sensors have been widely applied to biological fields due to their unique capacity to integrate with soft materials and curvilinear surfaces. The article presents the fractal serpentine-shaped design for stretchable wireless strain sensor which is operating around 1.6 GHz. The wireless passive LC sensor is formed by a fractal serpentine-shaped inductor coil and a concentric coplanar capacitor. The inductance of the fractal serpentine-shaped coil varies with the deformation of the wireless sensor, and the resonance frequency also varies with the applied strain of the wireless sensor embedded in soft substrate. The 40% stretchability of wireless sensor is verified by finite element analysis (FEA). Strain response of the stretchable wireless sensor has been characterized by experiments and demonstrates high strain responsivity about 6.74 MHz/1%. The stretchable wireless sensor has the potential to be used in biological and wearable applications.

Forelimb bone curvature in terrestrial and arboreal mammals

PubMed Central

Henderson, Keith; Pantinople, Jess; McCabe, Kyle; Milne, Nick

2017-01-01

It has recently been proposed that the caudal curvature (concave caudal side) observed in the radioulna of terrestrial quadrupeds is an adaptation to the habitual action of the triceps muscle which causes cranial bending strains (compression on cranial side). The caudal curvature is proposed to be adaptive because longitudinal loading induces caudal bending strains (increased compression on the caudal side), and these opposing bending strains counteract each other leaving the radioulna less strained. If this is true for terrestrial quadrupeds, where triceps is required for habitual elbow extension, then we might expect that in arboreal species, where brachialis is habitually required to maintain elbow flexion, the radioulna should instead be cranially curved. This study measures sagittal curvature of the ulna in a range of terrestrial and arboreal primates and marsupials, and finds that their ulnae are curved in opposite directions in these two locomotor categories. This study also examines sagittal curvature in the humerus in the same species, and finds differences that can be attributed to similar adaptations: the bone is curved to counter the habitual muscle action required by the animal’s lifestyle, the difference being mainly in the distal part of the humerus, where arboreal animals tend have a cranial concavity, thought to be in response the carpal and digital muscles that pull cranially on the distal humerus. PMID:28462036

Printed strain sensors for early damage detection in engineering structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zymelka, Daniel; Yamashita, Takahiro; Takamatsu, Seiichi; Itoh, Toshihiro; Kobayashi, Takeshi

2018-05-01

In this paper, we demonstrate the analysis of strain measurements recorded using a screen-printed sensors array bonded to a metal plate and subjected to high strains. The analysis was intended to evaluate the capabilities of the printed strain sensors to detect abnormal strain distribution before actual defects (cracks) in the analyzed structures appear. The results demonstrate that the developed device can accurately localize the enhanced strains at the very early stage of crack formation. The promising performance and low fabrication cost confirm the potential suitability of the printed strain sensors for applications within the framework of structural health monitoring (SHM).

Simultaneous measurement of absolute strain and differential strain based on fiber Bragg grating Fabry-Perot sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kuiru; Wang, Bo; Yan, Binbin; Sang, Xinzhu; Yuan, Jinhui; Peng, Gang-Ding

2013-10-01

We present a fiber Bragg grating Fabry-Perot (FBG-FP) sensor using the fast Fourier transform (FFT) demodulation for measuring the absolute strain and differential strain simultaneously. The amplitude and phase characteristics of Fourier transform spectrum have been studied. The relation between the amplitude of Fourier spectrum and the differential strain has been presented. We fabricate the fiber grating FP cavity sensor, and carry out the experiment on the measurement of absolute strain and differential strain. Experimental results verify the demodulation method, and show that this sensor has a good accuracy in the scope of measurement. The demodulating method can expand the number of multiplexed sensors combining with wavelength division multiplexing and time division multiplexing.

Highly Sensitive Multifilament Fiber Strain Sensors with Ultrabroad Sensing Range for Textile Electronics.

PubMed

Lee, Jaehong; Shin, Sera; Lee, Sanggeun; Song, Jaekang; Kang, Subin; Han, Heetak; Kim, SeulGee; Kim, Seunghoe; Seo, Jungmok; Kim, DaeEun; Lee, Taeyoon

2018-05-22

Highly stretchable fiber strain sensors are one of the most important components for various applications in wearable electronics, electronic textiles, and biomedical electronics. Herein, we present a facile approach for fabricating highly stretchable and sensitive fiber strain sensors by embedding Ag nanoparticles into a stretchable fiber with a multifilament structure. The multifilament structure and Ag-rich shells of the fiber strain sensor enable the sensor to simultaneously achieve both a high sensitivity and largely wide sensing range despite its simple fabrication process and components. The fiber strain sensor simultaneously exhibits ultrahigh gauge factors (∼9.3 × 10 5 and ∼659 in the first stretching and subsequent stretching, respectively), a very broad strain-sensing range (450 and 200% for the first and subsequent stretching, respectively), and high durability for more than 10 000 stretching cycles. The fiber strain sensors can also be readily integrated into a glove to control a hand robot and effectively applied to monitor the large volume expansion of a balloon and a pig bladder for an artificial bladder system, thereby demonstrating the potential of the fiber strain sensors as candidates for electronic textiles, wearable electronics, and biomedical engineering.

Flexible Carbon Nanotube Films for High Performance Strain Sensors

PubMed Central

Kanoun, Olfa; Müller, Christian; Benchirouf, Abderahmane; Sanli, Abdulkadir; Dinh, Trong Nghia; Al-Hamry, Ammar; Bu, Lei; Gerlach, Carina; Bouhamed, Ayda

2014-01-01

Compared with traditional conductive fillers, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have unique advantages, i.e., excellent mechanical properties, high electrical conductivity and thermal stability. Nanocomposites as piezoresistive films provide an interesting approach for the realization of large area strain sensors with high sensitivity and low manufacturing costs. A polymer-based nanocomposite with carbon nanomaterials as conductive filler can be deposited on a flexible substrate of choice and this leads to mechanically flexible layers. Such sensors allow the strain measurement for both integral measurement on a certain surface and local measurement at a certain position depending on the sensor geometry. Strain sensors based on carbon nanostructures can overcome several limitations of conventional strain sensors, e.g., sensitivity, adjustable measurement range and integral measurement on big surfaces. The novel technology allows realizing strain sensors which can be easily integrated even as buried layers in material systems. In this review paper, we discuss the dependence of strain sensitivity on different experimental parameters such as composition of the carbon nanomaterial/polymer layer, type of polymer, fabrication process and processing parameters. The insights about the relationship between film parameters and electromechanical properties can be used to improve the design and fabrication of CNT strain sensors. PMID:24915183

Tube curvature measuring probe and method

DOEpatents

Sokol, George J.

1990-01-01

The present invention is directed to a probe and method for measuring the radius of curvature of a bend in a section of tubing. The probe includes a member with a pair of guide means, one located at each end of the member. A strain gauge is operatively connected to the member for detecting bending stress exrted on the member as the probe is drawn through and in engagement with the inner surface of a section of tubing having a bend. The method of the present invention includes steps utilizing a probe, like the aforementioned probe, which can be made to detect bends only in a single plane when having a fixed orientation relative the section of tubing to determine the maximum radius of curvature of the bend.

Highly stretchable strain sensor based on polyurethane substrate using hydrogen bond-assisted laminated structure for monitoring of tiny human motions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Ying; Zhao, Yunong; Wang, Yang; Guo, Xiaohui; Zhang, Yangyang; Liu, Ping; Liu, Caixia; Zhang, Yugang

2018-03-01

Strain sensors used as flexible and wearable electronic devices have improved prospects in the fields of artificial skin, robotics, human-machine interfaces, and healthcare. This work introduces a highly stretchable fiber-based strain sensor with a laminated structure made up of a graphene nanoplatelet layer and a carbon black/single-walled carbon nanotube synergetic conductive network layer. An ultrathin, flexible, and elastic two-layer polyurethane (PU) yarn substrate was successively deposited by a novel chemical bonding-based layered dip-coating process. These strain sensors demonstrated high stretchability (˜350%), little hysteresis, and long-term durability (over 2400 cycles) due to the favorable tensile properties of the PU substrate. The linearity of the strain sensor could reach an adjusted R-squared of 0.990 at 100% strain, which is better than most of the recently reported strain sensors. Meanwhile, the strain sensor exhibited good sensibility, rapid response, and a lower detection limit. The lower detection limit benefited from the hydrogen bond-assisted laminated structure and continuous conductive path. Finally, a series of experiments were carried out based on the special features of the PU strain sensor to show its capacity of detecting and monitoring tiny human motions.

Development and performance research of FBG strain sensor for monitoring on asphalt concrete pavement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Qingli; Wang, Chuan; Ou, Jinping

2010-04-01

Stiffness of asphalt concrete is very low, so ordinary FRP or steel packaged sensors are not suitable for measuring its strain accurately. In view of the problem, one innovative kind of optical fiber Bragg grating sensor packaged with polypropylene, a thermoplastic resin, was proposed in this article. Firstly, a conveniently assembled and dissembled steel die was designed and fabricated. Then, after characteristics study of polypropylene during heating and cooling repeatedly, the reliable grouting technique was formed. After this, real-time monitor of the entire sensor packaging process including die apartness was performed, and then, the sensor mechanics performance, the microscopic structure and other properties were studied thoroughly. Results of SEM indicate that interface of optical fiber and polypropylene is considerable tight. Measured strain during sensor making is reasonable. The FBG sensor was also embedded into a concrete column to measure its strain during continuously 7 day-long early-age solidification and compressive strain. Additionally, the FBG was also used to measure strain of asphalt concrete beam. Linearity and repeatability of the sensors are quit well and measured strains are quite believable. So, we can say that due to deformation compatibility between packaged material and FBG, FBG sensor and be measured material, especially low modulus of packaging materials, the strain of asphalt pavement can be monitored reliably by the sensor.

Enhanced Strain Measurement Range of an FBG Sensor Embedded in Seven-Wire Steel Strands

PubMed Central

Kim, Jae-Min; Kim, Chul-Min; Choi, Song-Yi

2017-01-01

FBG sensors offer many advantages, such as a lack of sensitivity to electromagnetic waves, small size, high durability, and high sensitivity. However, their maximum strain measurement range is lower than the yield strain range (about 1.0%) of steel strands when embedded in steel strands. This study proposes a new FBG sensing technique in which an FBG sensor is recoated with polyimide and protected by a polyimide tube in an effort to enhance the maximum strain measurement range of FBG sensors embedded in strands. The validation test results showed that the proposed FBG sensing technique has a maximum strain measurement range of 1.73% on average, which is 1.73 times higher than the yield strain of the strands. It was confirmed that recoating the FBG sensor with polyimide and protecting the FBG sensor using a polyimide tube could effectively enhance the maximum strain measurement range of FBG sensors embedded in strands. PMID:28718826

An investigation into the kinematics of 2 cervical manipulation techniques.

PubMed

Williams, Jonathan M; Cuesta-Vargas, Antonio I

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to quantify the kinematics of the premanipulative position, the angular displacement, and velocity of thrust of 2 commonly used cervical spine manipulative procedures using inertial sensor technology. Thirteen asymptomatic subjects (7 females; mean age, 25.3 years; mean height, 170.9 cm; mean weight, 65.3 kg) received a right-handed and left-handed downslope and upslope manipulation, aimed at C4/5 while cervical kinematics were measured using an inertial sensor mounted on the forehead of the subject. One therapist used the upslope, and another therapist, the downslope, as was their preferred method. t tests were used to compare techniques and handiness. The results demonstrated differences in the kinematics between the 2 techniques. The downslope manipulation was associated with a mean premanipulative position of 24.8° side bending and 2.7° rotation, thrust displacement magnitude comprising of 4.5° side bending and 5.4° rotation with thrust velocity comprising, on average, of 57.5°/s side bending and 74.8°/s rotation. Upslope premanipulation was on average comprised of 30.1° side bending and 8.4° rotation, thrust displacement comprised of 4.5° side bending and 12.7° rotation with thrust velocity comprising of 75.9°/s side bending and 194.7°/s rotation. The results of this study demonstrate that there are different kinematic patterns for these 2 manipulative techniques. Copyright © 2013 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Plane elasto-plastic analysis of v-notched plate under bending by boundary integral equation method. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rzasnicki, W.

1973-01-01

A method of solution is presented, which, when applied to the elasto-plastic analysis of plates having a v-notch on one edge and subjected to pure bending, will produce stress and strain fields in much greater detail than presently available. Application of the boundary integral equation method results in two coupled Fredholm-type integral equations, subject to prescribed boundary conditions. These equations are replaced by a system of simultaneous algebraic equations and solved by a successive approximation method employing Prandtl-Reuss incremental plasticity relations. The method is first applied to number of elasto-static problems and the results compared with available solutions. Good agreement is obtained in all cases. The elasto-plastic analysis provides detailed stress and strain distributions for several cases of plates with various notch angles and notch depths. A strain hardening material is assumed and both plane strain and plane stress conditions are considered.

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.

Enhancement of bending strain tolerance and current carrying property of MgB2 based multifilamentary wires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Syju; Varghese, Neson; Rahul, S.; Devadas, K. M.; Vinod, K.; Syamaprasad, U.

2012-12-01

The effect of bending strain on current carrying capacity of MgB2 multifilamentary wires was studied with 4, 8 and 16 multifilamentary wires. The critical current density (JC) of straight wires and bent wires with 5, 10, and 15 cm diameter was measured. Both annealed & bent and bent & annealed wires were used for measurement. The JC of annealed & bent wires were found to decrease with decrease in bent diameter and the rate of degradation of JC decreased with increasing number of filaments, while bent & annealed wires almost retained its JC at all diameters studied.

Application of High-Temperature Extrinsic Fabry-Perot Interferometer Strain Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Piazza, Anthony

2008-01-01

In this presentation to the NASA Aeronautics Sensor Working Group the application of a strain sensor is outlined. The high-temperature extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (EFPI) strain sensor was developed due to a need for robust strain sensors that operate accurately and reliably beyond 1800 F. Specifically, the new strain sensor would provide data for validating finite element models and thermal-structural analyses. Sensor attachment techniques were also developed to improve methods of handling and protecting the fragile sensors during the harsh installation process. It was determined that thermal sprayed attachments are preferable even though cements are simpler to apply as cements are more prone to bond failure and are often corrosive. Previous thermal/mechanical cantilever beam testing of EFPI yielded very little change to 1200 F, with excellent correlation with SG to 550 F. Current combined thermal/mechanical loading for sensitivity testing is accomplished by a furnace/cantilever beam loading system. Dilatometer testing has can also be used in sensor characterization to evaluate bond integrity, evaluate sensitivity and accuracy and to evaluate sensor-to-sensor scatter, repeatability, hysteresis and drift. Future fiber optic testing will examine single-mode silica EFPIs in a combined thermal/mechanical load fixture on C-C and C-SiC substrates, develop a multi-mode Sapphire strain-sensor, test and evaluate high-temperature fiber Bragg Gratings for use as strain and temperature sensors and attach and evaluate a high-temperature heat flux gauge.

Reliability Issues and Solutions in Flexible Electronics Under Mechanical Fatigue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Seol-Min; Choi, In-Suk; Kim, Byoung-Joon; Joo, Young-Chang

2018-07-01

Flexible devices are of significant interest due to their potential expansion of the application of smart devices into various fields, such as energy harvesting, biological applications and consumer electronics. Due to the mechanically dynamic operations of flexible electronics, their mechanical reliability must be thoroughly investigated to understand their failure mechanisms and lifetimes. Reliability issue caused by bending fatigue, one of the typical operational limitations of flexible electronics, has been studied using various test methodologies; however, electromechanical evaluations which are essential to assess the reliability of electronic devices for flexible applications had not been investigated because the testing method was not established. By employing the in situ bending fatigue test, we has studied the failure mechanism for various conditions and parameters, such as bending strain, fatigue area, film thickness, and lateral dimensions. Moreover, various methods for improving the bending reliability have been developed based on the failure mechanism. Nanostructures such as holes, pores, wires and composites of nanoparticles and nanotubes have been suggested for better reliability. Flexible devices were also investigated to find the potential failures initiated by complex structures under bending fatigue strain. In this review, the recent advances in test methodology, mechanism studies, and practical applications are introduced. Additionally, perspectives including the future advance to stretchable electronics are discussed based on the current achievements in research.

Reliability Issues and Solutions in Flexible Electronics Under Mechanical Fatigue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Seol-Min; Choi, In-Suk; Kim, Byoung-Joon; Joo, Young-Chang

2018-03-01

Flexible devices are of significant interest due to their potential expansion of the application of smart devices into various fields, such as energy harvesting, biological applications and consumer electronics. Due to the mechanically dynamic operations of flexible electronics, their mechanical reliability must be thoroughly investigated to understand their failure mechanisms and lifetimes. Reliability issue caused by bending fatigue, one of the typical operational limitations of flexible electronics, has been studied using various test methodologies; however, electromechanical evaluations which are essential to assess the reliability of electronic devices for flexible applications had not been investigated because the testing method was not established. By employing the in situ bending fatigue test, we has studied the failure mechanism for various conditions and parameters, such as bending strain, fatigue area, film thickness, and lateral dimensions. Moreover, various methods for improving the bending reliability have been developed based on the failure mechanism. Nanostructures such as holes, pores, wires and composites of nanoparticles and nanotubes have been suggested for better reliability. Flexible devices were also investigated to find the potential failures initiated by complex structures under bending fatigue strain. In this review, the recent advances in test methodology, mechanism studies, and practical applications are introduced. Additionally, perspectives including the future advance to stretchable electronics are discussed based on the current achievements in research.

Theory and Practice of Shear/Stress Strain Gage Hygrometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shams, Qamar A.; Fenner, Ralph L.

2006-01-01

Mechanical hygrometry has progressed during the last several decades from crude hygroscopes to state-of-the art strain-gage sensors. The strain-gage devices vary from different metallic beams to strain-gage sensors using cellulose crystallite elements, held in full shear restraint. This old technique is still in use but several companies are now actively pursuing development of MEMS miniaturized humidity sensors. These new sensors use polyimide thin film for water vapor adsorption and desorption. This paper will provide overview about modern humidity sensors.

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

Song, Bo; Yao, Shurong; Nie, Xu

In this paper, a new type of highly stretchable strain sensor was developed to measure large strains. The sensor was based on the piezo-resistive response of carbon nanotube (CNT)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite thin films. The piezo-resistive response of CNT composite gives accurate strain measurement with high frequency response, while the ultra-soft PDMS matrix provides high flexibility and ductility for large strain measurement. Experimental results show that the CNT/PDMS sensor measures large strains (up to 8 %) with an excellent linearity and a fast frequency response. The new miniature strain sensor also exhibits much higher sensitivities than the conventional foil strain gages,more » as its gauge factor is 500 times of that of the conventional foil strain gages.« less

Strain Modal Analysis of Small and Light Pipes Using Distributed Fibre Bragg Grating Sensors

PubMed Central

Huang, Jun; Zhou, Zude; Zhang, Lin; Chen, Juntao; Ji, Chunqian; Pham, Duc Truong

2016-01-01

Vibration fatigue failure is a critical problem of hydraulic pipes under severe working conditions. Strain modal testing of small and light pipes is a good option for dynamic characteristic evaluation, structural health monitoring and damage identification. Unique features such as small size, light weight, and high multiplexing capability enable Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors to measure structural dynamic responses where sensor size and placement are critical. In this paper, experimental strain modal analysis of pipes using distributed FBG sensors ispresented. Strain modal analysis and parameter identification methods are introduced. Experimental strain modal testing and finite element analysis for a cantilever pipe have been carried out. The analysis results indicate that the natural frequencies and strain mode shapes of the tested pipe acquired by FBG sensors are in good agreement with the results obtained by a reference accelerometer and simulation outputs. The strain modal parameters of a hydraulic pipe were obtained by the proposed strain modal testing method. FBG sensors have been shown to be useful in the experimental strain modal analysis of small and light pipes in mechanical, aeronautic and aerospace applications. PMID:27681728

Strain Sensors with Adjustable Sensitivity by Tailoring the Microstructure of Graphene Aerogel/PDMS Nanocomposites.

PubMed

Wu, Shuying; Ladani, Raj B; Zhang, Jin; Ghorbani, Kamran; Zhang, Xuehua; Mouritz, Adrian P; Kinloch, Anthony J; Wang, Chun H

2016-09-21

Strain sensors with high elastic limit and high sensitivity are required to meet the rising demand for wearable electronics. Here, we present the fabrication of highly sensitive strain sensors based on nanocomposites consisting of graphene aerogel (GA) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), with the primary focus being to tune the sensitivity of the sensors by tailoring the cellular microstructure through controlling the manufacturing processes. The resultant nanocomposite sensors exhibit a high sensitivity with a gauge factor of up to approximately 61.3. Of significant importance is that the sensitivity of the strain sensors can be readily altered by changing the concentration of the precursor (i.e., an aqueous dispersion of graphene oxide) and the freezing temperature used to process the GA. The results reveal that these two parameters control the cell size and cell-wall thickness of the resultant GA, which may be correlated to the observed variations in the sensitivities of the strain sensors. The higher is the concentration of graphene oxide, then the lower is the sensitivity of the resultant nanocomposite strain sensor. Upon increasing the freezing temperature from -196 to -20 °C, the sensitivity increases and reaches a maximum value of 61.3 at -50 °C and then decreases with a further increase in freezing temperature to -20 °C. Furthermore, the strain sensors offer excellent durability and stability, with their piezoresistivities remaining virtually unchanged even after 10 000 cycles of high-strain loading-unloading. These novel findings pave the way to custom design strain sensors with a desirable piezoresistive behavior.

Foil Strain Gauges Using Piezoresistive Carbon Nanotube Yarn: Fabrication and Calibration

PubMed Central

Góngora-Rubio, Mário R.; Kiyono, César Y.; Mello, Luis A. M.; Cardoso, Valtemar F.; Rosa, Reinaldo L. S.; Kuebler, Derek A.; Brodeur, Grace E.; Alotaibi, Amani H.; Coene, Marisa P.; Coene, Lauren M.; Jean, Elizabeth; Santiago, Rafael C.; Oliveira, Francisco H. A.; Rangel, Ricardo; Thomas, Gilles P.; Belay, Kalayu; da Silva, Luciana W.; Moura, Rafael T.; Seabra, Antonio C.; Silva, Emílio C. N.

2018-01-01

Carbon nanotube yarns are micron-scale fibers comprised by tens of thousands of carbon nanotubes in their cross section and exhibiting piezoresistive characteristics that can be tapped to sense strain. This paper presents the details of novel foil strain gauge sensor configurations comprising carbon nanotube yarn as the piezoresistive sensing element. The foil strain gauge sensors are designed using the results of parametric studies that maximize the sensitivity of the sensors to mechanical loading. The fabrication details of the strain gauge sensors that exhibit the highest sensitivity, based on the modeling results, are described including the materials and procedures used in the first prototypes. Details of the calibration of the foil strain gauge sensors are also provided and discussed in the context of their electromechanical characterization when bonded to metallic specimens. This characterization included studying their response under monotonic and cyclic mechanical loading. It was shown that these foil strain gauge sensors comprising carbon nanotube yarn are sensitive enough to capture strain and can replicate the loading and unloading cycles. It was also observed that the loading rate affects their piezoresistive response and that the gauge factors were all above one order of magnitude higher than those of typical metallic foil strain gauges. Based on these calibration results on the initial sensor configurations, new foil strain gauge configurations will be designed and fabricated, to increase the strain gauge factors even more. PMID:29401745

Polarization stable plasmonic sensor based on tilted fiber Bragg grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomyshev, Kirill A.; Chamorovskiy, Yuriy K.; Ustimchik, Vasily E.; Butov, Oleg V.

2017-04-01

This paper presents a solution to one of the major problems of plasmonic fiber Bragg grating sensors concerning their high sensitivity to changes in the polarization state of light propagating through optical fiber. For the first time these kind of sensors have been produced using polarization maintaining fibers, thereby stabilization has been achieved using mechanical action and bending the supplied fiber. Comparative experiments have demonstrated that the sensor readings stability is at least an order of magnitude higher relative to other sensors, which record in a standard fiber with an isotropic structure.

Detection of electromagnetic radiation using micromechanical multiple quantum wells structures

DOEpatents

Datskos, Panagiotis G [Knoxville, TN; Rajic, Slobodan [Knoxville, TN; Datskou, Irene [Knoxville, TN

2007-07-17

An apparatus and method for detecting electromagnetic radiation employs a deflectable micromechanical apparatus incorporating multiple quantum wells structures. When photons strike the quantum-well structure, physical stresses are created within the sensor, similar to a "bimetallic effect." The stresses cause the sensor to bend. The extent of deflection of the sensor can be measured through any of a variety of conventional means to provide a measurement of the photons striking the sensor. A large number of such sensors can be arranged in a two-dimensional array to provide imaging capability.

High-Temperature Strain Sensing for Aerospace Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Piazza, Anthony; Richards, Lance W.; Hudson, Larry D.

2008-01-01

Thermal protection systems (TPS) and hot structures are utilizing advanced materials that operate at temperatures that exceed abilities to measure structural performance. Robust strain sensors that operate accurately and reliably beyond 1800 F are needed but do not exist. These shortcomings hinder the ability to validate analysis and modeling techniques and hinders the ability to optimize structural designs. This presentation examines high-temperature strain sensing for aerospace applications and, more specifically, seeks to provide strain data for validating finite element models and thermal-structural analyses. Efforts have been made to develop sensor attachment techniques for relevant structural materials at the small test specimen level and to perform laboratory tests to characterize sensor and generate corrections to apply to indicated strains. Areas highlighted in this presentation include sensors, sensor attachment techniques, laboratory evaluation/characterization of strain measurement, and sensor use in large-scale structures.

Flexible graphene bio-nanosensor for lactate.

PubMed

Labroo, Pratima; Cui, Yue

2013-03-15

The development of a flexible nanosensor for detecting lactate could expand opportunities for using graphene, both in fundamental studies for a variety of device platforms and in practical applications. Graphene is a delicate single-layer, two-dimensional network of carbon atoms with ultrasensitive sensing capabilities. Lactic acid is important for clinical analysis, sports medicine, and the food industry. Recently, wearable and flexible bioelectronics on plastics have attracted great interest for healthcare, sports and defense applications due to their advantages of being light-weight, bendable, or stretchable. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the development of a flexible graphene-based bio-nanosensor to detect lactate. Our results show that flexible lactate biosensors can be fabricated on a variety of plastic substrates. The sensor can detect lactate sensitively from 0.08 μM to 20 μM with a fast steady-state measuring time of 2s. The sensor can also detect lactate under different mechanical bending conditions, the sensor response decreased as the bending angle and number of bending repetitions increased. We anticipate that these results could open exciting opportunities for fundamental studies of flexible graphene bioelectronics by using other bioreceptors, as well as a variety of wearable, implantable, real-time, or on-site applications in fields ranging from clinical analysis to defense. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Error analysis on spinal motion measurement using skin mounted sensors.

PubMed

Yang, Zhengyi; Ma, Heather Ting; Wang, Deming; Lee, Raymond

2008-01-01

Measurement errors of skin-mounted sensors in measuring forward bending movement of the lumbar spines are investigated. In this investigation, radiographic images capturing the entire lumbar spines' positions were acquired and used as a 'gold' standard. Seventeen young male volunteers (21 (SD 1) years old) agreed to participate in the study. Light-weight miniature sensors of the electromagnetic tracking systems-Fastrak were attached to the skin overlying the spinous processes of the lumbar spine. With the sensors attached, the subjects were requested to take lateral radiographs in two postures: neutral upright and full flexion. The ranges of motions of lumbar spine were calculated from two sets of digitized data: the bony markers of vertebral bodies and the sensors and compared. The differences between the two sets of results were then analyzed. The relative movement between sensor and vertebrae was decomposed into sensor sliding and titling, from which sliding error and titling error were introduced. Gross motion range of forward bending of lumbar spine measured from bony markers of vertebrae is 67.8 degrees (SD 10.6 degrees ) and that from sensors is 62.8 degrees (SD 12.8 degrees ). The error and absolute error for gross motion range were 5.0 degrees (SD 7.2 degrees ) and 7.7 degrees (SD 3.9 degrees ). The contributions of sensors placed on S1 and L1 to the absolute error were 3.9 degrees (SD 2.9 degrees ) and 4.4 degrees (SD 2.8 degrees ), respectively.

On the correct representation of bending and axial deformation in the absolute nodal coordinate formulation with an elastic line approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerstmayr, Johannes; Irschik, Hans

2008-12-01

In finite element methods that are based on position and slope coordinates, a representation of axial and bending deformation by means of an elastic line approach has become popular. Such beam and plate formulations based on the so-called absolute nodal coordinate formulation have not yet been verified sufficiently enough with respect to analytical results or classical nonlinear rod theories. Examining the existing planar absolute nodal coordinate element, which uses a curvature proportional bending strain expression, it turns out that the deformation does not fully agree with the solution of the geometrically exact theory and, even more serious, the normal force is incorrect. A correction based on the classical ideas of the extensible elastica and geometrically exact theories is applied and a consistent strain energy and bending moment relations are derived. The strain energy of the solid finite element formulation of the absolute nodal coordinate beam is based on the St. Venant-Kirchhoff material: therefore, the strain energy is derived for the latter case and compared to classical nonlinear rod theories. The error in the original absolute nodal coordinate formulation is documented by numerical examples. The numerical example of a large deformation cantilever beam shows that the normal force is incorrect when using the previous approach, while a perfect agreement between the absolute nodal coordinate formulation and the extensible elastica can be gained when applying the proposed modifications. The numerical examples show a very good agreement of reference analytical and numerical solutions with the solutions of the proposed beam formulation for the case of large deformation pre-curved static and dynamic problems, including buckling and eigenvalue analysis. The resulting beam formulation does not employ rotational degrees of freedom and therefore has advantages compared to classical beam elements regarding energy-momentum conservation.

Microphotonic devices for compact planar lightwave circuits and sensor systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardenas Gonzalez, Jaime

2005-07-01

Higher levels of integration in planar lightwave circuits and sensor systems can reduce fabrication costs and broaden viable applications for optical network and sensor systems. For example, increased integration and functionality can lead to sensor systems that are compact enough for easy transport, rugged enough for field applications, and sensitive enough even for laboratory applications. On the other hand, more functional and compact planar lightwave circuits can make optical networks components less expensive for the metro and access markets in urban areas and allow penetration of fiber to the home. Thus, there is an important area of opportunity for increased integration to provide low cost, compact solutions in both network components and sensor systems. In this dissertation, a novel splitting structure for microcantilever deflection detection is introduced. The splitting structure is designed so that its splitting ratio is dependent on the vertical position of the microcantilever. With this structure, microcantilevers sensitized to detect different analytes or biological agents can be integrated into an array on a single chip. Additionally, the integration of a depolarizer into the optoelectronic integrated circuit in an interferometric fiber optic gyroscope is presented as a means for cost reduction. The savings come in avoiding labor intensive fiber pigtailing steps by permitting batch fabrication of these components. In particular, this dissertation focuses on the design of the waveguides and polarization rotator, and the impact of imperfect components on the performance of the depolarizer. In the area of planar lightwave circuits, this dissertation presents the development of a fabrication process for single air interface bends (SAIBs). SAIBs can increase integration by reducing the area necessary to make a waveguide bend. Fabrication and measurement of a 45° SAIB with a bend efficiency of 93.4% for TM polarization and 92.7% for TE polarization are presented.

Development of a fiber optic high temperature strain sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rausch, E. O.; Murphy, K. E.; Brookshire, S. P.

1992-01-01

From 1 Apr. 1991 to 31 Aug. 1992, the Georgia Tech Research Institute conducted a research program to develop a high temperature fiber optic strain sensor as part of a measurement program for the space shuttle booster rocket motor. The major objectives of this program were divided into four tasks. Under Task 1, the literature on high-temperature fiber optic strain sensors was reviewed. Task 2 addressed the design and fabrication of the strain sensor. Tests and calibration were conducted under Task 3, and Task 4 was to generate recommendations for a follow-on study of a distributed strain sensor. Task 4 was submitted to NASA as a separate proposal.

Flex Sensor Based Biofeedback Monitoring for Post-Stroke Fingers Myopathy Patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garda, Y. R.; Caesarendra, W.; Tjahjowidodo, T.; Turnip, A.; Wahyudati, S.; Nurhasanah, L.; Sutopo, D.

2018-04-01

Hands are one of the crucial parts of the human body in carrying out daily activities. Accidents on the hands decreasing in motor skills of the hand so that therapy is necessary to restore motor function of the hand. In addition to accidents, hand disabilities can be caused by certain diseases, e.g. stroke. Stroke is a partial destruction of the brain. It occurs if the arteries that drain blood to the brain are blocked, or if torn or leak. The purpose of this study to make biofeedback monitoring equipment for post-stroke hands myopathy patients. Biofeedback is an alternative method of treatment that involves measuring body functions measured subjects such as skin temperature, sweat activity, blood pressure, heart rate and hand paralysis due to stroke. In this study, the sensor used for biofeedback monitoring tool is flex sensor. Flex sensor is a passive resistive device that changes its resistance as the sensor is bent. Flex sensor converts the magnitude of the bend into electrical resistance, the greater the bend the greater the resistance value. The monitoring used in this biofeedback monitoring tool uses Graphical User Interface (GUI) in C# programming language. The motivation of the study is to monitor and record the progressive improvement of the hand therapy. Patients who experienced post-stroke can see the therapy progress quantitatively.

Kalman filter-based EM-optical sensor fusion for needle deflection estimation.

PubMed

Jiang, Baichuan; Gao, Wenpeng; Kacher, Daniel; Nevo, Erez; Fetics, Barry; Lee, Thomas C; Jayender, Jagadeesan

2018-04-01

In many clinical procedures such as cryoablation that involves needle insertion, accurate placement of the needle's tip at the desired target is the major issue for optimizing the treatment and minimizing damage to the neighboring anatomy. However, due to the interaction force between the needle and tissue, considerable error in intraoperative tracking of the needle tip can be observed as needle deflects. In this paper, measurements data from an optical sensor at the needle base and a magnetic resonance (MR) gradient field-driven electromagnetic (EM) sensor placed 10 cm from the needle tip are used within a model-integrated Kalman filter-based sensor fusion scheme. Bending model-based estimations and EM-based direct estimation are used as the measurement vectors in the Kalman filter, thus establishing an online estimation approach. Static tip bending experiments show that the fusion method can reduce the mean error of the tip position estimation from 29.23 mm of the optical sensor-based approach to 3.15 mm of the fusion-based approach and from 39.96 to 6.90 mm, at the MRI isocenter and the MRI entrance, respectively. This work established a novel sensor fusion scheme that incorporates model information, which enables real-time tracking of needle deflection with MRI compatibility, in a free-hand operating setup.

Deformation behavior of open-cell dry natural rubber foam: Effect of different concentration of blowing agent and compression strain rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samsudin, M. S. F.; Ariff, Z. M.; Ariffin, A.

2017-04-01

Compression and deformation behavior of partially open cell natural rubber (NR) foam produced from dry natural rubber (DNR), were investigated by performing compressive deformation at different strains and strain rates. Different concentrations of sodium bicarbonate as a blowing agent (BA) were utilized, from 4 to 16 phr in order to produce foams with range of cell size and morphology. Overall, increasing of blowing agent concentration had significantly changed relative foam density. Compression stress-strain curves of the foams exhibited that the compression behavior was directly correlated to the foam cells morphology and physical density. Pronounced changes were noticed for foams with bigger cells particularly at 4 phr concentration of BA where the compression stress at plateau region was greater compared to those with higher concentration of BA. Cell deformation progressive images confirmed that the foams demonstrated small degree of struts bending at 15% of strain and followed by continuous severe struts bending and elastic buckling up to 50% of strain. Compression test at different strain rates revealed that the strain rate factor only affected the foams with 4 phr of BA by causing immediate increment in the compression stress value when higher strain rate was applied.

Elasto-plastic bending of cracked plates, including the effects of crack closure. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, D. P.

1972-01-01

A capability for solving elasto-plastic plate bending problems is developed using assumptions consistent with Kirchhoff plate theory. Both bending and extensional modes of deformation are admitted with the two modes becoming coupled as yielding proceeds. Equilibrium solutions are obtained numerically by determination of the stationary point of a functional which is analogous to the potential strain energy. The stationary value of the functional for each load increment is efficiently obtained through use of the conjugate gradient. This technique is applied to the problem of a large centrally through cracked plate subject to remote circular bending. Comparison is drawn between two cases of the bending problem. The first neglects the possibility of crack face interference with bending, and the second includes a kinematic prohibition against the crack face from passing through the symmetry plane. Results are reported which isolate the effects of elastoplastic flow and crack closure.

High Precision Temperature Insensitive Strain Sensor Based on Fiber-Optic Delay

PubMed Central

Yang, Ning; Su, Jun; Fan, Zhiqiang; Qiu, Qi

2017-01-01

A fiber-optic delay based strain sensor with high precision and temperature insensitivity was reported, which works on detecting the delay induced by strain instead of spectrum. In order to analyze the working principle of this sensor, the elastic property of fiber-optic delay was theoretically researched and the elastic coefficient was measured as 3.78 ps/km·με. In this sensor, an extra reference path was introduced to simplify the measurement of delay and resist the cross-effect of environmental temperature. Utilizing an optical fiber stretcher driven by piezoelectric ceramics, the performance of this strain sensor was tested. The experimental results demonstrate that temperature fluctuations contribute little to the strain error and that the calculated strain sensitivity is as high as 4.75 με in the range of 350 με. As a result, this strain sensor is proved to be feasible and practical, which is appropriate for strain measurement in a simple and economical way. Furthermore, on basis of this sensor, the quasi-distributed measurement could be also easily realized by wavelength division multiplexing and wavelength addressing for long-distance structure health and security monitoring. PMID:28468323

Kic size effect study on two high-strength steels using notched bend specimens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stonesifer, F. R.

1974-01-01

Five methods are used to calculate plane strain fracture toughness (K sub Q) values for bend-specimens of various sizes from two high-strength steels. None of the methods appeared to satisfactorily predict valid stress intensity factor (K sub IC) values from specimens of sizes well below that required by E399 standard tests.

Strain sensing using optical fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Houghton, Richard; Hiles, Steven

1994-01-01

The main source of attenuation which will be studied is the optical fiber's sensitivity to bending at radii that are much larger than the radius of the fiber. This type of environmental attenuation causes losses that are a function of the severity of the bend. The average attenuation caused by bending varies exponentially with the bend radius. There are many different fibers, sources, and testing equipment available. This thesis describes tests that were performed to evaluate the variables that effect bending related attenuation and will discuss the consistency of the results. Descriptions and comparisons will be made between single mode and multimode fibers as well as instrumentation comparisons between detection equipment. Detailed analysis of the effects of the whispering gallery mode will be performed along with theorized methods for characterization of these modes.

Concomitant sensing and actuation for piezoelectric microrobots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayaram, Kaushik; Jafferis, Noah T.; Doshi, Neel; Goldberg, Ben; Wood, Robert J.

2018-06-01

Sensor fabrication for microrobots is challenging due to their small size and low mass. As a potential solution, we present a technique for estimating the velocity of piezoelectric bending bimorph actuators, a popular choice for driving such microscale devices, that requires simple electronics and no additional mechanical components. Our approach relies on the insight that motion of the actuators causes varying strains on the surface on the piezoelectric material, which via the direct piezoelectric effect, results in a current proportional to the actuator velocity. We propose that the actuator be electrically approximated as a parallel combination of a frequency and voltage dependent resistor and capacitor, and a velocity proportional current source. We develop an experimental procedure to measure these quantities, and are able to experimentally determine the actuator tip velocity to within 10% accuracy over a range of voltages (25–200 V) and frequencies (1–2000 Hz, well beyond actuator resonance). We successfully apply this sensing methodology to two microrobots, the RoboBee and the Harvard Ambulatory MicroRobot (HAMR), to estimate the wing and limb motion respectively. We further use sensor feedback to close the loop on HAMR’s leg phase and obtain desired leg trajectories near transmission resonance. The proposed sensor methodology is generic and can be applied to piezoelectric actuators of different geometries and configurations for uses in microrobotic applications.

The plane strain shear fracture of the advanced high strength steels

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

Sun, Li, E-mail: li.sun@gm.com

2013-12-16

The “shear fracture” which occurs at the high-curvature die radii in the sheet metal forming has been reported to remarkably limit the application of the advanced high strength steels (AHSS) in the automobile industry. However, this unusual fracture behavior generally cannot be predicted by the traditional forming limit diagram (FLD). In this research, a new experimental system was developed in order to simulate the shear fracture, especially at the plane strain state which is the most common state in the auto-industry and difficult to achieve in the lab due to sample size. Furthermore, the system has the capability to operatemore » in a strain rate range from quasi-static state to the industrial forming state. One kinds of AHSS, Quenching-Partitioning (QP) steels have been performed in this test and the results show that the limiting fracture strain is related to the bending ratio and strain rate. The experimental data support that deformation-induced heating is an important cause of “shear fracture” phenomena for AHSS: a deformation-induced quasi-heating caused by smaller bending ratio and high strain rate produce a smaller limiting plane strain and lead a “shear fracture” in the component.« less

Highly Sensitive and Very Stretchable Strain Sensor Based on a Rubbery Semiconductor.

PubMed

Kim, Hae-Jin; Thukral, Anish; Yu, Cunjiang

2018-02-07

There is a growing interest in developing stretchable strain sensors to quantify the large mechanical deformation and strain associated with the activities for a wide range of species, such as humans, machines, and robots. Here, we report a novel stretchable strain sensor entirely in a rubber format by using a solution-processed rubbery semiconductor as the sensing material to achieve high sensitivity, large mechanical strain tolerance, and hysteresis-less and highly linear responses. Specifically, the rubbery semiconductor exploits π-π stacked poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) nanofibrils (P3HT-NFs) percolated in silicone elastomer of poly(dimethylsiloxane) to yield semiconducting nanocomposite with a large mechanical stretchability, although P3HT is a well-known nonstretchable semiconductor. The fabricated strain sensors exhibit reliable and reversible sensing capability, high gauge factor (gauge factor = 32), high linearity (R 2 > 0.996), and low hysteresis (degree of hysteresis <12%) responses at the mechanical strain of up to 100%. A strain sensor in this format can be scalably manufactured and implemented as wearable smart gloves. Systematic investigations in the materials design and synthesis, sensor fabrication and characterization, and mechanical analysis reveal the key fundamental and application aspects of the highly sensitive and very stretchable strain sensors entirely from rubbers.

Auxetic Mechanical Metamaterials to Enhance Sensitivity of Stretchable Strain Sensors.

PubMed

Jiang, Ying; Liu, Zhiyuan; Matsuhisa, Naoji; Qi, Dianpeng; Leow, Wan Ru; Yang, Hui; Yu, Jiancan; Chen, Geng; Liu, Yaqing; Wan, Changjin; Liu, Zhuangjian; Chen, Xiaodong

2018-03-01

Stretchable strain sensors play a pivotal role in wearable devices, soft robotics, and Internet-of-Things, yet these viable applications, which require subtle strain detection under various strain, are often limited by low sensitivity. This inadequate sensitivity stems from the Poisson effect in conventional strain sensors, where stretched elastomer substrates expand in the longitudinal direction but compress transversely. In stretchable strain sensors, expansion separates the active materials and contributes to the sensitivity, while Poisson compression squeezes active materials together, and thus intrinsically limits the sensitivity. Alternatively, auxetic mechanical metamaterials undergo 2D expansion in both directions, due to their negative structural Poisson's ratio. Herein, it is demonstrated that such auxetic metamaterials can be incorporated into stretchable strain sensors to significantly enhance the sensitivity. Compared to conventional sensors, the sensitivity is greatly elevated with a 24-fold improvement. This sensitivity enhancement is due to the synergistic effect of reduced structural Poisson's ratio and strain concentration. Furthermore, microcracks are elongated as an underlying mechanism, verified by both experiments and numerical simulations. This strategy of employing auxetic metamaterials can be further applied to other stretchable strain sensors with different constituent materials. Moreover, it paves the way for utilizing mechanical metamaterials into a broader library of stretchable electronics. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Smart CFRP systems for the controlled retrofitting of reinforced concrete members

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaller, M.-B.; Käseberg, S.; Kuhne, M.

2010-09-01

During the last ten years an increasing amount of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) applications to rehabilitate damaged concrete elements was observed. Thereby some important disadvantages of the brittle materials must be considered, for example the low ductility of the bond between CFRP and concrete and brittle failure of FRP. With embedded sensor systems it is possible to measure crack propagation and strains. In this paper a sensor based CFRP system will be presented, that can be used for strengthening and measuring. The used optical fibers with Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG) have a large number of advantages in opposite to electrical measuring methods. Examples are small dimensions, low weight as well as high static and dynamic resolution of measured values. The main problem during the investigations was the fixing of the glass fiber and the small FBG at the designated position. In this paper the possibility of setting the glass fiber with embroidery at the reinforcing fiber material will be presented. On the basis of four point bending tests on beams (dimensions of 700 x 150 x 150 mm) and tests on wrapped columns the potential of the Smart CFRP system is introduced.

Bending behaviors of fully covered biodegradable polydioxanone biliary stent for human body by finite element method.

PubMed

Liu, Yanhui; Zhu, Guoqing; Yang, Huazhe; Wang, Conger; Zhang, Peihua; Han, Guangting

2018-01-01

This paper presents a study of the bending flexibility of fully covered biodegradable polydioxanone biliary stents (FCBPBs) developed for human body. To investigate the relationship between the bending load and structure parameter (monofilament diameter and braid-pin number), biodegradable polydioxanone biliary stents derived from braiding method were covered with membrane prepared via electrospinning method, and nine FCBPBSs were then obtained for bending test to evaluate the bending flexibility. In addition, by the finite element method, nine numerical models based on actual biliary stent were established and the bending load was calculated through the finite element method. Results demonstrate that the simulation and experimental results are in good agreement with each other, indicating that the simulation results can be provided a useful reference to the investigation of biliary stents. Furthermore, the stress distribution on FCBPBSs was studied, and the plastic dissipation analysis and plastic strain of FCBPBSs were obtained via the bending simulation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ultrasensitive and low-volume point-of-care diagnostics on flexible strips - a study with cardiac troponin biomarkers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shanmugam, Nandhinee Radha; Muthukumar, Sriram; Prasad, Shalini

2016-09-01

We demonstrate a flexible, mechanically stable, and disposable electrochemical sensor platform for monitoring cardiac troponins through the detection and quantification of cardiac Troponin-T (cTnT). We designed and fabricated nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO) sensing electrodes on flexible porous polyimide substrates. We demonstrate ultrasensitive detection is capable at very low sample volumes due to the confinement phenomenon of target species within the ZnO nanostructures leading to enhancement of biomolecular binding on the sensor electrode surface. The performance of the ZnO nanostructured sensor electrode was evaluated against gold and nanotextured ZnO electrodes. The electrochemical sensor functions on affinity based immunoassay principles whereby monoclonal antibodies for cTnT were immobilized on the sensor electrodes using thiol based chemistry. Detection of cTnT in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and human serum (HS) buffers was achieved at low sample volumes of 20 μL using non-faradaic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Limit of detection (LOD) of 1E-4 ng/mL (i.e. 1 pg/mL) at 7% CV (coefficient of variation) for cTnT in HS was demonstrated on nanostructured ZnO electrodes. The mechanical integrity of the flexible biosensor platform was demonstrated with cyclic bending tests. The sensor performed within 12% CV after 100 bending cycles demonstrating the robustness of the nanostructured ZnO electrochemical sensor platform.

Simultaneous Application of Fibrous Piezoresistive Sensors for Compression and Traction Detection in Glass Laminate Composites

PubMed Central

Nauman, Saad; Cristian, Irina; Koncar, Vladan

2011-01-01

This article describes further development of a novel Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE) approach described in one of our previous papers. Here these sensors have been used for the first time as a Piecewise Continuous System (PCS), which means that they are not only capable of following the deformation pattern but can also detect distinctive fracture events. In order to characterize the simultaneous compression and traction response of these sensors, multilayer glass laminate composite samples were prepared for 3-point bending tests. The laminate sample consisted of five layers of plain woven glass fabrics placed one over another. The sensors were placed at two strategic locations during the lay-up process so as to follow traction and compression separately. The reinforcements were then impregnated in epoxy resin and later subjected to 3-point bending tests. An appropriate data treatment and recording device has also been developed and used for simultaneous data acquisition from the two sensors. The results obtained, under standard testing conditions have shown that our textile fibrous sensors can not only be used for simultaneous detection of compression and traction in composite parts for on-line structural health monitoring but their sensitivity and carefully chosen location inside the composite ensures that each fracture event is indicated in real time by the output signal of the sensor. PMID:22163707

Simultaneous application of fibrous piezoresistive sensors for compression and traction detection in glass laminate composites.

PubMed

Nauman, Saad; Cristian, Irina; Koncar, Vladan

2011-01-01

This article describes further development of a novel Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE) approach described in one of our previous papers. Here these sensors have been used for the first time as a Piecewise Continuous System (PCS), which means that they are not only capable of following the deformation pattern but can also detect distinctive fracture events. In order to characterize the simultaneous compression and traction response of these sensors, multilayer glass laminate composite samples were prepared for 3-point bending tests. The laminate sample consisted of five layers of plain woven glass fabrics placed one over another. The sensors were placed at two strategic locations during the lay-up process so as to follow traction and compression separately. The reinforcements were then impregnated in epoxy resin and later subjected to 3-point bending tests. An appropriate data treatment and recording device has also been developed and used for simultaneous data acquisition from the two sensors. The results obtained, under standard testing conditions have shown that our textile fibrous sensors can not only be used for simultaneous detection of compression and traction in composite parts for on-line structural health monitoring but their sensitivity and carefully chosen location inside the composite ensures that each fracture event is indicated in real time by the output signal of the sensor.

Initial Ares I Bending Filter Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jang, Jiann-Woei; Bedrossian, Nazareth; Hall, Robert; Norris, H. Lee; Hall, Charles; Jackson, Mark

2007-01-01

The Ares-I launch vehicle represents a challenging flex-body structural environment for control system design. Software filtering of the inertial sensor output will be required to ensure control system stability and adequate performance. This paper presents a design methodology employing numerical optimization to develop the Ares-I bending filters. The filter design methodology was based on a numerical constrained optimization approach to maximize stability margins while meeting performance requirements. The resulting bending filter designs achieved stability by adding lag to the first structural frequency and hence phase stabilizing the first Ares-I flex mode. To minimize rigid body performance impacts, a priority was placed via constraints in the optimization algorithm to minimize bandwidth decrease with the addition of the bending filters. The bending filters provided here have been demonstrated to provide a stable first stage control system in both the frequency domain and the MSFC MAVERIC time domain simulation.

Study of a high-precision SAW-MOEMS strain sensor with laser optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xinwei; Chen, Shufen; Li, Honglang; Zou, Zhengfeng; Fu, Lei; Meng, Yanbin

2015-02-01

A novel structure design of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) micro-optic-electro-mechanical-system (MOEMS) strain sensor with a light readout unit is presented in this paper. By measuring the polarization intensity ratio of the TE/TM mode outputted from the waveguide, the strain produced from an object can be measured precisely. The basic working principle of the SAW MOEMS strain sensor is introduced and the mathematical model of the strain sensor system is established. The SAW characteristics effected by the strain sensor are mathematically deduced. The coupling coefficient between the SAW modes and light modes can be calculated based on the theory of coupling modes. The conversion coefficient of polarized light modes is obtained. Due to the restrictions of the specific parameters of the device, the level of technology and the material characteristics, the sensitivity of the strain sensor system is calculated through simulation as 0.1 μɛ, with a dynamic range of 0 ~ ±50 μɛ.

Research of distributed-fiber-optic pressure sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Xiao Ming; Ren, Xin; Chen, Yu-bao; Che, Rensheng

1991-08-01

The paper discribed the principle and method of distributed fiber optic pressure sensor utilizing OTDR technique. The relativity of the microbend loss and bend radius of the multimode optical fiber is discussed ,and its experimental curve is given. In this paper ,a new type of OTDR measuring system using single-chip microcomputer is introduced as well

Gas Sensor Test Chip

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buehler, M.; Ryan, M.

1995-01-01

A new test chip is being developed to characterize conducting polymers used in gas sensors. The chip, a seven-layer cofired alumina substrate with gold electrodes, contains 11 comb and U- bend test structures. These structures are designed to measure the sheet resistance, conduction anisotropy, and peripheral conduction of spin-coated films that are not subsequently patterned.

Flexible and transparent strain sensors based on super-aligned carbon nanotube films.

PubMed

Yu, Yang; Luo, Yufeng; Guo, Alexander; Yan, Lingjia; Wu, Yang; Jiang, Kaili; Li, Qunqing; Fan, Shoushan; Wang, Jiaping

2017-05-25

Highly flexible and transparent strain sensors are fabricated by directly coating super-aligned carbon nanotube (SACNT) films on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates. The fabrication process is simple, low cost, and favorable for industrial scalability. The SACNT/PDMS strain sensors present a high sensing range of 400%, a fast response of less than 98 ms, and a low creep of 4% at 400% strain. The SACNT/PDMS strain sensors can withstand 5000 stretching-releasing cycles at 400% strain. Moreover, the SACNT/PDMS strain sensors are transparent with 80% transmittance at 550 nm. In situ microscopic observation clarifies that the surface morphology of the SACNT film exhibits a reversible change during the stretching and releasing processes and thus its electrical conductance is able to fully recover to the original value after the loading-unloading cycles. The SACNT/PDMS strain sensors have the advantages of a wide sensing range, fast response, low creep, transparency, and excellent durability, and thus show great potential in wearable devices to monitor fast and large-scale movements without affecting the appearance of the devices.

Stress studies in EFG

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

Experimental work in support of stress studies in high speed silicon sheet growth has been emphasized in this quarter. Creep experiments utilizing four-point bending have been made in the temperature range from 1000 C to 1360 C in CZ silicon as well as on EFG ribbon. A method to measure residual stress over large areas using laser interferometry to map strain distributions under load is under development. A fiber optics sensor to measure ribbon temperature profiles has been constructed and is being tested in a ribbon growth furnace environment. Stress and temperature field modeling work has been directed toward improving various aspects of the finite element computing schemes. Difficulties in computing stress distributions with a very high creep intensity and with non-zero interface stress have been encountered and additional development of the numerical schemes to cope with these problems is required. Temperature field modeling has been extended to include the study of heat transfer effects in the die and meniscus regions.

Critical Role of Diels-Adler Adducts to Realise Stretchable Transparent Electrodes Based on Silver Nanowires and Silicone Elastomer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heo, Gaeun; Pyo, Kyoung-Hee; Lee, Da Hee; Kim, Youngmin; Kim, Jong-Woong

2016-05-01

This paper presents the successful fabrication of a transparent electrode comprising a sandwich structure of silicone/Ag nanowires (AgNWs)/silicone equipped with Diels-Alder (DA) adducts as crosslinkers to realise highly stable stretchability. Because of the reversible DA reaction, the crosslinked silicone successfully bonds with the silicone overcoat, which should completely seal the electrode. Thus, any surrounding liquid cannot leak through the interfaces among the constituents. Furthermore, the nanowires are protected by the silicone cover when they are stressed by mechanical loads such as bending, folding, and stretching. After delicate optimisation of the layered silicone/AgNW/silicone sandwich structure, a stretchable transparent electrode which can withstand 1000 cycles of 50% stretching-releasing with an exceptionally high stability and reversibility was fabricated. This structure can be used as a transparent strain sensor; it possesses a strong piezoresistivity with a gauge factor greater than 11.

Patterned, highly stretchable and conductive nanofibrous PANI/PVDF strain sensors based on electrospinning and in situ polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Gui-Feng; Yan, Xu; Yu, Miao; Jia, Meng-Yang; Pan, Wei; He, Xiao-Xiao; Han, Wen-Peng; Zhang, Zhi-Ming; Yu, Liang-Min; Long, Yun-Ze

2016-01-01

A facile fabrication strategy via electrospinning and followed by in situ polymerization to fabricate a patterned, highly stretchable, and conductive polyaniline/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PANI/PVDF) nanofibrous membrane is reported. Owing to the patterned structure, the nanofibrous PANI/PVDF strain sensor can detect a strain up to 110%, for comparison, which is 2.6 times higher than the common nonwoven PANI/PVDF mat and much larger than the previously reported values (usually less than 15%). Meanwhile, the conductivity of the patterned strain sensor shows a linear response to the applied strain in a wide range from 0% to about 85%. Additionally, the patterned PANI/PVDF strain sensor can completely recover to its original electrical and mechanical values within a strain range of more than 22%, and exhibits good durability over 10 000 folding-unfolding tests. Furthermore, the strain sensor also can be used to detect finger motion. The results demonstrate promising application of the patterned nanofibrous membrane in flexible electronic fields.A facile fabrication strategy via electrospinning and followed by in situ polymerization to fabricate a patterned, highly stretchable, and conductive polyaniline/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PANI/PVDF) nanofibrous membrane is reported. Owing to the patterned structure, the nanofibrous PANI/PVDF strain sensor can detect a strain up to 110%, for comparison, which is 2.6 times higher than the common nonwoven PANI/PVDF mat and much larger than the previously reported values (usually less than 15%). Meanwhile, the conductivity of the patterned strain sensor shows a linear response to the applied strain in a wide range from 0% to about 85%. Additionally, the patterned PANI/PVDF strain sensor can completely recover to its original electrical and mechanical values within a strain range of more than 22%, and exhibits good durability over 10 000 folding-unfolding tests. Furthermore, the strain sensor also can be used to detect finger motion. The results demonstrate promising application of the patterned nanofibrous membrane in flexible electronic fields. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08618c

Strain Gage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

HITEC Corporation developed a strain gage application for DanteII, a mobile robot developed for NASA. The gage measured bending forces on the robot's legs and warned human controllers when acceptable forces were exceeded. HITEC further developed the technology for strain gage services in creating transducers out of "Indy" racing car suspension pushrods, NASCAR suspension components and components used in motion control.

Mechanical responses of rat vibrissae to airflow

PubMed Central

Yu, Yan S. W.; Graff, Matthew M.; Hartmann, Mitra J. Z.

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT The survival of many animals depends in part on their ability to sense the flow of the surrounding fluid medium. To date, however, little is known about how terrestrial mammals sense airflow direction or speed. The present work analyzes the mechanical response of isolated rat macrovibrissae (whiskers) to airflow to assess their viability as flow sensors. Results show that the whisker bends primarily in the direction of airflow and vibrates around a new average position at frequencies related to its resonant modes. The bending direction is not affected by airflow speed or by geometric properties of the whisker. In contrast, the bending magnitude increases strongly with airflow speed and with the ratio of the whisker's arc length to base diameter. To a much smaller degree, the bending magnitude also varies with the orientation of the whisker's intrinsic curvature relative to the direction of airflow. These results are used to predict the mechanical responses of vibrissae to airflow across the entire array, and to show that the rat could actively adjust the airflow data that the vibrissae acquire by changing the orientation of its whiskers. We suggest that, like the whiskers of pinnipeds, the macrovibrissae of terrestrial mammals are multimodal sensors – able to sense both airflow and touch – and that they may play a particularly important role in anemotaxis. PMID:27030774

Comparison of Experimental and Analytical Tooth Bending Stress of Aerospace Spiral Bevel Gears

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Handschuh, Robert F.; Bibel, George D.

1999-01-01

An experimental study to investigate the bending stress in aerospace-quality spiral bevel gears was performed. Tests were conducted in the NASA Lewis Spiral Bevel Gear Test Facility. Multiple teeth on the spiral bevel pinion were instrumented with strain gages and tests were conducted from static (slow roll) to 14400 RPM at power levels to 540kW (720 hp). Effects of changing speed and load on the bending stress were measured. Experimental results are compared to those found by three-dimensional finite element analysis.

Characterization of bending EAP beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bao, Xiaoqi; Bar-Cohen, Yoseph; Chang, Zensheu; Sherrit, Stewart

2004-01-01

Electroactive polymers are attractive actuation materials because of their large deformation, flexibility, and lightweight. A CCD camera system was constructed to record the curved shapes of bending during the activation of EAP films and image-processing software was developed to digitize the bending curves. A computer program was developed to solve the invese problem of cantilever EAP beams with tip position limiter. using the developed program and acquired curves without tip position limiter as well as the corresponding tip force, the EAP material properties of voltage-strain sensitivity and Young's modulus were determined.

Subcritical crack growth in SiNx thin-film barriers studied by electro-mechanical two-point bending

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Qingling; Laven, Jozua; Bouten, Piet C. P.; de With, Gijsbertus

2013-06-01

Mechanical failure resulting from subcritical crack growth in the SiNx inorganic barrier layer applied on a flexible multilayer structure was studied by an electro-mechanical two-point bending method. A 10 nm conducting tin-doped indium oxide layer was sputtered as an electrical probe to monitor the subcritical crack growth in the 150 nm dielectric SiNx layer carried by a polyethylene naphthalate substrate. In the electro-mechanical two-point bending test, dynamic and static loads were applied to investigate the crack propagation in the barrier layer. As consequence of using two loading modes, the characteristic failure strain and failure time could be determined. The failure probability distribution of strain and lifetime under each loading condition was described by Weibull statistics. In this study, results from the tests in dynamic and static loading modes were linked by a power law description to determine the critical failure over a range of conditions. The fatigue parameter n from the power law reduces greatly from 70 to 31 upon correcting for internal strain. The testing method and analysis tool as described in the paper can be used to understand the limit of thin-film barriers in terms of their mechanical properties.

Flexible wire-shaped strain sensor from cotton thread for human health and motion detection.

PubMed

Li, Yuan-Qing; Huang, Pei; Zhu, Wei-Bin; Fu, Shao-Yun; Hu, Ning; Liao, Kin

2017-03-21

In this work, a wire-shaped flexible strain sensor was fabricated by encapsulating conductive carbon thread (CT) with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer. The key strain sensitive material, CT, was prepared by pyrolysing cotton thread in N 2 atmosphere. The CT/PDMS composite wire shows a typical piezo-resistive behavior with high strain sensitivity. The gauge factors (GF) calculated at low strain of 0-4% and high strain of 8-10% are 8.7 and 18.5, respectively, which are much higher than that of the traditional metallic strain sensor (GF around 2). The wire-shaped CT/PDMS composite sensor shows excellent response to cyclic tensile loading within the strain range of 0-10%, the frequency range of 0.01-10 Hz, to up to 2000 cycles. The potential of the wire senor as wearable strain sensor is demonstrated by the finger motion and blood pulse monitoring. Featured by the low costs of cotton wire and PDMS resin, the simple structure and fabrication technique, as well as high performance with miniaturized size, the wire-shaped sensor based on CT/PDMS composite is believed to have a great potential for application in wearable electronics for human health and motion monitoring.

Strain features and condition assessment of orthotropic steel deck cable-supported bridges subjected to vehicle loads by using dense FBG strain sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Shiyin; Zhang, Zhaohui; Li, Shunlong; Li, Hui

2017-10-01

Strain is a direct indicator of structural safety. Therefore, strain sensors have been used in most structural health monitoring systems for bridges. However, until now, the investigation of strain response has been insufficient. This paper conducts a comprehensive study of the strain features of the U ribs and transverse diaphragm on an orthotropic steel deck and proposes a statistical paradigm for crack detection based on the features of vehicle-induced strain response by using the densely distributed optic fibre Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensors. The local feature of strain under vehicle load is highlighted, which enables the use of measurement data to determine the vehicle loading event and to make a decision regarding the health status of a girder near the strain sensors via technical elimination of the load information. Time-frequency analysis shows that the strain contains three features: the long-term trend item, the short-term trend item, and the instantaneous vehicle-induced item (IVII). The IVII is the wheel-induced strain with a remarkable local feature, and the measured wheel-induced strain is only influenced by the vehicle near the FBG sensor, while other vehicles slightly farther away have no effect on the wheel-induced strain. This causes the local strain series, among the FBG strain sensors in the same transverse locations of different cross-sections, to present similarities in shape to some extent and presents a time delay in successive order along the driving direction. Therefore, the strain series induced by an identical vehicle can be easily tracked and compared by extracting the amplitude and calculating the mutual ratio to eliminate vehicle loading information, leaving the girder information alone. The statistical paradigm for crack detection is finally proposed, and the detection accuracy is then validated by using dense FBG strain sensors on a long-span suspension bridge in China.

[A biomechanical study on the fracture treatment--intravital measurement of the strain on an intramedullary nail in the healing process of the femoral fracture in goats (author's transl)].

PubMed

Obara, T

1979-02-01

There have been many biomechanical studies throughout the world on the fracture treatment. However, only a few were performed under intravital condition. The purpose of the present study is to measure the successive strength changes of the callus after a fracture, in vivo in an animal. Specifically designed Küntscher nails were made to meet the anterior convexity and the size of the medullary canal of the femora of goats. Three self-temperature-compensating semi-conductor strain-gauges were glued on the inner surface of the nail and coated with epoxy-resin and silicone rubber. The nail was inserted into the intact femur, and the initial measurement of the strains was performed using a specially designed wooden three point bending jig. Then the femur was transected at the middle. Periodical measurements of the strains were done, first, during walking and, then, with the three point bending jig under general anesthesia. Ten goats were used for the experiments. The measurement was undertaken every two to three weeks. Serial x-rays were taken. The femur was studied histopathologically after the death of the animal. 1. Although the nail with the strain-gauges presented some foreign body reaction and certain difficulties in sterilization, it was well tolerated by the animal, permitting the strain measurement for as long as 18 weeks after the fracture. 2. There was a tendency that the less loosening is found between the nail and the bone, the larger is the strain and the smaller becomes the dispersion of the strains. 3. On the three point bending test, the post-fracture strain changes were not directly proportional to the lapse of time. In the early phase, the strains remained large for about four weeks and tended to rapidly decrease in the middle and late phases in accordance with the development of callus formation on x-ray. 4. A similar strain change was observed on the walking test, although the animal presented with some painful limp. The results suggest that early excessive exercise to be avoided when an intramedullary fixation is not sufficiently rigid.

The first ANDES elements: 9-DOF plate bending triangles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Militello, Carmelo; Felippa, Carlos A.

1991-01-01

New elements are derived to validate and assess the assumed natural deviatoric strain (ANDES) formulation. This is a brand new variant of the assumed natural strain (ANS) formulation of finite elements, which has recently attracted attention as an effective method for constructing high-performance elements for linear and nonlinear analysis. The ANDES formulation is based on an extended parametrized variational principle developed in recent publications. The key concept is that only the deviatoric part of the strains is assumed over the element whereas the mean strain part is discarded in favor of a constant stress assumption. Unlike conventional ANS elements, ANDES elements satisfy the individual element test (a stringent form of the patch test) a priori while retaining the favorable distortion-insensitivity properties of ANS elements. The first application of this formulation is the development of several Kirchhoff plate bending triangular elements with the standard nine degrees of freedom. Linear curvature variations are sampled along the three sides with the corners as gage reading points. These sample values are interpolated over the triangle using three schemes. Two schemes merge back to conventional ANS elements, one being identical to the Discrete Kirchhoff Triangle (DKT), whereas the third one produces two new ANDES elements. Numerical experiments indicate that one of the ANDES element is relatively insensitive to distortion compared to previously derived high-performance plate-bending elements, while retaining accuracy for nondistorted elements.

Unconstrained pulse pressure monitoring for health management using hetero-core fiber optic sensor.

PubMed

Nishiyama, Michiko; Sonobe, Masako; Watanabe, Kazuhiro

2016-09-01

In this paper, we present a pulse pressure waveform sensor that does not constrain a wearer's daily activity; the sensor uses hetero-core fiber optics. Hetero-core fiber sensors have been found to be sensitive to moderate bending. To detect minute pulse pressure changes from the radial artery at the wrist, we devised a fiber sensor arrangement using three-point bending supports. We analyzed and evaluated the measurement validity using wavelet transformation, which is well-suited for biological signal processing. It was confirmed that the detected pulse waveform had a fundamental mode frequency of around 1.25 Hz over the time-varying waveform. A band-pass filter with a range of frequencies from 0.85 to 1.7 Hz was used to pick up the fundamental mode. In addition, a high-pass filter with 0.85 Hz frequency eliminated arm motion artifacts; consequently, we achieved high signal-to-noise ratio. For unrestricted daily health management, it is desirable that pulse pressure monitoring can be achieved by simply placing a device on the hand without the sensor being noticed. Two types of arrangements were developed and demonstrated in which the pulse sensors were either embedded in a base, such as an armrest, or in a wearable device. A wearable device without cuff pressure using a sensitivity-enhanced fiber sensor was successfully achieved with a sensitivity of 0.07-0.3 dB with a noise floor lower than 0.01 dB for multiple subjects.

An Improved Metal-Packaged Strain Sensor Based on A Regenerated Fiber Bragg Grating in Hydrogen-Loaded Boron–Germanium Co-Doped Photosensitive Fiber for High-Temperature Applications

PubMed Central

Tu, Yun; Ye, Lin; Zhou, Shao-Ping; Tu, Shan-Tung

2017-01-01

Local strain measurements are considered as an effective method for structural health monitoring of high-temperature components, which require accurate, reliable and durable sensors. To develop strain sensors that can be used in higher temperature environments, an improved metal-packaged strain sensor based on a regenerated fiber Bragg grating (RFBG) fabricated in hydrogen (H2)-loaded boron–germanium (B–Ge) co-doped photosensitive fiber is developed using the process of combining magnetron sputtering and electroplating, addressing the limitation of mechanical strength degradation of silica optical fibers after annealing at a high temperature for regeneration. The regeneration characteristics of the RFBGs and the strain characteristics of the sensor are evaluated. Numerical simulation of the sensor is conducted using a three-dimensional finite element model. Anomalous decay behavior of two regeneration regimes is observed for the FBGs written in H2-loaded B–Ge co-doped fiber. The strain sensor exhibits good linearity, stability and repeatability when exposed to constant high temperatures of up to 540 °C. A satisfactory agreement is obtained between the experimental and numerical results in strain sensitivity. The results demonstrate that the improved metal-packaged strain sensors based on RFBGs in H2-loaded B–Ge co-doped fiber provide great potential for high-temperature applications by addressing the issues of mechanical integrity and packaging. PMID:28241465

An Improved Metal-Packaged Strain Sensor Based on A Regenerated Fiber Bragg Grating in Hydrogen-Loaded Boron-Germanium Co-Doped Photosensitive Fiber for High-Temperature Applications.

PubMed

Tu, Yun; Ye, Lin; Zhou, Shao-Ping; Tu, Shan-Tung

2017-02-23

Local strain measurements are considered as an effective method for structural health monitoring of high-temperature components, which require accurate, reliable and durable sensors. To develop strain sensors that can be used in higher temperature environments, an improved metal-packaged strain sensor based on a regenerated fiber Bragg grating (RFBG) fabricated in hydrogen (H₂)-loaded boron-germanium (B-Ge) co-doped photosensitive fiber is developed using the process of combining magnetron sputtering and electroplating, addressing the limitation of mechanical strength degradation of silica optical fibers after annealing at a high temperature for regeneration. The regeneration characteristics of the RFBGs and the strain characteristics of the sensor are evaluated. Numerical simulation of the sensor is conducted using a three-dimensional finite element model. Anomalous decay behavior of two regeneration regimes is observed for the FBGs written in H₂-loaded B-Ge co-doped fiber. The strain sensor exhibits good linearity, stability and repeatability when exposed to constant high temperatures of up to 540 °C. A satisfactory agreement is obtained between the experimental and numerical results in strain sensitivity. The results demonstrate that the improved metal-packaged strain sensors based on RFBGs in H₂-loaded B-Ge co-doped fiber provide great potential for high-temperature applications by addressing the issues of mechanical integrity and packaging.

Fusion of sensor geometry into additive strain fields measured with sensing skin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Downey, Austin; Sadoughi, Mohammadkazem; Laflamme, Simon; Hu, Chao

2018-07-01

Recently, numerous studies have been conducted on flexible skin-like membranes for the cost effective monitoring of large-scale structures. The authors have proposed a large-area electronic consisting of a soft elastomeric capacitor (SEC) that transduces a structure’s strain into a measurable change in capacitance. Arranged in a network configuration, SECs deployed onto the surface of a structure could be used to reconstruct strain maps. Several regression methods have been recently developed with the purpose of reconstructing such maps, but all these algorithms assumed that each SEC-measured strain located at its geometric center. This assumption may not be realistic since an SEC measures the average strain value of the whole area covered by the sensor. One solution is to reduce the size of each SEC, but this would also increase the number of required sensors needed to cover the large-scale structure, therefore increasing the need for the power and data acquisition capabilities. Instead, this study proposes an algorithm that accounts for the sensor’s strain averaging feature by adjusting the strain measurements and constructing a full-field strain map using the kriging interpolation method. The proposed algorithm fuses the geometry of an SEC sensor into the strain map reconstruction in order to adaptively adjust the average kriging-estimated strain of the area monitored by the sensor to the signal. Results show that by considering the sensor geometry, in addition to the sensor signal and location, the proposed strain map adjustment algorithm is capable of producing more accurate full-field strain maps than the traditional spatial interpolation method that considered only signal and location.

Stretchable interconnections for flexible electronic systems.

PubMed

Jianhui, Lin; Bing, Yan; Xiaoming, Wu; Tianling, Ren; Litian, Liu

2009-01-01

Sensors, actuators and integrated circuits (IC) can be encapsulated together on an elastic substrate, which makes a flexible electronic system. In this system, electrical interconnections that can sustain large and reversible stretching are in great need. This paper is devoted to the fabrication of highly stretchable metal interconnections. Transfer printing technology is utilized, which mainly involves the transfer of 100-nm-thick gold ribbons from silicon wafers to pre-stretched elastic substrates. After the elastic substrates relax from the pre-strain, the gold ribbons buckle and form wavy geometries. These wavy geometries change in shapes to accommodate the applied strain and can be reversely stretched without cracks or fractures occurring, which will greatly raise the stretchability of the gold ribbons. As an application example, some of these wavy ribbons can accommodate high levels of stretching (up to 100%) and bending (with curvature radius down to 1.20 mm). Moreover, the efficiency and reliability of the transfer, especially for slender ribbons, have been increased due to the improvement of the technology. All the characteristics above will permit making stretchable gold conductors as interconnections for flexible electronic systems such as implantable medical systems and smart clothes.

Strain and dynamic measurements using fiber optic sensors embedded into graphite/epoxy tubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dehart, D. W.; Doederlein, T.; Koury, J.; Rogowski, R. S.; Heyman, J. S.; Holben, M. S., Jr.

1989-01-01

Graphite/epoxy tubes were fabricated with embedded optical fibers to evaluate the feasibility of monitoring strains with a fiber optic technique. Resistance strain gauges were attached to the tubes to measure strain at four locations along the tube for comparison with the fiber optic sensors. Both static and dynamic strain measurements were made with excellent agreement between the embedded fiber optic strain sensor and the strain gauges. Strain measurements of 10(exp -7) can be detected with the optical phase locked loop (OPLL) system using optical fiber. Because of their light weight, compatibility with composites, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and based on the static and dynamic results obtained, fiber optic sensors embedded in composites may be useful as the sensing component of smart structures.

Application of fiber Bragg grating sensors to real-time strain measurement of cryogenic tanks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, Nobuo; Mizutani, Tadahito; Hayashi, Kentaro; Okabe, Yoji

2003-08-01

Although many researches of strain measurement using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors were conducted, there were few applications of FBG sensors to spacecraft in operation. It is very significant to develop an onboard system for the real-time strain measurement during the flight operation. In the present research, the real-time strain measurement of a composite liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank, which consisted of CFRP and aluminum liner, was attempted. Adhesive property of the FBG sensors was investigated first of all. As a result, UV coated FBG sensors and polyurethane adhesive were adopted. Then, reflection spectra from FBG sensors were measured through the tensile test at liquid helium (LHe) temperature. Since the center wavelength shifted in proportion to the applied strain, the FBG sensor was suitable as a precise strain sensor even at LHe temperature. Next, the development of an onboard FBG demodulator was discussed. This onboard demodulator was designed for weight saving to be mounted on a reusable rocket vehicle test (RVT) operated by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS). FBG sensors were bonded on the surface of the composite LH2 tank for the RVT. Then, strain measurement using the onboard demodulator was conducted through the cryogenic pressure test of the tank and compared with the result measured using the optical spectrum analyzer (OSA).

MEMS-based silicon cantilevers with integrated electrothermal heaters for airborne ultrafine particle sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wasisto, Hutomo Suryo; Merzsch, Stephan; Waag, Andreas; Peiner, Erwin

2013-05-01

The development of low-cost and low-power MEMS-based cantilever sensors for possible application in hand-held airborne ultrafine particle monitors is described in this work. The proposed resonant sensors are realized by silicon bulk micromachining technology with electrothermal excitation, piezoresistive frequency readout, and electrostatic particle collection elements integrated and constructed in the same sensor fabrication process step of boron diffusion. Built-in heating resistor and full Wheatstone bridge are set close to the cantilever clamp end for effective excitation and sensing, respectively, of beam deflection. Meanwhile, the particle collection electrode is located at the cantilever free end. A 300 μm-thick, phosphorus-doped silicon bulk wafer is used instead of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) as the starting material for the sensors to reduce the fabrication costs. To etch and release the cantilevers from the substrate, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) cryogenic dry etching is utilized. By controlling the etching parameters (e.g., temperature, oxygen content, and duration), cantilever structures with thicknesses down to 10 - 20 μm are yielded. In the sensor characterization, the heating resistor is heated and generating thermal waves which induce thermal expansion and further cause mechanical bending strain in the out-of-plane direction. A resonant frequency of 114.08 +/- 0.04 kHz and a quality factor of 1302 +/- 267 are measured in air for a fabricated rectangular cantilever (500x100x13.5 μm3). Owing to its low power consumption of a few milliwatts, this electrothermal cantilever is suitable for replacing the current external piezoelectric stack actuator in the next generation of the miniaturized cantilever-based nanoparticle detector (CANTOR).

Load monitoring using a calibrated piezo diaphragm based impedance strain sensor and wireless sensor network in real time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gopal Madhav Annamdas, Venu; Kiong Soh, Chee

2017-04-01

The last decade has seen the use of various wired-wireless and contact-contactless sensors in several structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques. Most SHM sensors that are predominantly used for strain measurements may be ineffective for damage detection and vice versa, indicating the uniapplicability of these sensors. However, piezoelectric (PE)-based macro fiber composite (MFC) and lead zirconium titanate (PZT) sensors have been on the rise in SHM, vibration and damping control, etc, due to their superior actuation and sensing abilities. These PE sensors have created much interest for their multi-applicability in various technologies such as electromechanical impedance (EMI)-based SHM. This research employs piezo diaphragms, a cheaper alternative to several expensive types of PZT/MFC sensors for the EMI technique. These piezo diaphragms were validated last year for their applicability in damage detection using the frequency domain. Here we further validate their applicability in strain monitoring using the real time domain. Hence, these piezo diaphragms can now be classified as PE sensors and used with PZT and MFC sensors in the EMI technique for monitoring damage and loading. However, no single technique or single type of sensor will be sufficient for large SHM, thus requiring the necessary deployment of more than one technique with different types of sensors such as a piezoresistive strain gauge based wireless sensor network for strain measurements to complement the EMI technique. Furthermore, we present a novel procedure of converting a regular PE sensor in the ‘frequency domain’ to ‘real time domain’ for strain applications.

Patterned, highly stretchable and conductive nanofibrous PANI/PVDF strain sensors based on electrospinning and in situ polymerization.

PubMed

Yu, Gui-Feng; Yan, Xu; Yu, Miao; Jia, Meng-Yang; Pan, Wei; He, Xiao-Xiao; Han, Wen-Peng; Zhang, Zhi-Ming; Yu, Liang-Min; Long, Yun-Ze

2016-02-07

A facile fabrication strategy via electrospinning and followed by in situ polymerization to fabricate a patterned, highly stretchable, and conductive polyaniline/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PANI/PVDF) nanofibrous membrane is reported. Owing to the patterned structure, the nanofibrous PANI/PVDF strain sensor can detect a strain up to 110%, for comparison, which is 2.6 times higher than the common nonwoven PANI/PVDF mat and much larger than the previously reported values (usually less than 15%). Meanwhile, the conductivity of the patterned strain sensor shows a linear response to the applied strain in a wide range from 0% to about 85%. Additionally, the patterned PANI/PVDF strain sensor can completely recover to its original electrical and mechanical values within a strain range of more than 22%, and exhibits good durability over 10,000 folding-unfolding tests. Furthermore, the strain sensor also can be used to detect finger motion. The results demonstrate promising application of the patterned nanofibrous membrane in flexible electronic fields.

Viscoelastic deformation of lipid bilayer vesicles.

PubMed

Wu, Shao-Hua; Sankhagowit, Shalene; Biswas, Roshni; Wu, Shuyang; Povinelli, Michelle L; Malmstadt, Noah

2015-10-07

Lipid bilayers form the boundaries of the cell and its organelles. Many physiological processes, such as cell movement and division, involve bending and folding of the bilayer at high curvatures. Currently, bending of the bilayer is treated as an elastic deformation, such that its stress-strain response is independent of the rate at which bending strain is applied. We present here the first direct measurement of viscoelastic response in a lipid bilayer vesicle. We used a dual-beam optical trap (DBOT) to stretch 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). Upon application of a step optical force, the vesicle membrane deforms in two regimes: a fast, instantaneous area increase, followed by a much slower stretching to an eventual plateau deformation. From measurements of dozens of GUVs, the average time constant of the slower stretching response was 0.225 ± 0.033 s (standard deviation, SD). Increasing the fluid viscosity did not affect the observed time constant. We performed a set of experiments to rule out heating by laser absorption as a cause of the transient behavior. Thus, we demonstrate here that the bending deformation of lipid bilayer membranes should be treated as viscoelastic.

Viscoelastic deformation of lipid bilayer vesicles†

PubMed Central

Wu, Shao-Hua; Sankhagowit, Shalene; Biswas, Roshni; Wu, Shuyang; Povinelli, Michelle L.

2015-01-01

Lipid bilayers form the boundaries of the cell and its organelles. Many physiological processes, such as cell movement and division, involve bending and folding of the bilayer at high curvatures. Currently, bending of the bilayer is treated as an elastic deformation, such that its stress-strain response is independent of the rate at which bending strain is applied. We present here the first direct measurement of viscoelastic response in a lipid bilayer vesicle. We used a dual-beam optical trap (DBOT) to stretch 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). Upon application of a step optical force, the vesicle membrane deforms in two regimes: a fast, instantaneous area increase, followed by a much slower stretching to an eventual plateau deformation. From measurements of dozens of GUVs, the average time constant of the slower stretching response was 0.225 ± 0.033 s (standard deviation, SD). Increasing the fluid viscosity did not affect the observed time constant. We performed a set of experiments to rule out heating by laser absorption as a cause of the transient behavior. Thus, we demonstrate here that the bending deformation of lipid bilayer membranes should be treated as viscoelastic. PMID:26268612

Development of an embedded Fabry Perot Fiber Optic Strain Rosette Sensor (FP-FOSRS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carman, Gregory P.; Lesko, John J.; Case, Scott W.; Fogg, Brian; Claus, Richard O.

1992-01-01

We investigate the feasibility of utilizing a Fabry-Perot Fiber Optic Strain Rosette Sensor (FP-FOSRS) for the evaluation of the internal strain state of a material system. We briefly describe the manufacturing process for this sensor and point out some potential problem areas. Results of an embedded FP-FOSRS in an epoxy matrix with external resistance strain gauges applied for comparative purposes are presented. We show that the internal and external strain measurements are in close agreement. This work lays the foundation for embedding this sensor in actual composite laminas.

Flexible and mechanical strain resistant large area SERS active substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, J. P.; Chu, Hsiaoyun; Abell, Justin; Tripp, Ralph A.; Zhao, Yiping

2012-05-01

We report a cost effective and facile way to synthesize flexible, uniform, and large area surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates using an oblique angle deposition (OAD) technique. The flexible SERS substrates consist of 1 μm long, tilted silver nanocolumnar films deposited on flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheets using OAD. The SERS enhancement activity of these flexible substrates was determined using 10-5 M trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl) ethylene (BPE) Raman probe molecules. The in situ SERS measurements on these flexible substrates under mechanical (tensile/bending) strain conditions were performed. Our results show that flexible SERS substrates can withstand a tensile strain (ε) value as high as 30% without losing SERS performance, whereas the similar bending strain decreases the SERS performance by about 13%. A cyclic tensile loading test on flexible PDMS SERS substrates at a pre-specified tensile strain (ε) value of 10% shows that the SERS intensity remains almost constant for more than 100 cycles. These disposable and flexible SERS substrates can be integrated with biological substances and offer a novel and practical method to facilitate biosensing applications.

Loss-compensation technique using a split-spectrum approach for optical fiber air-gap intensity-based sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Anbo; Miller, Mark S.; Gunther, Michael F.; Murphy, Kent A.; Claus, Richard O.

1993-03-01

A self-referencing technique compensating for fiber losses and source fluctuations in air-gap intensity-based optical fiber sensors is described and demonstrated. A resolution of 0.007 micron has been obtained over a measurement range of 0-250 microns for an intensity-based displacement sensor using this referencing technique. The sensor is shown to have minimal sensitivity to fiber bending losses and variations in the LED input power. A theoretical model for evaluation of step-index multimode optical fiber splice is proposed. The performance of the sensor as a displacement sensor agrees well with the theoretical analysis.

Wireless implantable passive strain sensor: design, fabrication and characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umbrecht, F.; Wägli, P.; Dechand, S.; Gattiker, F.; Neuenschwander, J.; Sennhauser, U.; Hierold, Ch

2010-08-01

This work presents a new passive sensor concept for monitoring the deformation of orthopedic implants. The novel sensing principle of the WIPSS (wireless implantable passive strain sensor) is based on a hydro-mechanical amplification effect. The WIPSS is entirely made from biocompatible PMMA and consists of a microchannel attached to a reservoir, which is filled with an incompressible fluid. As the reservoir is exposed to strain, its volume changes and consequently the fill level inside the microchannel varies. The wireless detection of the microchannel's strain-dependent fill level is based on ultrasound. The WIPSS' sensing principle is proved by finite-element simulations and the reservoir's design is optimized toward maximum volume change, in order to achieve high sensitivity. A fabrication process for WIPSS sensor devices entirely made from PMMA is presented. The obtained measurement results confirmed the sensor's functionality and showed very good agreement with the obtained results of the conducted FE simulations regarding the sensor's sensitivity. A strain resolution of 1.7 ± 0.2 × 10-5 was achieved. Further, the determination of the cross-sensitivity to temperature and strains applied out of the sensing direction is presented. The response to dynamic inputs (0.1-5 Hz) has been measured and showed decreasing sensor output with increasing frequency. Test structures of the sensor device allow the application of a signal bandwidth up to 1 Hz. Therefore, the proposed sensor concept of the WIPSS presents a promising new sensor system for static in vivo strain monitoring of orthopedic implants. In combination with the developed ultrasound-based read-out method, this new sensor system offers the potential of wireless sensor read-out with medical ultrasound scanners, which are commercially available.

A wearable strain sensor based on a carbonized nano-sponge/silicone composite for human motion detection.

PubMed

Yu, Xiao-Guang; Li, Yuan-Qing; Zhu, Wei-Bin; Huang, Pei; Wang, Tong-Tong; Hu, Ning; Fu, Shao-Yun

2017-05-25

Melamine sponge, also known as nano-sponge, is widely used as an abrasive cleaner in our daily life. In this work, the fabrication of a wearable strain sensor for human motion detection is first demonstrated with a commercially available nano-sponge as a starting material. The key resistance sensitive material in the wearable strain sensor is obtained by the encapsulation of a carbonized nano-sponge (CNS) with silicone resin. The as-fabricated CNS/silicone sensor is highly sensitive to strain with a maximum gauge factor of 18.42. In addition, the CNS/silicone sensor exhibits a fast and reliable response to various cyclic loading within a strain range of 0-15% and a loading frequency range of 0.01-1 Hz. Finally, the CNS/silicone sensor as a wearable device for human motion detection including joint motion, eye blinking, blood pulse and breathing is demonstrated by attaching the sensor to the corresponding parts of the human body. In consideration of the simple fabrication technique, low material cost and excellent strain sensing performance, the CNS/silicone sensor is believed to have great potential in the next-generation of wearable devices for human motion detection.

Load environment of rail joint bars -- phase II, joint bar service environment and fatigue analysis.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-07-01

Detailed analysis of measured bending strains shows that the foundation deflections have the most significant effect on the : magnitude of strains. All other factors, such as track type, track geometry, and fastening systems, have a less significant ...

SVAS3: Strain Vector Aided Sensorization of Soft Structures.

PubMed

Culha, Utku; Nurzaman, Surya G; Clemens, Frank; Iida, Fumiya

2014-07-17

Soft material structures exhibit high deformability and conformability which can be useful for many engineering applications such as robots adapting to unstructured and dynamic environments. However, the fact that they have almost infinite degrees of freedom challenges conventional sensory systems and sensorization approaches due to the difficulties in adapting to soft structure deformations. In this paper, we address this challenge by proposing a novel method which designs flexible sensor morphologies to sense soft material deformations by using a functional material called conductive thermoplastic elastomer (CTPE). This model-based design method, called Strain Vector Aided Sensorization of Soft Structures (SVAS3), provides a simulation platform which analyzes soft body deformations and automatically finds suitable locations for CTPE-based strain gauge sensors to gather strain information which best characterizes the deformation. Our chosen sensor material CTPE exhibits a set of unique behaviors in terms of strain length electrical conductivity, elasticity, and shape adaptability, allowing us to flexibly design sensor morphology that can best capture strain distributions in a given soft structure. We evaluate the performance of our approach by both simulated and real-world experiments and discuss the potential and limitations.

Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor System for Monitoring Smart Composite Aerospace Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moslehi, Behzad; Black, Richard J.; Gowayed, Yasser

2012-01-01

Lightweight, electromagnetic interference (EMI) immune, fiber-optic, sensor- based structural health monitoring (SHM) will play an increasing role in aerospace structures ranging from aircraft wings to jet engine vanes. Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors for SHM include advanced signal processing, system and damage identification, and location and quantification algorithms. Potentially, the solution could be developed into an autonomous onboard system to inspect and perform non-destructive evaluation and SHM. A novel method has been developed to massively multiplex FBG sensors, supported by a parallel processing interrogator, which enables high sampling rates combined with highly distributed sensing (up to 96 sensors per system). The interrogation system comprises several subsystems. A broadband optical source subsystem (BOSS) and routing and interface module (RIM) send light from the interrogation system to a composite embedded FBG sensor matrix, which returns measurand-dependent wavelengths back to the interrogation system for measurement with subpicometer resolution. In particular, the returned wavelengths are channeled by the RIM to a photonic signal processing subsystem based on powerful optical chips, then passed through an optoelectronic interface to an analog post-detection electronics subsystem, digital post-detection electronics subsystem, and finally via a data interface to a computer. A range of composite structures has been fabricated with FBGs embedded. Stress tensile, bending, and dynamic strain tests were performed. The experimental work proved that the FBG sensors have a good level of accuracy in measuring the static response of the tested composite coupons (down to submicrostrain levels), the capability to detect and monitor dynamic loads, and the ability to detect defects in composites by a variety of methods including monitoring the decay time under different dynamic loading conditions. In addition to quasi-static and dynamic load monitoring, the system can capture acoustic emission events that can be a prelude to structural failure, as well as piezoactuator-induced ultrasonic Lamb-waves-based techniques as a basis for damage detection.

Integrating soft sensor systems using conductive thread

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teng, Lijun; Jeronimo, Karina; Wei, Tianqi; Nemitz, Markus P.; Lyu, Geng; Stokes, Adam A.

2018-05-01

We are part of a growing community of researchers who are developing a new class of soft machines. By using mechanically soft materials (MPa modulus) we can design systems which overcome the bulk-mechanical mismatches between soft biological systems and hard engineered components. To develop fully integrated soft machines—which include power, communications, and control sub-systems—the research community requires methods for interconnecting between soft and hard electronics. Sensors based upon eutectic gallium alloys in microfluidic channels can be used to measure normal and strain forces, but integrating these sensors into systems of heterogeneous Young’s modulus is difficult due the complexity of finding a material which is electrically conductive, mechanically flexible, and stable over prolonged periods of time. Many existing gallium-based liquid alloy sensors are not mechanically or electrically robust, and have poor stability over time. We present the design and fabrication of a high-resolution pressure-sensor soft system that can transduce normal force into a digital output. In this soft system, which is built on a monolithic silicone substrate, a galinstan-based microfluidic pressure sensor is integrated with a flexible printed circuit board. We used conductive thread as the interconnect and found that this method alleviates problems arising due to the mechanical mismatch between conventional metal wires and soft or liquid materials. Conductive thread is low-cost, it is readily wetted by the liquid metal, it produces little bending moment into the microfluidic channel, and it can be connected directly onto the copper bond-pads of the flexible printed circuit board. We built a bridge-system to provide stable readings from the galinstan pressure sensor. This system gives linear measurement results between 500-3500 Pa of applied pressure. We anticipate that integrated systems of this type will find utility in soft-robotic systems as used for wearable technologies like virtual reality, or in soft-medical devices such as exoskeletal rehabilitation robots.

Membrane triangles with corner drilling freedoms. II - The ANDES element

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Felippa, Carlos A.; Militello, Carmelo

1992-01-01

This is the second article in a three-part series on the construction of 3-node, 9-dof membrane elements with normal-to-its-plane rotational freedoms (the so-called drilling freedoms) using parametrized variational principles. In this part, one such element is derived within the context of the assumed natural deviatoric strain (ANDES) formulation. The higher-order strains are obtained by constructing three parallel-to-sides pure-bending modes from which natural strains are obtained at the corner points and interpolated over the element. To attain rank sufficiency, an additional higher-order 'torsional' mode, corresponding to equal hierarchical rotations at each corner with all other motions precluded, is incorporated. The resulting formulation has five free parameters. When these parameters are optimized against pure bending by energy balance methods, the resulting element is found to coalesce with the optimal EFF element derived in Part I. Numerical integration as a strain filtering device is found to play a key role in this achievement.

Ultrathin epidermal strain sensor based on an elastomer nanosheet with an inkjet-printed conductive polymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tetsu, Yuma; Yamagishi, Kento; Kato, Akira; Matsumoto, Yuya; Tsukune, Mariko; Kobayashi, Yo; Fujie, Masakatsu G.; Takeoka, Shinji; Fujie, Toshinori

2017-08-01

To minimize the interference that skin-contact strain sensors cause natural skin deformation, physical conformability to the epidermal structure is critical. Here, we developed an ultrathin strain sensor made from poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) inkjet-printed on a polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene (SBS) nanosheet. The sensor, whose total thickness and gauge factor were ˜1 µm and 0.73 ± 0.10, respectively, deeply conformed to the epidermal structure and successfully detected the small skin strain (˜2%) while interfering minimally with the natural deformation of the skin. Such an epidermal strain sensor will open a new avenue for precisely detecting the motion of human skin and artificial soft-robotic skin.

An investigation of interface transferring mechanism of surface-bonded fiber Bragg grating sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Rujun; Fu, Kunkun; Chen, Tian

2017-08-01

Surface-bonded fiber Bragg grating sensor has been widely used in measuring strain in materials. The existence of fiber Bragg grating sensor affects strain distribution of the host material, which may result in a decrease in strain measurement accuracy. To improve the measurement accuracy, a theoretical model of strain transfer from the host material to optical fiber was developed, incorporating the influence of the fiber Bragg grating sensor. Subsequently, theoretical predictions were validated by comparing with data from finite element analysis and the existing experiment [F. Ansari and Y. Libo, J. Eng. Mech. 124(4), 385-394 (1998)]. Finally, the effect of parameters of fiber Bragg grating sensors on the average strain transfer rate was discussed.

Polydimethylsiloxane-fabricated optical fiber sensor capable of measuring both large axial and shear strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Yu; Wang, Ziyuan; Wen, Huaihai; Zhou, Zhi

2014-11-01

Fiber optic sensor (FOS) has received much attention in the field of Structure Health Monitoring (SHM) due to its advantages of low weight, small size, high sensitivity multiplexing ability, free of electromagnetic interference and long durability. However, in harsh environments, structures often undergo large strain where few traditional fiber optic sensors could survive. This paper report a novel material with features of light-transparent, chemically inert, thermally stable material Polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS) fabricated large axial/shearing strain sensor. The sensor was fabricated by directly coupling a conventional signal mode fiber into half cured PDMS material using a translation stage under the inspection of a microscope. Meanwhile, a laser diode and a photo detector were used in the fabrication process to make sure the sensor achieved minimum light loss. An experiment was conducted later to investigate the sensor's transmission characteristic in 1310nm infrared laser relating with the applied axial/shearing strain. The results show that the proposed sensor survived an axial strain of 6 7.79 x 106 μɛ ; a shear of 4 6.49 x 104 μɛ with good linearity and repetition. The experiment indicates that the proposed sensor can potentially be used as strain sensing elements in Structure Health Monitoring systems under earthquake or explosion.

Processing and Characterization of a Novel Distributed Strain Sensor Using Carbon Nanotube-Based Nonwoven Composites

PubMed Central

Dai, Hongbo; Thostenson, Erik T.; Schumacher, Thomas

2015-01-01

This paper describes the development of an innovative carbon nanotube-based non-woven composite sensor that can be tailored for strain sensing properties and potentially offers a reliable and cost-effective sensing option for structural health monitoring (SHM). This novel strain sensor is fabricated using a readily scalable process of coating Carbon nanotubes (CNT) onto a nonwoven carrier fabric to form an electrically-isotropic conductive network. Epoxy is then infused into the CNT-modified fabric to form a free-standing nanocomposite strain sensor. By measuring the changes in the electrical properties of the sensing composite the deformation can be measured in real-time. The sensors are repeatable and linear up to 0.4% strain. Highest elastic strain gage factors of 1.9 and 4.0 have been achieved in the longitudinal and transverse direction, respectively. Although the longitudinal gage factor of the newly formed nanocomposite sensor is close to some metallic foil strain gages, the proposed sensing methodology offers spatial coverage, manufacturing customizability, distributed sensing capability as well as transverse sensitivity. PMID:26197323

Using Micro-Molding and Stamping to Fabricate Conductive Polydimethylsiloxane-Based Flexible High-Sensitivity Strain Gauges.

PubMed

Han, Chi-Jui; Chiang, Hsuan-Ping; Cheng, Yun-Chien

2018-02-18

In this study, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and conductive carbon nanoparticles were combined to fabricate a conductive elastomer PDMS (CPDMS). A high sensitive and flexible CPDMS strain sensor is fabricated by using stamping-process based micro patterning. Compared with conventional sensors, flexible strain sensors are more suitable for medical applications but are usually fabricated by photolithography, which suffers from a large number of steps and difficult mass production. Hence, we fabricated flexible strain sensors using a stamping-process with fewer processes than photolithography. The piezoresistive coefficient and sensitivity of the flexible strain sensor were improved by sensor pattern design and thickness change. Micro-patterning is used to fabricate various CPDMS microstructure patterns. The effect of gauge pattern was evaluated with ANSYS simulations. The piezoresistance of the strain gauges was measured and the gauge factor determined. Experimental results show that the piezoresistive coefficient of CPDMS is approximately linear. Gauge factor measurement results show that the gauge factor of a 140.0 μm thick strain gauge with five grids is the highest.

Integration of miniature Fabry-Perot fiber optic sensor with FBG for the measurement of temperature and strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, L.; Tong, X. L.; Zhou, C. M.; Wen, H. Q.; Lv, D. J.; Ling, K.; Wen, C. S.

2011-03-01

A sensor has been fabricated by the integration of a fiber Bragg gating sensor (FBGs) with a fiber Fabry-Perot (F-P) sensor fabricated by etching method. In the integrated sensor, the FBG was used to measure temperature, while the fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer sensor (FFPIs) was used for strain measurement. Wavelength decoding for FBG and peak tracking for FFPI was employed for demodulation, respectively. The result showed that the temperature and strain sensitivity for the integrated sensor is ~ 2.7 pm/ μɛand ~ 9.3 pm/°C, respectively.

Micropatternable Double-Faced ZnO Nanoflowers for Flexible Gas Sensor.

PubMed

Kim, Jong-Woo; Porte, Yoann; Ko, Kyung Yong; Kim, Hyungjun; Myoung, Jae-Min

2017-09-27

Micropatternable double-faced (DF) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoflowers (NFs) for flexible gas sensors have been successfully fabricated on a polyimide (PI) substrate with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as electrode. The fabricated sensor comprises ZnO nanoshells laid out on a PI substrate at regular intervals, on which ZnO nanorods (NRs) were grown in- and outside the shells to maximize the surface area and form a connected network. This three-dimensional network structure possesses multiple gas diffusion channels and the micropatterned island structure allows the stability of the flexible devices to be enhanced by dispersing the strain into the empty spaces of the substrate. Moreover, the micropatterning technique on a flexible substrate enables highly integrated nanodevices to be fabricated. The SWCNTs were chosen as the electrode for their flexibility and the Schottky barrier they form with ZnO, improving the sensing performance. The devices exhibited high selectivity toward NO 2 as well as outstanding sensing characteristics with a stable response of 218.1, fast rising and decay times of 25.0 and 14.1 s, respectively, and percent recovery greater than 98% upon NO 2 exposure. The superior sensing properties arose from a combination of high surface area, numerous active junction points, donor point defects in the ZnO NRs, and the use of the SWCNT electrode. Furthermore, the DF-ZnO NF gas sensor showed sustainable mechanical stability. Despite the physical degradation observed, the devices still demonstrated outstanding sensing characteristics after 10 000 bending cycles at a curvature radius of 5 mm.

In vivo bone strain and finite-element modeling of the craniofacial haft in catarrhine primates

PubMed Central

Ross, Callum F; Berthaume, Michael A; Dechow, Paul C; Iriarte-Diaz, Jose; Porro, Laura B; Richmond, Brian G; Spencer, Mark; Strait, David

2011-01-01

Hypotheses regarding patterns of stress, strain and deformation in the craniofacial skeleton are central to adaptive explanations for the evolution of primate craniofacial form. The complexity of craniofacial skeletal morphology makes it difficult to evaluate these hypotheses with in vivo bone strain data. In this paper, new in vivo bone strain data from the intraorbital surfaces of the supraorbital torus, postorbital bar and postorbital septum, the anterior surface of the postorbital bar, and the anterior root of the zygoma are combined with published data from the supraorbital region and zygomatic arch to evaluate the validity of a finite-element model (FEM) of a macaque cranium during mastication. The behavior of this model is then used to test hypotheses regarding the overall deformation regime in the craniofacial haft of macaques. This FEM constitutes a hypothesis regarding deformation of the facial skeleton during mastication. A simplified verbal description of the deformation regime in the macaque FEM is as follows. Inferior bending and twisting of the zygomatic arches about a rostrocaudal axis exerts inferolaterally directed tensile forces on the lateral orbital wall, bending the wall and the supraorbital torus in frontal planes and bending and shearing the infraorbital region and anterior zygoma root in frontal planes. Similar deformation regimes also characterize the crania of Homo and Gorilla under in vitro loading conditions and may be shared among extant catarrhines. Relatively high strain magnitudes in the anterior root of the zygoma suggest that the morphology of this region may be important for resisting forces generated during feeding. PMID:21105871

Strain-gage bridge calibration and flight loads measurements on a low-aspect-ratio thin wing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peele, E. L.; Eckstrom, C. V.

1975-01-01

Strain-gage bridges were used to make in-flight measurements of bending moment, shear, and torque loads on a low-aspect-ratio, thin, swept wing having a full depth honeycomb sandwich type structure. Standard regression analysis techniques were employed in the calibration of the strain bridges. Comparison of the measured loads with theoretical loads are included.

OFSETH: smart medical textile for continuous monitoring of respiratory motions under magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

De Jonckheere, J; Narbonneau, F; Jeanne, M; Kinet, D; Witt, J; Krebber, K; Paquet, B; Depre, A; Logier, R

2009-01-01

The potential impact of optical fiber sensors embedded into medical textiles for the continuous monitoring of the patient during Magnetic Resonance Imaging is presented. We report on two pure optical sensing technologies for respiratory movements monitoring - a macro bending sensor and a Bragg grating sensor, designed to measure the elongation due to abdominal and thoracic motions during breathing. We demonstrate that the two sensors can successfully sense textile elongation between, 0% and 3%, while maintaining the stretching properties of the textile substrates for a good comfort of the patient.

Hybrid optical-fibre/geopolymer sensors for structural health monitoring of concrete structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perry, M.; Saafi, M.; Fusiek, G.; Niewczas, P.

2015-04-01

In this work, we demonstrate hybrid optical-fibre/geopolymer sensors for monitoring temperature, uniaxial strain and biaxial strain in concrete structures. The hybrid sensors detect these measurands via changes in geopolymer electrical impedance, and via optical wavelength measurements of embedded fibre Bragg gratings. Electrical and optical measurements were both facilitated by metal-coated optical fibres, which provided the hybrid sensors with a single, shared physical path for both voltage and wavelength signals. The embedded fibre sensors revealed that geopolymer specimens undergo 2.7 mɛ of shrinkage after one week of curing at 42 °C. After curing, an axial 2 mɛ compression of the uniaxial hybrid sensor led to impedance and wavelength shifts of 7 × 10-2 and -2 × 10-4 respectively. The typical strain resolution in the uniaxial sensor was 100 μ \\varepsilon . The biaxial sensor was applied to the side of a concrete cylinder, which was then placed under 0.6 mɛ of axial, compressive strain. Fractional shifts in impedance and wavelength, used to monitor axial and circumferential strain, were 3 × 10-2 and 4 × 10-5 respectively. The biaxial sensor’s strain resolution was approximately 10 μ \\varepsilon in both directions. Due to several design flaws, the uniaxial hybrid sensor was unable to accurately measure ambient temperature changes. The biaxial sensor, however, successfully monitored local temperature changes with 0.5 °C resolution.

A carbon nanotube based ammonia sensor on cotton textile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jin-Woo; Kim, Beomseok; Li, Jing; Meyyappan, M.

2013-05-01

A single-wall carbon nanotube (CNT) based ammonia (NH3) sensor was implemented on a cotton yarn. Two types of sensors were fabricated: Au/sensing CNT/Au and conducting/sensing/conducting all CNT structures. Two perpendicular Au wires were designed to contact CNT-cotton yarn for metal-CNT sensor, whereas nanotubes were used for the electrode as well as sensing material for the all CNT sensor. The resistance shift of the CNT network upon NH3 was monitored in a chemiresistor approach. The CNT-cotton yarn sensors exhibited uniformity and repeatability. Furthermore, the sensors displayed good mechanical robustness against bending. The present approach can be utilized for low-cost smart textile applications.

Bending testing and characterization of surrogate nuclear fuel rods made of Zircaloy-4 cladding and aluminum oxide pellets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hong; Wang, Jy-An John

2016-10-01

Behavior of surrogate nuclear fuel rods made of Zircaloy-4 (Zry-4) cladding with alumina pellets under reversed cyclic bending was studied. Tests were performed under load or moment control at 5 Hz. The surrogate rods fractured under moment amplitudes greater than 10.16 Nm with fatigue lives between 2.4 × 103 and 2.2 × 106 cycles. Fatigue response of Zry-4 cladding was characterized by using flexural rigidity. Degradation of flexural rigidity was shown to depend on the moment and the prefatigue condition of specimens. Pellet-to-pellet interface (PPI), pellet-to-cladding interface (PCI), and pellet condition affect surrogate rod failure. Both debonding of PPI/PCI and pellet fracturing contribute to surrogate rod bending fatigue. The effect of sensor spacing on curvature measurement using three-point deflections was studied; the method based on effective gauge length is effective in sensor spacing correction. The database developed and the understanding gained in this study can serve as input to analysis of SNF (spent nuclear fuel) vibration integrity.

Bending testing and characterization of surrogate nuclear fuel rods made of Zircaloy-4 cladding and aluminum oxide pellets

DOE PAGES

Wang, Hong; Wang, Jy-An John

2016-07-20

We studied behavior of surrogate nuclear fuel rods made of Zircaloy-4 (Zry-4) cladding with alumina pellets under reversed cyclic bending. Tests were performed under load or moment control at 5 Hz, and an empirical correlation was established between rod fatigue life and amplitude of the applied moment. Fatigue response of Zry-4 cladding was further characterized by using flexural rigidity. Degradation of flexural rigidity was shown to depend on the moment applied and the prefatigue condition of specimens. Pellet-to-pellet interface (PPI), pellet-to-cladding interface (PCI), and pellet condition all affect surrogate rod failure. Bonding/debonding of PPI/PCI and pellet fracturing contribute to surrogatemore » rod bending fatigue. Also, the effect of sensor spacing on curvature measurement using three-point deflections was studied; the method based on effective specimen gauge length is effective in sensor spacing correction. Finally, we developed the database and gained understanding in this study such that it will serve as input to analysis of SNF vibration integrity.« less

Optical fiber micro-displacement sensor using a refractive index modulation window-assisted reflection fiber taper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, Weijia; Qiao, Xueguang; Yin, Xunli; Rong, Qiangzhou; Wang, Ruohui; Yang, Hangzhou

2017-12-01

We demonstrate a compact fiber-optic quasi-Michelson interferometer (QMI) for micro-displacement measurement. The sensor comprises a micro-structure of a reflection taper tip containing a refractive index modification (RIM) as a coupling window over the interface between core and cladding of the fiber. Femtosecond laser-based direct inscription technique is used to achieve this window inscription and to induce large refractive index change. The RIM acts as a window for the strong coupling and recoupling of core-to-cladding modes. As the core and cladding modes are reflected at the taper tip and coupled back to lead-in fiber, a well-defined interference spectrum is achieved. The spectral intensity exhibits a high micro-bending sensitivity of 4 . 94 dB / μm because of the sensitivity to bending of recoupled intensity of cladding modes. In contrast, the spectral wavelength is insensitive to bending but linearly responds to temperature. The simultaneous measurements, including power-referenced for displacement and wavelength-referenced for temperature, were achieved by selective interference dip monitoring.

Fabrication and characterization of aerosol-jet printed strain sensors for multifunctional composite structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Da; Liu, Tao; Zhang, Mei; Liang, Richard; Wang, Ben

2012-11-01

Traditional multifunctional composite structures are produced by embedding parasitic parts, such as foil sensors, optical fibers and bulky connectors. As a result, the mechanical properties of the composites, especially the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), could be largely undermined. In the present study, we demonstrated an innovative aerosol-jet printing technology for printing electronics inside composite structures without degrading the mechanical properties. Using the maskless fine feature deposition (below 10 μm) characteristics of this printing technology and a pre-cure protocol, strain sensors were successfully printed onto carbon fiber prepregs to enable fabricating composites with intrinsic sensing capabilities. The degree of pre-cure of the carbon fiber prepreg on which strain sensors were printed was demonstrated to be critical. Without pre-curing, the printed strain sensors were unable to remain intact due to the resin flow during curing. The resin flow-induced sensor deformation can be overcome by introducing 10% degree of cure of the prepreg. In this condition, the fabricated composites with printed strain sensors showed almost no mechanical degradation (short beam shearing ILSS) as compared to the control samples. Also, the failure modes examined by optical microscopy showed no difference. The resistance change of the printed strain sensors in the composite structures were measured under a cyclic loading and proved to be a reliable mean strain gauge factor of 2.2 ± 0.06, which is comparable to commercial foil metal strain gauge.

Fracture of Human Femur Tissue Monitored by Acoustic Emission Sensors

PubMed Central

Aggelis, Dimitrios. G.; Strantza, Maria; Louis, Olivia; Boulpaep, Frans; Polyzos, Demosthenes; van Hemelrijck, Danny

2015-01-01

The study describes the acoustic emission (AE) activity during human femur tissue fracture. The specimens were fractured in a bending-torsion loading pattern with concurrent monitoring by two AE sensors. The number of recorded signals correlates well with the applied load providing the onset of micro-fracture at approximately one sixth of the maximum load. Furthermore, waveform frequency content and rise time are related to the different modes of fracture (bending of femur neck or torsion of diaphysis). The importance of the study lies mainly in two disciplines. One is that, although femurs are typically subjects of surgical repair in humans, detailed monitoring of the fracture with AE will enrich the understanding of the process in ways that cannot be achieved using only the mechanical data. Additionally, from the point of view of monitoring techniques, applying sensors used for engineering materials and interpreting the obtained data pose additional difficulties due to the uniqueness of the bone structure. PMID:25763648

Thin film strain transducer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rand, J. L. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

A strain transducer system and process for making the same is disclosed. A beryllium copper ring having four strain gages is electrically connected in Wheatstone bridge fashion to the output instrumentation. Tabs are bonded to a balloon or like surface with strain on the surface causing bending of a ring which provides an electrical signal through the gages proportional to the surface strain. A photographic pattern of a one half ring segment as placed on a sheet of beryllium copper for chem-mill etch formation is illustrated.

Highly stretchable and wearable graphene strain sensors with controllable sensitivity for human motion monitoring.

PubMed

Park, Jung Jin; Hyun, Woo Jin; Mun, Sung Cik; Park, Yong Tae; Park, O Ok

2015-03-25

Because of their outstanding electrical and mechanical properties, graphene strain sensors have attracted extensive attention for electronic applications in virtual reality, robotics, medical diagnostics, and healthcare. Although several strain sensors based on graphene have been reported, the stretchability and sensitivity of these sensors remain limited, and also there is a pressing need to develop a practical fabrication process. This paper reports the fabrication and characterization of new types of graphene strain sensors based on stretchable yarns. Highly stretchable, sensitive, and wearable sensors are realized by a layer-by-layer assembly method that is simple, low-cost, scalable, and solution-processable. Because of the yarn structures, these sensors exhibit high stretchability (up to 150%) and versatility, and can detect both large- and small-scale human motions. For this study, wearable electronics are fabricated with implanted sensors that can monitor diverse human motions, including joint movement, phonation, swallowing, and breathing.

Lateral and posterior dynamic bending of the mid-shaft femur: fracture risk curves for the adult population.

PubMed

Kennedy, Eric A; Hurst, William J; Stitzel, Joel D; Cormier, Joseph M; Hansen, Gail A; Smith, Eric P; Duma, Stefan M

2004-11-01

The purpose of this study was to develop injury risk functions for dynamic bending of the human femur in the lateral-to-medial and posterior-to-anterior loading directions. A total of 45 experiments were performed on human cadaver femurs using a dynamic three-point drop test setup. An impactor of 9.8 kg was dropped from 2.2 m for an impact velocity of 5 m/s. Five-axis load cells measured the impactor and support loads, while an in situ strain gage measured the failure strain and subsequent strain rate. All 45 tests resulted in mid-shaft femur fractures with comminuted wedge and oblique fractures as the most common fracture patterns. In the lateral-to-medial bending tests the reaction loads were 4180 +/- 764 N, and the impactor loads were 4780 +/- 792 N. In the posterior-to-anterior bending tests the reaction loads were 3780 +/- 930 N, and the impactor loads were 4310 +/- 1040 N. The difference between the sum of the reaction forces and the applied load is due to inertial effects. The reaction loads were used to estimate the mid-shaft bending moments at failure since there was insufficient data to include the inertial effects in the calculations. The resulting moments are conservative estimates (lower bounds) of the mid-shaft bending moments at failure and are appropriate for use in the assessment of knee restraints and pedestrian impacts with ATD measurements. Regression analysis was used to identify significant parameters, and parametric survival analysis was used to estimate risk functions. Femur cross-sectional area, area moment of inertia (I), maximum distance to the neutral axis (c), I/c, occupant gender, and occupant mass are shown to be significant predictors of fracture tolerance, while no significant difference is shown for loading direction, bone mineral density, leg aspect and age. Risk functions are presented for femur cross-sectional area and I/c as they offer the highest correlation to peak bending moment. The risk function that utilizes the most highly correlated (R2 = 0.82) and significant (p = 0.0001) variable, cross-sectional area, predicts a 50 percent risk of femur fracture of 240 Nm, 395 Nm, and 562 Nm for equivalent cross-sectional area of the 5(th) percentile female, 50(th) percentile male, and 95(th) percentile male respectively.

Fiber Bragg Grating vibration sensor with DFB laser diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siska, Petr; Brozovic, Martin; Cubik, Jakub; Kepak, Stanislav; Vitasek, Jan; Koudelka, Petr; Latal, Jan; Vasinek, Vladimir

2012-01-01

The Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors are nowadays used in many applications. Thanks to its quite big sensitivity to a surrounding environment, they can be used for sensing of temperature, strain, vibration or pressure. A fiber Bragg grating vibration sensor, which is interrogated by a distributed feedback laser diode (DFB) is demonstrated in this article. The system is based on the intensity modulation of the narrow spectral bandwidth of the DFB laser, when the reflection spectrum of the FBG sensor is shifted due to the strain that is applied on it in form of vibrations caused by acoustic wave pressure from loud speaker. The sensor's response in frequency domain and strain is measured; also the factor of sensor pre-strain impact on its sensitivity is discussed.

Biomechanical assessment and 3D finite element analysis of the treatment of tibial fractures using minimally invasive percutaneous plates

PubMed Central

Hu, Xin-Jia; Wang, Hua

2017-01-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the biomechanical effects of varying the length of a limited contact-dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) and the number and position of screws on middle tibial fractures, and to provide biomechanical evidence regarding minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). For biomechanical testing, 60 tibias from cadavers (age at mortality, 20–40 years) were used to create middle and diagonal fracture models without defects. Tibias were randomly grouped and analyzed by biomechanic and three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis. The differences among LC-DCPs of different lengths (6-, 10- and 14-hole) with 6 screws, 14-hole LC-DCPs with different numbers of screws (6, 10 and 14), and 14-hole LC-DCPs with 6 screws at different positions with regard to mechanical characteristics, including compressing, torsion and bending, were examined. The 6-hole LC-DCP had greater vertical compression strain compared with the 10- and 14-hole LC-DCPs (P<0.01), and the 14-hole LC-DCP had greater lateral strain than the 6- and 10-hole LC-DCPs (P<0.01). Furthermore, significant differences in torque were observed among the LC-DPs of different lengths (P<0.01). For 14-hole LC-DCPs with different numbers of screws, no significant differences in vertical strain, lateral strain or torque were detected (P>0.05). However, plates with 14 screws had greater vertical strain compared with those fixed with 6 or 10 screws (P<0.01). For 4-hole LC-DCPs with screws at different positions, vertical compression strain values were lowest for plates with screws at positions 1, 4, 7, 8, 11 and 14 (P<0.01). The lateral strain values and vertical strain values for plates with screws at positions 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 14 were significantly lower compared with those at the other positions (P<0.01), and torque values were also low. Thus, the 14-hole LC-DCP was the most stable against vertical compression, torsion and bending, and the 6-hole LC-DCP was the least stable. However, the use of 14 screws with a 14-hole LC-DCP provided less stability against bending than did 6 or 10 screws. Furthermore, fixation with distributed screws, in which some screws were close to the fracture line, provided good stability against compression and torsion, while fixation with screws at the ends of the LC-DCP provided poor stability against bending, compressing and torsion. PMID:28781632

Displacement sensing based on modal interference in polymer optical fibers with partially applied strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizuno, Yosuke; Hagiwara, Sonoko; Kawa, Tomohito; Lee, Heeyoung; Nakamura, Kentaro

2018-05-01

Strain sensing based on modal interference in multimode fibers (MMFs) has been extensively studied, but no experimental or theoretical reports have been given as to how the system works when strain is applied not to the whole MMF but only to part of the MMF. Here, using a perfluorinated graded-index polymer optical fiber as the MMF, we investigate the strain sensing characteristics of this type of sensor when strain is partially applied to fiber sections with different lengths. The strain sensitivity dependence on the length of the strained section reveals that this strain sensor actually behaves as a displacement sensor.

Sensing sheet: the response of full-bridge strain sensors to thermal variations for detecting and characterizing cracks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tung, S.-T.; Glisic, B.

2016-12-01

Sensing sheets based on large-area electronics consist of a dense array of unit strain sensors. This new technology has potential for becoming an effective and affordable monitoring tool that can identify, localize and quantify surface damage in structures. This research contributes to their development by investigating the response of full-bridge unit strain sensors to thermal variations. Overall, this investigation quantifies the effects of temperature on thin-film full-bridge strain sensors monitoring uncracked and cracked concrete. Additionally, an empirical formula is developed to estimate crack width given an observed strain change and a measured temperature change. This research led to the understanding of the behavior of full-bridge strain sensors installed on cracked concrete and exposed to temperature variations. It proves the concept of the sensing sheet and its suitability for application in environments with variable temperature.

Determination of mechanical stiffness of bone by pQCT measurements: correlation with non-destructive mechanical four-point bending test data.

PubMed

Martin, Daniel E; Severns, Anne E; Kabo, J M J Michael

2004-08-01

Mechanical tests of bone provide valuable information about material and structural properties important for understanding bone pathology in both clinical and research settings, but no previous studies have produced applicable non-invasive, quantitative estimates of bending stiffness. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) data to accurately compute the bending stiffness of bone. Normal rabbit humeri (N=8) were scanned at their mid-diaphyses using pQCT. The average bone mineral densities and the cross-sectional moments of inertia were computed from the pQCT cross-sections. Bending stiffness was determined as a function of the elastic modulus of compact bone (based on the local bone mineral density), cross-sectional moment of inertia, and simulated quasistatic strain rate. The actual bending stiffness of the bones was determined using four-point bending tests. Comparison of the bending stiffness estimated from the pQCT data and the mechanical bending stiffness revealed excellent correlation (R2=0.96). The bending stiffness from the pQCT data was on average 103% of that obtained from the four-point bending tests. The results indicate that pQCT data can be used to accurately determine the bending stiffness of normal bone. Possible applications include temporal quantification of fracture healing and risk management of osteoporosis or other bone pathologies.

Fiber-Optic Strain Sensors With Linear Characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egalon, Claudio O.; Rogowski, Robert S.

1993-01-01

Fiber-optic modal domain strain sensors having linear characteristics over wide range of strains proposed. Conceived in effort to improve older fiber-optic strain sensors. Linearity obtained by appropriate choice of design parameters. Pattern of light and dark areas at output end of optical fiber produced by interference between electromagnetic modes in which laser beam propagates in fiber. Photodetector monitors intensity at one point in pattern.

Investigation of the Self-Healing Behavior of Sn-Bi Metal Matrix Composite Reinforced with NiTi Shape Memory Alloy Strips Under Flexural Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poormir, Mohammad Amin; Khalili, Seyed Mohammad Reza; Eslami-Farsani, Reza

2018-03-01

Utilizing intelligent materials such as shape memory alloys as reinforcement in metal matrix composites is a novel method to mimic self-healing behavior. In this study, the bending behavior of a self-healing metal matrix composite made from Sn-13 wt.% Bi alloy as matrix and NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) strips as reinforcement is investigated. Specimens were fabricated in different reinforcement vol.% (0.78, 1.55, 2.33) and in various pre-strains (0, 2, 6%) and were healed at three healing temperatures (170°C, 180°C, 190°C). Results showed that shape recovery was accomplished in all the specimens, but not all of them were able to withstand second loading after healing. Only specimens with 2.33 vol.% of SMA strips, 1.55 vol.% of SMA, and 6% pre-strain could endure bending force after healing, and they gained 35.31-51.83% of bending force self-healing efficiency.

Investigation of the Self-Healing Behavior of Sn-Bi Metal Matrix Composite Reinforced with NiTi Shape Memory Alloy Strips Under Flexural Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poormir, Mohammad Amin; Khalili, Seyed Mohammad Reza; Eslami-Farsani, Reza

2018-06-01

Utilizing intelligent materials such as shape memory alloys as reinforcement in metal matrix composites is a novel method to mimic self-healing behavior. In this study, the bending behavior of a self-healing metal matrix composite made from Sn-13 wt.% Bi alloy as matrix and NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) strips as reinforcement is investigated. Specimens were fabricated in different reinforcement vol.% (0.78, 1.55, 2.33) and in various pre-strains (0, 2, 6%) and were healed at three healing temperatures (170°C, 180°C, 190°C). Results showed that shape recovery was accomplished in all the specimens, but not all of them were able to withstand second loading after healing. Only specimens with 2.33 vol.% of SMA strips, 1.55 vol.% of SMA, and 6% pre-strain could endure bending force after healing, and they gained 35.31-51.83% of bending force self-healing efficiency.

Non-affine deformations in polymer hydrogels

PubMed Central

Wen, Qi; Basu, Anindita; Janmey, Paul A.; Yodh, A. G.

2012-01-01

Most theories of soft matter elasticity assume that the local strain in a sample after deformation is identical everywhere and equal to the macroscopic strain, or equivalently that the deformation is affine. We discuss the elasticity of hydrogels of crosslinked polymers with special attention to affine and non-affine theories of elasticity. Experimental procedures to measure non-affine deformations are also described. Entropic theories, which account for gel elasticity based on stretching out individual polymer chains, predict affine deformations. In contrast, simulations of network deformation that result in bending of the stiff constituent filaments generally predict non-affine behavior. Results from experiments show significant non-affine deformation in hydrogels even when they are formed by flexible polymers for which bending would appear to be negligible compared to stretching. However, this finding is not necessarily an experimental proof of the non-affine model for elasticity. We emphasize the insights gained from experiments using confocal rheoscope and show that, in addition to filament bending, sample micro-inhomogeneity can be a significant alternative source of non-affine deformation. PMID:23002395

Tailoring of the thermomechanical performance of VO2 nanowire bimorph actuators by ion implantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karl, H.; Peyinghaus, S. C.

2015-12-01

Vanadium dioxide VO2 nanowire bimorph actuators work on the basis of the large abrupt length change at the metal-insulator phase transition (MIT). A key parameter for the bimorph performance and efficiency is the bending curvature and the width of the temperature hysteresis of the MIT which is inherently large for single domain VO2 metal side coated nanowires. In this work we present single-clamped Ir side coated VO2 bimorphs which show unprecedented high bending curvatures of up to 105 m-1 and new type of side ion-implanted VO2 nanowire bimorph actuators with a nearly completely suppressed temperature hysteresis. It is assumed that ion-beam induced radiation defects in the VO2 crystal structure act as nucleation sites for the MIT. Moreover it will be shown that mechanical strain intentionally built-in during VO2 nanowire bimorph fabrication allows to direct phase transformation via a strain stabilized metastable phase and thus allows to control bending response on temperature change.

Novel fiber optic sensor probe with a pair of highly reflected connectors and a vessel of water absorption material for water leak detection.

PubMed

Cho, Tae-Sik; Choi, Ki-Sun; Seo, Dae-Cheol; Kwon, Il-Bum; Lee, Jung-Ryul

2012-01-01

The use of a fiber optic quasi-distributed sensing technique for detecting the location and severity of water leakage is suggested. A novel fiber optic sensor probe is devised with a vessel of water absorption material called as water combination soil (WCS) located between two highly reflected connectors: one is a reference connector and the other is a sensing connector. In this study, the sensing output is calculated from the reflected light signals of the two connectors. The first reflected light signal is a reference and the second is a sensing signal which is attenuated by the optical fiber bending loss due to the WCS expansion absorbing water. Also, the bending loss of each sensor probe is determined by referring to the total number of sensor probes and the total power budget of an entire system. We have investigated several probe characteristics to show the design feasibility of the novel fiber sensor probe. The effects of vessel sizes of the probes on the water detection sensitivity are studied. The largest vessel probe provides the highest sensitivity of 0.267 dB/mL, while the smallest shows relatively low sensitivity of 0.067 dB/mL, and unstable response. The sensor probe with a high output value provides a high sensitivity with various detection levels while the number of total installable sensor probes decreases.

FIBER BRAGG GRATING SENSORS FOR LOCALIZED STRAIN MEASUREMENTS AT LOW TEMPERATURE AND IN HIGH MAGNETIC FIELD

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

Ramalingam, Rajinikumar

2010-04-09

Study of magnetostrictive effects in the bulk superconductors is very essential and can give more knowledge about the effects like namely, flux pinning induced strain, pincushion distortions in the magnets and so on. Currently used electro mechanical sensors are magnetic field dependent and can only give the global stress/strain information but not the local stress/strains. But the information like radius position dependent strain and characterisation of shape distortion in non cylindrical magnets are interesting. Wavelength encoded multiplexed fiber Bragg Grating sensors inscribed in one fiber gives the possibility to measure magentostrictive effects spatially resolved in low temperature and high magneticmore » field. This paper specifies the design and technology requirements to adapt FBG sensors for such an application. Also reports the experiments demonstrate the properties of glass FBG at low temperature (4.2 K) and the results of strain measurement at 4.2 K/8 T. The sensor exhibits a linear wavelength change for the strain change.« less

Vortex-Induced Vibrations of a Riser with Design Variations

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-19

explain the similarities and differences in VIV responses for the two different orientations of the same structure in the same fluid flow field . Figure...length, bending and torsional deformation can be ignored. In comparison to the potential energy in axial strain, bending energy drops off rapidly...with slenderness (diameter/length higher than ~50). Similarly, torsional energy is near zero in bluff, symmetrical and slender structures [Zueck

On a third-order shear deformation theory for laminated composite shells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, C. F.; Reddy, J. N.

1986-01-01

A higher-order theory based on an assumed displacement field in which the surface displacements are expanded in powers of the thickness coordinate up to the third order is presented. The theory allows parabolic description of the transverse shear stresses, and therefore the shear correction factors of the usual shear deformation theory are not required in the present theory. The theory also accounts for small strains but moderately large displacements (i.e., von Karman strains). A finite-element model based on independent approximations of the displacements and bending moments (i.e., mixed formulation) is developed. The element is used to analyze cross-ply and angle-ply laminated shells for bending.

Nonlinear Large-Deflection Boundary-Value Problems of Rectangular Plates

DTIC Science & Technology

1948-03-01

nondimensional %’a T ,a2/m,2 respectively) xy , extreme- fiber bending and shearing stresses (nondimensiozml forms are e’x"a2/E’h2 , Cry"a2/Eh2, and Vxy"a2/Eh2...respectively) membrane strains in middle surface (nondimensional forms are _x ’a2/h2, _y ’a2/h 2, and _x_ ’a2/h2, respectlvel_ ) extreme- fiber bending...median- fiber stresses are _2F (_y - 8x2 82F T ! -- xy _x and the n_diarJ- fiber strains are , 8 NACA TN No. 1425 7_’ = _2(i+ _) _2F _. axa_ The extreme

Substrate-Influenced Thermo-Mechanical Fatigue of Copper Metallizations: Limits of Stoney’s Equation

PubMed Central

Bigl, Stephan; Wurster, Stefan; Cordill, Megan J.

2017-01-01

Rapid progress in the reduction of substrate thickness for silicon-based microelectronics leads to a significant reduction of the device bending stiffness and the need to address its implication for the thermo-mechanical fatigue behavior of metallization layers. Results on 5 µm thick Cu films reveal a strong substrate thickness-dependent microstructural evolution. Substrates with hs = 323 and 220 µm showed that the Cu microstructure exhibits accelerated grain growth and surface roughening. Moreover, curvature-strain data indicates that Stoney’s simplified curvature-stress relation is not valid for thin substrates with regard to the expected strains, but can be addressed using more sophisticated plate bending theories. PMID:29120407

Sheet metal stamping die design for warm forming

DOEpatents

Ghosh, Amit K.

2003-04-22

In metal stamping dies, by taking advantage of improved material flow by selectively warming the die, flat sections of the die can contribute to the flow of material throughout the workpiece. Local surface heating can be accomplished by placing a heating block in the die. Distribution of heating at the flat lower train central regions outside of the bend region allows a softer flow at a lower stress to enable material flow into the thinner, higher strain areas at the bend/s. The heating block is inserted into the die and is powered by a power supply.

High spatial resolution distributed optical fiber dynamic strain sensor with enhanced frequency and strain resolution.

PubMed

Masoudi, Ali; Newson, Trevor P

2017-01-15

A distributed optical fiber dynamic strain sensor with high spatial and frequency resolution is demonstrated. The sensor, which uses the ϕ-OTDR interrogation technique, exhibited a higher sensitivity thanks to an improved optical arrangement and a new signal processing procedure. The proposed sensing system is capable of fully quantifying multiple dynamic perturbations along a 5 km long sensing fiber with a frequency and spatial resolution of 5 Hz and 50 cm, respectively. The strain resolution of the sensor was measured to be 40 nε.

Thermal strain measurement of EAST tungsten divertor component with bare fiber Bragg grating sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xingli; Wang, Wanjing; Wang, Jichao; Wei, Ran; Sun, Zhaoxuan; Li, Qiang; Xie, Chunyi; Luo, Guang-Nan

2017-12-01

Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) have been widely used in the sensor field to monitor temperature and strain. However, the weak mechanical property of optical fibers and insufficient heat-resistant property of general optic-fiber sensors have prevented it from being widely used, such as in some extreme engineering situations. In this work, a bare FBG sensor system had been introduced to measure thermal strain of an Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak tungsten divertor component under baking condition. This strain measurement system had withstood as high temperature as 210 °C and finished the measurement experiment successfully. Meaningful measurement results had been obtained and analyzed, which showed the applicability of such a bare fiber grating sensor system and as well contributed to studying on tungsten divertor's thermal strain conditions.

Reconstruction of in-plane strain maps using hybrid dense sensor network composed of sensing skin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Downey, Austin; Laflamme, Simon; Ubertini, Filippo

2016-12-01

The authors have recently developed a soft-elastomeric capacitive (SEC)-based thin film sensor for monitoring strain on mesosurfaces. Arranged in a network configuration, the sensing system is analogous to a biological skin, where local strain can be monitored over a global area. Under plane stress conditions, the sensor output contains the additive measurement of the two principal strain components over the monitored surface. In applications where the evaluation of strain maps is useful, in structural health monitoring for instance, such signal must be decomposed into linear strain components along orthogonal directions. Previous work has led to an algorithm that enabled such decomposition by leveraging a dense sensor network configuration with the addition of assumed boundary conditions. Here, we significantly improve the algorithm’s accuracy by leveraging mature off-the-shelf solutions to create a hybrid dense sensor network (HDSN) to improve on the boundary condition assumptions. The system’s boundary conditions are enforced using unidirectional RSGs and assumed virtual sensors. Results from an extensive experimental investigation demonstrate the good performance of the proposed algorithm and its robustness with respect to sensors’ layout. Overall, the proposed algorithm is seen to effectively leverage the advantages of a hybrid dense network for application of the thin film sensor to reconstruct surface strain fields over large surfaces.

High sensitivity knitted fabric strain sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Juan; Long, Hairu; Miao, Menghe

2016-10-01

Wearable sensors are increasingly used in smart garments for detecting and transferring vital signals and body posture, movement and respiration. Existing fabric strain sensors made from metallized yarns have low sensitivity, poor comfort and low durability to washing. Here we report a knitted fabric strain sensor made from a cotton/stainless steel (SS) fibre blended yarn which shows much higher sensitivity than sensors knitted from metallized yarns. The fabric feels softer than pure cotton textiles owing to the ultrafine stainless steel fibres and does not lose its electrical property after washing. The reason for the high sensitivity of the cotton/SS knitted fabric sensor was explored by comparing its sensing mechanism with the knitted fabric sensor made from metallized yarns. The results show that the cotton/SS yarn-to-yarn contact resistance is highly sensitive to strain applied to hooked yarn loops.

Temperature-compensated strain measurement using fiber Bragg grating sensors embedded in composite laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Nobuhira; Okabe, Yoji; Takeda, Nobuo

2003-12-01

For accurate strain measurement by fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, it is necessary to compensate the influence of temperature change. In this study two devices using FBG sensors have been developed for temperature-compensated strain measurement. They are named 'hybrid sensor' and 'laminate sensor', respectively. The former consists of two different materials connected in series: carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced plastic. Each material contains an FBG sensor with a different Bragg wavelength, and both ends of the device are glued to a structure. Using the difference of their Young's moduli and coefficients of thermal expansion, both strain and temperature can be measured. The latter sensor is a laminate of two 90° plies of CFRP and an epoxy plate, and an FBG sensor is embedded in the epoxy plate. When the temperature changes, the cross section of the optical fiber is deformed by the thermal residual stress. The deformation of the fiber causes the birefringence and widens the reflection spectrum. Since the temperature can be calculated from the spectrum width, which changes in proportion to the temperature, the accuracy of the strain measurement is improved. The usefulness of these sensors was experimentally confirmed.

Temperature-compensated strain measurement using FBG sensors embedded in composite laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Nobuhira; Okabe, Yoji; Takeda, Nobuo

2002-07-01

For accurate strain measurement by fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, it is necessary to compensate the influence of temperature change. In this study two devices using FBG sensors have been developed for temperature-compensated strain measurement. They are named hybrid sensor and laminate sensor, respectively. The former consists of two different materials connected in series: carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP). Each material contains an FBG sensor with a different Bragg wavelength, and both ends of the device are glue to a structure. Using the difference of their Young's moduli and coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs), both strain and temperature can be measured. The latter sensor is a laminate of two 90 degree(s) plies of CFRP and an epoxy plate, and an FBG sensor is embedded in the epoxy plate. When the temperature changes, the cross section of the optical fiber is deformed by the thermal residual stress. The deformation of the fiber causes the birefringence and widens the reflection spectrum. Since the temperature can be calculated from the spectrum width, which changes in proportion to the temperature, the accuracy of the strain measurement is improved. The usefulness of these sensors were experimentally confirmed.

Flexible Bond Wire Capacitive Strain Sensor for Vehicle Tyres.

PubMed

Cao, Siyang; Pyatt, Simon; Anthony, Carl J; Kubba, Ammar I; Kubba, Ali E; Olatunbosun, Oluremi

2016-06-21

The safety of the driving experience and manoeuvrability of a vehicle can be improved by detecting the strain in tyres. To measure strain accurately in rubber, the strain sensor needs to be flexible so that it does not deform the medium that it is measuring. In this work, a novel flexible bond wire capacitive strain sensor for measuring the strain in tyres is developed, fabricated and calibrated. An array of 25 micron diameter wire bonds in an approximately 8 mm × 8 mm area is built to create an interdigitated structure, which consists of 50 wire loops resulting in 49 capacitor pairs in parallel. Laser machining was used to pattern copper on a flexible printed circuit board PCB to make the bond pads for the wire attachment. The wire array was finally packaged and embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which acts as the structural material that is strained. The capacitance of the device is in a linear like relationship with respect to the strain, which can measure the strain up to at least ±60,000 micro-strain (±6%) with a resolution of ~132 micro-strain (0.013%). In-tyre testing under static loading has shown the ability of the sensor to measure large tyre strains. The technology used for sensor fabrication lends itself to mass production and so the design is considered to be consistent with low cost commercialisable strain sensing technology.

Flexible Bond Wire Capacitive Strain Sensor for Vehicle Tyres

PubMed Central

Cao, Siyang; Pyatt, Simon; Anthony, Carl J.; Kubba, Ammar I.; Kubba, Ali E.; Olatunbosun, Oluremi

2016-01-01

The safety of the driving experience and manoeuvrability of a vehicle can be improved by detecting the strain in tyres. To measure strain accurately in rubber, the strain sensor needs to be flexible so that it does not deform the medium that it is measuring. In this work, a novel flexible bond wire capacitive strain sensor for measuring the strain in tyres is developed, fabricated and calibrated. An array of 25 micron diameter wire bonds in an approximately 8 mm × 8 mm area is built to create an interdigitated structure, which consists of 50 wire loops resulting in 49 capacitor pairs in parallel. Laser machining was used to pattern copper on a flexible printed circuit board PCB to make the bond pads for the wire attachment. The wire array was finally packaged and embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which acts as the structural material that is strained. The capacitance of the device is in a linear like relationship with respect to the strain, which can measure the strain up to at least ±60,000 micro-strain (±6%) with a resolution of ~132 micro-strain (0.013%). In-tyre testing under static loading has shown the ability of the sensor to measure large tyre strains. The technology used for sensor fabrication lends itself to mass production and so the design is considered to be consistent with low cost commercialisable strain sensing technology. PMID:27338402

The MISSE 7 Flexural Stress Effects Experiment After 1.5 Years of Wake Space Exposure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Snow, Kate E.; De Groh, Kim K.; Banks, Bruce A.

2017-01-01

Low Earth orbit space environment conditions, including ultraviolet radiation, thermal cycling, and atomic oxygen exposure, can cause degradation of exterior spacecraft materials over time. Radiation and thermal exposure often results in bond- breaking and embrittlement of polymers, reducing mechanical strength and structural integrity. An experiment called the Flexural Stress Effects Experiment (FSEE) was flown with the objective of determining the role of space environmental exposure on the degradation of polymers under flexural stress. The FSEE samples were flown in the wake orientation on the exterior of International Space Station for 1.5 years. Twenty-four samples were flown: 12 bent over a 0.375 in. mandrel and 12 were over a 0.25 in. mandrel. This was designed to simulate flight configurations of insulation blankets on spacecraft. The samples consisted of assorted polyimide and fluorinated polymers with various coatings. Half the samples were designated for bend testing and the other half will be tensile tested. A non-standard bend-test procedure was designed to determine the surface strain at which embrittled polymers crack. All ten samples designated for bend testing have been tested. None of the control samples' polymers cracked, even under surface strains up to 19.7%, although one coating cracked. Of the ten flight samples tested, seven show increased embrittlement through bend-test induced cracking at surface strains from 0.70%to 11.73%. These results show that most of the tested polymers are embrittled due to space exposure, when compared to their control samples. Determination of the extent of space induced embrittlement of polymers is important for designing durable spacecraft.

Fracture Analysis of MWCNT/Epoxy Nanocomposite Film Deposited on Aluminum Substrate.

PubMed

Her, Shiuh-Chuan; Chien, Pao-Chu

2017-04-13

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced epoxy films were deposited on an aluminum substrate by a hot-pressing process. Three-point bending tests were performed to determine the Young's modulus of MWCNT reinforced nanocomposite films. Compared to the neat epoxy film, nanocomposite film with 1 wt % of MWCNT exhibits an increase of 21% in the Young's modulus. Four-point-bending tests were conducted to investigate the fracture toughness of the MWCNT/epoxy nanocomposite film deposited on an aluminum substrate with interfacial cracks. Based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, the strain energy in a film/substrate composite beam is derived. The difference of strain energy before and after the propagation of the interfacial crack are calculated, leading to the determination of the strain energy release rate. Experimental test results show that the fracture toughness of the nanocomposite film deposited on the aluminum substrate increases with the increase in the MWCNT content.

Highly sensitive long-period fiber-grating strain sensor with low temperature sensitivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yi-Ping; Xiao, Limin; Wang, D. N.; Jin, Wei

2006-12-01

A long-period fiber-grating sensor with a high strain sensitivity of -7.6 pm/μɛ and a low temperature sensitivity of 3.91 pm/°C is fabricated by use of focused CO2 laser beam to carve periodic grooves on a large- mode-area photonic crystal fiber. Such a strain sensor can effectively reduce the cross-sensitivity between strain and temperature, and the temperature-induced strain error obtained is only 0.5 μɛ/°C without using temperature compensation.

Passive wireless antenna sensor for strain and crack sensing—electromagnetic modeling, simulation, and testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Xiaohua; Cho, Chunhee; Cooper, James; Wang, Yang; Tentzeris, Manos M.; Leon, Roberto T.

2013-08-01

This research investigates a passive wireless antenna sensor designed for strain and crack sensing. When the antenna experiences deformation, the antenna shape changes, causing a shift in the electromagnetic resonance frequency of the antenna. A radio frequency identification (RFID) chip is adopted for antenna signal modulation, so that a wireless reader can easily distinguish the backscattered sensor signal from unwanted environmental reflections. The RFID chip captures its operating power from an interrogation electromagnetic wave emitted by the reader, which allows the antenna sensor to be passive (battery-free). This paper first reports the latest simulation results on radiation patterns, surface current density, and electromagnetic field distribution. The simulation results are followed with experimental results on the strain and crack sensing performance of the antenna sensor. Tensile tests show that the wireless antenna sensor can detect small strain changes lower than 20 με, and can perform well at large strains higher than 10 000 με. With a high-gain reader antenna, the wireless interrogation distance can be increased up to 2.1 m. Furthermore, an array of antenna sensors is capable of measuring the strain distribution in close proximity. During emulated crack and fatigue crack tests, the antenna sensor is able to detect the growth of a small crack.

Bend-insensitive distributed sensing in singlemode-multimode-singlemode optical fiber structure by using Brillouin optical time-domain analysis.

PubMed

Xu, Pengbai; Dong, Yongkang; Zhang, Juwang; Zhou, Dengwang; Jiang, Taofei; Xu, Jinlong; Zhang, Hongying; Zhu, Tao; Lu, Zhiwei; Chen, Liang; Bao, Xiaoyi

2015-08-24

We propose a bend-insensitive distributed Brillouin optical fiber sensing by using a singlemode-multimode-singlemode optical fiber structure for the first time to the best of our knowledge. The sensing fiber is a graded-index multimode fiber (GI-MMF) sandwiched by two standard single-mode fibers (SMFs) with central-alignment splicing at the interface between GI-MMF and SMF to excite the fundamental mode in GI-MMF. The sensing system can resist a minimal bend radius of 1.25mm while maintain the measurement performance, with which the measured coefficients of strain and temperature are 421.6MHz/% and 0.826MHz/°C, respectively. We also demonstrate that the higher-order modes excited in GI-MMF can be easily influenced by bending, so that exciting the fundamental mode is essential for bend-insensitive distributed sensing.

SVAS3: Strain Vector Aided Sensorization of Soft Structures

PubMed Central

Culha, Utku; Nurzaman, Surya G.; Clemens, Frank; Iida, Fumiya

2014-01-01

Soft material structures exhibit high deformability and conformability which can be useful for many engineering applications such as robots adapting to unstructured and dynamic environments. However, the fact that they have almost infinite degrees of freedom challenges conventional sensory systems and sensorization approaches due to the difficulties in adapting to soft structure deformations. In this paper, we address this challenge by proposing a novel method which designs flexible sensor morphologies to sense soft material deformations by using a functional material called conductive thermoplastic elastomer (CTPE). This model-based design method, called Strain Vector Aided Sensorization of Soft Structures (SVAS3), provides a simulation platform which analyzes soft body deformations and automatically finds suitable locations for CTPE-based strain gauge sensors to gather strain information which best characterizes the deformation. Our chosen sensor material CTPE exhibits a set of unique behaviors in terms of strain length electrical conductivity, elasticity, and shape adaptability, allowing us to flexibly design sensor morphology that can best capture strain distributions in a given soft structure. We evaluate the performance of our approach by both simulated and real-world experiments and discuss the potential and limitations. PMID:25036332

Microelectromechanical systems contact stress sensor

DOEpatents

Kotovsky, Jack

2007-12-25

A microelectromechanical systems stress sensor comprising a microelectromechanical systems silicon body. A recess is formed in the silicon body. A silicon element extends into the recess. The silicon element has limited freedom of movement within the recess. An electrical circuit in the silicon element includes a piezoresistor material that allows for sensing changes in resistance that is proportional to bending of the silicon element.

Effects of repetitive bending on the magnetoresistance of a flexible spin-valve

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

Kwon, J.-H.; Kwak, W.-Y.; Cho, B. K., E-mail: chobk@gist.ac.kr

2015-05-07

A positive magnetostrictive single layer (CoFe) and top-pinned spin-valve structure with positive magnetostrictive free (NiFe) and pinned (CoFe) layers were deposited on flexible polyethylene terephthalate film to investigate the changes in the magnetic properties in flexible environments, especially with a repetitive bending process. It was found that the stress, applied by repetitive bending, changes significantly the magnetic anisotropy of both layers in a single and spin-valve structure depending on the direction of applied stress. The changes in magnetic anisotropy were understood in terms of the inverse magnetostriction effect (the Villari effect) and the elastic recovery force from the flexibility ofmore » the polymer substrate. Repetitive bending with tensile stress transverse (or parallel) to the magnetic easy axis was found to enhance (or reduce) the magnetic anisotropy and, consequently, the magnetoresistance ratio of a spin-valve. The observed effects of bending stress in this study should be considered for the practical applications of electro-magnetic devices, especially magneto-striction sensor.« less

Piezoresistive effect observed in flexible amorphous carbon films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, B.; Jiang, Y. C.; Zhao, R.; Liu, G. Z.; He, A. P.; Gao, J.

2018-05-01

Amorphous carbon (a-C) films, deposited on Si substrates at 500 °C, were transferred onto flexible polyethylene (PE) substrates by a lift-off method, which overcomes the limit of deposition temperature. After transferring, a-C films exhibited a large piezoresistive effect. Such flexible samples could detect the change of bending angle by attaching them onto Cu foils. The ratio of the bending and non-bending resistances reaches as large as ~27.8, which indicates a potential application as a pressure sensor. Also, the a-C/PE sample revealed an enhanced sensitivity to gas pressure compared with the a-C/Si one. By controlling the bending angle, the sensitivity range can be tuned to shift to a low- or high-pressure region. The fatigue test shows a less than 1% change in resistance after 10 000 bending cycles. Our work provides a route to prepare the flexible and piezoresistive carbon-based devices with high sensitivity, controllable pressure-sensing and high stability.

Stereotypical reaching movements of the octopus involve both bend propagation and arm elongation.

PubMed

Hanassy, S; Botvinnik, A; Flash, T; Hochner, B

2015-05-13

The bend propagation involved in the stereotypical reaching movement of the octopus arm has been extensively studied. While these studies have analyzed the kinematics of bend propagation along the arm during its extension, possible length changes have been ignored. Here, the elongation profiles of the reaching movements of Octopus vulgaris were assessed using three-dimensional reconstructions. The analysis revealed that, in addition to bend propagation, arm extension movements involve elongation of the proximal part of the arm, i.e., the section from the base of the arm to the propagating bend. The elongations are quite substantial and highly variable, ranging from an average strain along the arm of -0.12 (i.e. shortening) up to 1.8 at the end of the movement (0.57 ± 0.41, n = 64 movements, four animals). Less variability was discovered in an additional set of experiments on reaching movements (0.64 ± 0.28, n = 30 movements, two animals), where target and octopus positions were kept more stationary. Visual observation and subsequent kinematic analysis suggest that the reaching movements can be broadly segregated into two groups. The first group involves bend propagation beginning at the base of the arm and propagating towards the arm tip. In the second, the bend is formed or present more distally and reaching is achieved mainly by elongation and straightening of the segment proximal to the bend. Only in the second type of movements is elongation significantly positively correlated with the distance of the bend from the target. We suggest that reaching towards a target is generated by a combination of both propagation of a bend along the arm and arm elongation. These two motor primitives may be combined to create a broad spectrum of reaching movements. The dynamical model, which recapitulates the biomechanics of the octopus muscular hydrostatic arm, suggests that achieving the observed elongation requires an extremely low ratio of longitudinal to transverse muscle force (<0.0016 for an average strain along the arm of around 0.5). This was not observed and moreover such extremely low value does not seem to be physiologically possible. Hence the assumptions made in applying the dynamic model to behaviors such as static arm stiffening that leads to arm extension through bend propagation and the patterns of activation used to simulate such behaviors should be modified to account for movements combining bend propagation and arm elongation.

All-optical, Three-axis Fiber Laser Magnetometer

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-16

into each core using an ultraviolet laser. Measurements of the differences in induced strain between the FBGs enables bending in two dimensions to...housing. This is repeated for multiple inclinations. The difference in strain between two FBGs as a function of rotation for three inclination...angles of 9°, 45°, and 81° is shown in Fig. 10(a). The FBG strain is measured using an interferometric method, and as such, the difference in strain is

Reversible Strain-Induced Electron-Hole Recombination in Silicon Nanowires Observed with Femtosecond Pump-Probe Microscopy

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

devices with indirect-bandgap materials such as silicon . KEYWORDS: Ultrafast imaging , strained nanomaterials, spectroscopy Lattice strain produced by...photogenerated charge cloud as a result of carrier diffusion . Normalized carrier profiles, generated by integrating the images along the direction normal to the...To test this idea, Figure 2. Charge carrier diffusion in a Si NW locally strained by a bending deformation (A) SEM image of a bent Si nanowire ∼100

An analytical and experimental investigation of edge delamination in laminates subjected to tension, bending, and torsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, Wen S.

1989-01-01

An integrated two-dimensional finite element was developed to calculate interlaminar stresses and strain energy release rates for the study of delamination in composite laminates subjected to uniaxial tension, bending, and torsion loads. Addressed are the formulation, implementation, and verification of the model. Parametric studies were conducted on the effect of Poisson's ratio mismatch between plies and the stacking sequence on interlaminar stress, and on the effect of delamination opening height and delamination length, due to bending, on strain energy release rate for various laminates. A comparison of strain energy release rates in all-graphite and graphite/glass hybrid laminates is included. The preliminary results of laminates subjected to torsion are also included. Fatigue tension tests were conducted on Mode 1 and mixed mode edge-delamination coupons to establish the relationship between fatigue load vs. onset of delamination cycle. The effect on the fatigue delamination onset of different frequencies (1 and 5 Hz) was investigated for glass, graphite,and their hybrid laminates. Although a 20 percent increase in the static onset-of-delamination strength and a 10 percent increase in ultimate strength resulted from hybridizing the all-graphite laminate with a 90 deg glass ply, the fatigue onset is lower in the hybrid laminate than in the all-graphite laminate.

Elastic strain and twist analysis of protein structural data and allostery of the transmembrane channel KcsA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchell, Michael R.; Leibler, Stanislas

2018-05-01

The abundance of available static protein structural data makes the more effective analysis and interpretation of this data a valuable tool to supplement the experimental study of protein mechanics. Structural displacements can be difficult to analyze and interpret. Previously, we showed that strains provide a more natural and interpretable representation of protein deformations, revealing mechanical coupling between spatially distinct sites of allosteric proteins. Here, we demonstrate that other transformations of displacements yield additional insights. We calculate the divergence and curl of deformations of the transmembrane channel KcsA. Additionally, we introduce quantities analogous to bend, splay, and twist deformation energies of nematic liquid crystals. These transformations enable the decomposition of displacements into different modes of deformation, helping to characterize the type of deformation a protein undergoes. We apply these calculations to study the filter and gating regions of KcsA. We observe a continuous path of rotational deformations physically coupling these two regions, and, we propose, underlying the allosteric interaction between these regions. Bend, splay, and twist distinguish KcsA gate opening, filter opening, and filter-gate coupling, respectively. In general, physically meaningful representations of deformations (like strain, curl, bend, splay, and twist) can make testable predictions and yield insights into protein mechanics, augmenting experimental methods and more fully exploiting available structural data.

Isometric immersions and self-similar buckling in elastic sheets.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gemmer, John

The edges of torn elastic sheets and growing leaves often display hierarchical self-similar like buckling patterns. On the one hand, such complex, self similar patterns are usually associated with a competition between two distinct energy scales, e.g. elastic sheets with boundary conditions that preclude the possibility of relieving in plane strains, or at alloy-alloy interfaces between distinct crystal structures. On the other hand, within the non-Euclidean plate theory this complex morphology can be understood as low bending energy isometric immersions of hyperbolic Riemannian metrics. In particular, many growth patterns generate residual in-plane strains which can be entirely relieved by the sheet forming part of a surface of revolution or a helix. In this talk we will show that this complex morphology (i) arises from isometric immersions (ii) is driven by a competition between the two principal curvatures, rather than between bending and stretching. We identify the key role of branch-point (or monkey-saddle) singularities, in complex wrinkling patterns within the class of finite bending energy isometric immersions. Using these defects we will give an explicit construction of strain-free embeddings of hyperbolic surfaces that are fractal like and have lower elastic energy than their smooth counterparts US-Israel BSF Grant 2008432. NSF Grant DMS-0807501. NSF-RTG Grant DMS-1148284.

Constitutive modeling and structural analysis considering simultaneous phase transformation and plastic yield in shape memory alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartl, D. J.; Lagoudas, D. C.

2009-10-01

The new developments summarized in this work represent both theoretical and experimental investigations of the effects of plastic strain generation in shape memory alloys (SMAs). Based on the results of SMA experimental characterization described in the literature and additional testing described in this work, a new 3D constitutive model is proposed. This phenomenological model captures both the conventional shape memory effects of pseudoelasticity and thermal strain recovery, and additionally considers the initiation and evolution of plastic strains. The model is numerically implemented in a finite element framework using a return mapping algorithm to solve the constitutive equations at each material point. This combination of theory and implementation is unique in its ability to capture the simultaneous evolution of recoverable transformation strains and irrecoverable plastic strains. The consideration of isotropic and kinematic plastic hardening allows the derivation of a theoretical framework capturing the interactions between irrecoverable plastic strain and recoverable strain due to martensitic transformation. Further, the numerical integration of the constitutive equations is formulated such that objectivity is maintained for SMA structures undergoing moderate strains and large displacements. The implemented model has been used to perform 3D analysis of SMA structural components under uniaxial and bending loads, including a case of local buckling behavior. Experimentally validated results considering simultaneous transformation and plasticity in a bending member are provided, illustrating the predictive accuracy of the model and its implementation.

Experimental design rules for implementing biconically tapered single mode optical fibre displacement sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arregui, Francisco J.; Matias, Ignacio R.; Bariain, Candido; Lopez-Amo, Manuel

1998-06-01

Tapered optical fibers are used to design couplers, wavelength division multiplexers, near field scanning optical microscopy, just to mention a few. Moreover, and due to its strong transmission dependence to external medium the tapered fiber may also be used to sense distinct parameters such as temperature, humidity, PH, etc. In this work bending effects in tapers are exploited to achieved displacement sensors and to present design rules for implementing these sensors according to the desired both range and sensitivity.

Balloon-like singlemode-tapered multimode-singlemode fiber structure for refractive index sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Biyao; Niu, Yanxiong; Yang, Bowen; Dai, Lingling; Hu, Yanhui; Yin, Yiheng; Ding, Ming

2017-10-01

A novel high sensitivity refractive index sensor based on balloon-like singlemode-tapered multimode-singlemode (STMS) fiber structure has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Combining the tapering and bending endows the proposed sensor with large evanescent field, resulting in high sensitivity. Experimental results show that the proposed sensor has an average sensitivity of 1104.75 nm/RIU (RI Unit) in the range of 1.33-1.41 and a maximum sensitivity of 3374.50 nm/RIU at RI of 1.41.

Structural health monitoring using a hybrid network of self-powered accelerometer and strain sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alavi, Amir H.; Hasni, Hassene; Jiao, Pengcheng; Lajnef, Nizar

2017-04-01

This paper presents a structural damage identification approach based on the analysis of the data from a hybrid network of self-powered accelerometer and strain sensors. Numerical and experimental studies are conducted on a plate with bolted connections to verify the method. Piezoelectric ceramic Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT)-5A ceramic discs and PZT-5H bimorph accelerometers are placed on the surface of the plate to measure the voltage changes due to damage progression. Damage is defined by loosening or removing one bolt at a time from the plate. The results show that the PZT accelerometers provide a fairly more consistent behavior than the PZT strain sensors. While some of the PZT strain sensors are not sensitive to the changes of the boundary condition, the bimorph accelerometers capture the mode changes from undamaged to missing bolt conditions. The results corresponding to the strain sensors are better indicator to the location of damage compared to the accelerometers. The characteristics of the overall structure can be monitored with even one accelerometer. On the other hand, several PZT strain sensors might be needed to localize the damage.

A packaged, low-cost, robust optical fiber strain sensor based on small cladding fiber sandwiched within periodic polymer grating.

PubMed

Chiang, Chia-Chin; Li, Chein-Hsing

2014-06-02

In the present study, a novel packaged long-period fiber grating (PLPFG) strain sensor is first presented. The MEMS process was utilized to fabricate the packaged optical fiber strain sensor. The sensor structure consisted of etched optical fiber sandwiched between two layers of thick photoresist SU-8 3050 and then packaged with poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) polymer material to construct the PLPFG strain sensor. The PDMS packaging material was used to prevent the glue effect, wherein glue flows into the LPFG structure and reduces coupling strength, in the surface bonding process. Because the fiber grating was packaged with PDMS material, it was effectively protected and made robust. The resonance attenuation dip of PLPFG grows when it is loading. This study explored the size effect of the grating period and fiber diameter of PLPFG via tensile testing. The experimental results found that the best strain sensitivity of the PLPFG strain sensor was -0.0342 dB/με, and that an R2 value of 0.963 was reached.

Zinc phthalocyanine nanowires based flexible sensor for room temperature Cl2 detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devi, Pooja; Saini, Rajan; Singh, Rajinder; Mahajan, A.; Bedi, R. K.; Aswal, D. K.; Debnath, A. K.

2018-04-01

We have fabricated highly sensitive and Cl2 selective flexible sensor by depositing solution processed zinc phthalocyanine nanowires onto the flexible PET substrate and studied its Cl2 sensing characteristics in Cl2 concentration range 5-1500 ppb. The flexible sensor has a minimum detection limit as low as 5 ppb of Cl2 and response as high as 550% within 10 seconds. Interestingly, the sensor exhibited enhanced and faster response kinetics under bending conditions. The gas sensing mechanism of sensor has been discussed on the basis of XPS and Raman spectroscopic studies which revealed that zinc ions were the preferred sites for Cl2 interactions.

Fiber Optic Strain Sensor for Planetary Gear Diagnostics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kiddy, Jason S.; Lewicki, David G.; LaBerge, Kelsen E.; Ehinger, Ryan T.; Fetty, Jason

2011-01-01

This paper presents a new sensing approach for helicopter damage detection in the planetary stage of a helicopter transmission based on a fiber optic strain sensor array. Complete helicopter transmission damage detection has proven itself a difficult task due to the complex geometry of the planetary reduction stage. The crowded and complex nature of the gearbox interior does not allow for attachment of sensors within the rotating frame. Hence, traditional vibration-based diagnostics are instead based on measurements from externally mounted sensors, typically accelerometers, fixed to the gearbox exterior. However, this type of sensor is susceptible to a number of external disturbances that can corrupt the data, leading to false positives or missed detection of potentially catastrophic faults. Fiber optic strain sensors represent an appealing alternative to the accelerometer. Their small size and multiplexibility allows for potentially greater sensing resolution and accuracy, as well as redundancy, when employed as an array of sensors. The work presented in this paper is focused on the detection of gear damage in the planetary stage of a helicopter transmission using a fiber optic strain sensor band. The sensor band includes an array of 13 strain sensors, and is mounted on the ring gear of a Bell Helicopter OH-58C transmission. Data collected from the sensor array is compared to accelerometer data, and the damage detection results are presented