A finger-shaped tactile sensor for fabric surfaces evaluation by 2-dimensional active sliding touch.

PubMed

Hu, Haihua; Han, Yezhen; Song, Aiguo; Chen, Shanguang; Wang, Chunhui; Wang, Zheng

2014-03-11

Sliding tactile perception is a basic function for human beings to determine the mechanical properties of object surfaces and recognize materials. Imitating this process, this paper proposes a novel finger-shaped tactile sensor based on a thin piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film for surface texture measurement. A parallelogram mechanism is designed to ensure that the sensor applies a constant contact force perpendicular to the object surface, and a 2-dimensional movable mechanical structure is utilized to generate the relative motion at a certain speed between the sensor and the object surface. By controlling the 2-dimensional motion of the finger-shaped sensor along the object surface, small height/depth variation of surface texture changes the output charge of PVDF film then surface texture can be measured. In this paper, the finger-shaped tactile sensor is used to evaluate and classify five different kinds of linen. Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) is utilized to get original attribute data of surface in the frequency domain, and principal component analysis (PCA) is used to compress the attribute data and extract feature information. Finally, low dimensional features are classified by Support Vector Machine (SVM). The experimental results show that this finger-shaped tactile sensor is effective and high accurate for discriminating the five textures.

The Influence of Selected Parameters on Evaluation of the Geometrical Shape Deviation - Cylindricity in 3D Measuring Machine Workspace

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drbúl, Mário; Šajgalík, Michal; Litvaj, lvan; Babík, Ondrej

2016-12-01

Each part as a final product and its surface is composed of various geometric elements, although at first glance seem as smooth and shiny. During the manufacturing process, there is a number of influences (e.g. selected manufacturing technology, production process, human factors, the strategy of measurement, scanning speed, shape of the measurement contact tip, temperature, or the surface tension and the like), which hinder the production of component with ideally shaped elements. From the economic and design point of view (in accordance with determined GPS standards), there is necessary fast and accurate analyze and evaluate these elements. Presented article deals with the influence of scanning speed and measuring strategy for assessment of shape deviations.

Estimation of surface curvature from full-field shape data using principal component analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Sameer; Vinuchakravarthy, S.; Subramanian, S. J.

2017-01-01

Three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC) is a popular image-based experimental technique for estimating surface shape, displacements and strains of deforming objects. In this technique, a calibrated stereo rig is used to obtain and stereo-match pairs of images of the object of interest from which the shapes of the imaged surface are then computed using the calibration parameters of the rig. Displacements are obtained by performing an additional temporal correlation of the shapes obtained at various stages of deformation and strains by smoothing and numerically differentiating the displacement data. Since strains are of primary importance in solid mechanics, significant efforts have been put into computation of strains from the measured displacement fields; however, much less attention has been paid to date to computation of curvature from the measured 3D surfaces. In this work, we address this gap by proposing a new method of computing curvature from full-field shape measurements using principal component analysis (PCA) along the lines of a similar work recently proposed to measure strains (Grama and Subramanian 2014 Exp. Mech. 54 913-33). PCA is a multivariate analysis tool that is widely used to reveal relationships between a large number of variables, reduce dimensionality and achieve significant denoising. This technique is applied here to identify dominant principal components in the shape fields measured by 3D-DIC and these principal components are then differentiated systematically to obtain the first and second fundamental forms used in the curvature calculation. The proposed method is first verified using synthetically generated noisy surfaces and then validated experimentally on some real world objects with known ground-truth curvatures.

Some effects on SPM based surface measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wenhao, Huang; Yuhang, Chen

2005-01-01

The scanning probe microscope (SPM) has been used as a powerful tool for nanotechnology, especially in surface nanometrology. However, there are a lot of false images and modifications during the SPM measurement on the surfaces. This is because of the complex interaction between the SPM tip and the surface. The origin is not only due to the tip material or shape, but also to the structure of the sample. So people are paying much attention to draw true information from the SPM images. In this paper, we present some simulation methods and reconstruction examples for the microstructures and surface roughness based on SPM measurement. For example, in AFM measurement, we consider the effects of tip shape and dimension, also the surface topography distribution in both height and space. Some simulation results are compared with other measurement methods to verify the reliability.

Finger-Shaped GelForce: Sensor for Measuring Surface Traction Fields for Robotic Hand.

PubMed

Sato, K; Kamiyama, K; Kawakami, N; Tachi, S

2010-01-01

It is believed that the use of haptic sensors to measure the magnitude, direction, and distribution of a force will enable a robotic hand to perform dexterous operations. Therefore, we develop a new type of finger-shaped haptic sensor using GelForce technology. GelForce is a vision-based sensor that can be used to measure the distribution of force vectors, or surface traction fields. The simple structure of the GelForce enables us to develop a compact finger-shaped GelForce for the robotic hand. GelForce that is developed on the basis of an elastic theory can be used to calculate surface traction fields using a conversion equation. However, this conversion equation cannot be analytically solved when the elastic body of the sensor has a complicated shape such as the shape of a finger. Therefore, we propose an observational method and construct a prototype of the finger-shaped GelForce. By using this prototype, we evaluate the basic performance of the finger-shaped GelForce. Then, we conduct a field test by performing grasping operations using a robotic hand. The results of this test show that using the observational method, the finger-shaped GelForce can be successfully used in a robotic hand.

Comparison of progressive addition lenses by direct measurement of surface shape.

PubMed

Huang, Ching-Yao; Raasch, Thomas W; Yi, Allen Y; Bullimore, Mark A

2013-06-01

To compare the optical properties of five state-of-the-art progressive addition lenses (PALs) by direct physical measurement of surface shape. Five contemporary freeform PALs (Varilux Comfort Enhanced, Varilux Physio Enhanced, Hoya Lifestyle, Shamir Autograph, and Zeiss Individual) with plano distance power and a +2.00-diopter add were measured with a coordinate measuring machine. The front and back surface heights were physically measured, and the optical properties of each surface, and their combination, were calculated with custom MATLAB routines. Surface shape was described as the sum of Zernike polynomials. Progressive addition lenses were represented as contour plots of spherical equivalent power, cylindrical power, and higher order aberrations (HOAs). Maximum power rate, minimum 1.00-DC corridor width, percentage of lens area with less than 1.00 DC, and root mean square of HOAs were also compared. Comfort Enhanced and Physio Enhanced have freeform front surfaces, Shamir Autograph and Zeiss Individual have freeform back surfaces, and Hoya Lifestyle has freeform properties on both surfaces. However, the overall optical properties are similar, regardless of the lens design. The maximum power rate is between 0.08 and 0.12 diopters per millimeter and the minimum corridor width is between 8 and 11 mm. For a 40-mm lens diameter, the percentage of lens area with less than 1.00 DC is between 64 and 76%. The third-order Zernike terms are the dominant high-order terms in HOAs (78 to 93% of overall shape variance). Higher order aberrations are higher along the corridor area and around the near zone. The maximum root mean square of HOAs based on a 4.5-mm pupil size around the corridor area is between 0.05 and 0.06 µm. This nonoptical method using a coordinate measuring machine can be used to evaluate a PAL by surface height measurements, with the optical properties directly related to its front and back surface designs.

Electromagnetic properties of material coated surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beard, L.; Berrie, J.; Burkholder, R.; Dominek, A.; Walton, E.; Wang, N.

1989-01-01

The electromagnetic properties of material coated conducting surfaces were investigated. The coating geometries consist of uniform layers over a planar surface, irregularly shaped formations near edges and randomly positioned, electrically small, irregularly shaped formations over a surface. Techniques to measure the scattered field and constitutive parameters from these geometries were studied. The significance of the scattered field from these geometries warrants further study.

Shape measurement and vibration analysis of moving speaker cone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qican; Liu, Yuankun; Lehtonen, Petri

2014-06-01

Surface three-dimensional (3-D) shape information is needed for many fast processes such as structural testing of material, standing waves on loudspeaker cone, etc. Usually measurement is done from limited number of points using electrical sensors or laser distance meters. Fourier Transform Profilometry (FTP) enables fast shape measurement of the whole surface. Method is based on angled sinusoidal fringe pattern projection and image capturing. FTP requires only one image of the deformed fringe pattern to restore the 3-D shape of the measured object, which makes real-time or dynamic data processing possible. In our experiment the method was used for loudspeaker cone distortion measurement in dynamic conditions. For sound quality issues it is important that the whole cone moves in same phase and there are no partial waves. Our imaging resolution was 1280x1024 pixels and frame rate was 200 fps. Using our setup we found unwanted spatial waves in our sample cone.

Ge growth on vicinal si(001) surfaces: island's shape and pair interaction versus miscut angle.

PubMed

Persichetti, L; Sgarlata, A; Fanfoni, M; Balzarotti, A

2011-10-01

A complete description of Ge growth on vicinal Si(001) surfaces is provided. The distinctive mechanisms of the epitaxial growth process on vicinal surfaces are clarified from the very early stages of Ge deposition to the nucleation of 3D islands. By interpolating high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy measurements with continuum elasticity modeling, we assess the dependence of island's shape and elastic interaction on the substrate misorientation. Our results confirm that vicinal surfaces offer an additional degree of control over the shape and symmetry of self-assembled nanostructures.

Validation of a Novel Technique and Evaluation of the Surface Free Energy of Food

PubMed Central

Senturk Parreidt, Tugce; Schmid, Markus; Hauser, Carolin

2017-01-01

Characterizing the physical properties of a surface is largely dependent on determining the contact angle exhibited by a liquid. Contact angles on the surfaces of rough and irregularly-shaped food samples are difficult to measure using a contact angle meter (goniometer). As a consequence, values for the surface energy and its components can be mismeasured. The aim of this work was to use a novel contact angle measurement method, namely the snake-based ImageJ program, to accurately measure the contact angles of rough and irregular shapes, such as food samples, and so enable more accurate calculation of the surface energy of food materials. In order to validate the novel technique, the contact angles of three different test liquids on four different smooth polymer films were measured using both the ImageJ software with the DropSnake plugin and the widely used contact angle meter. The distributions of the values obtained by the two methods were different. Therefore, the contact angles, surface energies, and polar and dispersive components of plastic films obtained using the ImageJ program and the Drop Shape Analyzer (DSA) were interpreted with the help of simple linear regression analysis. As case studies, the superficial characteristics of strawberry and endive salad epicarp were measured with the ImageJ program and the results were interpreted with the Drop Shape Analyzer equivalent according to our regression models. The data indicated that the ImageJ program can be successfully used for contact angle determination of rough and strongly hydrophobic surfaces, such as strawberry epicarp. However, for the special geometry of droplets on slightly hydrophobic surfaces, such as salad leaves, the program code interpolation part can be altered. PMID:28425932

Pinning effects from substrate and AFM tip surfaces on interfacial nanobubbles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teshima, Hideaki; Takahashi, Koji; Takata, Yasuyuki; Nishiyama, Takashi

2017-11-01

Measurement accuracy of atomic force microscopy (AFM) is vital to understand the mechanism of interfacial nanobubbles. In this study, we report the influence of pinning derived from both substrate and AFM tip surfaces on the measured shape of interfacial nanobubbles in peak force tapping mode. First, we pushed the nanobubbles using the AFM tip with high peak force setpoint. As a result, the deformed nanobubbles kept their flat shape for several tens of minutes. We quantitatively discuss the pinning force from substrate surface, which retains the flat shape enhancing the stability of nanobubbles. Next, we prepared three AFM tips with different wettability and measured the nanobubbles with an identical setpoint. By comparing the force curves obtained during the measurements, it seems that the (middle-)hydrophobic tips penetrated the liquid/gas interface and received repulsive force resulting from positive meniscus formed by pinning at the tip surface. In contrast, hydrophilic tip didn't penetrate the interface and received the force from the deformation of the interface of the nanobubbles. In addition, the measurements using the (middle-)hydrophobic tips led to the underestimation of the nanobubbles profile corresponding to the pinning position at the tip surfaces.

Modified Displacement Transfer Functions for Deformed Shape Predictions of Slender Curved Structures with Varying Curvatives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ko, William L.; Fleischer, Van Tran

2014-01-01

To eliminate the need to use finite-element modeling for structure shape predictions, a new method was invented. This method is to use the Displacement Transfer Functions to transform the measured surface strains into deflections for mapping out overall structural deformed shapes. The Displacement Transfer Functions are expressed in terms of rectilinearly distributed surface strains, and contain no material properties. This report is to apply the patented method to the shape predictions of non-symmetrically loaded slender curved structures with different curvatures up to a full circle. Because the measured surface strains are not available, finite-element analysis had to be used to analytically generate the surface strains. Previously formulated straight-beam Displacement Transfer Functions were modified by introducing the curvature-effect correction terms. Through single-point or dual-point collocations with finite-elementgenerated deflection curves, functional forms of the curvature-effect correction terms were empirically established. The resulting modified Displacement Transfer Functions can then provide quite accurate shape predictions. Also, the uniform straight-beam Displacement Transfer Function was applied to the shape predictions of a section-cut of a generic capsule (GC) outer curved sandwich wall. The resulting GC shape predictions are quite accurate in partial regions where the radius of curvature does not change sharply.

NASA's Space Lidar Measurements of Earth and Planetary Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abshire, James B.

2010-01-01

A lidar instrument on a spacecraft was first used to measure planetary surface height and topography on the Apollo 15 mission to the Moon in 1971, The lidar was based around a flashlamp-pumped ruby laser, and the Apollo 15-17 missions used them to make a few thousand measurements of lunar surface height from orbit. With the advent of diode pumped lasers in the late 1980s, the lifetime, efficiency, resolution and mass of lasers and space lidar all improved dramatically. These advances were utilized in NASA space missions to map the shape and surface topography of Mars with > 600 million measurements, demonstrate initial space measurements of the Earth's topography, and measured the detailed shape of asteroid. NASA's ICESat mission in Earth orbit just completed its polar ice measurement mission with almost 2 billion measurements of the Earth's surface and atmosphere, and demonstrated measurements to Antarctica and Greenland with a height resolution of a few em. Space missions presently in cruise phase and in operation include those to Mercury and a topographic mapping mission of the Moon. Orbital lidar also have been used in experiments to demonstrate laser ranging over planetary distances, including laser pulse transmission from Earth to Mars orbit. Based on the demonstrated value of the measurements, lidar is now the preferred measurement approach for many new scientific space missions. Some missions planned by NASA include a planetary mission to measure the shape and dynamics of Europa, and several Earth orbiting missions to continue monitoring ice sheet heights, measure vegetation heights, assess atmospheric CO2 concentrations, and to map the Earth surface topographic heights with 5 m spatial resolution. This presentation will give an overview of history, ongoing work, and plans for using space lidar for measurements of the surfaces of the Earth and planets.

Characterization of a conical null-screen corneal topographer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osorio-Infante, Arturo I.; Campos-García, Manuel; Cossio-Guerrero, Cesar

2017-06-01

In this work, we perform the characterization of a conical null-screen corneal topographer. For this, we design a custom null-screens for testing a reference spherical surfaces with a radius of curvature of 7.8 mm. We also test a 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) diameter stainless steel sphere and an aspherical surface with a radius of curvature of 7.77 mm. We designed some different target distributions with the same target size to evaluate the shape of the reference surfaces. The shape of each surface was recovered by fitting the experimental data to a custom shape using the least square methods with an iterative algorithm. The target distributions were modified to improve the accuracy of the measurements. We selected a distribution and evaluate the accuracy of the algorithms to measure spherical surfaces with a radius of curvature from 6 mm to 8.2 mm by simulating the reflected pattern. We also simulate the reflected patter by changing the position of the surface along the optical axis and then we measure the resulting radius of curvature.

Almond-Shaped Test Body

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dominek, Allen; Wood, Richard; Gilreath, Mel

1992-01-01

Almond shaped test body developed for use in electromagnetic anechoic chamber for evaluation of range and measurement of components has low radar cross section that varies with angle over large dynamic range. Surface is composite formed by joining properly scaled ellipsoidal surfaces. Used to mount components whose radar cross sections are to be measured, and simulate backscatter characteristics of component as though it were over infinite ground plane.

Shaping of parabolic cylindrical membrane reflectors for the Dart Precision Test Bed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morgan, R.; Agnes, Gregory S.; Dragovan, M.; Barber, D.; Marcin, M.; White, C.; Dooley, J.; Hatheway, A.

2004-01-01

The DART is a new telescope architecture consisting of a single aperture formed from two cylindrical parabolic reflectors. The system is ideally suited to using tensioned membranes for the reflective surfaces, owing to the zero Gaussian curvature of a cylindrical parabola. In this paper, we present experimental measurements for shaping the membranes by using curved boundary elements to achieve coarse shaping, and a pair of precision rails shaped by moments and forces at the ends, and lightly pushed into the surface, to provide fine shape control.

Automated measurement of human body shape and curvature using computer vision

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearson, Jeremy D.; Hobson, Clifford A.; Dangerfield, Peter H.

1993-06-01

A system to measure the surface shape of the human body has been constructed. The system uses a fringe pattern generated by projection of multi-stripe structured light. The optical methodology used is fully described and the algorithms used to process acquired digital images are outlined. The system has been applied to the measurement of the shape of the human back in scoliosis.

Using tobacco mosaic virus to probe enhanced surface diffusion of molecular glasses.

PubMed

Zhang, Yue; Potter, Richard; Zhang, William; Fakhraai, Zahra

2016-11-09

Recent studies have shown that diffusion on the surface of organic glasses can be many orders of magnitude faster than bulk diffusion. Developing new probes that can readily measure surface diffusion can help study the effect of parameters such as chemical structure, intermolecular interaction, molecules' shape and size on the enhanced surface diffusion. In this study, we develop a novel probe that significantly simplifies these types of studies. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is used as probe particle to measure surface diffusion coefficient of molecular glass N,N'-bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N'-diphenylbenzidine (TPD). The evolution of the meniscus formed around TMV is probed as a function of time at various temperatures. TMV has a well-defined, mono-dispersed, cylindrical shape, with a large aspect-ratio (average diameter of 16.6 nm, length of 300 nm). As such, the shape of the meniscus around the center of TMV is semi-two dimensional, which compared to using a nanosphere as probe, increases the driving force for meniscus formation and simplifies the analysis of surface diffusion. We show that under these conditions, after a short transient time the shape of the meniscus is self-similar, allowing accurate determination of the surface diffusion coefficient. Measurements at various temperatures are then performed to investigate the temperature dependence of the surface diffusion coefficient. It is found that surface diffusion is greatly enhanced in TPD and has a lower activation barrier compared to the bulk counterpart. These observations are consistent with previous studies of surface diffusion on molecular glasses, demonstrating the accuracy of this method.

Spatio-temporal image-based parametric water surface reconstruction: a novel methodology based on refraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engelen, L.; Creëlle, S.; Schindfessel, L.; De Mulder, T.

2018-03-01

This paper presents a low-cost and easy-to-implement image-based reconstruction technique for laboratory experiments, which results in a temporal description of the water surface topography. The distortion due to refraction of a known pattern, located below the water surface, is used to fit a low parameter surface model that describes the time-dependent and three-dimensional surface variation. Instead of finding the optimal water depth for characteristic points on the surface, the deformation of the entire pattern is compared to its original shape. This avoids the need for feature tracking adopted in similar techniques, which improves the robustness to suboptimal optical conditions and small-scale, high-frequency surface perturbations. Experimental validation, by comparison with water depth measurements using a level gauge and pressure sensor, proves sub-millimetre accuracy for smooth and steady surface shapes. Although such accuracy cannot be achieved in case of highly dynamic surface phenomena, the low-frequency and large-scale free surface oscillations can still be measured with a temporal and spatial resolution mostly limited by the available optical set-up. The technique is initially intended for periodic surface phenomena, but the results presented in this paper indicate that also irregular surface shapes can robustly be reconstructed. Therefore, the presented technique is a promising tool for other research applications that require non-intrusive, low-cost surface measurements while maintaining visual access to the water below the surface. The latter ensures that the suggested surface reconstruction is compatible with simultaneous image-based velocity measurements, enabling a detailed study of the flow.

Investigation of Liquid Surface Rheology of Surfactant Solutions by Droplet Shape Oscillations: Experiments

PubMed

Tian; Holt; Apfel

1997-03-01

The experimental results of droplet shape oscillations are reported and applied to the analysis of surface rheological properties of surfactant solutions. An acoustic levitation technique is used to suspend the test drop in air and excite it into quadrupole shape oscillations. The equilibrium surface tension, Gibbs elasticity, and surface dilatational viscosity are determined from the measurements of droplet static shape under different levitation sound pressure, oscillation frequency, and free damping constant. Aqueous solutions of sodium dodecyl sulfate, dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, and n-octyl beta-d-glucopyranoside are tested with this system. The concentrations of the solutions are below the critical micelle concentration. For these solutions it is found that the surface Gibbs elasticity approaches a maximum at a moderate concentration, and its value is less than that directly calculated from the state equation of a static liquid surface. The surface dilatational viscosity is found to be in a range around 0.1 cps.

Mirror Measurement Device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

A Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract led to a commercially available instrument used to measure the shape profile of mirror surfaces in scientific instruments. Bauer Associates, Inc.'s Bauer Model 200 Profilometer is based upon a different measurement concept. The local curvature of the mirror's surface is measured at many points, and the collection of data is computer processed to yield the desired shape profile. (Earlier profilometers are based on the principle of interferometry.) The system is accurate and immune to problems like vibration and turbulence. Two profilometers are currently marketed, and a third will soon be commercialized.

Alteration Mineralogy of Adirondack-class Rocks in Gusev Crater, Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamilton, V. E.; Ruff, S. W.

2009-12-01

The rock Adirondack is the type example of a class of basaltic rocks analyzed by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit in Gusev crater. Thermal infrared spectra of Adirondack-class rocks acquired by the Mini-TES instrument are distinguishable from spectra of other rock classes by the presence of an emissivity peak at 430 cm-1 and a minimum near 510 cm-1, which are characteristic of olivine. This is the primary spectral class on the plains of Gusev, but spectra of rocks exhibiting similar low wavenumber spectral character have been acquired along the rover traverse in the Columbia Hills, and we have confirmed that these also are Adirondack-class. Linear mixture modeling of their infrared spectra (enabled by applying a correction for dust on the Mini-TES optics) suggests that they are mafic with sulfate minerals present as alteration phases (up to 25%) in the majority of these rocks, broadly consistent with APXS-measured chemistry. The RAT-brushed surface of an unusual plains rock referred to as Mazatzal exhibits a spectral shape and modeled mineralogy consistent with the absence of olivine and the presence of amorphous phases low in silica, and is a coating unlike any other observed on Mars. We have also used a previously-demonstrated factor analysis and target transformation (FATT) technique with Adirondack-class rock spectra to retrieve the spectral shapes of independently-varying components within the data set. Using this approach, we have identified four shapes attributable to two distinct surface components, fine particulate surface dust, and a second dust component similar to downwelling sky radiance and/or dust on the Mini-TES optics. The two surface shapes do not resemble those of the two canonical surface types measured from orbit. One of the surface shapes is very similar to that of the lherzolitic Shergottite ALH A77005. Preliminary linear mixture analysis of this shape shows that it is dominated by olivine (~57%, ~Fo45) and pyroxene (~28%), with minor amounts of oxides and basaltic glass (~15%). This ultramafic composition is similar to that derived from linear mixture modeling of the measured Mini-TES spectra, but differs in detail from the APXS-derived normative mineralogy and Mössbauer ol:px. These differences may be artifacts of the penetration depths and spot sizes of the measurements, or assumptions inherent in the conversions from chemistry and spectra to norms and abundances; work in progress is aimed at explaining these differences. The other shape is modeled with high-silica phases (29%), sulfates (~24%), olivine (~19%), pyroxene (~15%), and oxides (~12%), suggesting it represents a highly altered mineralogy. We linearly modeled the highest-quality measured spectra of Adirondack-class rocks using only the FATT-derived spectral shapes. Surface components are modeled by varying proportions of the two surface shapes, with all containing ≥40% of the ultramafic shape. These preliminary results suggest that Adirondack-class rocks are a single lithology exhibiting sulfate-bearing surface alteration that is variable from rock to rock. We are in the process of converting the mineralogies derived from measured and FATT-derived spectra into bulk oxides and will present quantitative comparisons with APXS data and qualitative comparisons with Mössbauer data.

Basal Ganglia Shape Abnormalities in the Unaffected Siblings of Schizophrenia Patients

PubMed Central

Mamah, Daniel; Harms, Michael P.; Wang, Lei; Barch, Deanna; Thompson, Paul; Kim, Jaeyun; Miller, Michael I.; Csernansky, John G.

2008-01-01

Objective Abnormalities of basal ganglia structure in schizophrenia have been attributed to the effects of antipsychotic drugs. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that abnormalities of basal ganglia structure are intrinsic features of schizophrenia, by assessing basal ganglia volume and shape in the unaffected siblings of schizophrenia subjects. Method The study involved 25 pairs of schizophrenia subjects and their unaffected siblings and 40 pairs of healthy controls and their siblings. Large deformation, high-dimensional brain mapping was used to obtain surface representations of the caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus. Surfaces were derived from transformations of anatomical templates and shapes were analyzed using reduced-dimensional measures of surface variability (i.e. principal components and canonical analysis). Canonical functions were derived using schizophrenia and control groups, and were then used to compare shapes in the sibling groups. To visualize shape differences, maps of the estimated surface displacement between groups were created. Results In the caudate, putamen and globus pallidus, the degree of shape abnormality observed in the siblings of the schizophrenia subjects was intermediate between the schizophrenia subjects and the controls. In the schizophrenia subjects, significant correlations were observed between measures of caudate, putamen and globus pallidus structure and the selected measures of lifetime psychopathology. Conclusions Attenuated abnormalities of basal ganglia structure are present in the unaffected siblings of schizophrenia subjects. This finding implies that basal ganglia structural abnormalities observed in subjects with schizophrenia are at least in part an intrinsic feature of the illness. PMID:18295189

Clinical Application Of The Direct Measurement Of Human Shape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, J.; Vincent, R.; Marks, P.; English, M. J.

1980-07-01

A system is described for the recording and measurement of human body shape by a series of circular ultrasound scans. Computer manipulation of the echo data provides a graphic display of body contour, and a measurement of total body surface area and volume. The theoretical resolution for distance measurements using this device is 2.5 mm, a figure achieved in practical calibration experiments using a metal test object. Measurements from the body surface, although less precise, are sufficiently accurate and reproducible to enable useful clinical information to be obtained, particularly in recording the morphological changes associated with obesity and malnutrition.

Shape Classification Using Wasserstein Distance for Brain Morphometry Analysis.

PubMed

Su, Zhengyu; Zeng, Wei; Wang, Yalin; Lu, Zhong-Lin; Gu, Xianfeng

2015-01-01

Brain morphometry study plays a fundamental role in medical imaging analysis and diagnosis. This work proposes a novel framework for brain cortical surface classification using Wasserstein distance, based on uniformization theory and Riemannian optimal mass transport theory. By Poincare uniformization theorem, all shapes can be conformally deformed to one of the three canonical spaces: the unit sphere, the Euclidean plane or the hyperbolic plane. The uniformization map will distort the surface area elements. The area-distortion factor gives a probability measure on the canonical uniformization space. All the probability measures on a Riemannian manifold form the Wasserstein space. Given any 2 probability measures, there is a unique optimal mass transport map between them, the transportation cost defines the Wasserstein distance between them. Wasserstein distance gives a Riemannian metric for the Wasserstein space. It intrinsically measures the dissimilarities between shapes and thus has the potential for shape classification. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first. work to introduce the optimal mass transport map to general Riemannian manifolds. The method is based on geodesic power Voronoi diagram. Comparing to the conventional methods, our approach solely depends on Riemannian metrics and is invariant under rigid motions and scalings, thus it intrinsically measures shape distance. Experimental results on classifying brain cortical surfaces with different intelligence quotients demonstrated the efficiency and efficacy of our method.

Shape Classification Using Wasserstein Distance for Brain Morphometry Analysis

PubMed Central

Su, Zhengyu; Zeng, Wei; Wang, Yalin; Lu, Zhong-Lin; Gu, Xianfeng

2015-01-01

Brain morphometry study plays a fundamental role in medical imaging analysis and diagnosis. This work proposes a novel framework for brain cortical surface classification using Wasserstein distance, based on uniformization theory and Riemannian optimal mass transport theory. By Poincare uniformization theorem, all shapes can be conformally deformed to one of the three canonical spaces: the unit sphere, the Euclidean plane or the hyperbolic plane. The uniformization map will distort the surface area elements. The area-distortion factor gives a probability measure on the canonical uniformization space. All the probability measures on a Riemannian manifold form the Wasserstein space. Given any 2 probability measures, there is a unique optimal mass transport map between them, the transportation cost defines the Wasserstein distance between them. Wasserstein distance gives a Riemannian metric for the Wasserstein space. It intrinsically measures the dissimilarities between shapes and thus has the potential for shape classification. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to introduce the optimal mass transport map to general Riemannian manifolds. The method is based on geodesic power Voronoi diagram. Comparing to the conventional methods, our approach solely depends on Riemannian metrics and is invariant under rigid motions and scalings, thus it intrinsically measures shape distance. Experimental results on classifying brain cortical surfaces with different intelligence quotients demonstrated the efficiency and efficacy of our method. PMID:26221691

Displacement, distance, and shape measurements of fast-rotating rough objects by two mutually tilted interference fringe systems.

PubMed

Günther, Philipp; Kuschmierz, Robert; Pfister, Thorsten; Czarske, Jürgen W

2013-05-01

The precise distance measurement of fast-moving rough surfaces is important in several applications such as lathe monitoring. A nonincremental interferometer based on two mutually tilted interference fringe systems has been realized for this task. The distance is coded in the phase difference between the generated interference signals corresponding to the fringe systems. Large tilting angles between the interference fringe systems are necessary for a high sensitivity. However, due to the speckle effect at rough surfaces, different envelopes and phase jumps of the interference signals occur. At large tilting angles, these signals become dissimilar, resulting in a small correlation coefficient and a high measurement uncertainty. Based on a matching of illumination and receiving optics, the correlation coefficient and the phase difference estimation have been improved significantly. For axial displacement measurements of recurring rough surfaces, laterally moving with velocities of 5 m/s, an uncertainty of 110 nm has been attained. For nonrecurring surfaces, a distance measurement uncertainty of 830 nm has been achieved. Incorporating the additionally measured lateral velocity and the rotational speed, the two-dimensional shape of rotating objects results. Since the measurement uncertainty of the displacement, distance, and shape is nearly independent of the lateral surface velocity, this technique is predestined for fast-rotating objects, such as crankshafts, camshafts, vacuum pump shafts, or turning parts of lathes.

Measuring the force of drag on air sheared sessile drops

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milne, Andrew J. B.; Fleck, Brian; Amirfazli, Alidad

2012-11-01

To blow a drop along or off of a surface (i.e. to shed the drop), the drag force on the drop (based on flow conditions, drop shape, and fluid properties) must overcome the adhesion force between the drop and the surface (based on surface tension, drop shape, and contact angle). While the shedding of sessile drops by shear flow has been studied [Milne, A. J. B. & Amirfazli, A. Langmuir 25, 14155 (2009).], no independent measurements of the drag or adhesion forces have been made. Likewise, analytic predictions are limited to hemispherical drops and low air velocities. We present, therefore, measurements of the drag force on sessile drops at air velocities up to the point of incipient motion. Measurements were made using a modified floating element shear sensor in a laminar low speed wind tunnel to record drag force over the surface with the drop absent, and over the combined system of the surface and drop partially immersed in the boundary layer. Surfaces of different wettabilities were used to study the effects of drop shape and contact angles, with drop volume ranged between approximately 10 and 100 microlitres. The drag force for incipient motion (which by definition equals the maximum of the adhesion force) is compared to simplified models for drop adhesion such as that of Furmidge

A one-shot-projection method for measurement of specular surfaces.

PubMed

Wang, Zhenzhou

2015-02-09

In this paper, a method is proposed to measure the shapes of specular surfaces with one-shot-projection of structured laser patterns. By intercepting the reflection of the reflected laser pattern twice with two diffusive planes, the closed form solution is achieved for each reflected ray. The points on the specular surface are reconstructed by computing the intersections of the incident rays and the reflected rays. The proposed method can measure both static and dynamic specular shapes due to its one-shot-projection, which is beyond the capability of most of state of art methods that need multiple projections. To our knowledge, the proposed method is the only method so far that could yield the closed form solutions for the dynamic and specular surfaces.

The Role of Interface Shape on the Impact Characteristics and Cranial Fracture Patterns Using the Immature Porcine Head Model,.

PubMed

Vaughan, Patrick E; Vogelsberg, Caitlin C M; Vollner, Jennifer M; Fenton, Todd W; Haut, Roger C

2016-09-01

The forensic literature suggests that when adolescents fall onto edged and pointed surfaces, depressed fractures can occur at low energy levels. This study documents impact biomechanics and fracture characteristics of infant porcine skulls dropped onto flat, curved, edged, and focal surfaces. Results showed that the energy needed for fracture initiation was nearly four times higher against a flat surface than against the other surfaces. While characteristic measures of fracture such as number and length of fractures did not vary with impact surface shape, the fracture patterns did depend on impact surface shape. While experimental impacts against the flat surface produced linear fractures initiating at sutural boundaries peripheral to the point of impact (POI), more focal impacts produced depressed fractures initiating at the POI. The study supported case-based forensic literature suggesting cranial fracture patterns depend on impact surface shape and that fracture initiation energy is lower for more focal impacts. © 2016 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Measurements of three-dimensional shape and sound-induced motion of the chinchilla tympanic membrane

PubMed Central

Rosowski, John J; Dobrev, Ivo; Khaleghi, Morteza; Lu, Weina; Cheng, Jeffrey Tao; Harrington, Ellery; Furlong, Cosme

2013-01-01

Opto-electronic computer holographic measurements were made of the tympanic membrane (TM) in cadaveric chinchillas. Measurements with two laser wavelengths were used to compute the 3D-shape of the TM. Single laser wavelength measurements locked to eight distinct phases of a tonal stimulus were used to determine the magnitude and the relative phase of the surface displacements. These measurements were made at over 250,000 points on the TM surface. The measured motions contained spatial phase variations consistent with relatively low-order (large spatial frequency) modal motions and smaller magnitude higher-order (smaller spatial frequency) motions that appear to travel, but may also be explained by losses within the membrane. The measurement of shape and thin shell theory allowed us to separate the measured motions into those components orthogonal to the plane of the tympanic ring, and those components within the plane of the tympanic ring based on the 3D-shape. The predicted in-plane motion components are generally smaller than the out-of-plane perpendicular component of motion. Since the derivation of in-plane and out-of plane depended primarily on the membrane shape, the relative sizes of the predicted motion components did not vary with frequency. PMID:23247058

Multiwavelength digital holography for polishing tool shape measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lédl, Vít.; Psota, Pavel; Václavík, Jan; Doleček, Roman; Vojtíšek, Petr

2013-09-01

Classical mechano-chemical polishing is still a valuable technique, which gives unbeatable results for some types of optical surfaces. For example, optics for high power lasers requires minimized subsurface damage, very high cosmetic quality, and low mid spatial frequency error. One can hardly achieve this with use of subaperture polishing. The shape of the polishing tool plays a crucial role in achieving the required form of the optical surface. Often the shape of the polishing tool or pad is not known precisely enough during the manufacturing process. The tool shape is usually premachined and later is changed during the polishing procedure. An experienced worker could estimate the shape of the tool indirectly from the shape of the polished element, and that is why he can achieve the required shape in few reasonably long iterative steps. Therefore the lack of the exact tool shape knowledge is tolerated. Sometimes, this indirect method is not feasible even if small parts are considered. Moreover, if processes on machines like planetary (continuous) polishers are considered, the incorrect shape of the polishing pad could extend the polishing times extremely. Every iteration step takes hours. Even worse, polished piece could be wasted if the pad has a poor shape. The ability of the tool shape determination would be very valuable in those types of lengthy processes. It was our primary motivation to develop a contactless measurement method for large diffusive surfaces and demonstrate its usability. The proposed method is based on application of multiwavelength digital holographic interferometry with phase shift.

Partial compensation interferometry for measurement of surface parameter error of high-order aspheric surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Qun; Li, Tengfei; Hu, Yao

2018-01-01

Surface parameters are the properties to describe the shape characters of aspheric surface, which mainly include vertex radius of curvature (VROC) and conic constant (CC). The VROC affects the basic properties, such as focal length of an aspheric surface, while the CC is the basis of classification for aspheric surface. The deviations of the two parameters are defined as surface parameter error (SPE). Precisely measuring SPE is critical for manufacturing and aligning aspheric surface. Generally, SPE of aspheric surface is measured directly by curvature fitting on the absolute profile measurement data from contact or non-contact testing. And most interferometry-based methods adopt null compensators or null computer-generated holograms to measure SPE. To our knowledge, there is no effective way to measure SPE of highorder aspheric surface with non-null interferometry. In this paper, based on the theory of slope asphericity and the best compensation distance (BCD) established in our previous work, we propose a SPE measurement method for high-order aspheric surface in partial compensation interferometry (PCI) system. In the procedure, firstly, we establish the system of two element equations by utilizing the SPE-caused BCD change and surface shape change. Then, we can simultaneously obtain the VROC error and CC error in PCI system by solving the equations. Simulations are made to verify the method, and the results show a high relative accuracy.

Mindboggling morphometry of human brains

PubMed Central

Bao, Forrest S.; Giard, Joachim; Stavsky, Eliezer; Lee, Noah; Rossa, Brian; Reuter, Martin; Chaibub Neto, Elias

2017-01-01

Mindboggle (http://mindboggle.info) is an open source brain morphometry platform that takes in preprocessed T1-weighted MRI data and outputs volume, surface, and tabular data containing label, feature, and shape information for further analysis. In this article, we document the software and demonstrate its use in studies of shape variation in healthy and diseased humans. The number of different shape measures and the size of the populations make this the largest and most detailed shape analysis of human brains ever conducted. Brain image morphometry shows great potential for providing much-needed biological markers for diagnosing, tracking, and predicting progression of mental health disorders. Very few software algorithms provide more than measures of volume and cortical thickness, while more subtle shape measures may provide more sensitive and specific biomarkers. Mindboggle computes a variety of (primarily surface-based) shapes: area, volume, thickness, curvature, depth, Laplace-Beltrami spectra, Zernike moments, etc. We evaluate Mindboggle’s algorithms using the largest set of manually labeled, publicly available brain images in the world and compare them against state-of-the-art algorithms where they exist. All data, code, and results of these evaluations are publicly available. PMID:28231282

Shape Oscillations of Gas Bubbles With Newtonian Interfacial Rheological Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nadim, Ali

1996-01-01

The oscillation frequency and damping rate for small-amplitude axisymmetric shape modes of a gas bubble in an ideal liquid are obtained, in the limit when the bubble interface possesses Newtonian interfacial rheology with constant surface shear and dilatational viscosities. Such results permit the latter surface properties to be measured by analyzing experimental data on frequency shift and damping rate of specific shape modes of suspended bubbles in the presence of surfactants.

Gliding locomotion of manta rays, killer whales and swordfish near the water surface.

PubMed

Zhan, Jie-Min; Gong, Ye-Jun; Li, Tian-Zeng

2017-03-24

The hydrodynamic performance of the locomotive near the water surface is impacted by its geometrical shape. For marine animals, their geometrical shape is naturally selective; thus, investigating gliding locomotion of marine animal under the water surface may be able to elucidate the influence of the geometrical shape. We investigate three marine animals with specific geometries: the killer whale is fusiform shaped; the manta ray is flat and broad-winged; and the swordfish is best streamlined. The numerical results are validated by the measured drag coefficients of the manta ray model in a towing tank. The friction drag of the three target models are very similar; the body shape affected form drag coefficient is order as swordfish < killer whale < manta ray; the induced wave breaking upon the body of the manta ray performs different to killer whale and swordfish. These bio-inspired observations provide a new and in-depth understanding of the shape effects on the hydrodynamic performances near the free surface.

Full-frame, high-speed 3D shape and deformation measurements using stereo-digital image correlation and a single color high-speed camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Liping; Pan, Bing

2017-08-01

Full-frame, high-speed 3D shape and deformation measurement using stereo-digital image correlation (stereo-DIC) technique and a single high-speed color camera is proposed. With the aid of a skillfully designed pseudo stereo-imaging apparatus, color images of a test object surface, composed of blue and red channel images from two different optical paths, are recorded by a high-speed color CMOS camera. The recorded color images can be separated into red and blue channel sub-images using a simple but effective color crosstalk correction method. These separated blue and red channel sub-images are processed by regular stereo-DIC method to retrieve full-field 3D shape and deformation on the test object surface. Compared with existing two-camera high-speed stereo-DIC or four-mirror-adapter-assisted singe-camera high-speed stereo-DIC, the proposed single-camera high-speed stereo-DIC technique offers prominent advantages of full-frame measurements using a single high-speed camera but without sacrificing its spatial resolution. Two real experiments, including shape measurement of a curved surface and vibration measurement of a Chinese double-side drum, demonstrated the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed technique.

Absolute surface reconstruction by slope metrology and photogrammetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Yue

Developing the manufacture of aspheric and freeform optical elements requires an advanced metrology method which is capable of inspecting these elements with arbitrary freeform surfaces. In this dissertation, a new surface measurement scheme is investigated for such a purpose, which is to measure the absolute surface shape of an object under test through its surface slope information obtained by photogrammetric measurement. A laser beam propagating toward the object reflects on its surface while the vectors of the incident and reflected beams are evaluated from the four spots they leave on the two parallel transparent windows in front of the object. The spots' spatial coordinates are determined by photogrammetry. With the knowledge of the incident and reflected beam vectors, the local slope information of the object surface is obtained through vector calculus and finally yields the absolute object surface profile by a reconstruction algorithm. An experimental setup is designed and the proposed measuring principle is experimentally demonstrated by measuring the absolute surface shape of a spherical mirror. The measurement uncertainty is analyzed, and efforts for improvement are made accordingly. In particular, structured windows are designed and fabricated to generate uniform scattering spots left by the transmitted laser beams. Calibration of the fringe reflection instrument, another typical surface slope measurement method, is also reported in the dissertation. Finally, a method for uncertainty analysis of a photogrammetry measurement system by optical simulation is investigated.

Fermi Surface as a Driver for the Shape-Memory Effect in AuZn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lashley, Jason

2005-03-01

Martensites are materials that undergo diffusionless, solid-state transitions. The martensitic transition yields properties that depend on the history of the material and if reversible can allow it to recover its previous shape after plastic deformation. This is known as the shape-memory effect (SME). We have succeeded in identifying the operative electronic mechanism responsible for the martensitic transition in the shape-memory alloy AuZn by using Fermi-surface measurements (de Haas-van Alphen oscillations) and band-structure calculations. Our findings suggest that electronic band structure gives rise to special features on the Fermi surface that is important to consider in the design of SME alloys.

Performance analysis and evaluation of direct phase measuring deflectometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Ping; Gao, Nan; Zhang, Zonghua; Gao, Feng; Jiang, Xiangqian

2018-04-01

Three-dimensional (3D) shape measurement of specular objects plays an important role in intelligent manufacturing applications. Phase measuring deflectometry (PMD)-based methods are widely used to obtain the 3D shapes of specular surfaces because they offer the advantages of a large dynamic range, high measurement accuracy, full-field and noncontact operation, and automatic data processing. To enable measurement of specular objects with discontinuous and/or isolated surfaces, a direct PMD (DPMD) method has been developed to build a direct relationship between phase and depth. In this paper, a new virtual measurement system is presented and is used to optimize the system parameters and evaluate the system's performance in DPMD applications. Four system parameters are analyzed to obtain accurate measurement results. Experiments are performed using simulated and actual data and the results confirm the effects of these four parameters on the measurement results. Researchers can therefore select suitable system parameters for actual DPMD (including PMD) measurement systems to obtain the 3D shapes of specular objects with high accuracy.

Reflow dynamics of thin patterned viscous films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leveder, T.; Landis, S.; Davoust, L.

2008-01-01

This letter presents a study of viscous smoothening dynamics of a nanopatterned thin film. Ultrathin film manufacturing processes appearing to be a key point of nanotechnology engineering and numerous studies have been recently led in order to exhibit driving parameters of this transient surface motion, focusing on time scale accuracy method. Based on nanomechanical analysis, this letter shows that controlled shape measurements provided much more detailed information about reflow mechanism. Control of reflow process of any complex surface shape, or measurement of material parameter as thin film viscosity, free surface energy, or even Hamaker constant are therefore possible.

Wavefront shaping with an electrowetting liquid lens using surface harmonics (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strauch, Matthias; Konijnenberg, Sander; Shao, Yifeng; Urbach, H. Paul

2017-02-01

Liquid lenses are used to correct for low order wavefront aberrations. Electrowetting liquid lenses can nowadays control defocus and astigmatism effectively, so they start being used for ophthalmology applications. To increase the performance and applicability, we introduce a new driving mechanism to create, detect and correct higher order aberrations using standing waves on the liquid interface. The speed of a liquid lens is in general limited, because the liquid surface cannot follow fast voltage changes, while providing a spherical surface. Surface waves are created instead and with them undesired aberrations. We try to control those surface waves to turn them into an effective wavefront shaping tool. We introduce a model, which treats the liquid lens as a circular vibrating membrane with adjusted boundary conditions. Similar to tunable acoustic gradient (TAG) lenses, the nature of the surface modes are predicted to be Bessel functions. Since Bessel functions are a full set of orthogonal basis functions any surface can be created as a linear combination of different Bessel functions. The model was investigated experimentally in two setups. First the point spread functions were studied and compared to a simulation of the intensity distribution created by Fresnel propagated Bessel surfaces. Second the wavefronts were measured directly using a spatial light modulator. The surface resonance frequencies confirm the predictions made by the model as well as the wavefront measurements. By superposition of known surface modes, it is possible to create new surface shapes, which can be used to simulate and measure the human eye.

A Model Based Deconvolution Approach for Creating Surface Composition Maps of Irregularly Shaped Bodies from Limited Orbiting Nuclear Spectrometer Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dallmann, N. A.; Carlsten, B. E.; Stonehill, L. C.

2017-12-01

Orbiting nuclear spectrometers have contributed significantly to our understanding of the composition of solar system bodies. Gamma rays and neutrons are produced within the surfaces of bodies by impacting galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and by intrinsic radionuclide decay. Measuring the flux and energy spectrum of these products at one point in an orbit elucidates the elemental content of the area in view. Deconvolution of measurements from many spatially registered orbit points can produce detailed maps of elemental abundances. In applying these well-established techniques to small and irregularly shaped bodies like Phobos, one encounters unique challenges beyond those of a large spheroid. Polar mapping orbits are not possible for Phobos and quasistatic orbits will realize only modest inclinations unavoidably limiting surface coverage and creating North-South ambiguities in deconvolution. The irregular shape causes self-shadowing both of the body to the spectrometer but also of the body to the incoming GCR. The view angle to the surface normal as well as the distance between the surface and the spectrometer is highly irregular. These characteristics can be synthesized into a complicated and continuously changing measurement system point spread function. We have begun to explore different model-based, statistically rigorous, iterative deconvolution methods to produce elemental abundance maps for a proposed future investigation of Phobos. By incorporating the satellite orbit, the existing high accuracy shape-models of Phobos, and the spectrometer response function, a detailed and accurate system model can be constructed. Many aspects of this model formation are particularly well suited to modern graphics processing techniques and parallel processing. We will present the current status and preliminary visualizations of the Phobos measurement system model. We will also discuss different deconvolution strategies and their relative merit in statistical rigor, stability, achievable resolution, and exploitation of the irregular shape to partially resolve ambiguities. The general applicability of these new approaches to existing data sets from Mars, Mercury, and Lunar investigations will be noted.

Evaluation Of Back Shape Using The ISIS Scanner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turner-Smith, Alan R.; Thomas, David C.

1989-04-01

The Integrated Shape Investigation System (ISIS) is a structured light scanner and shape analysis system, developed as a safe alternative to follow-up radiographs for the clinical assessment of deformities of the human back. The system is described and results presented of several clinic studies. These show a significant correlation between ISIS measures and conventional radiographic measures of spinal curvature, such as the Cobb angle. The development of a predictor for deterioration in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, based on surface shape weasures, is discussed.

Short pulse radar used to measure sea surface wind speed and SWH. [Significant Wave Height

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hammond, D. L.; Mennella, R. A.; Walsh, E. J.

1977-01-01

A joint airborne measurement program is being pursued by NRL and NASA Wallops Flight Center to determine the extent to which wind speed and sea surface significant wave height (SWH) can be measured quantitatively and remotely with a short pulse (2 ns), wide-beam (60 deg), nadir-looking 3-cm radar. The concept involves relative power measurements only and does not need a scanning antenna, Doppler filters, or absolute power calibration. The slopes of the leading and trailing edges of the averaged received power for the pulse limited altimeter are used to infer SWH and surface wind speed. The interpretation is based on theoretical models of the effects of SWH on the leading edge shape and rms sea-surface slope on the trailing-edge shape. The models include the radar system parameters of antenna beam width and pulsewidth.

Absolute shape measurements using high-resolution optoelectronic holography methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furlong, Cosme; Pryputniewicz, Ryszard J.

2000-01-01

Characterization of surface shape and deformation is of primary importance in a number of testing and metrology applications related to the functionality, performance, and integrity of components. In this paper, a unique, compact, and versatile state-of-the-art fiber-optic-based optoelectronic holography (OEH) methodology is described. This description addresses apparatus and analysis algorithms, especially developed to perform measurements of both absolute surface shape and deformation. The OEH can be arranged in multiple configurations, which include the three-camera, three-illumination, and in-plane speckle correlation setups. With the OEH apparatus and analysis algorithms, absolute shape measurements can be made, using present setup, with a spatial resolution and accuracy of better than 30 and 10 micrometers , respectively, for volumes characterized by a 300-mm length. Optimizing the experimental setup and incorporating equipment, as it becomes available, having superior capabilities to the ones utilized in the present investigations can further increase resolution and accuracy in the measurements. The particular feature of this methodology is its capability to export the measurements data directly into CAD environments for subsequent processing, analysis, and definition of CAD/CAE models.

3D shape decomposition and comparison for gallbladder modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Weimin; Zhou, Jiayin; Liu, Jiang; Zhang, Jing; Yang, Tao; Su, Yi; Law, Gim Han; Chui, Chee Kong; Chang, Stephen

2011-03-01

This paper presents an approach to gallbladder shape comparison by using 3D shape modeling and decomposition. The gallbladder models can be used for shape anomaly analysis and model comparison and selection in image guided robotic surgical training, especially for laparoscopic cholecystectomy simulation. The 3D shape of a gallbladder is first represented as a surface model, reconstructed from the contours segmented in CT data by a scheme of propagation based voxel learning and classification. To better extract the shape feature, the surface mesh is further down-sampled by a decimation filter and smoothed by a Taubin algorithm, followed by applying an advancing front algorithm to further enhance the regularity of the mesh. Multi-scale curvatures are then computed on the regularized mesh for the robust saliency landmark localization on the surface. The shape decomposition is proposed based on the saliency landmarks and the concavity, measured by the distance from the surface point to the convex hull. With a given tolerance the 3D shape can be decomposed and represented as 3D ellipsoids, which reveal the shape topology and anomaly of a gallbladder. The features based on the decomposed shape model are proposed for gallbladder shape comparison, which can be used for new model selection. We have collected 19 sets of abdominal CT scan data with gallbladders, some shown in normal shape and some in abnormal shapes. The experiments have shown that the decomposed shapes reveal important topology features.

Adaptive pixel-to-pixel projection intensity adjustment for measuring a shiny surface using orthogonal color fringe pattern projection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chao; Gao, Nan; Wang, Xiangjun; Zhang, Zonghua

2018-05-01

Three-dimensional (3D) shape measurement based on fringe pattern projection techniques has been commonly used in various fields. One of the remaining challenges in fringe pattern projection is that camera sensor saturation may occur if there is a large range of reflectivity variation across the surface that causes measurement errors. To overcome this problem, a novel fringe pattern projection method is proposed to avoid image saturation and maintain high-intensity modulation for measuring shiny surfaces by adaptively adjusting the pixel-to-pixel projection intensity according to the surface reflectivity. First, three sets of orthogonal color fringe patterns and a sequence of uniform gray-level patterns with different gray levels are projected onto a measured surface by a projector. The patterns are deformed with respect to the object surface and captured by a camera from a different viewpoint. Subsequently, the optimal projection intensity at each pixel is determined by fusing different gray levels and transforming the camera pixel coordinate system into the projector pixel coordinate system. Finally, the adapted fringe patterns are created and used for 3D shape measurement. Experimental results on a flat checkerboard and shiny objects demonstrate that the proposed method can measure shiny surfaces with high accuracy.

Use of a variable exposure photographic pyrometer to measure surface temperatures on a hemispherical-face model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kantsios, A. G.; Henley, W. C., Jr.; Snow, W. L.

1982-01-01

The use of a photographic pyrometer for nonintrusive measurement of high temperature surfaces in a wind tunnel test is described. The advantages of the pyrometer for measuring surfaces whose unique shape makes use of thermocouples difficult are pointed out. The use of computer operated densitometers or optical processors for the data reduction is recommended.

Plasma immersion ion implantation of polyurethane shape memory polymer: Surface properties and protein immobilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Xinying; Kondyurin, Alexey; Bao, Shisan; Bilek, Marcela M. M.; Ye, Lin

2017-09-01

Polyurethane-type shape memory polymers (SMPU) are promising biomedical implant materials due to their ability to recover to a predetermined shape from a temporary shape induced by thermal activation close to human body temperature and their advantageous mechanical properties including large recovery strains and low recovery stresses. Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation (PIII) is a surface modification process using energetic ions that generates radicals in polymer surfaces leading to carbonisation and oxidation and the ability to covalently immobilise proteins without the need for wet chemistry. Here we show that PIII treatment of SMPU significantly enhances its bioactivity making SMPU suitable for applications in permanent implantable biomedical devices. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), contact angle measurements, surface energy measurements, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterise the PIII modified surface, including its after treatment aging kinetics and its capability to covalently immobilise protein directly from solution. The results show a substantial improvement in wettability and dramatic changes of surface chemical composition dependent on treatment duration, due to the generation of radicals and subsequent oxidation. The SMPU surface, PIII treated for 200s, achieved a saturated level of covalently immobilized protein indicating that a full monolayer coverage was achieved. We conclude that PIII is a promising and efficient surface modification method to enhance the biocompatibility of SMPU for use in medical applications that demand bioactivity for tissue integration and stability in vivo.

Analysis of Flatness Deviations for Austenitic Stainless Steel Workpieces after Efficient Surface Machining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadolny, K.; Kapłonek, W.

2014-08-01

The following work is an analysis of flatness deviations of a workpiece made of X2CrNiMo17-12-2 austenitic stainless steel. The workpiece surface was shaped using efficient machining techniques (milling, grinding, and smoothing). After the machining was completed, all surfaces underwent stylus measurements in order to obtain surface flatness and roughness parameters. For this purpose the stylus profilometer Hommel-Tester T8000 by Hommelwerke with HommelMap software was used. The research results are presented in the form of 2D surface maps, 3D surface topographies with extracted single profiles, Abbott-Firestone curves, and graphical studies of the Sk parameters. The results of these experimental tests proved the possibility of a correlation between flatness and roughness parameters, as well as enabled an analysis of changes in these parameters from shaping and rough grinding to finished machining. The main novelty of this paper is comprehensive analysis of measurement results obtained during a three-step machining process of austenitic stainless steel. Simultaneous analysis of individual machining steps (milling, grinding, and smoothing) enabled a complementary assessment of the process of shaping the workpiece surface macro- and micro-geometry, giving special consideration to minimize the flatness deviations

Fabrication and metrology of km-scale radii on surfaces of master tooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leistner, Achim J.; Oreb, Bozenko F.; Seckold, Jeffrey A.; Walsh, Christopher J.

1999-08-01

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) core optical components have been manufactured by CSIRO. These optical substrates are optically polished on a lap surface that is made of Teflon coated onto a thick rigid faceted Zerodur base. To produce the km-scale radii (> 10 km) on these substrates the lap surface is shaped by abrading it with a fine ground silica plate whose radius of curvature corresponds to the one specified for the LIGO component. The plates are measured by a commercial phase stepping interferometer which is used in a grazing incidence arrangement. We describe the process of shaping and measuring the conditioning plates and laps.

Reconstructing surface wave profiles from reflected acoustic pulses using multiple receivers.

PubMed

Walstead, Sean P; Deane, Grant B

2014-08-01

Surface wave shapes are determined by analyzing underwater reflected acoustic signals collected at multiple receivers. The transmitted signals are of nominal frequency 300 kHz and are reflected off surface gravity waves that are paddle-generated in a wave tank. An inverse processing algorithm reconstructs 50 surface wave shapes over a length span of 2.10 m. The inverse scheme uses a broadband forward scattering model based on Kirchhoff's diffraction formula to determine wave shapes. The surface reconstruction algorithm is self-starting in that source and receiver geometry and initial estimates of wave shape are determined from the same acoustic signals used in the inverse processing. A high speed camera provides ground-truth measurements of the surface wave field for comparison with the acoustically derived surface waves. Within Fresnel zone regions the statistical confidence of the inversely optimized surface profile exceeds that of the camera profile. Reconstructed surfaces are accurate to a resolution of about a quarter-wavelength of the acoustic pulse only within Fresnel zones associated with each source and receiver pair. Multiple isolated Fresnel zones from multiple receivers extend the spatial extent of accurate surface reconstruction while overlapping Fresnel zones increase confidence in the optimized profiles there.

Simultaneous measurement of surface tension and viscosity using freely decaying oscillations of acoustically levitated droplets.

PubMed

Kremer, J; Kilzer, A; Petermann, M

2018-01-01

Oscillations of small liquid drops around a spherical shape have been of great interest to scientists measuring physical properties such as interfacial tension and viscosity, over the last few decades. A powerful tool for contactless positioning is acoustic levitation, which has been used to simultaneously determine the surface tension and viscosity of liquids at ambient pressure. In order to extend this acoustic levitation measurement method to high pressure systems, the method is first evaluated under ambient pressure. To measure surface tension and viscosity using acoustically levitated oscillating drops, an image analysis method has to be developed and factors which may affect measurement, such as sound field or oscillation amplitude, have to be analyzed. In this paper, we describe the simultaneous measurement of surface tension and viscosity using freely decaying shape oscillations of acoustically levitated droplets of different liquids (silicone oils AK 5 and AK 10, squalane, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, 1-heptanol, and 1-octanol) in air. These liquids vary in viscosity from 2 to about 30 mPa s. An acoustic levitation system, including an optimized standing wave acoustic levitator and a high-speed camera, was used for this study. An image analysis was performed with a self-written Matlab® code. The frequency of oscillation and the damping constant, required for the determination of surface tension and viscosity, respectively, were calculated from the evolution of the equatorial and polar radii. The results and observations are compared to data from the literature in order to analyze the accuracy of surface tension and viscosity determination, as well as the effect of non-spherical drop shape or amplitude of oscillation on measurement.

Simultaneous measurement of surface tension and viscosity using freely decaying oscillations of acoustically levitated droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kremer, J.; Kilzer, A.; Petermann, M.

2018-01-01

Oscillations of small liquid drops around a spherical shape have been of great interest to scientists measuring physical properties such as interfacial tension and viscosity, over the last few decades. A powerful tool for contactless positioning is acoustic levitation, which has been used to simultaneously determine the surface tension and viscosity of liquids at ambient pressure. In order to extend this acoustic levitation measurement method to high pressure systems, the method is first evaluated under ambient pressure. To measure surface tension and viscosity using acoustically levitated oscillating drops, an image analysis method has to be developed and factors which may affect measurement, such as sound field or oscillation amplitude, have to be analyzed. In this paper, we describe the simultaneous measurement of surface tension and viscosity using freely decaying shape oscillations of acoustically levitated droplets of different liquids (silicone oils AK 5 and AK 10, squalane, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, 1-heptanol, and 1-octanol) in air. These liquids vary in viscosity from 2 to about 30 mPa s. An acoustic levitation system, including an optimized standing wave acoustic levitator and a high-speed camera, was used for this study. An image analysis was performed with a self-written Matlab® code. The frequency of oscillation and the damping constant, required for the determination of surface tension and viscosity, respectively, were calculated from the evolution of the equatorial and polar radii. The results and observations are compared to data from the literature in order to analyze the accuracy of surface tension and viscosity determination, as well as the effect of non-spherical drop shape or amplitude of oscillation on measurement.

Optomechanical integrated simulation of Mars medium resolution lens with large field of view

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Wenqiang; Xu, Guangzhou; Yang, Jianfeng; Sun, Yi

2017-10-01

The lens of Mars detector is exposed to solar radiation and space temperature for long periods of time during orbit, so that the ambient temperature of the optical system is in a dynamic state. The optical and mechanical change caused by heat will lead to camera's visual axis drift and the wavefront distortion. The surface distortion of the optical lens includes the displacement of the rigid body and the distortion of the surface shape. This paper used the calculation method based on the integrated optomechanical analysis, to explore the impact of thermodynamic load on image quality. Through the analysis software, established a simulation model of the lens structure. The shape distribution and the surface characterization parameters of the lens in some temperature ranges were analyzed and compared. the PV / RMS value, deformation cloud of the lens surface and quality evaluation of imaging was achieved. This simulation has been successfully measured the lens surface shape and shape distribution under the load which is difficult to measure on the experimental conditions. The integrated simulation method of the optical machine can obtain the change of the optical parameters brought by the temperature load. It shows that the application of Integrated analysis has play an important role in guiding the designing the lens.

Reconstructing liver shape and position from MR image slices using an active shape model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fenchel, Matthias; Thesen, Stefan; Schilling, Andreas

2008-03-01

We present an algorithm for fully automatic reconstruction of 3D position, orientation and shape of the human liver from a sparsely covering set of n 2D MR slice images. Reconstructing the shape of an organ from slice images can be used for scan planning, for surgical planning or other purposes where 3D anatomical knowledge has to be inferred from sparse slices. The algorithm is based on adapting an active shape model of the liver surface to a given set of slice images. The active shape model is created from a training set of liver segmentations from a group of volunteers. The training set is set up with semi-manual segmentations of T1-weighted volumetric MR images. Searching for the optimal shape model that best fits to the image data is done by maximizing a similarity measure based on local appearance at the surface. Two different algorithms for the active shape model search are proposed and compared: both algorithms seek to maximize the a-posteriori probability of the grey level appearance around the surface while constraining the surface to the space of valid shapes. The first algorithm works by using grey value profile statistics in normal direction. The second algorithm uses average and variance images to calculate the local surface appearance on the fly. Both algorithms are validated by fitting the active shape model to abdominal 2D slice images and comparing the shapes, which have been reconstructed, to the manual segmentations and to the results of active shape model searches from 3D image data. The results turn out to be promising and competitive to active shape model segmentations from 3D data.

Pendant-Drop Surface-Tension Measurement On Molten Metal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Man, Kin Fung; Thiessen, David

1996-01-01

Method of measuring surface tension of molten metal based on pendant-drop method implemented in quasi-containerless manner and augmented with digital processing of image data. Electrons bombard lower end of sample rod in vacuum, generating hanging drop of molten metal. Surface tension of drop computed from its shape. Technique minimizes effects of contamination.

Global shape information increases but color information decreases the composite face effect.

PubMed

Retter, Talia L; Rossion, Bruno

2015-01-01

The separation of visual shape and surface information may be useful for understanding holistic face perception--that is, the perception of a face as a single unit (Jiang, Blanz, & Rossion, 2011, Visual Cognition, 19, 1003-1034). A widely used measure of holistic face perception is the composite face effect (CFE), in which identical top face halves appear different when aligned with bottom face halves from different identities. In the present study the influences of global face shape (ie contour of the face) and color information on the CFE are investigated, with the hypothesis that global face shape supports but color impairs holistic face perception as measured in this paradigm. In experiment 1 the CFE is significantly increased when face stimuli possess natural global shape information than when cropped to a generic (ie oval) global shape; this effect is not found when the stimuli are presented inverted. In experiment 2 the CFE is significantly decreased when face stimuli are presented with color information than when presented in grayscale. These findings indicate that grayscale stimuli maintaining natural global face shape information provide the most adept measure of holistic face perception in the behavioral composite face paradigm. More generally, they show that reducing different types of information diagnostic for individual face perception can have opposite effects on the CFE, illustrating the functional dissociation between shape and surface information in face perception.

High-precision drop shape analysis on inclining flat surfaces: introduction and comparison of this special method with commercial contact angle analysis.

PubMed

Schmitt, Michael; Heib, Florian

2013-10-07

Drop shape analysis is one of the most important and frequently used methods to characterise surfaces in the scientific and industrial communities. An especially large number of studies, which use contact angle measurements to analyse surfaces, are characterised by incorrect or misdirected conclusions such as the determination of surface energies from poorly performed contact angle determinations. In particular, the characterisation of surfaces, which leads to correlations between the contact angle and other effects, must be critically validated for some publications. A large number of works exist concerning the theoretical and thermodynamic aspects of two- and tri-phase boundaries. The linkage between theory and experiment is generally performed by an axisymmetric drop shape analysis, that is, simulations of the theoretical drop profiles by numerical integration onto a number of points of the drop meniscus (approximately 20). These methods work very well for axisymmetric profiles such as those obtained by pendant drop measurements, but in the case of a sessile drop onto real surfaces, additional unknown and misunderstood effects on the dependence of the surface must be considered. We present a special experimental and practical investigation as another way to transition from experiment to theory. This procedure was developed to be especially sensitive to small variations in the dependence of the dynamic contact angle on the surface; as a result, this procedure will allow the properties of the surface to be monitored with a higher precession and sensitivity. In this context, water drops onto a 111 silicon wafer are dynamically measured by video recording and by inclining the surface, which results in a sequence of non-axisymmetric drops. The drop profiles are analysed by commercial software and by the developed and presented high-precision drop shape analysis. In addition to the enhanced sensitivity for contact angle determination, this analysis technique, in combination with innovative fit algorithms and data presentations, can result in enhanced reproducibility and comparability of the contact angle measurements in terms of the material characterisation in a comprehensible way.

High-precision drop shape analysis on inclining flat surfaces: Introduction and comparison of this special method with commercial contact angle analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, Michael; Heib, Florian

2013-10-01

Drop shape analysis is one of the most important and frequently used methods to characterise surfaces in the scientific and industrial communities. An especially large number of studies, which use contact angle measurements to analyse surfaces, are characterised by incorrect or misdirected conclusions such as the determination of surface energies from poorly performed contact angle determinations. In particular, the characterisation of surfaces, which leads to correlations between the contact angle and other effects, must be critically validated for some publications. A large number of works exist concerning the theoretical and thermodynamic aspects of two- and tri-phase boundaries. The linkage between theory and experiment is generally performed by an axisymmetric drop shape analysis, that is, simulations of the theoretical drop profiles by numerical integration onto a number of points of the drop meniscus (approximately 20). These methods work very well for axisymmetric profiles such as those obtained by pendant drop measurements, but in the case of a sessile drop onto real surfaces, additional unknown and misunderstood effects on the dependence of the surface must be considered. We present a special experimental and practical investigation as another way to transition from experiment to theory. This procedure was developed to be especially sensitive to small variations in the dependence of the dynamic contact angle on the surface; as a result, this procedure will allow the properties of the surface to be monitored with a higher precession and sensitivity. In this context, water drops onto a 111 silicon wafer are dynamically measured by video recording and by inclining the surface, which results in a sequence of non-axisymmetric drops. The drop profiles are analysed by commercial software and by the developed and presented high-precision drop shape analysis. In addition to the enhanced sensitivity for contact angle determination, this analysis technique, in combination with innovative fit algorithms and data presentations, can result in enhanced reproducibility and comparability of the contact angle measurements in terms of the material characterisation in a comprehensible way.

Evaluation of a laser scanning sensor on detection of complex shaped targets for variable-rate sprayer development

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Sensors that can accurately measure canopy structures are prerequisites for development of advanced variable-rate sprayers. A 270° radial range laser sensor was evaluated for its accuracy to measure dimensions of target surfaces with complex shapes and sizes. An algorithm for data acquisition and 3-...

Stitching interferometry for ellipsoidal x-ray mirrors

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

Yumoto, Hirokatsu, E-mail: yumoto@spring8.or.jp; Koyama, Takahisa; Matsuyama, Satoshi

2016-05-15

Ellipsoidal mirrors, which can efficiently produce a two-dimensional focusing beam with a single mirror, are superior x-ray focusing optics, especially when compared to elliptical-cylinder mirrors in the Kirkpatrick–Baez geometry. However, nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors are not commonly used for x-ray optics because achieving the accuracy required for the surface metrology of nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors is difficult due to their small radius of curvature along the short ellipsoidal axis. Here, we developed a surface metrology system for nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors using stitching interferometric techniques. The developed system simultaneously measures sub-aperture shapes with a microscopic interferometer and the tilt angles of the sub-aperturemore » shapes with a large Fizeau interferometer. After correcting the systematic errors included in the sub-aperture shapes, the entire mirror shape is calculated by stitching the sub-aperture shapes based on the obtained relative angles between partially overlapped sub-apertures. In this study, we developed correction methods for systematic errors in sub-aperture shapes that originated from off-axis aberrations produced in the optics of the microscopic interferometer. The systematic errors on an ellipsoidal mirror were estimated by measuring a series of tilted plane substrates and the ellipsoidal substrate. From measurements of an ellipsoidal mirror with a 3.6-mm radius of curvature at the mirror center, we obtained a measurement repeatability of 0.51 nm (root-mean-square) in an assessment area of 0.5 mm × 99.18 mm. This value satisfies the requirements for surface metrology of nano-focusing x-ray mirrors. Thus, the developed metrology system should be applicable for fabricating nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors.« less

The physics of water droplets on surfaces: exploring the effects of roughness and surface chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eid, K. F.; Panth, M.; Sommers, A. D.

2018-03-01

This paper explores the fluid property commonly called surface tension, its effect on droplet shape and contact angle, and the major influences of contact angle behaviour (i.e. surface roughness and surface chemistry). Images of water droplets placed on treated copper surfaces are used to measure the contact angles between the droplets and the surface. The surface wettability is manipulated either by growing a self-assembled monolayer on the surface to make it hydrophobic or by changing the surface roughness. The main activities in this experiment, then, are (1) preparing and studying surfaces with different surface wettability and roughness; (2) determining the shape and contact angles of water droplets on these surfaces; and (3) demonstrating the spontaneous motion of water droplets using surface tension gradients.

Topography measurements of high NA aspherical microlenses by digital holographic microscopy with spherical illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Józwik, Michal; Mikuła, Marta; Kozacki, Tomasz; Kostencka, Julianna; Gorecki, Christophe

2017-06-01

In this contribution, we propose a method of digital holographic microscopy (DHM) that enables measurement of high numerical aperture spherical and aspherical microstructures of both concave and convex shapes. The proposed method utilizes reflection of the spherical illumination beam from the object surface and the interference with a spherical reference beam of the similar curvature. In this case, the NA of DHM is fully utilized for illumination and imaging of the reflected object beam. Thus, the system allows capturing the phase coming from larger areas of the quasi-spherical object and, therefore, offers possibility of high accuracy characterization of its surface even in the areas of high inclination. The proposed measurement procedure allows determining all parameters required for the accurate shape recovery: the location of the object focus point and the positions of the illumination and reference point sources. The utility of the method is demonstrated with characterization of surface of high NA focusing objects. The accuracy is firstly verified by characterization of a known reference sphere with low error of sphericity. Then, the method is applied for shape measurement of spherical and aspheric microlenses. The results provide a full-field reconstruction of high NA topography with resolution in the nanometer range. The surface sphericity is evaluated by the deviation from the best fitted sphere or asphere, and the important parameters of the measured microlens: e.g.: radius of curvature and conic constant.

A Bio-Inspired Polymeric Gradient Refractive Index (GRIN) Human Eye Lens

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-11-19

confirmation of the desired aspheric surface shape. Furthermore, the wavefronts of aspheric posterior GRIN and PMMA lenses were measured and...compared a homogenous PMMA lens of an identical geometry. Finally, the anterior and posterior GRIN lenses were assembled into a bio-inspired GRIN...topography and exhibited confirmation of the desired aspheric surface shape. Furthermore, the wavefronts of aspheric posterior GRIN and PMMA lenses were

Assessment of the accuracy of plasma shape reconstruction by the Cauchy condition surface method in JT-60SA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyata, Y.; Suzuki, T.; Takechi, M.; Urano, H.; Ide, S.

2015-07-01

For the purpose of stable plasma equilibrium control and detailed analysis, it is essential to reconstruct an accurate plasma boundary on the poloidal cross section in tokamak devices. The Cauchy condition surface (CCS) method is a numerical approach for calculating the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux outside a hypothetical surface and reconstructing the plasma boundary from the magnetic measurements located outside the plasma. The accuracy of the plasma shape reconstruction has been assessed by comparing the CCS method and an equilibrium calculation in JT-60SA with a high elongation and triangularity of plasma shape. The CCS, on which both Dirichlet and Neumann conditions are unknown, is defined as a hypothetical surface located inside the real plasma region. The accuracy of the plasma shape reconstruction is sensitive to the CCS free parameters such as the number of unknown parameters and the shape in JT-60SA. It is found that the optimum number of unknown parameters and the size of the CCS that minimizes errors in the reconstructed plasma shape are in proportion to the plasma size. Furthermore, it is shown that the accuracy of the plasma shape reconstruction is greatly improved using the optimum number of unknown parameters and shape of the CCS, and the reachable reconstruction errors in plasma shape and locations of strike points are within the target ranges in JT-60SA.

Moire technique utilization for detection and measurement of scoliosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zawieska, Dorota; Podlasiak, Piotr

1993-02-01

Moire projection method enables non-contact measurement of the shape or deformation of different surfaces and constructions by fringe pattern analysis. The fringe map acquisition of the whole surface of the object under test is one of the main advantages compared with 'point by point' methods. The computer analyzes the shape of the whole surface and next user can selected different points or cross section of the object map. In this paper a few typical examples of an application of the moire technique in solving different medical problems will be presented. We will also present to you the equipment the moire pattern analysis is done in real time using the phase stepping method with CCD camera.

Integrated three-dimensional shape and reflection properties measurement system.

PubMed

Krzesłowski, Jakub; Sitnik, Robert; Maczkowski, Grzegorz

2011-02-01

Creating accurate three-dimensional (3D) digitalized models of cultural heritage objects requires that information about surface geometry be integrated with measurements of other material properties like color and reflectance. Up until now, these measurements have been performed in laboratories using manually integrated (subjective) data analyses. We describe an out-of-laboratory bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) and 3D shape measurement system that implements shape and BRDF measurement in a single setup with BRDF uncertainty evaluation. The setup aligns spatial data with the angular reflectance distribution, yielding a better estimation of the surface's reflective properties by integrating these two modality measurements into one setup using a single detector. This approach provides a better picture of an object's intrinsic material features, which in turn produces a higher-quality digitalized model reconstruction. Furthermore, this system simplifies the data processing by combining structured light projection and photometric stereo. The results of our method of data analysis describe the diffusive and specular attributes corresponding to every measured geometric point and can be used to render intricate 3D models in an arbitrarily illuminated scene.

Dual interferometer for dynamic measurement of corneal topography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Micali, Jason D.; Greivenkamp, John E.

2016-08-01

The cornea is the anterior most surface of the eye and plays a critical role in vision. A thin fluid layer, the tear film, coats the outer surface of the cornea and serves to protect, nourish, and lubricate the cornea. At the same time, the tear film is responsible for creating a smooth continuous surface, where the majority of refraction takes place in the eye. A significant component of vision quality is determined by the shape of the cornea and stability of the tear film. A dual interferometer system for measuring the dynamic corneal topography is designed, built, verified, and qualified by testing on human subjects. The system consists of two coaligned simultaneous phase-shifting polarization-splitting Twyman-Green interferometers. The primary interferometer measures the surface of the tear film while the secondary interferometer tracks the absolute position of the cornea, which provides enough information to reconstruct the absolute shape of the cornea. The results are high-resolution and high-accuracy surface topography measurements of the in vivo tear film and cornea that are captured at standard camera frame rates.

A multi-topographical-instrument analysis: the breast implant texture measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garabédian, Charles; Delille, Rémi; Deltombe, Raphaël; Anselme, Karine; Atlan, Michael; Bigerelle, Maxence

2017-06-01

Capsular contracture is a major complication after implant-based breast augmentation. To address this tissue reaction, most manufacturers texture the outer breast implant surfaces with calibrated salt grains. However, the analysis of these surfaces on sub-micron scales has been under-studied. This scale range is of interest to understand the future of silicone particles potentially released from the implant surface and the aetiology of newly reported complications, such as Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. The surface measurements were accomplished by tomography and by two optical devices based on interferometry and on focus variation. The robustness of the measurements was investigated from the tissue scale to the cellular scale. The macroscopic pore-based structure of the textured implant surfaces is consistently measured by the three instruments. However, the multi-scale analyses start to be discrepant in a scale range between 50 µm and 500 µm characteristic of a finer secondary roughness regardless of the pore shape. The focus variation and the micro-tomography would fail to capture this roughness regime because of a focus-related optical artefact and of step-shaped artefact respectively.

A statistical shape modelling framework to extract 3D shape biomarkers from medical imaging data: assessing arch morphology of repaired coarctation of the aorta.

PubMed

Bruse, Jan L; McLeod, Kristin; Biglino, Giovanni; Ntsinjana, Hopewell N; Capelli, Claudio; Hsia, Tain-Yen; Sermesant, Maxime; Pennec, Xavier; Taylor, Andrew M; Schievano, Silvia

2016-05-31

Medical image analysis in clinical practice is commonly carried out on 2D image data, without fully exploiting the detailed 3D anatomical information that is provided by modern non-invasive medical imaging techniques. In this paper, a statistical shape analysis method is presented, which enables the extraction of 3D anatomical shape features from cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) image data, with no need for manual landmarking. The method was applied to repaired aortic coarctation arches that present complex shapes, with the aim of capturing shape features as biomarkers of potential functional relevance. The method is presented from the user-perspective and is evaluated by comparing results with traditional morphometric measurements. Steps required to set up the statistical shape modelling analyses, from pre-processing of the CMR images to parameter setting and strategies to account for size differences and outliers, are described in detail. The anatomical mean shape of 20 aortic arches post-aortic coarctation repair (CoA) was computed based on surface models reconstructed from CMR data. By analysing transformations that deform the mean shape towards each of the individual patient's anatomy, shape patterns related to differences in body surface area (BSA) and ejection fraction (EF) were extracted. The resulting shape vectors, describing shape features in 3D, were compared with traditionally measured 2D and 3D morphometric parameters. The computed 3D mean shape was close to population mean values of geometric shape descriptors and visually integrated characteristic shape features associated with our population of CoA shapes. After removing size effects due to differences in body surface area (BSA) between patients, distinct 3D shape features of the aortic arch correlated significantly with EF (r = 0.521, p = .022) and were well in agreement with trends as shown by traditional shape descriptors. The suggested method has the potential to discover previously unknown 3D shape biomarkers from medical imaging data. Thus, it could contribute to improving diagnosis and risk stratification in complex cardiac disease.

Response Surface Methods For Spatially-Resolved Optical Measurement Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Danehy, P. M.; Dorrington, A. A.; Cutler, A. D.; DeLoach, R.

2003-01-01

Response surface methods (or methodology), RSM, have been applied to improve data quality for two vastly different spatially-resolved optical measurement techniques. In the first application, modern design of experiments (MDOE) methods, including RSM, are employed to map the temperature field in a direct-connect supersonic combustion test facility at NASA Langley Research Center. The laser-based measurement technique known as coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) is used to measure temperature at various locations in the combustor. RSM is then used to develop temperature maps of the flow. Even though the temperature fluctuations at a single point in the flowfield have a standard deviation on the order of 300 K, RSM provides analytic fits to the data having 95% confidence interval half width uncertainties in the fit as low as +/- 30 K. Methods of optimizing future CARS experiments are explored. The second application of RSM is to quantify the shape of a 5-meter diameter, ultra-lightweight, inflatable space antenna at NASA Langley Research Center. Photogrammetry is used to simultaneously measure the shape of the antenna at approximately 500 discrete spatial locations. RSM allows an analytic model to be developed that describes the shape of the majority of the antenna with an uncertainty of 0.4 mm, with 95% confidence. This model would allow a quantitative comparison between the actual shape of the antenna and the original design shape. Accurately determining this shape also allows confident interpolation between the measured points. Such a model could, for example, be used for ray tracing of radio-frequency waves up to 95 GHz. to predict the performance of the antenna.

Accuracy in breast shape alignment with 3D surface fitting algorithms.

PubMed

Riboldi, Marco; Gierga, David P; Chen, George T Y; Baroni, Guido

2009-04-01

Surface imaging is in use in radiotherapy clinical practice for patient setup optimization and monitoring. Breast alignment is accomplished by searching for a tentative spatial correspondence between the reference and daily surface shape models. In this study, the authors quantify whole breast shape alignment by relying on texture features digitized on 3D surface models. Texture feature localization was validated through repeated measurements in a silicone breast phantom, mounted on a high precision mechanical stage. Clinical investigations on breast shape alignment included 133 fractions in 18 patients treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation. The breast shape was detected with a 3D video based surface imaging system so that breathing was compensated. An in-house algorithm for breast alignment, based on surface fitting constrained by nipple matching (constrained surface fitting), was applied. Results were compared with a commercial software where no constraints are utilized (unconstrained surface fitting). Texture feature localization was validated within 2 mm in each anatomical direction. Clinical data show that unconstrained surface fitting achieves adequate accuracy in most cases, though nipple mismatch is considerably higher than residual surface distances (3.9 mm vs 0.6 mm on average). Outliers beyond 1 cm can be experienced as the result of a degenerate surface fit, where unconstrained surface fitting is not sufficient to establish spatial correspondence. In the constrained surface fitting algorithm, average surface mismatch within 1 mm was obtained when nipple position was forced to match in the [1.5; 5] mm range. In conclusion, optimal results can be obtained by trading off the desired overall surface congruence vs matching of selected landmarks (constraint). Constrained surface fitting is put forward to represent an improvement in setup accuracy for those applications where whole breast positional reproducibility is an issue.

First-and Second-Order Displacement Transfer Functions for Structural Shape Calculations Using Analytically Predicted Surface Strains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ko, William L.; Fleischer, Van Tran

2012-01-01

New first- and second-order displacement transfer functions have been developed for deformed shape calculations of nonuniform cross-sectional beam structures such as aircraft wings. The displacement transfer functions are expressed explicitly in terms of beam geometrical parameters and surface strains (uniaxial bending strains) obtained at equally spaced strain stations along the surface of the beam structure. By inputting the measured or analytically calculated surface strains into the displacement transfer functions, one could calculate local slopes, deflections, and cross-sectional twist angles of the nonuniform beam structure for mapping the overall structural deformed shapes for visual display. The accuracy of deformed shape calculations by the first- and second-order displacement transfer functions are determined by comparing these values to the analytically predicted values obtained from finite element analyses. This comparison shows that the new displacement transfer functions could quite accurately calculate the deformed shapes of tapered cantilever tubular beams with different tapered angles. The accuracy of the present displacement transfer functions also are compared to those of the previously developed displacement transfer functions.

Using a Divided Bar Apparatus to Measure Thermal Conductivity of Samples of Odd Sizes and Shapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crowell, J. "; Gosnold, W. D.

2012-12-01

Standard procedure for measuring thermal conductivity using a divided bar apparatus requires a sample that has the same surface dimensions as the heat sink/source surface in the divided bar. Heat flow is assumed to be constant throughout the column and thermal conductivity (K) is determined by measuring temperatures (T) across the sample and across standard layers and using the basic relationship Ksample=(Kstandard*(ΔT1+ΔT2)/2)/(ΔTsample). Sometimes samples are not large enough or of correct proportions to match the surface of the heat sink/source, however using the equations presented here the thermal conductivity of these samples can still be measured with a divided bar. Measurements were done on the UND Geothermal Laboratories stationary divided bar apparatus (SDB). This SDB has been designed to mimic many in-situ conditions, with a temperature range of -20C to 150C and a pressure range of 0 to 10,000 psi for samples with parallel surfaces and 0 to 3000 psi for samples with non-parallel surfaces. The heat sink/source surfaces are copper disks and have a surface area of 1,772 mm2 (2.74 in2). Layers of polycarbonate 6 mm thick with the same surface area as the copper disks are located in the heat sink and in the heat source as standards. For this study, all samples were prepared from a single piece of 4 inch limestone core. Thermal conductivities were measured for each sample as it was cut successively smaller. The above equation was adjusted to include the thicknesses (Th) of the samples and the standards and the surface areas (A) of the heat sink/source and of the sample Ksample=(Kstandard*Astandard*Thsample*(ΔT1+ΔT3))/(ΔTsample*Asample*2*Thstandard). Measuring the thermal conductivity of samples of multiple sizes, shapes, and thicknesses gave consistent values for samples with surfaces as small as 50% of the heat sink/source surface, regardless of the shape of the sample. Measuring samples with surfaces smaller than 50% of the heat sink/source surface resulted in thermal conductivity values which were too high. The cause of the error with the smaller samples is being examined as is the relationship between the amount of error in the thermal conductivity and the difference in surface areas. As more measurements are made an equation to mathematically correct for the error is being developed on in case a way to physically correct the problem cannot be determined.

Surface Roughness Relief

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marras, L.; Fontana, R.; Gambino, M. C.; Greco, M.; Materazzi, M.; Pampaloni, E.; Pezzati, L.; Poggi, P.

The knowledge of the shape of an artwork is an important element for its study and conservation. When dealing with a stone statue, roughness measurement is a very useful contribution to document its surface conditions, to assess either changes due to restoration intervention or surface decays due to weathering agents, and to monitor its time-evolution in terms of shape variations. In this work we present the preliminary results of the statistical analysis carried out on acquired data relative to six areas of the Michelangelo's David marble statue, representative of differently degraded surfaces. Determination of the roughness and its relative characteristic wavelength is shown.

The Shape of Io from Galileo Limb Measurements

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thomas, P.C.; Davies, M.E.; Colvin, T.R.; Oberst, J.; Schuster, P.; Neukum, G.; Carr, M.H.; McEwen, A.; Schubert, G.; Belton, M.J.S.

1998-01-01

Galileo CCD images of the limb of Io provide improved data for determining the shape of this synchronously rotating satellite. The best ellipsoidal fit is within 0.3 km of the best equilibrium fit of 1829.7, 1819.2, 1815.8 km. The shape is consistent with substantial mass concentration in a core and with gravity measurements from tracking of the Galileo spacecraft. The surface of Io is largely plains and isolated peaks, with little long-wavelength topography over 1 km in amplitude. ?? 1998 Academic Press.

Axisymmetric drop shape analysis for estimating the surface tension of cell aggregates by centrifugation.

PubMed

Kalantarian, Ali; Ninomiya, Hiromasa; Saad, Sameh M I; David, Robert; Winklbauer, Rudolf; Neumann, A Wilhelm

2009-02-18

Biological tissues behave in certain respects like liquids. Consequently, the surface tension concept can be used to explain aspects of the in vitro and in vivo behavior of multicellular aggregates. Unfortunately, conventional methods of surface tension measurement cannot be readily applied to small cell aggregates. This difficulty can be overcome by an experimentally straightforward method consisting of centrifugation followed by axisymmetric drop shape analysis (ADSA). Since the aggregates typically show roughness, standard ADSA cannot be applied and we introduce a novel numerical method called ADSA-IP (ADSA for imperfect profile) for this purpose. To examine the new methodology, embryonic tissues from the gastrula of the frog, Xenopus laevis, deformed in the centrifuge are used. It is confirmed that surface tension measurements are independent of centrifugal force and aggregate size. Surface tension is measured for ectodermal cells in four sample batches, and varies between 1.1 and 7.7 mJ/m2. Surface tension is also measured for aggregates of cells expressing cytoplasmically truncated EP/C-cadherin, and is approximately half as large. In parallel, such aggregates show a reduction in convergent extension-driven elongation after activin treatment, reflecting diminished intercellular cohesion.

Comparison of modal analysis results of laser vibrometry and nearfield acoustical holography measurements of an aluminum plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potter, Jennifer L.

2011-12-01

Noise and vibration has long been sought to be reduced in major industries: automotive, aerospace and marine to name a few. Products must be tested and pass certain levels of federally regulated standards before entering the market. Vibration measurements are commonly acquired using accelerometers; however limitations of this method create a need for alternative solutions. Two methods for non-contact vibration measurements are compared: Laser Vibrometry, which directly measures the surface velocity of the aluminum plate, and Nearfield Acoustic Holography (NAH), which measures sound pressure in the nearfield, and using Green's Functions, reconstructs the surface velocity at the plate. The surface velocity from each method is then used in modal analysis to determine the comparability of frequency, damping and mode shapes. Frequency and mode shapes are also compared to an FEA model. Laser Vibrometry is a proven, direct method for determining surface velocity and subsequently calculating modal analysis results. NAH is an effective method in locating noise sources, especially those that are not well separated spatially. Little work has been done in incorporating NAH into modal analysis.

Topography reconstruction of specular surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kammel, Soren; Horbach, Jan

2005-01-01

Specular surfaces are used in a wide variety of industrial and consumer products like varnished or chrome plated parts of car bodies, dies, molds or optical components. Shape deviations of these products usually reduce their quality regarding visual appearance and/or technical performance. One reliable method to inspect such surfaces is deflectometry. It can be employed to obtain highly accurate values representing the local curvature of the surfaces. In a deflectometric measuring system, a series of illumination patterns is reflected at the specular surface and is observed by a camera. The distortions of the patterns in the acquired images contain information about the shape of the surface. This information is suited for the detection and measurement of surface defects like bumps, dents and waviness with depths in the range of a few microns. However, without additional information about the distances between the camera and each observed surface point, a shape reconstruction is only possible in some special cases. Therefore, the reconstruction approach described in this paper uses data observed from at least two different camera positions. The data obtained is used separately to estimate the local surface curvature for each camera position. From the curvature values, the epipolar geometry for the different camera positions is recovered. Matching the curvature values along the epipolar lines yields an estimate of the 3d position of the corresponding surface points. With this additional information, the deflectometric gradient data can be integrated to represent the surface topography.

Three-Dimensional Shape Measurements of Specular Objects Using Phase-Measuring Deflectometry

PubMed Central

Wang, Yuemin; Huang, Shujun; Liu, Yue; Chang, Caixia; Gao, Feng; Jiang, Xiangqian

2017-01-01

The fast development in the fields of integrated circuits, photovoltaics, the automobile industry, advanced manufacturing, and astronomy have led to the importance and necessity of quickly and accurately obtaining three-dimensional (3D) shape data of specular surfaces for quality control and function evaluation. Owing to the advantages of a large dynamic range, non-contact operation, full-field and fast acquisition, high accuracy, and automatic data processing, phase-measuring deflectometry (PMD, also called fringe reflection profilometry) has been widely studied and applied in many fields. Phase information coded in the reflected fringe patterns relates to the local slope and height of the measured specular objects. The 3D shape is obtained by integrating the local gradient data or directly calculating the depth data from the phase information. We present a review of the relevant techniques regarding classical PMD. The improved PMD technique is then used to measure specular objects having discontinuous and/or isolated surfaces. Some influential factors on the measured results are presented. The challenges and future research directions are discussed to further advance PMD techniques. Finally, the application fields of PMD are briefly introduced. PMID:29215600

Three-Dimensional Shape Measurements of Specular Objects Using Phase-Measuring Deflectometry.

PubMed

Zhang, Zonghua; Wang, Yuemin; Huang, Shujun; Liu, Yue; Chang, Caixia; Gao, Feng; Jiang, Xiangqian

2017-12-07

The fast development in the fields of integrated circuits, photovoltaics, the automobile industry, advanced manufacturing, and astronomy have led to the importance and necessity of quickly and accurately obtaining three-dimensional (3D) shape data of specular surfaces for quality control and function evaluation. Owing to the advantages of a large dynamic range, non-contact operation, full-field and fast acquisition, high accuracy, and automatic data processing, phase-measuring deflectometry (PMD, also called fringe reflection profilometry) has been widely studied and applied in many fields. Phase information coded in the reflected fringe patterns relates to the local slope and height of the measured specular objects. The 3D shape is obtained by integrating the local gradient data or directly calculating the depth data from the phase information. We present a review of the relevant techniques regarding classical PMD. The improved PMD technique is then used to measure specular objects having discontinuous and/or isolated surfaces. Some influential factors on the measured results are presented. The challenges and future research directions are discussed to further advance PMD techniques. Finally, the application fields of PMD are briefly introduced.

Optimal Mass Transport for Shape Matching and Comparison

PubMed Central

Su, Zhengyu; Wang, Yalin; Shi, Rui; Zeng, Wei; Sun, Jian; Luo, Feng; Gu, Xianfeng

2015-01-01

Surface based 3D shape analysis plays a fundamental role in computer vision and medical imaging. This work proposes to use optimal mass transport map for shape matching and comparison, focusing on two important applications including surface registration and shape space. The computation of the optimal mass transport map is based on Monge-Brenier theory, in comparison to the conventional method based on Monge-Kantorovich theory, this method significantly improves the efficiency by reducing computational complexity from O(n2) to O(n). For surface registration problem, one commonly used approach is to use conformal map to convert the shapes into some canonical space. Although conformal mappings have small angle distortions, they may introduce large area distortions which are likely to cause numerical instability thus resulting failures of shape analysis. This work proposes to compose the conformal map with the optimal mass transport map to get the unique area-preserving map, which is intrinsic to the Riemannian metric, unique, and diffeomorphic. For shape space study, this work introduces a novel Riemannian framework, Conformal Wasserstein Shape Space, by combing conformal geometry and optimal mass transport theory. In our work, all metric surfaces with the disk topology are mapped to the unit planar disk by a conformal mapping, which pushes the area element on the surface to a probability measure on the disk. The optimal mass transport provides a map from the shape space of all topological disks with metrics to the Wasserstein space of the disk and the pullback Wasserstein metric equips the shape space with a Riemannian metric. We validate our work by numerous experiments and comparisons with prior approaches and the experimental results demonstrate the efficiency and efficacy of our proposed approach. PMID:26440265

Surface Profile and Stress Field Evaluation using Digital Gradient Sensing Method

DOE PAGES

Miao, C.; Sundaram, B. M.; Huang, L.; ...

2016-08-09

Shape and surface topography evaluation from measured orthogonal slope/gradient data is of considerable engineering significance since many full-field optical sensors and interferometers readily output accurate data of that kind. This has applications ranging from metrology of optical and electronic elements (lenses, silicon wafers, thin film coatings), surface profile estimation, wave front and shape reconstruction, to name a few. In this context, a new methodology for surface profile and stress field determination based on a recently introduced non-contact, full-field optical method called digital gradient sensing (DGS) capable of measuring small angular deflections of light rays coupled with a robust finite-difference-based least-squaresmore » integration (HFLI) scheme in the Southwell configuration is advanced here. The method is demonstrated by evaluating (a) surface profiles of mechanically warped silicon wafers and (b) stress gradients near growing cracks in planar phase objects.« less

Advanced flow-polishing and surface metrology of the SO56 X Ray Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The surface finishing of X ray grazing incidence optics is a most demanding area of optical processing, both in terms of metrology and application of optical finishing techniques. An existing optical mirror was processed using a new removal technique that uses a jet of finely dispersed and extremely small particles that impact a surface, which under the correct conditions, produces an ultrasmooth surface, especially on aspheric curvatures. The surfaces of the SO56 mirror are tapered conical shapes that have a continuously changing radius with the primary mirror having a parabolic shape and the secondary mirror a hyperbolic shape. An optical ray trace that was conducted of a telescope used the measured parameters from the existing substrates to set up the prescription for the optical layout. The optimization indicated a wavefront performance of 0.10 A at 0.633 micron.

Manufacturing and certification of a diffraction corrector for controlling the surface shape of the six-meter main mirror of the Big Azimuthal Telescope of the Russian Academy of Sciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasyrov, R. K.; Poleshchuk, A. G.

2017-09-01

This paper describes the development and manufacture of diffraction corrector and imitator for the interferometric control of the surface shape of the 6-m main mirror of the Big Azimuthal Telescope of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The effect of errors in manufacture and adjustment on the quality of the measurement wavefront is studied. The corrector is controlled with the use of an off-axis diffraction imitator operating in a reflection mode. The measured error is smaller than 0.0138λ (RMS).

[Stimuli sensitive changes in electrical surface properties of soft membranes: from a synthesized polymer to a biological system].

PubMed

Makino, K

1997-01-01

The electrical surface properties of biological cells have been studied, which provided us with the fundamental knowledge about the cell surface. The change in shape or biological functions of cells may affect the surface properties and can be detected by electrokinetic measurements. Biological cell surfaces are covered with polysaccharide chains, some are charged and some are not. Some polysaccharides produce a hydrogel matrixes under a proper condition. We thus consider it reasonable that cell surface is approximated by a hydrogel surface. Electrophoretic mobility measurements are useful for studying the surface properties of biological cells suspended as colloidal particles in an electrolyte solution. The electro-osmotic velocity measurements on the other hand are advantageous to the study of the surface properties of slab-shaped biological systems such as membranes. This work was started with a hydrogel, as a model material. As a hydrogel, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) poly(NIPAAm), abbreviated as hereafter, was chosen, because this hydrogel changes its volume depending on temperature. The dependence of the electrophoretic mobility of latex particles covered with poly(NIPAAm) hydrogel layer or of the electro-osmotic mobility on poly(NIPAAm) plate upon temperature and ionic strength of the dispersing medium was well explained with an electrophoretic mobility formula for "soft particles" developed by Ohshima. The electrokinetic measurements and the explanation of data with an electrophoretic mobility formula for "soft particles" give us information about the surface charge density and the "softness" of soft surfaces. On the basis of the findings with hydrogels, we have discussed the relationship between the changes in shape or function of the biological cells and the change in physicochemical surface properties using these measurements. To study the change in physicochemical properties of the cell surface caused by apoptosis, we have measured the electrophoretic mobilities of intact and apoptotic human promyelocytic leukemia cell lines, HL-60RG cells. We have also studied the differences observed in surface properties of malignant lymphosarcoma cell line, RAW117-P, and its variant, RAW117-H10, with a high metastatic property to the liver. In both cases, the cell surfaces became softer by the changes of biological functions. We have applied electrophoresis and electro-osmosis measurements to the study of the electrokinetic surface properties of rat basophilic leukemia cells, RBL cells. It was also found that the surface of Human umbilical vein endothelial cells, HUVEC, is considerably soft as compared with those of other biological cells we have studied before.

Paramphistomum cervi: surface topography of the tegument of adult fluke.

PubMed

Panyarachun, Busaba; Sobhon, Prasert; Tinikul, Yotsawan; Chotwiwatthanakun, Charoonroj; Anupunpisit, Vipavee; Anuracpreeda, Panat

2010-06-01

Adult Paramphistomum cervi or rumen fluke are pear-shaped, slightly concave ventrally and convex dorsally. The worm measures about 5-13 mm in length and 2-5 mm in width across the mid-section. As observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the tegumental surface in all part of the body, appears highly corrugated with transverse folds alternating with grooves and is spineless. At high magnification, the surface of the fold is composed of microfolds or ridges separated by microgrooves or pits. Corrugations and invaginations of the ventral surface are also more extensive than on the dorsal surface of the body. Both anterior and posterior suckers have thick rims covered with transverse folds without spine. The genital pore is situated at the anterior third of the body. There are two types of sensory papillae on the surface: type 1 is bulbous in shape, measuring 10-15 microm in diameter at the base with nipple-like tips, and type 2 has a similar shape and size and also a short cilia on top. These sensory papillae usually occur in large clusters, each having between 5 and 20 units depending on the region of the body. Clusters of papillae on the ventral surface and around the anterior suckers tend to be more numerous and larger in size. The dorsal surface of the body has the least number of papillae. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of nanoparticle shape on the morphology and properties of porous CdSe assemblies (aerogels).

PubMed

Yu, Hongtao; Brock, Stephanie L

2008-08-01

We demonstrate the effect of differently shaped CdSe nanoscale building blocks (dots, rods, branched nanoparticles, and hyperbranched nanoparticles) on the morphologies, surface characteristics, and optical properties of resultant porous CdSe nanostructured aerogels. Monolithic CdSe aerogels were produced by controlled oxidative removal of surface thiolate ligands from differently shaped CdSe nanoparticles to yield a wet gel, followed by CO(2) supercritical drying. The X-ray diffraction data show that the resultant CdSe aerogels maintain the crystalline phase of the building blocks without significant grain growth. However, the transmission electron microscopy images indicate that the morphology of CdSe aerogels changes from a colloid-type morphology to a polymer-type morphology when the building block changes from dot to rod or the branched nanoparticle. The morphology of the CdSe aerogel assembled from hyperbranched nanoparticles appears to be intermediate between the colloid-type and the polymer-type. Nitrogen physisorption measurements suggest that the surface areas and porosity are a direct function of the shape of the primary building blocks, with aerogels formed from rods or branched particles exhibiting the greatest surface areas (>200 m(2)/g) and those prepared from hyperbranched nanoparticles exhibiting the least (<100 m(2)/g). Band gap measurements and photoluminescence studies show that the as-prepared CdSe aerogels retain to a large extent the intrinsic quantum confinement of the differently shaped building blocks, despite being connected into a 3D network.

Assessment of the accuracy of plasma shape reconstruction by the Cauchy condition surface method in JT-60SA

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

Miyata, Y.; Suzuki, T.; Takechi, M.

2015-07-15

For the purpose of stable plasma equilibrium control and detailed analysis, it is essential to reconstruct an accurate plasma boundary on the poloidal cross section in tokamak devices. The Cauchy condition surface (CCS) method is a numerical approach for calculating the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux outside a hypothetical surface and reconstructing the plasma boundary from the magnetic measurements located outside the plasma. The accuracy of the plasma shape reconstruction has been assessed by comparing the CCS method and an equilibrium calculation in JT-60SA with a high elongation and triangularity of plasma shape. The CCS, on which both Dirichletmore » and Neumann conditions are unknown, is defined as a hypothetical surface located inside the real plasma region. The accuracy of the plasma shape reconstruction is sensitive to the CCS free parameters such as the number of unknown parameters and the shape in JT-60SA. It is found that the optimum number of unknown parameters and the size of the CCS that minimizes errors in the reconstructed plasma shape are in proportion to the plasma size. Furthermore, it is shown that the accuracy of the plasma shape reconstruction is greatly improved using the optimum number of unknown parameters and shape of the CCS, and the reachable reconstruction errors in plasma shape and locations of strike points are within the target ranges in JT-60SA.« less

Measuring Light Reflectance of BGO Crystal Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janecek, Martin; Moses, William W.

2008-10-01

A scintillating crystal's surface reflectance has to be well understood in order to accurately predict and optimize the crystal's light collection through Monte Carlo simulations. In this paper, we measure the inner surface reflectance properties for BGO. The measurements include BGO crystals with a mechanically polished surface, rough-cut surface, and chemically etched surface, and with various reflectors attached, both air-coupled and with coupling compound. The measurements are performed with a laser aimed at the center of a hemispherical shaped BGO crystal. The hemispherical shape eliminates any non-perpendicular angles for light entering and exiting the crystal. The reflected light is collected with an array of photodiodes. The laser can be set at an arbitrary angle, and the photodiode array is rotated to fully cover 2pi of solid angle. The current produced in the photodiodes is readout with a digital multimeter connected through a multiplexer. The two rows of photodiodes achieve 5-degree by 4-degree resolution, and the current measurement has a dynamic range of 105:1. The acquired data was not described by the commonly assumed linear combination of specular and diffuse (Lambertian) distributions, except for a very few surfaces. Surface roughness proved to be the most important parameter when choosing crystal setup. The reflector choice was of less importance and of almost no consequence for rough-cut surfaces. Pure specular reflection distribution for all incidence angles was measured for polished surfaces with VM2000 film, while the most Lambertian distribution for any surface finish was measured for titanium dioxide paint. The distributions acquired in this paper will be used to create more accurate Monte Carlo models for light reflection distribution within BGO crystals.

Corrected body surface potential mapping.

PubMed

Krenzke, Gerhard; Kindt, Carsten; Hetzer, Roland

2007-02-01

In the method for body surface potential mapping described here, the influence of thorax shape on measured ECG values is corrected. The distances of the ECG electrodes from the electrical heart midpoint are determined using a special device for ECG recording. These distances are used to correct the ECG values as if they had been measured on the surface of a sphere with a radius of 10 cm with its midpoint localized at the electrical heart midpoint. The equipotential lines of the electrical heart field are represented on the virtual surface of such a sphere. It is demonstrated that the character of a dipole field is better represented if the influence of the thorax shape is reduced. The site of the virtual reference electrode is also important for the dipole character of the representation of the electrical heart field.

Image simulation and surface reconstruction of undercut features in atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Xiaoping; Villarrubia, John; Tian, Fenglei; Dixson, Ronald

2007-03-01

CD-AFMs (critical dimension atomic force microscopes) are instruments with servo-control of the tip in more than one direction. With appropriately "boot-shaped" or flared tips, such instruments can image vertical or even undercut features. As with any AFM, the image is a dilation of the sample shape with the tip shape. Accurate extraction of the CD requires a correction for the tip effect. Analytical methods to correct images for the tip shape have been available for some time for the traditional (vertical feedback only) AFMs, but were until recently unavailable for instruments with multi-dimensional feedback. Dahlen et al. [J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B23, pp. 2297-2303, (2005)] recently introduced a swept-volume approach, implemented for 2-dimensional (2D) feedback. It permits image simulation and sample reconstruction, techniques previously developed for the traditional instruments, to be extended for the newer tools. We have introduced [X. Qian and J. S. Villarrubia, Ultramicroscopy, in press] an alternative dexel-based method, that does the same in either 2D or 3D. This paper describes the application of this method to sample shapes of interest in semiconductor manufacturing. When the tip shape is known (e.g., by prior measurement using a tip characterizer) a 3D sample surface may be reconstructed from its 3D image. Basing the CD measurement upon such a reconstruction is shown here to remove some measurement artifacts that are not removed (or are incompletely removed) by the existing measurement procedures.

Influence of oxygen partial pressure on surface tension and its temperature coefficient of molten iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozawa, S.; Suzuki, S.; Hibiya, T.; Fukuyama, H.

2011-01-01

Influences of oxygen partial pressure, PO2, of ambient atmosphere and temperature on surface tension and its temperature coefficient for molten iron were experimentally investigated by an oscillating droplet method using an electromagnetic levitation furnace. We successfully measured the surface tension of molten iron over a very wide temperature range of 780 K including undercooling condition in a well controlled PO2 atmosphere. When PO2 is fixed at 10-2 Pa at the inlet of the chamber, a "boomerang shape" temperature dependence of surface tension was experimentally observed; surface tension increased and then decreased with increasing temperature. The pure surface tension of molten iron was deduced from the negative temperature coefficient in the boomerang shape temperature dependence. When the surface tension was measured under the H2-containing gas atmosphere, surface tension did not show a linear relationship against temperature. The temperature dependence of the surface tension shows anomalous kink at around 1850 K due to competition between the temperature dependence of PO2 and that of the equilibrium constant of oxygen adsorption.

High-precision double-frequency interferometric measurement of the cornea shape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molebny, Vasyl V.; Pallikaris, Ioannis G.; Naoumidis, Leonidas P.; Smirnov, Eugene M.; Ilchenko, Leonid M.; Goncharov, Vadym O.

1996-11-01

To measure the shape of the cornea and its declinations from the necessary values before and after PRK operation, s well as the shape of other spherical objects like artificial pupil, a technique was used of double-frequency dual-beam interferometry. The technique is based on determination of the optical path difference between two neighboring laser beams, reflected from the cornea or other surface under investigation. Knowing the distance between the beams on the investigated shape. The shape itself is reconstructed by along-line integration. To adjust the wavefront orientation of the laser beam to the spherical shape of the cornea or artificial pupil in the course of scanning, additional lens is involved. Signal-to-noise ratio is ameliorated excluding losses in the acousto-optic deflectors. Polarization selection is realized for choosing the signal needed for measurement. 2D image presentation is accompanied by convenient PC accessories, permitting precise cross-section measurements along selected directions. Sensitivity of the order of 10-2 micrometers is achieved.

Velopharyngeal mucosal surface topography in healthy subjects and subjects with obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

Lambeth, Christopher; Amatoury, Jason; Wang, Ziyu; Foster, Sheryl; Amis, Terence; Kairaitis, Kristina

2017-03-01

Macroscopic pharyngeal anatomical abnormalities are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of upper airway (UA) obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Microscopic changes in the UA mucosal lining of OSA subjects are reported; however, the impact of these changes on UA mucosal surface topography is unknown. This study aimed to 1 ) develop methodology to measure UA mucosal surface topography, and 2 ) compare findings from healthy and OSA subjects. Ten healthy and eleven OSA subjects were studied. Awake, gated (end expiration), head and neck position controlled magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the velopharynx (VP) were obtained. VP mucosal surfaces were segmented from axial images, and three-dimensional VP mucosal surface models were constructed. Curvature analysis of the models was used to study the VP mucosal surface topography. Principal, mean, and Gaussian curvatures were used to define surface shape composition and surface roughness of the VP mucosal surface models. Significant differences were found in the surface shape composition, with more saddle/spherical and less flat/cylindrical shapes in OSA than healthy VP mucosal surface models ( P < 0.01). OSA VP mucosal surface models were also found to have more mucosal surface roughness ( P < 0.0001) than healthy VP mucosal surface models. Our novel methodology was utilized to model the VP mucosal surface of OSA and healthy subjects. OSA subjects were found to have different VP mucosal surface topography, composed of increased irregular shapes and increased roughness. We speculate increased irregularity in VP mucosal surface may increase pharyngeal collapsibility as a consequence of friction-related pressure loss. NEW & NOTEWORTHY A new methodology was used to model the upper airway mucosal surface topography from magnetic resonance images of patients with obstructive sleep apnea and healthy adults. Curvature analysis was used to analyze the topography of the models, and a new metric was derived to describe the mucosal surface roughness. Increased roughness was found in the obstructive sleep apnea vs. healthy group, but further research is required to determine the functional effects of the measured difference on upper airway airflow mechanics. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Relative humidity sensor based on surface plasmon resonance of D-shaped fiber with polyvinyl alcohol embedding Au grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Haitao; Han, Daofu; Li, Ming; Lin, Bo

2017-01-01

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of a D-shaped fiber coated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) embedding an Au grating-based relative humidity (RH) sensor. The Au grating is fabricated on a D-shaped fiber to match the wave-vector and excite the surface plasmon, and the PVA is embedded in the Au grating as a sensitive cladding film. The refractive index of PVA changes with the ambient humidity. Measurements in a controlled environment show that the RH sensor can achieve a sensitivity of 5.4 nm per relative humidity unit in the RH range from 0% to 70% RH. Moreover, the surface plasmon resonance can be realized and used for RH sensing at the C band of optical fiber communication instead of the visible light band due to the metallic grating microstructure on the D-shaped fiber.

Distributed Sensing and Shape Control of Piezoelectric Bimorph Mirrors

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

Redmond, James M.; Barney, Patrick S.; Henson, Tammy D.

1999-07-28

As part of a collaborative effort between Sandia National Laboratories and the University of Kentucky to develop a deployable mirror for remote sensing applications, research in shape sensing and control algorithms that leverage the distributed nature of electron gun excitation for piezoelectric bimorph mirrors is summarized. A coarse shape sensing technique is developed that uses reflected light rays from the sample surface to provide discrete slope measurements. Estimates of surface profiles are obtained with a cubic spline curve fitting algorithm. Experiments on a PZT bimorph illustrate appropriate deformation trends as a function of excitation voltage. A parallel effort to effectmore » desired shape changes through electron gun excitation is also summarized. A one dimensional model-based algorithm is developed to correct profile errors in bimorph beams. A more useful two dimensional algorithm is also developed that relies on measured voltage-curvature sensitivities to provide corrective excitation profiles for the top and bottom surfaces of bimorph plates. The two algorithms are illustrated using finite element models of PZT bimorph structures subjected to arbitrary disturbances. Corrective excitation profiles that yield desired parabolic forms are computed, and are shown to provide the necessary corrective action.« less

Differentiating gold nanorod samples using particle size and shape distributions from transmission electron microscope images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grulke, Eric A.; Wu, Xiaochun; Ji, Yinglu; Buhr, Egbert; Yamamoto, Kazuhiro; Song, Nam Woong; Stefaniak, Aleksandr B.; Schwegler-Berry, Diane; Burchett, Woodrow W.; Lambert, Joshua; Stromberg, Arnold J.

2018-04-01

Size and shape distributions of gold nanorod samples are critical to their physico-chemical properties, especially their longitudinal surface plasmon resonance. This interlaboratory comparison study developed methods for measuring and evaluating size and shape distributions for gold nanorod samples using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. The objective was to determine whether two different samples, which had different performance attributes in their application, were different with respect to their size and/or shape descriptor distributions. Touching particles in the captured images were identified using a ruggedness shape descriptor. Nanorods could be distinguished from nanocubes using an elongational shape descriptor. A non-parametric statistical test showed that cumulative distributions of an elongational shape descriptor, that is, the aspect ratio, were statistically different between the two samples for all laboratories. While the scale parameters of size and shape distributions were similar for both samples, the width parameters of size and shape distributions were statistically different. This protocol fulfills an important need for a standardized approach to measure gold nanorod size and shape distributions for applications in which quantitative measurements and comparisons are important. Furthermore, the validated protocol workflow can be automated, thus providing consistent and rapid measurements of nanorod size and shape distributions for researchers, regulatory agencies, and industry.

Subject-specific longitudinal shape analysis by coupling spatiotemporal shape modeling with medial analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Sungmin; Fishbaugh, James; Rezanejad, Morteza; Siddiqi, Kaleem; Johnson, Hans; Paulsen, Jane; Kim, Eun Young; Gerig, Guido

2017-02-01

Modeling subject-specific shape change is one of the most important challenges in longitudinal shape analysis of disease progression. Whereas anatomical change over time can be a function of normal aging, anatomy can also be impacted by disease related degeneration. Anatomical shape change may also be affected by structural changes from neighboring shapes, which may cause non-linear variations in pose. In this paper, we propose a framework to analyze disease related shape changes by coupling extrinsic modeling of the ambient anatomical space via spatiotemporal deformations with intrinsic shape properties from medial surface analysis. We compare intrinsic shape properties of a subject-specific shape trajectory to a normative 4D shape atlas representing normal aging to isolate shape changes related to disease. The spatiotemporal shape modeling establishes inter/intra subject anatomical correspondence, which in turn enables comparisons between subjects and the 4D shape atlas, and also quantitative analysis of disease related shape change. The medial surface analysis captures intrinsic shape properties related to local patterns of deformation. The proposed framework jointly models extrinsic longitudinal shape changes in the ambient anatomical space, as well as intrinsic shape properties to give localized measurements of degeneration. Six high risk subjects and six controls are randomly sampled from a Huntington's disease image database for qualitative and quantitative comparison.

Flap noise measurements for STOL configurations using external upper surface blowing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dorsch, R. G.; Reshotko, M.; Olsen, W. A.

1972-01-01

Screening tests of upper surface blowing on externally blown flaps configurations were conducted. Noise and turning effectiveness data were obtained with small-scale, engine-over-the-wing models. One large model was tested to determine scale effects. Nozzle types included circular, slot, D-shaped, and multilobed. Tests were made with and without flow attachment devices. For STOL applications the particular multilobed mixer and the D-shaped nozzles tested were found to offer little or no noise advantage over the round convergent nozzle. High aspect ratio slot nozzles provided the quietest configurations. In general, upper surface blowing was quieter than lower surface blowing for equivalent EBF models.

High-precision surface analysis of the roughness of Michelangelo's David

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fontana, Raffaella; Gambino, Maria Chiara; Greco, Marinella; Marras, Luciano; Materazzi, Marzia; Pampaloni, Enrico; Pezzati, Luca

2003-10-01

The knowledge of the shape of an artwork is an important element for its study and conservation. When dealing with a statue, roughness measurement is a very useful contribution to document its surface conditions, to assess either changes due to restoration intervention or surface decays due to wearing agents, and to monitor its time-evolution in terms of shape variations. In this work we present the preliminary results of the statistical analysis carried out on acquired data relative to six areas of the Michelangelo"s David marble statue, representative of differently degraded surfaces. Determination of the roughness and its relative characteristic wavelength is shown.

Scaled multisensor inspection of extended surfaces for industrial quality control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kayser, Daniel; Bothe, Thorsten; Osten, Wolfgang

2002-06-01

Reliable real-time surface inspection of extended surfaces with high resolution is needed in several industrial applications. With respect to an efficient application to extended technical components such as aircraft or automotive parts, the inspection system has to perform a robust measurement with a ratio of less then 10-6 between depth resolution and lateral extension. This ratio is at least one order beyond the solutions that are offered by existing technologies. The concept of scaled topometry consists of arranging different optical measurement techniques with overlapping ranges of resolution systematically in order to receive characteristic surface information with the required accuracy. In such a surface inspection system, an active algorithm combines measurements on several scales of resolution and distinguishes between local fault indicating structures with different extensions and global geometric properties. The first part of this active algorithm finds indications of critical surface areas in the data of every measurement and separates them into different categories. The second part analyses the detected structures in the data with respect to their resolution and decides whether a further local measurement with a higher resolution has to be performed. The third part positions the sensors and starts the refined measurements. The fourth part finally integrates the measured local data set into the overall data mesh. We have constructed a laboratory setup capable of measuring surfaces with extensions up to 1500mm x 1000mm x 500mm (in x-, y- and z-direction respectively). Using this measurement system we will be able to separate the fault indicating structures on the surface from the global shape and to classify the detected structures according to their extensions and characteristic shapes simultaneously. The level of fault detection probability will be applicable by input parameter control.

Effect of crystal habits on the surface energy and cohesion of crystalline powders.

PubMed

Shah, Umang V; Olusanmi, Dolapo; Narang, Ajit S; Hussain, Munir A; Gamble, John F; Tobyn, Michael J; Heng, Jerry Y Y

2014-09-10

The role of surface properties, influenced by particle processing, in particle-particle interactions (powder cohesion) is investigated in this study. Wetting behaviour of mefenamic acid was found to be anisotropic by sessile drop contact angle measurements on macroscopic (>1cm) single crystals, with variations in contact angle of water from 56.3° to 92.0°. This is attributed to variations in surface chemical functionality at specific facets, and confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Using a finite dilution inverse gas chromatography (FD-IGC) approach, the surface energy heterogeneity of powders was determined. The surface energy profile of different mefenamic acid crystal habits was directly related to the relative exposure of different crystal facets. Cohesion, determined by a uniaxial compression test, was also found to relate to surface energy of the powders. By employing a surface modification (silanisation) approach, the contribution from crystal shape from surface area and surface energy was decoupled. By "normalising" contribution from surface energy and surface area, needle shaped crystals were found to be ∼2.5× more cohesive compared to elongated plates or hexagonal cuboid shapes crystals. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

ARCHAEO-SCAN: Portable 3D shape measurement system for archaeological field work

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knopf, George K.; Nelson, Andrew J.

2004-10-01

Accurate measurement and thorough documentation of excavated artifacts are the essential tasks of archaeological fieldwork. The on-site recording and long-term preservation of fragile evidence can be improved using 3D spatial data acquisition and computer-aided modeling technologies. Once the artifact is digitized and geometry created in a virtual environment, the scientist can manipulate the pieces in a virtual reality environment to develop a "realistic" reconstruction of the object without physically handling or gluing the fragments. The ARCHAEO-SCAN system is a flexible, affordable 3D coordinate data acquisition and geometric modeling system for acquiring surface and shape information of small to medium sized artifacts and bone fragments. The shape measurement system is being developed to enable the field archaeologist to manually sweep the non-contact sensor head across the relic or artifact surface. A series of unique data acquisition, processing, registration and surface reconstruction algorithms are then used to integrate 3D coordinate information from multiple views into a single reference frame. A novel technique for automatically creating a hexahedral mesh of the recovered fragments is presented. The 3D model acquisition system is designed to operate from a standard laptop with minimal additional hardware and proprietary software support. The captured shape data can be pre-processed and displayed on site, stored digitally on a CD, or transmitted via the Internet to the researcher's home institution.

Acoustic measurement of the surface tension of levitated drops

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trinh, E. H.; Marston, P. L.; Robey, J. L.

1988-01-01

The measurement of the frequency of the fundamental mode of shape oscillation of acoustically levitated drops has been carried out to determine the surface tension of the drop material. Sound fields of about 20 kHz in frequency allow the suspension of drops a few millimeters in size, as well as the necessary drive for oscillations. The surface tension of water, hexadecane, silicone oil, and aqueous solutions of glycerin levitated in air has been measured, and the results have been compared with those obtained with standard ring tensiometry. The two sets of data are in good agreement, the largest discrepancy being about 10 percent. Uncertainties in the effects of the nonspherical static shape of drops levitated in the earth's gravitational field and the rotation state of the sample are the major contributors to the experimental error. A decrease of the resonance frequency of the fundamental mode indicates a soft nonlinearity as the oscillation amplitude increases.

Backward-gazing method for measuring solar concentrators shape errors.

PubMed

Coquand, Mathieu; Henault, François; Caliot, Cyril

2017-03-01

This paper describes a backward-gazing method for measuring the optomechanical errors of solar concentrating surfaces. It makes use of four cameras placed near the solar receiver and simultaneously recording images of the sun reflected by the optical surfaces. Simple data processing then allows reconstructing the slope and shape errors of the surfaces. The originality of the method is enforced by the use of generalized quad-cell formulas and approximate mathematical relations between the slope errors of the mirrors and their reflected wavefront in the case of sun-tracking heliostats at high-incidence angles. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the measurement accuracy is compliant with standard requirements of solar concentrating optics in the presence of noise or calibration errors. The method is suited to fine characterization of the optical and mechanical errors of heliostats and their facets, or to provide better control for real-time sun tracking.

A theoretical measure technique for determining 3D symmetric nearly optimal shapes with a given center of mass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alimorad D., H.; Fakharzadeh J., A.

2017-07-01

In this paper, a new approach is proposed for designing the nearly-optimal three dimensional symmetric shapes with desired physical center of mass. Herein, the main goal is to find such a shape whose image in ( r, θ)-plane is a divided region into a fixed and variable part. The nearly optimal shape is characterized in two stages. Firstly, for each given domain, the nearly optimal surface is determined by changing the problem into a measure-theoretical one, replacing this with an equivalent infinite dimensional linear programming problem and approximating schemes; then, a suitable function that offers the optimal value of the objective function for any admissible given domain is defined. In the second stage, by applying a standard optimization method, the global minimizer surface and its related domain will be obtained whose smoothness is considered by applying outlier detection and smooth fitting methods. Finally, numerical examples are presented and the results are compared to show the advantages of the proposed approach.

Laplace-Beltrami Eigenvalues and Topological Features of Eigenfunctions for Statistical Shape Analysis

PubMed Central

Reuter, Martin; Wolter, Franz-Erich; Shenton, Martha; Niethammer, Marc

2009-01-01

This paper proposes the use of the surface based Laplace-Beltrami and the volumetric Laplace eigenvalues and -functions as shape descriptors for the comparison and analysis of shapes. These spectral measures are isometry invariant and therefore allow for shape comparisons with minimal shape pre-processing. In particular, no registration, mapping, or remeshing is necessary. The discriminatory power of the 2D surface and 3D solid methods is demonstrated on a population of female caudate nuclei (a subcortical gray matter structure of the brain, involved in memory function, emotion processing, and learning) of normal control subjects and of subjects with schizotypal personality disorder. The behavior and properties of the Laplace-Beltrami eigenvalues and -functions are discussed extensively for both the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary condition showing advantages of the Neumann vs. the Dirichlet spectra in 3D. Furthermore, topological analyses employing the Morse-Smale complex (on the surfaces) and the Reeb graph (in the solids) are performed on selected eigenfunctions, yielding shape descriptors, that are capable of localizing geometric properties and detecting shape differences by indirectly registering topological features such as critical points, level sets and integral lines of the gradient field across subjects. The use of these topological features of the Laplace-Beltrami eigenfunctions in 2D and 3D for statistical shape analysis is novel. PMID:20161035

Fiber Optic Wing Shape Sensing on NASA's Ikhana UAV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richards, Lance; Parker, Allen R.; Ko, William L.; Piazza, Anthony

2008-01-01

This document discusses the development of fiber optic wing shape sensing on NASA's Ikhana vehicle. The Dryden Flight Research Center's Aerostructures Branch initiated fiber-optic instrumentation development efforts in the mid-1990s. Motivated by a failure to control wing dihedral resulting in a mishap with the Helios aircraft, new wing displacement techniques were developed. Research objectives for Ikhana included validating fiber optic sensor measurements and real-time wing shape sensing predictions; the validation of fiber optic mathematical models and design tools; assessing technical viability and, if applicable, developing methodology and approaches to incorporate wing shape measurements within the vehicle flight control system; and, developing and flight validating approaches to perform active wing shape control using conventional control surfaces and active material concepts.

Checking Surface Contours

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Velega, D.

1983-01-01

Rubber impressions viewed with optical comparator. Simple mold constructed from aluminum sheet or any other easily shaped material compatible with silicone rubber ingredients. Mold placed over surface to be measured. Newly-mixed silicone rubber compound poured in mold and allowed to cure.

Ko Displacement Theory for Structural Shape Predictions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ko, William L.

2010-01-01

The development of the Ko displacement theory for predictions of structure deformed shapes was motivated in 2003 by the Helios flying wing, which had a 247-ft (75-m) wing span with wingtip deflections reaching 40 ft (12 m). The Helios flying wing failed in midair in June 2003, creating the need to develop new technology to predict in-flight deformed shapes of unmanned aircraft wings for visual display before the ground-based pilots. Any types of strain sensors installed on a structure can only sense the surface strains, but are incapable to sense the overall deformed shapes of structures. After the invention of the Ko displacement theory, predictions of structure deformed shapes could be achieved by feeding the measured surface strains into the Ko displacement transfer functions for the calculations of out-of-plane deflections and cross sectional rotations at multiple locations for mapping out overall deformed shapes of the structures. The new Ko displacement theory combined with a strain-sensing system thus created a revolutionary new structure- shape-sensing technology.

Surface switching statistics of rotating fluid: Disk-rim gap effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tasaka, Yuji; Iima, Makoto

2017-04-01

We examined the influence of internal noise on the irregular switching of the shape of the free surface of fluids in an open cylindrical vessel driven by a bottom disk rotating at constant speed [Suzuki, Iima, and Hayase, Phys. Fluids 18, 101701 (2006), 10.1063/1.2359740]. A slight increase in the disk-rim gap (less than 3% of the disk radius) was established experimentally to cause significant changes in this system, specifically, frequent appearance of the surface descending event connecting a nonaxisymmetric shape in strong mixing flow (turbulent flow) and an axisymmetric shape in laminar flow, as well as a shift in critical Reynolds number that define the characteristic states. The physical mechanism underlying the change is analyzed in terms of flow characteristics in the disk-rim gap, which acts as a noise source, and a mathematical model established from measurements of the surface height fluctuations with noise term.

Caustics and Caustic-Interference in Measurements of Contact Angle and Flow Visualization Through Laser Shadowgraphy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chao, David F.; Zhang, Neng-Li

2002-01-01

As one of the basic elements of the shadowgraphy optical system, the image of the far field from the droplet implicates plentiful information on the droplet profile. An analysis of caustics by wave theory shows that a droplet with a cylindrically symmetric Gaussian-hill-type profile produces a circular directional caustic in far field, which arises from the singularities (inflection line on the surface). The sessile liquid droplets, which profiles are restricted by surface tension, usually have a 'protruding foot' where the surface inflects. Simple geometrical optics indicates that the circular caustic stemming from the surface inflection at the protruding-foot takes the shape of the outmost ring on the image of the far field. It is the diameter of the outmost ring that is used as one of the key parameters in the measurements of contact angle through the laser shadowgraphic method. Different surface characteristics of the droplets produce different type of caustics, and therefore, the shape of the caustics can be used to determine the surface property of the sessile droplets. The present paper describes the measurement method of contact angIe using the circular caustics and the estimation of the protruding-foot height through the caustic interference.

Rasterstereographic analysis of axial back surface rotation in standing versus forward bending posture in idiopathic scoliosis.

PubMed

Hackenberg, Lars; Hierholzer, Eberhard; Bullmann, Viola; Liljenqvist, Ulf; Götze, Christian

2006-07-01

The forward bending test according to Adams and rib hump quantification by scoliometer are common clinical examination techniques in idiopathic scoliosis, although precise data about the change of axial surface rotation in forward bending posture are not available. In a pilot study the influence of leg length inequalities on the back shape of five normal subjects was clarified. Then 91 patients with idiopathic scoliosis with Cobb-angles between 20 degrees and 82 degrees were examined by rasterstereography, a 3D back surface analysis system. The axial back surface rotation in standing posture was compared with that in forward bending posture and additionally with a scoliometer measurement in forward bending posture. The changes of back shape in forward bending posture were correlated with the Cobb-angle, the level of the apex of the scoliotic primary curve and the age of the patient. Averaged over all patients, the back surface rotation amplitude increased from 23.1 degrees in standing to 26.3 degrees in forward bending posture. The standard deviation of this difference was high (6.1 degrees ). The correlation of back surface rotation amplitude in standing with that in forward bending posture was poor (R (2)=0.41) as was the correlation of back surface rotation in standing posture with the scoliometer in forward bending posture measured rotation (R (2)=0.35). No significant correlation could be found between the change of back shape in forward bending and the degree of deformity (R (2)=0.07), likewise no correlation with the height of the apex of the scoliosis (R (2)=0.005) and the age of the patient (R (2)=0.001). Before forward bending test leg length inequalities have to be compensated accurately. Compared to the standing posture, forward bending changes back surface rotation. However, this change varies greatly between patients, and is independent of the type and degree of scoliosis. Furthermore remarkable differences were found between scoliometer measurement of the rib hump and rasterstereographic measurement of the vertebral rotation. Therefore the forward bending test and the identification of idiopathic scoliosis rotation by scoliometer can be markedly different compared to rasterstereographic surface measurement in the standing posture.

DNA conformation on surfaces measured by fluorescence self-interference.

PubMed

Moiseev, Lev; Unlü, M Selim; Swan, Anna K; Goldberg, Bennett B; Cantor, Charles R

2006-02-21

The conformation of DNA molecules tethered to the surface of a microarray may significantly affect the efficiency of hybridization. Although a number of methods have been applied to determine the structure of the DNA layer, they are not very sensitive to variations in the shape of DNA molecules. Here we describe the application of an interferometric technique called spectral self-interference fluorescence microscopy to the precise measurement of the average location of a fluorescent label in a DNA layer relative to the surface and thus determine specific information on the conformation of the surface-bound DNA molecules. Using spectral self-interference fluorescence microscopy, we have estimated the shape of coiled single-stranded DNA, the average tilt of double-stranded DNA of different lengths, and the amount of hybridization. The data provide important proofs of concept for the capabilities of novel optical surface analytical methods of the molecular disposition of DNA on surfaces. The determination of DNA conformations on surfaces and hybridization behavior provide information required to move DNA interfacial applications forward and thus impact emerging clinical and biotechnological fields.

Surface tension profiles in vertical soap films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adami, N.; Caps, H.

2015-01-01

Surface tension profiles in vertical soap films are experimentally investigated. Measurements are performed by introducing deformable elastic objets in the films. The shape adopted by those objects once set in the film is related to the surface tension value at a given vertical position by numerically solving the adapted elasticity equations. We show that the observed dependency of the surface tension versus the vertical position is predicted by simple modeling that takes into account the mechanical equilibrium of the films coupled to previous thickness measurements.

Determining Directional Emittance With An Infrared Imager

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daryabeigi, Kamran; Alderfer, David W.; Wright, Robert E., Jr.; Puram, Chith K.

1994-01-01

Directional emittances of flat specimen of smooth-surfaced, electrically nonconductive material at various temperatures computed from measurements taken by infrared radiometric imager operating in conjunction with simple ancillary equipment. Directional emittances useful in extracting detailed variations of surface temperatures from infrared images of curved, complexly shaped other specimens of same material. Advantages: simplification of measurement procedure and reduction of cost.

Rapid comparison of protein binding site surfaces with Property Encoded Shape Distributions (PESD)

PubMed Central

Das, Sourav; Kokardekar, Arshad

2009-01-01

Patterns in shape and property distributions on the surface of binding sites are often conserved across functional proteins without significant conservation of the underlying amino-acid residues. To explore similarities of these sites from the viewpoint of a ligand, a sequence and fold-independent method was created to rapidly and accurately compare binding sites of proteins represented by property-mapped triangulated Gauss-Connolly surfaces. Within this paradigm, signatures for each binding site surface are produced by calculating their property-encoded shape distributions (PESD), a measure of the probability that a particular property will be at a specific distance to another on the molecular surface. Similarity between the signatures can then be treated as a measure of similarity between binding sites. As postulated, the PESD method rapidly detected high levels of similarity in binding site surface characteristics even in cases where there was very low similarity at the sequence level. In a screening experiment involving each member of the PDBBind 2005 dataset as a query against the rest of the set, PESD was able to retrieve a binding site with identical E.C. (Enzyme Commission) numbers as the top match in 79.5% of cases. The ability of the method in detecting similarity in binding sites with low sequence conservations were compared with state-of-the-art binding site comparison methods. PMID:19919089

Tracking and shape errors measurement of concentrating heliostats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coquand, Mathieu; Caliot, Cyril; Hénault, François

2017-09-01

In solar tower power plants, factors such as tracking accuracy, facets misalignment and surface shape errors of concentrating heliostats are of prime importance on the efficiency of the system. At industrial scale, one critical issue is the time and effort required to adjust the different mirrors of the faceted heliostats, which could take several months using current techniques. Thus, methods enabling quick adjustment of a field with a huge number of heliostats are essential for the rise of solar tower technology. In this communication is described a new method for heliostat characterization that makes use of four cameras located near the solar receiver and simultaneously recording images of the sun reflected by the optical surfaces. From knowledge of a measured sun profile, data processing of the acquired images allows reconstructing the slope and shape errors of the heliostats, including tracking and canting errors. The mathematical basis of this shape reconstruction process is explained comprehensively. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the measurement accuracy of this "backward-gazing method" is compliant with the requirements of solar concentrating optics. Finally, we present our first experimental results obtained at the THEMIS experimental solar tower plant in Targasonne, France.

Structured illumination assisted microdeflectometry with optical depth scanning capability

PubMed Central

Lu, Sheng-Huei; Hua, Hong

2018-01-01

Microdeflectometry is a powerful noncontact tool for measuring nanometer defects on a freeform surface. However, it requires a time-consuming process to take measurements at different depths for an extended depth of field (EDOF) and lacks surface information for integrating the measured gradient data to height. We propose an optical depth scanning technique to speed up the measurement process and introduce the structured illumination technique to efficiently determine the focused data among 3D observation and provide surface orientations for reconstructing an unknown surface shape. We demonstrated 3D measurements with an equivalent surface height sensitivity of 7.21 nm and an EDOF of at least 250 μm, which is 15 times that of the diffraction limited depth range. PMID:27607986

On Machine Capacitance Dimensional and Surface Profile Measurement System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Resnick, Ralph

1993-01-01

A program was awarded under the Air Force Machine Tool Sensor Improvements Program Research and Development Announcement to develop and demonstrate the use of a Capacitance Sensor System including Capacitive Non-Contact Analog Probe and a Capacitive Array Dimensional Measurement System to check the dimensions of complex shapes and contours on a machine tool or in an automated inspection cell. The manufacturing of complex shapes and contours and the subsequent verification of those manufactured shapes is fundamental and widespread throughout industry. The critical profile of a gear tooth; the overall shape of a graphite EDM electrode; the contour of a turbine blade in a jet engine; and countless other components in varied applications possess complex shapes that require detailed and complex inspection procedures. Current inspection methods for complex shapes and contours are expensive, time-consuming, and labor intensive.

A preliminary study on ice shape tracing with a laser light sheet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mercer, Carolyn R.; Vargas, Mario; Oldenburg, John R.

1993-01-01

Preliminary work towards the development of an automated method of measuring the shape of ice forming on an airfoil during wind tunnel tests has been completed. A thin sheet of light illuminated the front surfaces of rime, glaze, and mixed ice shapes and a solid-state camera recorded images of each. A maximum intensity algorithm extracted the profiles of the ice shapes and the results were compared to hand tracings. Very good general agreement was found in each case.

Computational Analysis of Arc-Jet Wedge Tests Including Ablation and Shape Change

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goekcen, Tahir; Chen, Yih-Kanq; Skokova, Kristina A.; Milos, Frank S.

2010-01-01

Coupled fluid-material response analyses of arc-jet wedge ablation tests conducted in a NASA Ames arc-jet facility are considered. These tests were conducted using blunt wedge models placed in a free jet downstream of the 6-inch diameter conical nozzle in the Ames 60-MW Interaction Heating Facility. The fluid analysis includes computational Navier-Stokes simulations of the nonequilibrium flowfield in the facility nozzle and test box as well as the flowfield over the models. The material response analysis includes simulation of two-dimensional surface ablation and internal heat conduction, thermal decomposition, and pyrolysis gas flow. For ablating test articles undergoing shape change, the material response and fluid analyses are coupled in order to calculate the time dependent surface heating and pressure distributions that result from shape change. The ablating material used in these arc-jet tests was Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator. Effects of the test article shape change on fluid and material response simulations are demonstrated, and computational predictions of surface recession, shape change, and in-depth temperatures are compared with the experimental measurements.

Strain characterization of embedded aerospace smart materials using shearography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anisimov, Andrei G.; Müller, Bernhard; Sinke, Jos; Groves, Roger M.

2015-04-01

The development of smart materials for embedding in aerospace composites provides enhanced functionality for future aircraft structures. Critical flight conditions like icing of the leading edges can affect the aircraft functionality and controllability. Hence, anti-icing and de-icing capabilities are used. In case of leading edges made of fibre metal laminates heater elements can be embedded between composite layers. However this local heating causes strains and stresses in the structure due to the different thermal expansion coefficients of the different laminated materials. In order to characterize the structural behaviour during thermal loading full-field strain and shape measurement can be used. In this research, a shearography instrument with three spatially-distributed shearing cameras is used to measure surface displacement gradients which give a quantitative estimation of the in- and out-of-plane surface strain components. For the experimental part, two GLARE (Glass Laminate Aluminum Reinforced Epoxy) specimens with six different embedded copper heater elements were manufactured: two copper mesh shapes (straight and S-shape), three connection techniques (soldered, spot welded and overlapped) and one straight heater element with delaminations. The surface strain behaviour of the specimens due to thermal loading was measured and analysed. The comparison of the connection techniques of heater element parts showed that the overlapped connection has the smallest effect on the surface strain distribution. Furthermore, the possibility of defect detection and defect depth characterisation close to the heater elements was also investigated.

GelSight: High-Resolution Robot Tactile Sensors for Estimating Geometry and Force

PubMed Central

Yuan, Wenzhen; Dong, Siyuan; Adelson, Edward H.

2017-01-01

Tactile sensing is an important perception mode for robots, but the existing tactile technologies have multiple limitations. What kind of tactile information robots need, and how to use the information, remain open questions. We believe a soft sensor surface and high-resolution sensing of geometry should be important components of a competent tactile sensor. In this paper, we discuss the development of a vision-based optical tactile sensor, GelSight. Unlike the traditional tactile sensors which measure contact force, GelSight basically measures geometry, with very high spatial resolution. The sensor has a contact surface of soft elastomer, and it directly measures its deformation, both vertical and lateral, which corresponds to the exact object shape and the tension on the contact surface. The contact force, and slip can be inferred from the sensor’s deformation as well. Particularly, we focus on the hardware and software that support GelSight’s application on robot hands. This paper reviews the development of GelSight, with the emphasis in the sensing principle and sensor design. We introduce the design of the sensor’s optical system, the algorithm for shape, force and slip measurement, and the hardware designs and fabrication of different sensor versions. We also show the experimental evaluation on the GelSight’s performance on geometry and force measurement. With the high-resolution measurement of shape and contact force, the sensor has successfully assisted multiple robotic tasks, including material perception or recognition and in-hand localization for robot manipulation. PMID:29186053

Lunar Regolith Particle Shape Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kiekhaefer, Rebecca; Hardy, Sandra; Rickman, Douglas; Edmunson, Jennifer

2013-01-01

Future engineering of structures and equipment on the lunar surface requires significant understanding of particle characteristics of the lunar regolith. Nearly all sediment characteristics are influenced by particle shape; therefore a method of quantifying particle shape is useful both in lunar and terrestrial applications. We have created a method to quantify particle shape, specifically for lunar regolith, using image processing. Photomicrographs of thin sections of lunar core material were obtained under reflected light. Three photomicrographs were analyzed using ImageJ and MATLAB. From the image analysis measurements for area, perimeter, Feret diameter, orthogonal Feret diameter, Heywood factor, aspect ratio, sieve diameter, and sieve number were recorded. Probability distribution functions were created from the measurements of Heywood factor and aspect ratio.

Phalange Tactile Load Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ihrke, Chris A. (Inventor); Diftler, Myron A. (Inventor); Linn, Douglas Martin (Inventor); Platt, Robert (Inventor); Griffith, Bryan Kristian (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A tactile load cell that has particular application for measuring the load on a phalange in a dexterous robot system. The load cell includes a flexible strain element having first and second end portions that can be used to mount the load cell to the phalange and a center portion that can be used to mount a suitable contact surface to the load cell. The strain element also includes a first S-shaped member including at least three sections connected to the first end portion and the center portion and a second S-shaped member including at least three sections coupled to the second end portion and the center portion. The load cell also includes eight strain gauge pairs where each strain gauge pair is mounted to opposing surfaces of one of the sections of the S-shaped members where the strain gauge pairs provide strain measurements in six-degrees of freedom.

Diversity of dermal denticle structure in sharks: Skin surface roughness and three-dimensional morphology.

PubMed

Ankhelyi, Madeleine V; Wainwright, Dylan K; Lauder, George V

2018-05-29

Shark skin is covered with numerous placoid scales or dermal denticles. While previous research has used scanning electron microscopy and histology to demonstrate that denticles vary both around the body of a shark and among species, no previous study has quantified three-dimensional (3D) denticle structure and surface roughness to provide a quantitative analysis of skin surface texture. We quantified differences in denticle shape and size on the skin of three individual smooth dogfish sharks (Mustelus canis) using micro-CT scanning, gel-based surface profilometry, and histology. On each smooth dogfish, we imaged between 8 and 20 distinct areas on the body and fins, and obtained further comparative skin surface data from leopard, Atlantic sharpnose, shortfin mako, spiny dogfish, gulper, angel, and white sharks. We generated 3D images of individual denticles and measured denticle volume, surface area, and crown angle from the micro-CT scans. Surface profilometry was used to quantify metrology variables such as roughness, skew, kurtosis, and the height and spacing of surface features. These measurements confirmed that denticles on different body areas of smooth dogfish varied widely in size, shape, and spacing. Denticles near the snout are smooth, paver-like, and large relative to denticles on the body. Body denticles on smooth dogfish generally have between one and three distinct ridges, a diamond-like surface shape, and a dorsoventral gradient in spacing and roughness. Ridges were spaced on average 56 µm apart, and had a mean height of 6.5 µm, comparable to denticles from shortfin mako sharks, and with narrower spacing and lower heights than other species measured. We observed considerable variation in denticle structure among regions on the pectoral, dorsal, and caudal fins, including a leading-to-trailing edge gradient in roughness for each region. Surface roughness in smooth dogfish varied around the body from 3 to 42 microns. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Trans-Membrane Area Asymmetry Controls the Shape of Cellular Organelles

PubMed Central

Beznoussenko, Galina V.; Pilyugin, Sergei S.; Geerts, Willie J. C.; Kozlov, Michael M.; Burger, Koert N. J.; Luini, Alberto; Derganc, Jure; Mironov, Alexander A.

2015-01-01

Membrane organelles often have complicated shapes and differ in their volume, surface area and membrane curvature. The ratio between the surface area of the cytosolic and luminal leaflets (trans-membrane area asymmetry (TAA)) determines the membrane curvature within different sites of the organelle. Thus, the shape of the organelle could be critically dependent on TAA. Here, using mathematical modeling and stereological measurements of TAA during fast transformation of organelle shapes, we present evidence that suggests that when organelle volume and surface area are constant, TAA can regulate transformation of the shape of the Golgi apparatus, endosomal multivesicular bodies, and microvilli of brush borders of kidney epithelial cells. Extraction of membrane curvature by small spheres, such as COPI-dependent vesicles within the Golgi (extraction of positive curvature), or by intraluminal vesicles within endosomes (extraction of negative curvature) controls the shape of these organelles. For instance, Golgi tubulation is critically dependent on the fusion of COPI vesicles with Golgi cisternae, and vice versa, for the extraction of membrane curvature into 50–60 nm vesicles, to induce transformation of Golgi tubules into cisternae. Also, formation of intraluminal ultra-small vesicles after fusion of endosomes allows equilibration of their TAA, volume and surface area. Finally, when microvilli of the brush border are broken into vesicles and microvilli fragments, TAA of these membranes remains the same as TAA of the microvilli. Thus, TAA has a significant role in transformation of organelle shape when other factors remain constant. PMID:25761238

Quantitative analysis of imprint shape and its relation to mechanical properties measured by microindentation in bone.

PubMed

Schwiedrzik, J J; Zysset, P K

2015-01-21

Microindentation in bone is a micromechanical testing technique routinely used to extract material properties related to bone quality. As the analysis of microindentation data is based on assumptions about the contact between sample and surface, the aim of this study was to quantify the topological variability of indentations in bone and examine its relationship with mechanical properties. Indentations were performed in dry human and ovine bone in axial and transverse directions and their topology was measured by atomic force microscopy. Statistical shape modeling of the residual imprint allowed to define a mean shape and to describe the variability in terms of 21 principal components related to imprint depth, surface curvature and roughness. The indentation profile of bone was found to be highly consistent and free of any pile up while differing mostly by depth between species and direction. A few of the topological parameters, in particular depth, showed significant but rather weak and inconsistent correlations to variations in mechanical properties. The mechanical response of bone as well as the residual imprint shape was highly consistent within each category. We could thus verify that bone is rather homogeneous in its micromechanical properties and that indentation results are not strongly influenced by small deviations from an ideally flat surface. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermal deformation of cryogenically cooled silicon crystals under intense X-ray beams: measurement and finite-element predictions of the surface shape

PubMed Central

Zhang, Lin; Sánchez del Río, Manuel; Monaco, Giulio; Detlefs, Carsten; Roth, Thomas; Chumakov, Aleksandr I.; Glatzel, Pieter

2013-01-01

X-ray crystal monochromators exposed to white-beam X-rays in third-generation synchrotron light sources are subject to thermal deformations that must be minimized using an adequate cooling system. A new approach was used to measure the crystal shape profile and slope of several cryogenically cooled (liquid nitrogen) silicon monochromators as a function of beam power in situ and under heat load. The method utilizes multiple angular scans across the Bragg peak (rocking curve) at various vertical positions of a narrow-gap slit downstream from the monochromator. When increasing the beam power, the surface of the liquid-nitrogen-cooled silicon crystal deforms from a concave shape at low heat load to a convex shape at high heat load, passing through an approximately flat shape at intermediate heat load. Finite-element analysis is used to calculate the crystal thermal deformations. The simulated crystal profiles and slopes are in excellent agreement with experiments. The parameters used in simulations, such as material properties, absorbed power distribution on the crystal and cooling boundary conditions, are described in detail as they are fundamental for obtaining accurate results. PMID:23765298

Bimodal SLD Ice Accretion on a NACA 0012 Airfoil Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Potapczuk, Mark; Tsao, Jen-Ching; King-Steen, Laura

2016-01-01

This presentation describes the results of ice accretion measurements on a NACA 0012 airfoil model, from the NASA Icing Research Tunnel, using an icing cloud composed of a bimodal distribution of Supercooled Large Droplets. The data consists of photographs, laser scans of the ice surface, and measurements of the mass of ice for each icing condition. The results of ice shapes accumulated as a result of exposure to an icing cloud with a bimodal droplet distribution were compared to the ice shapes resulting from an equivalent cloud composed of a droplet distribution with a standard bell curve shape.

Acoustic field of a wedge-shaped section of a spherical cap transducer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ketterling, Jeffrey A.

2003-12-01

The acoustic pressure field at an arbitrary point in space is derived for a wedge-shaped section of a spherical cap transducer using the spatial impulse response (SIR) method. For a spherical surface centered at the origin, a wedge shape is created by taking cuts in the X-Y and X-Z planes and removing the smallest surface component. Analytic expressions are derived for the SIR based on spatial location. The expressions utilize the SIR solutions for a spherical cap transducer [Arditi et al., Ultrason. Imaging 3, 37-61 (1981)] with additional terms added to account for the reduced surface area of the wedge. Results from the numerical model are compared to experimental measurements from a wedge transducer with an 8-cm outer diameter and 9-cm geometric focus. The experimental and theoretical -3-dB beamwidths agreed to within 10%+/-5%. The SIR model for a wedge-shaped transducer is easily extended to other spherically curved transducer geometries that consist of combinations of wedge sections and spherical caps.

Acoustic field of a wedge-shaped section of a spherical cap transducer.

PubMed

Ketterling, Jeffrey A

2003-12-01

The acoustic pressure field at an arbitrary point in space is derived for a wedge-shaped section of a spherical cap transducer using the spatial impulse response (SIR) method. For a spherical surface centered at the origin, a wedge shape is created by taking cuts in the X-Y and X-Z planes and removing the smallest surface component. Analytic expressions are derived for the SIR based on spatial location. The expressions utilize the SIR solutions for a spherical cap transducer [Arditi et al., Ultrason. Imaging 3, 37-61 (1981)] with additional terms added to account for the reduced surface area of the wedge. Results from the numerical model are compared to experimental measurements from a wedge transducer with an 8-cm outer diameter and 9-cm geometric focus. The experimental and theoretical -3-dB beamwidths agreed to within 10% +/- 5%. The SIR model for a wedge-shaped transducer is easily extended to other spherically curved transducer geometries that consist of combinations of wedge sections and spherical caps.

Pose-oblivious shape signature.

PubMed

Gal, Ran; Shamir, Ariel; Cohen-Or, Daniel

2007-01-01

A 3D shape signature is a compact representation for some essence of a shape. Shape signatures are commonly utilized as a fast indexing mechanism for shape retrieval. Effective shape signatures capture some global geometric properties which are scale, translation, and rotation invariant. In this paper, we introduce an effective shape signature which is also pose-oblivious. This means that the signature is also insensitive to transformations which change the pose of a 3D shape such as skeletal articulations. Although some topology-based matching methods can be considered pose-oblivious as well, our new signature retains the simplicity and speed of signature indexing. Moreover, contrary to topology-based methods, the new signature is also insensitive to the topology change of the shape, allowing us to match similar shapes with different genus. Our shape signature is a 2D histogram which is a combination of the distribution of two scalar functions defined on the boundary surface of the 3D shape. The first is a definition of a novel function called the local-diameter function. This function measures the diameter of the 3D shape in the neighborhood of each vertex. The histogram of this function is an informative measure of the shape which is insensitive to pose changes. The second is the centricity function that measures the average geodesic distance from one vertex to all other vertices on the mesh. We evaluate and compare a number of methods for measuring the similarity between two signatures, and demonstrate the effectiveness of our pose-oblivious shape signature within a 3D search engine application for different databases containing hundreds of models.

Using Fractal And Morphological Criteria For Automatic Classification Of Lung Diseases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vehel, Jacques Levy

1989-11-01

Medical Images are difficult to analyze by means of classical image processing tools because they are very complex and irregular. Such shapes are obtained for instance in Nuclear Medecine with the spatial distribution of activity for organs such as lungs, liver, and heart. We have tried to apply two different theories to these signals: - Fractal Geometry deals with the analysis of complex irregular shapes which cannot well be described by the classical Euclidean geometry. - Integral Geometry treats sets globally and allows to introduce robust measures. We have computed three parameters on three kinds of Lung's SPECT images: normal, pulmonary embolism and chronic desease: - The commonly used fractal dimension (FD), that gives a measurement of the irregularity of the 3D shape. - The generalized lacunarity dimension (GLD), defined as the variance of the ratio of the local activity by the mean activity, which is only sensitive to the distribution and the size of gaps in the surface. - The Favard length that gives an approximation of the surface of a 3-D shape. The results show that each slice of the lung, considered as a 3D surface, is fractal and that the fractal dimension is the same for each slice and for the three kind of lungs; as for the lacunarity and Favard length, they are clearly different for normal lungs, pulmonary embolisms and chronic diseases. These results indicate that automatic classification of Lung's SPECT can be achieved, and that a quantitative measurement of the evolution of the disease could be made.

Analysis Of Scoliosis By Back Shape Topography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turner-Smith, Alan R.; Harris, John D.

1983-07-01

The use of surface topography for the assessment of scoliotic deformity in the clinic depends firstly on the quality of measures which reliably characterise deformity of the back, and secondly on the ease and speed with which these measures can be applied. A method of analysis of back shape measurements is presented which can be applied to any topographic measurement system. Measures presented are substantially independent of minor changes in the patient's posture in rotation and flexion from one clinic to the next, and yet sensitive enough to indicate significant improvement or degeneration of the disease. The presentation shows (1) horizontal cross-sections at ten levels up the back from sacrum to vertebra prominens, (2) angles of rotation of the surface over a small region about the spine, (3) three vertical profiles following the line of the spine, and (4) measures of maximum kyphosis and lordosis. Dependence on the operator has been reduced to a minimum. Extreme care in positioning the patient is unnecessary and those spinous processes which are easily palpable, the vertebra prominens and the two dimples over the posterior superior iliac spines are marked. Analysis proceeds entirely automatically once the basic shape data have been supplied. Applications of the technique to indirect moire topography and a television topographic measurement system are described.

Forces and dynamics in epithelial domes of controlled size and shape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Latorre-Ibars, Ernest; Casares, Laura; Gomez-Gonzalez, Manuel; Uroz, Marina; Arroyo, Marino; Trepat, Xavier

Mechanobiology of epithelia plays a central role in morphogenesis, wound healing, and tumor progression. Its current understanding relies on mechanical measurements on flat epithelial layers. However, most epithelia in vivo exhibit a curved 3D shape enclosing a pressurized lumen. Using soft micropatterned substrates we produce massive parallel arrays of epithelial domes with controlled size and basal shape. We measure epithelial traction, tension, and luminal pressure in epithelial domes. The local stress tensor on the freestanding epithelial membrane is then mapped by combining measured luminal pressure and local curvature. We show that tension and cell shape are highly anisotropic and vary along the meridional position of the domes. Finally, we establish constitutive relations between shape, tension, and pressure during perturbations of the contractile machinery, osmotic shocks, and spontaneous fluctuations of dome volume. Our findings contradict a description of the epithelium as a fluid capillary surface. Cells in the dome are unable to relax into a uniform and isotropic tensional state through sub- and supra-cellular rearrangements. Mapping epithelial shape, tension, and pressure will enable quantitative studies of mechanobiology in 3D epithelia of controlled size and shape.

Measurement of surface tension by sessile drop tensiometer with superoleophobic surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwak, Wonshik; Park, Jun Kwon; Yoon, Jinsung; Lee, Sanghyun; Hwang, Woonbong

2018-03-01

A sessile drop tensiometer provides a simple and efficient method of determining the surface tension of various liquids. The technique involves obtaining the shape of an axisymmetric liquid droplet and iterative fitting of the Young-Laplace equation, which balances the gravitational deformation of the drop. Since the advent of high quality digital cameras and desktop computers, this process has been automated with precision. However, despite its appealing simplicity, there are complications and limitations in a sessile drop tensiometer, i.e., it must dispense spherical droplets with low surface tension. We propose a method of measuring surface tension using a sessile drop tensiometer with a superoleophobic surface fabricated by acidic etching and anodization for liquids with low surface tension and investigate the accuracy of the measurement by changing the wettability of the measuring plate surface.

The effect of particle morphology on the physical stability of pharmaceutical powder mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swaminathan, Vidya

Pharmaceutical powder mixtures are composed of particles that physically interact, precluding the formation of random mixtures. Mixtures based on particle interactions are termed ordered mixtures. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the morphological characteristics of the components, surface texture and shape, along with size, on the formation of stable mixtures. Morphological parameters were obtained from image analysis measurements. Surface roughness was quantified using the ratio of the perimeter of the particle to that of an ideal shape (circle or square) having the same area; shape was described using the aspect ratio. The stability of mixtures of micronized aspirin with carriers of different surface roughness was determined by measuring the extent of drug adhering to the carrier after subjecting the mixtures to vibration. A lesser extent of segregation of drug from highly textured carriers relative to smoother textured carriers was observed. This was postulated to be due to a larger concentration of surface asperities on the coarser carriers which constitute potentially strong adhesion sites. The electrostatic charge on the powders was measured; differences in the response of the mixtures to the addition of magnesium stearate were attributed to electrostatic charge effects. The effect of varying the aspect ratio of the carrier and drug on segregation in polydisperse mixtures was determined from the coefficient of variation of the drug in the mixture as a function of mixing time. Reducing the size of the carrier resulted in poor homogeneity due to weak carrier-drug interactions. The variation in drug content resulting from a change in the shape of the carriers was smaller than that caused by size differences. The segregation rate constant in mixtures having dissimilarly shaped components was larger than in mixtures having components of similar shape. The effects of magnesium stearate concentration and lubrication time on the content uniformity of polydisperse mixtures were evaluated from a full factorial experiment. The segregation response of ordered and random mixtures to the addition of magnesium stearate was compared. The moisture sorption behavior of commercial magnesium stearate and the resulting morphological changes were evaluated.

Surface geometry and optical aberrations of ex-vivo crystalline lenses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bueno, Juan M.; Schwarz, Christina; Acosta, Eva; Artal, Pablo

2010-02-01

The shape of the surfaces of ex-vivo human crystalline lenses was measured using a shadow photography technique. From these data, the back-focal distance and the contribution of each surface to the main optical aberrations of the lenses were estimated. The aberrations of the lenses were measured separately with two complementary techniques: a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor and a point-diffraction interferometer. A laser scanning set-up was also used to measure the actual back-focal length as well as the phase aberration in one meridian section of the lenses. Measured and predicted back-focal length agreed well within the experimental errors. The lens aberrations computed with a ray-tracing approach from the measured surfaces and geometrical data only reproduce quantitatively the measured aberrations.

High-speed measurements of steel-plate deformations during laser surface processing.

PubMed

Jezersek, Matija; Gruden, Valter; Mozina, Janez

2004-10-04

In this paper we present a novel approach to monitoring the deformations of a steel plate's surface during various types of laser processing, e.g., engraving, marking, cutting, bending, and welding. The measuring system is based on a laser triangulation principle, where the laser projector generates multiple lines simultaneously. This enables us to measure the shape of the surface with a high sampling rate (80 Hz with our camera) and high accuracy (+/-7 microm). The measurements of steel-plate deformations for plates of different thickness and with different illumination patterns are presented graphically and in an animation.

High-accuracy Aspheric X-ray Mirror Metrology Using Software Configurable Optical Test System/deflectometry

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

Huang, Run; Su, Peng; Burge, James H.

The Software Configurable Optical Test System (SCOTS) uses deflectometry to measure surface slopes of general optical shapes without the need for additional null optics. Careful alignment of test geometry and calibration of inherent system error improve the accuracy of SCOTS to a level where it competes with interferometry. We report a SCOTS surface measurement of an off-axis superpolished elliptical x-ray mirror that achieves <1 nm<1 nm root-mean-square accuracy for the surface measurement with low-order term included.

Experimental evaluation of a new morphological approximation of the articular surfaces of the ankle joint.

PubMed

Belvedere, Claudio; Siegler, Sorin; Ensini, Andrea; Toy, Jason; Caravaggi, Paolo; Namani, Ramya; Giannini, Giulia; Durante, Stefano; Leardini, Alberto

2017-02-28

The mechanical characteristics of the ankle such as its kinematics and load transfer properties are influenced by the geometry of the articulating surfaces. A recent, image-based study found that these surfaces can be approximated by a saddle-shaped, skewed, truncated cone with its apex oriented laterally. The goal of this study was to establish a reliable experimental technique to study the relationship between the geometry of the articular surfaces of the ankle and its mobility and stability characteristics and to use this technique to determine if morphological approximations of the ankle surfaces based on recent discoveries, produce close to normal behavior. The study was performed on ten cadavers. For each specimen, a process based on medical imaging, modeling and 3D printing was used to produce two subject specific artificial implantable sets of the ankle surfaces. One set was a replica of the natural surfaces. The second approximated the ankle surfaces as an original saddle-shaped truncated cone with apex oriented laterally. Testing under cyclic loading conditions was then performed on each specimen following a previously established technique to determine its mobility and stability characteristics under three different conditions: natural surfaces; artificial surfaces replicating the natural surface morphology; and artificial approximation based on the saddle-shaped truncated cone concept. A repeated measure analysis of variance was then used to compare between the three conditions. The results show that (1): the artificial surfaces replicating natural morphology produce close to natural mobility and stability behavior thus establishing the reliability of the technique; and (2): the approximated surfaces based on saddle-shaped truncated cone concept produce mobility and stability behavior close to the ankle with natural surfaces. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using Simplistic Shape/Surface Models to Predict Brightness in Estimation Filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wetterer, C.; Sheppard, D.; Hunt, B.

The prerequisite for using brightness (radiometric flux intensity) measurements in an estimation filter is to have a measurement function that accurately predicts a space objects brightness for variations in the parameters of interest. These parameters include changes in attitude and articulations of particular components (e.g. solar panel east-west offsets to direct sun-tracking). Typically, shape models and bidirectional reflectance distribution functions are combined to provide this forward light curve modeling capability. To achieve precise orbit predictions with the inclusion of shape/surface dependent forces such as radiation pressure, relatively complex and sophisticated modeling is required. Unfortunately, increasing the complexity of the models makes it difficult to estimate all those parameters simultaneously because changes in light curve features can now be explained by variations in a number of different properties. The classic example of this is the connection between the albedo and the area of a surface. If, however, the desire is to extract information about a single and specific parameter or feature from the light curve, a simple shape/surface model could be used. This paper details an example of this where a complex model is used to create simulated light curves, and then a simple model is used in an estimation filter to extract out a particular feature of interest. In order for this to be successful, however, the simple model must be first constructed using training data where the feature of interest is known or at least known to be constant.

Inductance and resistance measurement method for vessel detection and coil powering in all-surface inductive heating systems composed of outer squircle coils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kilic, Veli Tayfun; Unal, Emre; Demir, Hilmi Volkan

2017-05-01

In this work, we investigate a method proposed for vessel detection and coil powering in an all-surface inductive heating system composed of outer squircle coils. Besides conventional circular coils, coils with different shapes such as outer squircle coils are used for and enable efficient all-surface inductive heating. Validity of the method, which relies on measuring inductance and resistance values of a loaded coil at different frequencies, is experimentally demonstrated for a coil with shape different from conventional circular coil. Simple setup was constructed with a small coil to model an all-surface inductive heating system. Inductance and resistance maps were generated by measuring coil's inductance and resistance values at different frequencies loaded by a plate made of different materials and located at various positions. Results show that in an induction hob for various coil geometries it is possible to detect a vessel's presence, to identify its material type and to specify its position on the hob surface by considering inductance and resistance of the coil measured on at least two different frequencies. The studied method is important in terms of enabling safe, efficient and user flexible heating in an all-surface inductive heating system by automatically detecting the vessel's presence and powering on only the coils that are loaded by the vessel with predetermined current levels.

Generalized Models for Rock Joint Surface Shapes

PubMed Central

Du, Shigui; Hu, Yunjin; Hu, Xiaofei

2014-01-01

Generalized models of joint surface shapes are the foundation for mechanism studies on the mechanical effects of rock joint surface shapes. Based on extensive field investigations of rock joint surface shapes, generalized models for three level shapes named macroscopic outline, surface undulating shape, and microcosmic roughness were established through statistical analyses of 20,078 rock joint surface profiles. The relative amplitude of profile curves was used as a borderline for the division of different level shapes. The study results show that the macroscopic outline has three basic features such as planar, arc-shaped, and stepped; the surface undulating shape has three basic features such as planar, undulating, and stepped; and the microcosmic roughness has two basic features such as smooth and rough. PMID:25152901

Ultraviolet laser transverse profile shaping for improving x-ray free electron laser performance

DOE PAGES

Li, S.; Alverson, S.; Bohler, D.; ...

2017-08-17

The photocathode rf gun is one of the most critical components in x-ray free electron lasers. The drive laser strikes the photocathode surface, which emits electrons with properties that depend on the shape of the drive laser. Most free electron lasers use photocathodes with work function in the ultraviolet, a wavelength where direct laser manipulation becomes challenging. In this paper, we present a novel application of a digital micromirror device (DMD) for the 253 nm drive laser at the Linear Coherent Light Source. Laser profile shaping is accomplished through an iterative algorithm that takes into account shaping error and efficiency.more » Next, we use laser shaping to control the X-ray laser output via an online optimizer, which shows improvement in FEL pulse energy. Lastly, as a preparation for electron beam shaping, we use the DMD to measure the photocathode quantum efficiency across cathode surface with an averaged laser rms spot size of 59 μm. In conclusion, our experiments demonstrate promising outlook of using DMD to shape ultraviolet lasers for photocathode rf guns with various applications.« less

Ultraviolet laser transverse profile shaping for improving x-ray free electron laser performance

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

Li, S.; Alverson, S.; Bohler, D.

The photocathode rf gun is one of the most critical components in x-ray free electron lasers. The drive laser strikes the photocathode surface, which emits electrons with properties that depend on the shape of the drive laser. Most free electron lasers use photocathodes with work function in the ultraviolet, a wavelength where direct laser manipulation becomes challenging. In this paper, we present a novel application of a digital micromirror device (DMD) for the 253 nm drive laser at the Linear Coherent Light Source. Laser profile shaping is accomplished through an iterative algorithm that takes into account shaping error and efficiency.more » Next, we use laser shaping to control the X-ray laser output via an online optimizer, which shows improvement in FEL pulse energy. Lastly, as a preparation for electron beam shaping, we use the DMD to measure the photocathode quantum efficiency across cathode surface with an averaged laser rms spot size of 59 μm. In conclusion, our experiments demonstrate promising outlook of using DMD to shape ultraviolet lasers for photocathode rf guns with various applications.« less

Ultraviolet laser transverse profile shaping for improving x-ray free electron laser performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, S.; Alverson, S.; Bohler, D.; Egger, A.; Fry, A.; Gilevich, S.; Huang, Z.; Miahnahri, A.; Ratner, D.; Robinson, J.; Zhou, F.

2017-08-01

The photocathode rf gun is one of the most critical components in x-ray free electron lasers. The drive laser strikes the photocathode surface, which emits electrons with properties that depend on the shape of the drive laser. Most free electron lasers use photocathodes with work function in the ultraviolet, a wavelength where direct laser manipulation becomes challenging. In this paper, we present a novel application of a digital micromirror device (DMD) for the 253 nm drive laser at the Linear Coherent Light Source. Laser profile shaping is accomplished through an iterative algorithm that takes into account shaping error and efficiency. Next, we use laser shaping to control the X-ray laser output via an online optimizer, which shows improvement in FEL pulse energy. Lastly, as a preparation for electron beam shaping, we use the DMD to measure the photocathode quantum efficiency across cathode surface with an averaged laser rms spot size of 59 μ m . Our experiments demonstrate promising outlook of using DMD to shape ultraviolet lasers for photocathode rf guns with various applications.

A framework for longitudinal data analysis via shape regression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fishbaugh, James; Durrleman, Stanley; Piven, Joseph; Gerig, Guido

2012-02-01

Traditional longitudinal analysis begins by extracting desired clinical measurements, such as volume or head circumference, from discrete imaging data. Typically, the continuous evolution of a scalar measurement is estimated by choosing a 1D regression model, such as kernel regression or fitting a polynomial of fixed degree. This type of analysis not only leads to separate models for each measurement, but there is no clear anatomical or biological interpretation to aid in the selection of the appropriate paradigm. In this paper, we propose a consistent framework for the analysis of longitudinal data by estimating the continuous evolution of shape over time as twice differentiable flows of deformations. In contrast to 1D regression models, one model is chosen to realistically capture the growth of anatomical structures. From the continuous evolution of shape, we can simply extract any clinical measurements of interest. We demonstrate on real anatomical surfaces that volume extracted from a continuous shape evolution is consistent with a 1D regression performed on the discrete measurements. We further show how the visualization of shape progression can aid in the search for significant measurements. Finally, we present an example on a shape complex of the brain (left hemisphere, right hemisphere, cerebellum) that demonstrates a potential clinical application for our framework.

Multidirectional four-dimensional shape measurement system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lenar, Janusz; Sitnik, Robert; Witkowski, Marcin

2012-03-01

Currently, a lot of different scanning techniques are used for 3D imaging of human body. Most of existing systems are based on static registration of internal structures using MRI or CT techniques as well as 3D scanning of outer surface of human body by laser triangulation or structured light methods. On the other hand there is an existing mature 4D method based on tracking in time the position of retro-reflective markers attached to human body. There are two main drawbacks of this solution: markers are attached to skin (no real skeleton movement is registered) and it gives (x, y, z, t) coordinates only in those points (not for the whole surface). In this paper we present a novel multidirectional structured light measurement system that is capable of measuring 3D shape of human body surface with frequency reaching 60Hz. The developed system consists of two spectrally separated and hardware-synchronized 4D measurement heads. The principle of the measurement is based on single frame analysis. Projected frame is composed from sine-modulated intensity pattern and a special stripe allowing absolute phase measurement. Several different geometrical set-ups will be proposed depending on type of movements that are to be registered.

Conveying the 3D Shape of Transparent Surfaces Via Texture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Interrante, Victoria; Fuchs, Henry; Pizer, Stephen

1997-01-01

Transparency can be a useful device for depicting multiple overlapping surfaces in a single image. The challenge is to render the transparent surfaces in such a way that their three-dimensional shape can be readily understood and their depth distance from underlying structures clearly perceived. This paper describes our investigations into the use of sparsely-distributed discrete, opaque texture as an 'artistic device' for more explicitly indicating the relative depth of a transparent surface and for communicating the essential features of its 3D shape in an intuitively meaningful and minimally occluding way. The driving application for this work is the visualization of layered surfaces in radiation therapy treatment planning data, and the technique is illustrated on transparent isointensity surfaces of radiation dose. We describe the perceptual motivation and artistic inspiration for defining a stroke texture that is locally oriented in the direction of greatest normal curvature (and in which individual strokes are of a length proportional to the magnitude of the curvature in the direction they indicate), and discuss several alternative methods for applying this texture to isointensity surfaces defined in a volume. We propose an experimental paradigm for objectively measuring observers' ability to judge the shape and depth of a layered transparent surface, in the course of a task relevant to the needs of radiotherapy treatment planning, and use this paradigm to evaluate the practical effectiveness of our approach through a controlled observer experiment based on images generated from actual clinical data.

Adaptive projection intensity adjustment for avoiding saturation in three-dimensional shape measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chao; Gao, Nan; Wang, Xiangjun; Zhang, Zonghua

2018-03-01

Phase-based fringe projection methods have been commonly used for three-dimensional (3D) measurements. However, image saturation results in incorrect intensities in captured fringe pattern images, leading to phase and measurement errors. Existing solutions are complex. This paper proposes an adaptive projection intensity adjustment method to avoid image saturation and maintain good fringe modulation in measuring objects with a high range of surface reflectivities. The adapted fringe patterns are created using only one prior step of fringe-pattern projection and image capture. First, a set of phase-shifted fringe patterns with maximum projection intensity value of 255 and a uniform gray level pattern are projected onto the surface of an object. The patterns are reflected from and deformed by the object surface and captured by a digital camera. The best projection intensities corresponding to each saturated-pixel clusters are determined by fitting a polynomial function to transform captured intensities to projected intensities. Subsequently, the adapted fringe patterns are constructed using the best projection intensities at projector pixel coordinate. Finally, the adapted fringe patterns are projected for phase recovery and 3D shape calculation. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves high measurement accuracy even for objects with a high range of surface reflectivities.

Development of optical ground verification method for μm to sub-mm reflectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stockman, Y.; Thizy, C.; Lemaire, P.; Georges, M.; Mazy, E.; Mazzoli, A.; Houbrechts, Y.; Rochus, P.; Roose, S.; Doyle, D.; Ulbrich, G.

2017-11-01

Large reflectors and antennas for the IR to mm wavelength range are being planned for many Earth observation and astronomical space missions and for commercial communication satellites as well. Scientific observatories require large telescopes with precisely shaped reflectors for collecting the electro-magnetic radiation from faint sources. The challenging tasks of on-ground testing are to achieve the required accuracy in the measurement of the reflector shapes and antenna structures and to verify their performance under simulated space conditions (vacuum, low temperatures). Due to the specific surface characteristics of reflectors operating in these spectral regions, standard optical metrology methods employed in the visible spectrum do not provide useful measurement results. The current state-of-the-art commercial metrology systems are not able to measure these types of reflectors because they have to face the measurement of shape and waviness over relatively large areas with a large deformation dynamic range and encompassing a wide range of spatial frequencies. 3-D metrology (tactile coordinate measurement) machines are generally used during the manufacturing process. Unfortunately, these instruments cannot be used in the operational environmental conditions of the reflector. The application of standard visible wavelength interferometric methods is very limited or impossible due to the large relative surface roughnesses involved. A small number of infrared interferometers have been commercially developed over the last 10 years but their applications have also been limited due to poor dynamic range and the restricted spatial resolution of their detectors. These restrictions affect also the surface error slopes that can be captured and makes their application to surfaces manufactured using CRFP honeycomb technologies rather difficult or impossible. It has therefore been considered essential, from the viewpoint of supporting future ESA exploration missions, to develop and realise suitable verification tools based on infrared interferometry and other optical techniques for testing large reflector structures, telescope configurations and their performances under simulated space conditions. Two methods and techniques are developed at CSL. The first one is an IR-phase shifting interferometer with high spatial resolution. This interferometer shall be used specifically for the verification of high precision IR, FIR and sub-mm reflector surfaces and telescopes under both ambient and thermal vacuum conditions. The second one presented hereafter is a holographic method for relative shape measurement. The holographic solution proposed makes use of a home built vacuum compatible holographic camera that allows displacement measurements from typically 20 nanometres to 25 microns in one shot. An iterative process allows the measurement of a total of up to several mm of deformation. Uniquely the system is designed to measure both specular and diffuse surfaces.

Deformation Measurements of Smart Aerodynamic Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fleming, Gary A.; Burner, Alpheus

2005-01-01

Video Model Deformation (VMD) and Projection Moire Interferometry (PMI) were used to acquire wind tunnel model deformation measurements of the Northrop Grumman-built Smart Wing tested in the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. The F18-E/F planform Smart Wing was outfitted with embedded shape memory alloys to actuate a seamless trailing edge aileron and flap, and an embedded torque tube to generate wing twist. The VMD system was used to obtain highly accurate deformation measurements at three spanwise locations along the main body of the wing, and at spanwise locations on the flap and aileron. The PMI system was used to obtain full-field wing shape and deformation measurements over the entire wing lower surface. Although less accurate than the VMD system, the PMI system revealed deformations occurring between VMD target rows indistinguishable by VMD. This paper presents the VMD and PMI techniques and discusses their application in the Smart Wing test.

Critical assessment of Pt surface energy - An atomistic study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jin-Soo; Seol, Donghyuk; Lee, Byeong-Joo

2018-04-01

Despite the fact that surface energy is a fundamental quantity in understanding surface structure of nanoparticle, the results of experimental measurements and theoretical calculations for the surface energy of pure Pt show a wide range of scattering. It is necessary to further ensure the surface energy of Pt to find the equilibrium shape and atomic configuration in Pt bimetallic nanoparticles accurately. In this article, we critically assess and optimize the Pt surface energy using a semi-empirical atomistic approach based on the second nearest-neighbor modified embedded-atom method interatomic potential. That is, the interatomic potential of pure Pt was adjusted in a way that the surface segregation tendency in a wide range of Pt binary alloys is reproduced in accordance with experimental information. The final optimized Pt surface energy (mJ/m2) is 2036 for (100) surface, 2106 for (110) surface, and 1502 for (111) surface. The potential can be utilized to find the equilibrium shape and atomic configuration of Pt bimetallic nanoparticles more accurately.

Laser interferometric measurement of ion electrode shape and charge exchange erosion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macrae, Gregory S.; Mercer, Carolyn R.

1991-01-01

A projected fringe profilometry system was applied to surface contour measurements of an accelerator electrode from an ion thrustor. The system permitted noncontact, nondestructive evaluation of the fine and gross structure of the electrode. A 3-D surface map of a dished electrode was generated without altering the electrode surface. The same system was used to examine charge exchange erosion pits near the periphery of the electrode to determine the depth, location, and volume of material lost. This electro-optical measurement system allowed rapid, nondestructive, digital data acquisition coupled with automated computer data processing. In addition, variable sensitivity allowed both coarse and fine measurements of objects having various surface finishes.

Sensor for In-Motion Continuous 3D Shape Measurement Based on Dual Line-Scan Cameras

PubMed Central

Sun, Bo; Zhu, Jigui; Yang, Linghui; Yang, Shourui; Guo, Yin

2016-01-01

The acquisition of three-dimensional surface data plays an increasingly important role in the industrial sector. Numerous 3D shape measurement techniques have been developed. However, there are still limitations and challenges in fast measurement of large-scale objects or high-speed moving objects. The innovative line scan technology opens up new potentialities owing to the ultra-high resolution and line rate. To this end, a sensor for in-motion continuous 3D shape measurement based on dual line-scan cameras is presented. In this paper, the principle and structure of the sensor are investigated. The image matching strategy is addressed and the matching error is analyzed. The sensor has been verified by experiments and high-quality results are obtained. PMID:27869731

Measuring contact angle and meniscus shape with a reflected laser beam.

PubMed

Eibach, T F; Fell, D; Nguyen, H; Butt, H J; Auernhammer, G K

2014-01-01

Side-view imaging of the contact angle between an extended planar solid surface and a liquid is problematic. Even when aligning the view perfectly parallel to the contact line, focusing one point of the contact line is not possible. We describe a new measurement technique for determining contact angles with the reflection of a widened laser sheet on a moving contact line. We verified this new technique measuring the contact angle on a cylinder, rotating partially immersed in a liquid. A laser sheet is inclined under an angle φ to the unperturbed liquid surface and is reflected off the meniscus. Collected on a screen, the reflection image contains information to determine the contact angle. When dividing the laser sheet into an array of laser rays by placing a mesh into the beam path, the shape of the meniscus can be reconstructed from the reflection image. We verified the method by measuring the receding contact angle versus speed for aqueous cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide solutions on a smooth hydrophobized as well as on a rough polystyrene surface.

Measuring contact angle and meniscus shape with a reflected laser beam

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

Eibach, T. F.; Nguyen, H.; Butt, H. J.

2014-01-15

Side-view imaging of the contact angle between an extended planar solid surface and a liquid is problematic. Even when aligning the view perfectly parallel to the contact line, focusing one point of the contact line is not possible. We describe a new measurement technique for determining contact angles with the reflection of a widened laser sheet on a moving contact line. We verified this new technique measuring the contact angle on a cylinder, rotating partially immersed in a liquid. A laser sheet is inclined under an angle φ to the unperturbed liquid surface and is reflected off the meniscus. Collectedmore » on a screen, the reflection image contains information to determine the contact angle. When dividing the laser sheet into an array of laser rays by placing a mesh into the beam path, the shape of the meniscus can be reconstructed from the reflection image. We verified the method by measuring the receding contact angle versus speed for aqueous cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide solutions on a smooth hydrophobized as well as on a rough polystyrene surface.« less

Combined shape and topology optimization for minimization of maximal von Mises stress

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

Lian, Haojie; Christiansen, Asger N.; Tortorelli, Daniel A.

Here, this work shows that a combined shape and topology optimization method can produce optimal 2D designs with minimal stress subject to a volume constraint. The method represents the surface explicitly and discretizes the domain into a simplicial complex which adapts both structural shape and topology. By performing repeated topology and shape optimizations and adaptive mesh updates, we can minimize the maximum von Mises stress using the p-norm stress measure with p-values as high as 30, provided that the stress is calculated with sufficient accuracy.

Combined shape and topology optimization for minimization of maximal von Mises stress

DOE PAGES

Lian, Haojie; Christiansen, Asger N.; Tortorelli, Daniel A.; ...

2017-01-27

Here, this work shows that a combined shape and topology optimization method can produce optimal 2D designs with minimal stress subject to a volume constraint. The method represents the surface explicitly and discretizes the domain into a simplicial complex which adapts both structural shape and topology. By performing repeated topology and shape optimizations and adaptive mesh updates, we can minimize the maximum von Mises stress using the p-norm stress measure with p-values as high as 30, provided that the stress is calculated with sufficient accuracy.

Low distortion laser welding of cylindrical components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kittel, Sonja

2011-02-01

Automotive components are for the most part cylindrical and thus the weld seams are of radial shape. Radial weld seams are usually produced by starting at a point on the component's surface rotating the component resulting in an overlap zone at the start/end of the weld. In this research, it is shown that the component's distortion strongly depends on the overlap of weld start and end. A correlation between overlap zone and distortion is verified by an experimental study. In order to reduce distortion generated by the overlap zone a special optics is used which allows shaping the laser beam into a ring shape which is then focused on the cylindrical surface and produces a radial ring weld seam simultaneously by one laser pulse. In doing this, the overlap zone is eliminated and distortion can be reduced. Radial weld seams are applied on precision samples and distortion is measured after welding. The distortion of the precision samples is measured by a tactile measuring method and a comparison of the results of welding with the ring optics to reference welds is done.

Dynamic Nucleation of Supercooled Melts and Measurement of the Surface Tension and Viscosity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trinh, E. H.; Ohsaka, K.

1999-01-01

We investigate the phenomenon of acoustic pressure-induced nucleation by using a novel approach involving the large amplitude resonant radial oscillations and collapse of a single bubble intentionally injected into a supercooled liquid. Using a combination of previously developed and proven techniques, the bubble is suspended in a fluid host by an ultrasonic field which supplies both the levitation capability as well as the forcing of the radial oscillations. We observe the effects of an increase in pressure (due to bubble collapse) in a region no larger than 100 microns within the supercooled melt to rigorously probe the hypothesis of pressure-induced nucleation of the solid phase. The use of single bubbles operating in narrow temporal and spatial scales will allow the direct and unambiguous correlation between the origin and location of the generation of the disturbance and the location and timing of the nucleation event. In a companion research effort, we are developing novel techniques for the non-contact measurements of the surface tension and viscosity of highly viscous supercooled liquids. Currently used non-invasive methods of surface tension measurement for the case of undercooled liquids generally rely of the quantitative determination of the resonance frequencies of drop shape oscillations, of the dynamics of surface capillary waves, or of the velocity of streaming flows. These methods become quickly ineffective when the liquid viscosity rises to a significant value. An alternate and accurate method which would be applicable to liquids of significant viscosity is therefore needed. We plan to develop such a capability by measuring the equilibrium shape of levitated undercooled melt droplets as they undergo solid-body rotation. The experimental measurement of the characteristic point of transition (bifurcation point) between axisymmetric and two-lobed shapes will be used to calculate the surface tension of the liquid. Such an approach has already been validated through the experimental verification of numerical modeling results. The experimental approach involves levitation, melting, and solidification of undercooled droplets using a hybrid ultrasonic-electrostatic technique in both a gaseous as well as a vacuum environment. A shape relaxation method will be investigated in order to derive a reliable method to measure the viscosity of undercooled melts. The analysis of the monotonic relaxation to equilibrium shape of a drastically deformed and super-critically damped free drop has been used to derive interfacial tension of immiscible liquid combinations where one of the component has high viscosity. A standard approach uses the initial elongation of a droplet through shear flows, but an equivalent method could involve the initial deformation of a drop levitated in a gas by ultrasonic radiation pressure, electric stresses, or even solid body rotation. The dynamic behavior of the free drop relaxing back to equilibrium shape will be modeled, and its characteristic time dependence should provide a quantitative means to evaluate the liquid viscosity.

General solution for high dynamic range three-dimensional shape measurement using the fringe projection technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Shijie; Zhang, Yuzhen; Chen, Qian; Zuo, Chao; Li, Rubin; Shen, Guochen

2014-08-01

This paper presents a general solution for realizing high dynamic range three-dimensional (3-D) shape measurement based on fringe projection. Three concrete techniques are involved in the solution for measuring object with large range of reflectivity (LRR) or one with shiny specular surface. For the first technique, the measured surface reflectivities are sub-divided into several groups based on its histogram distribution, then the optimal exposure time for each group can be predicted adaptively so that the bright as well as dark areas on the measured surface are able to be handled without any compromise. Phase-shifted images are then captured at the calculated exposure times and a composite phase-shifted image is generated by extracting the optimally exposed pixels in the raw fringes images. For the second technique, it is proposed by introducing two orthogonal polarizers which are placed separately in front of the camera and projector into the first technique and the third one is developed by combining the second technique with the strategy of properly altering the angle between the transmission axes of the two polarizers. Experimental results show that the first technique can effectively improve the measurement accuracy of diffuse objects with LRR, the second one is capable of measuring object with weak specular reflection (WSR: e.g. shiny plastic surface) and the third can inspect surface with strong specular reflection (SSR: e.g. highlight on aluminum alloy) precisely. Further, more complex scene, such as the one with LRR and WSR, or even the one simultaneously involving LRR, WSR and SSR, can be measured accurately by the proposed solution.

U-Shaped and Surface Functionalized Polymer Optical Fiber Probe for Glucose Detection.

PubMed

Azkune, Mikel; Ruiz-Rubio, Leire; Aldabaldetreku, Gotzon; Arrospide, Eneko; Pérez-Álvarez, Leyre; Bikandi, Iñaki; Zubia, Joseba; Vilas-Vilela, Jose Luis

2017-12-25

In this work we show an optical fiber evanescent wave absorption probe for glucose detection in different physiological media. High selectivity is achieved by functionalizing the surface of an only-core poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer optical fiber with phenilboronic groups, and enhanced sensitivity by using a U-shaped geometry. Employing a supercontinuum light source and a high-resolution spectrometer, absorption measurements are performed in the broadband visible light spectrum. Experimental results suggest the feasibility of such a fiber probe as a low-cost and selective glucose detector.

Phonatory Effects of Type I Thyroplasty Implant Shape and Depth of Medialization in Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

PubMed Central

Orestes, Michael I.; Neubauer, Juergen; Sofer, Elazar; Salinas, Jonathon; Chhetri, Dinesh K.

2015-01-01

Objectives/Hypothesis Medialization thyroplasty (MT) is commonly used to treat glottic insufficiency. In this study, we investigated the phonatory effects of MT implant medialization depth and medial surface shape. Methods Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and vagal paralysis were simulated in an in vivo canine. A type 1 MT was performed using a silicone elastomer implant with variable medialization depths and medial surface shapes: rectangular, V-shaped, divergent, and convergent. The effects on phonation onset flow/pressure relationships and acoustics were measured. Results Increasing depth of medialization led to improvements in fundamental frequency (F0) range and normalization of the slope of pressure/flow relationship toward baseline activation conditions. The effects of implant medial shape also depended on depth of medialization. Outcome measures were similar among the implants at smaller medialization depths. With large medialization depths and vagal paralysis conditions, the divergent implant maintained pressure/flow relationship closer to baseline. The vagal paralysis conditions also demonstrated decreased fundamental frequency range and worse flow/pressure relationship compared to RLN paralysis. Conclusions The depth and medial shape of a medialization laryngoplasty (ML) implant significantly affect both the F0 range and aerodynamic power required for phonation. These effects become more notable with increasing depth of medialization. The study also illustrates that ML is less effective in vagal paralysis compared to RLN paralysis. PMID:25046146

Computational Study of Surface Tension and Wall Adhesion Effects on an Oil Film Flow Underneath an Air Boundary Layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Celic, Alan; Zilliac, Gregory G.

1998-01-01

The fringe-imaging skin friction (FISF) technique, which was originally developed by D. J. Monson and G. G. Mateer at Ames Research Center and recently extended to 3-D flows, is the most accurate skin friction measurement technique currently available. The principle of this technique is that the skin friction at a point on an aerodynamic surface can be determined by measuring the time-rate-of-change of the thickness of an oil drop placed on the surface under the influence of the external air boundary layer. Lubrication theory is used to relate the oil-patch thickness variation to shear stress. The uncertainty of FISF measurements is estimated to be as low as 4 percent, yet little is known about the effects of surface tension and wall adhesion forces on the measured results. A modified version of the free-surface Navier-Stokes solver RIPPLE, developed at Los Alamos National Laboratories, was used to compute the time development of an oil drop on a surface under a simulated air boundary layer. RIPPLE uses the volume of fluid method to track the surface and the continuum surface force approach to model surface tension and wall adhesion effects. The development of an oil drop, over a time period of approximately 4 seconds, was studied. Under the influence of shear imposed by an air boundary layer, the computed profile of the drop rapidly changes from its initial circular-arc shape to a wedge-like shape. Comparison of the time-varying oil-thickness distributions computed using RIPPLE and also computed using a greatly simplified numerical model of an oil drop equation which does not include surface tension and wall adhesion effects) was used to evaluate the effects of surface tension on FISF measurement results. The effects of surface tension were found to be small but not necessarily negligible in some cases.

Manufacturing and metrology for IR conformal windows and domes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferralli, Ian; Blalock, Todd; Brunelle, Matt; Lynch, Timothy; Myer, Brian; Medicus, Kate

2017-05-01

Freeform and conformal optics have the potential to dramatically improve optical systems by enabling systems with fewer optical components, reduced aberrations, and improved aerodynamic performance. These optical components differ from standard components in their surface shape, typically a non-symmetric equation based definition, and material properties. Traditional grinding and polishing tools are unable to handle these freeform shapes. Additionally, standard metrology tools cannot measure these surfaces. Desired substrates are typically hard ceramics, including poly-crystalline alumina or aluminum oxynitride. Notwithstanding the challenges that the hardness provides to manufacturing, these crystalline materials can be highly susceptible to grain decoration creating unacceptable scatter in optical systems. In this presentation, we will show progress towards addressing the unique challenges of manufacturing conformal windows and domes. Particular attention is given to our robotic polishing platform. This platform is based on an industrial robot adapted to accept a wide range of tooling and parts. The robot's flexibility has provided us an opportunity to address the unique challenges of conformal windows. Slurries and polishing active layers can easily be changed to adapt to varying materials and address grain decoration. We have the flexibility to change tool size and shape to address the varying sizes and shapes of conformal optics. In addition, the robotic platform can be a base for a deflectometry-based metrology tool to measure surface form error. This system, whose precision is independent of the robot's positioning accuracy, will allow us to measure optics in-situ saving time and reducing part risk. In conclusion, we will show examples of the conformal windows manufactured using our developed processes.

Determination of technological parameters in strip mining by time-of-flight and image processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elandaloussi, Frank; Mueller, B.; Osten, Wolfgang

1999-09-01

The conveying and dumping of earth masses lying over the coal seam in lignite surface mining is done usually by overburden conveyor bridges. The overburden, obtained from connected excavators, is transported over the bridge construction using a conveyor belt system and poured into one front dump and three surface dumps. The shaping of the dump growth is of great importance both to guaranty the stability of the masses dumped to earth stocks as well as the whole construction and to prepare the area for re-cultivation. This article describes three measurement systems: one to determine the impact point of the dumped earth masses, one to determine the shape of the entire mining process and the other a sensor for the loading of the conveyor belt. For the first measurement system, a real-time video system has been designed, set-up and installed that is capable to determine the impact point of all three dumps simultaneously. The second measurement system is a connection of 5 special designed laser distance measuring instruments, that are able to measure the shape of the mining process under unfavorable environmental conditions like dust, high temperature changes, heavy shocks etc. The third sensor is designed for monitoring the transportation of the masses via the conveyor belt system.

C-shaped specimen plane strain fracture toughness tests. [metallic materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buzzard, R. T.; Fisher, D. M.

1977-01-01

Test equipment, procedures, and data obtained in the evaluation of C-shaped specimens are presented. Observations reported on include: specimen preparation and dimensional measurement; modifications to the standard ASTM E 399 displacement gage, which permit punch mark gage point engagement; and a measurement device for determining the interior and exterior radii of ring segments. Load displacement ratios were determined experimentally which agreed with analytically determined coefficients for three different gage lengths on the inner surfaces of radially-cracked ring segments.

Path integration guided with a quality map for shape reconstruction in the fringe reflection technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jing, Xiaoli; Cheng, Haobo; Wen, Yongfu

2018-04-01

A new local integration algorithm called quality map path integration (QMPI) is reported for shape reconstruction in the fringe reflection technique. A quality map is proposed to evaluate the quality of gradient data locally, and functions as a guideline for the integrated path. The presented method can be employed in wavefront estimation from its slopes over the general shaped surface with slope noise equivalent to that in practical measurements. Moreover, QMPI is much better at handling the slope data with local noise, which may be caused by the irregular shapes of the surface under test. The performance of QMPI is discussed by simulations and experiment. It is shown that QMPI not only improves the accuracy of local integration, but can also be easily implemented with no iteration compared to Southwell zonal reconstruction (SZR). From an engineering point-of-view, the proposed method may also provide an efficient and stable approach for different shapes with high-precise demand.

The structure of the NO(X (2)Pi)-N(2) complex: A joint experimental-theoretical study.

PubMed

Wen, B; Meyer, H; Kłos, J

2010-04-21

We report the first measurement of the spectrum of the NO-N(2) complex in the region of the first vibrational NO overtone transition. The origin band of the complex is blueshifted by 0.30 cm(-1) from the corresponding NO monomer frequency. The observed spectrum consists of three bands assigned to the origin band, the excitation of one quantum of z-axis rotation and one associated hot band. The spacing of the bands and the rotational structure indicate a T-shaped vibrationally averaged structure with the NO molecule forming the top of the T. These findings are confirmed by high level ab initio calculations of the potential energy surfaces in planar symmetry. The deepest minimum is found for a T-shaped geometry on the A(")-surface. As a result the sum potential also has the global minimum for this structure. The different potential surfaces show several additional local minima at slightly higher energies indicating that the complex most likely will perform large amplitude motion even in its ground vibrational state. Nevertheless, as suggested by the measured spectra, the complex must, on average, spend a substantial amount of time near the T-shaped configuration.

Contributions of the NASA Langley Research Center to the DARPA/AFRL/NASA/ Northrop Grumman Smart Wing Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Florance, Jennifer P.; Burner, Alpheus W.; Fleming, Gary A.; Martin, Christopher A.

2003-01-01

An overview of the contributions of the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) to the DARPA/AFRL/NASA/ Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) Smart Wing program is presented. The overall objective of the Smart Wing program was to develop smart** technologies and demonstrate near-flight-scale actuation systems to improve the aerodynamic performance of military aircraft. NASA LaRC s roles were to provide technical guidance, wind-tunnel testing time and support, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses. The program was divided into two phases, with each phase having two wind-tunnel entries in the Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT). This paper focuses on the fourth and final wind-tunnel test: Phase 2, Test 2. During this test, a model based on the NGC Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) concept was tested at Mach numbers up to 0.8 and dynamic pressures up to 150 psf to determine the aerodynamic performance benefits that could be achieved using hingeless, smoothly-contoured control surfaces actuated with smart materials technologies. The UCAV-based model was a 30% geometric scale, full-span, sting-mounted model with the smart control surfaces on the starboard wing and conventional, hinged control surfaces on the port wing. Two LaRC-developed instrumentation systems were used during the test to externally measure the shapes of the smart control surface and quantify the effects of aerodynamic loading on the deflections: Videogrammetric Model Deformation (VMD) and Projection Moire Interferometry (PMI). VMD is an optical technique that uses single-camera photogrammetric tracking of discrete targets to determine deflections at specific points. PMI provides spatially continuous measurements of model deformation by computationally analyzing images of a grid projected onto the model surface. Both the VMD and PMI measurements served well to validate the use of on-board (internal) rotary potentiometers to measure the smart control surface deflection angles. Prior to the final entry, NASA LaRC also performed three-dimensional unstructured Navier Stokes CFD analyses in an attempt to predict the potential aerodynamic impact of the smart control surface on overall model forces and moments. Eight different control surface shapes were selected for study at Mach = 0.6, Reynolds number = 3.25 x 10(exp 6), and + 2 deg., 3 deg., 8 deg., and 10 deg.model angles-of-attack. For the baseline, undeflected control surface geometry, the CFD predictions and wind-tunnel results matched well. The agreement was not as good for the more complex aero-loaded control surface shapes, though, because of the inability to accurately predict those shapes. Despite these results, the NASA CFD study served as an important step in studying advanced control effectors.

Influence of shape and gradient refractive index in the accommodative changes of spherical aberration in nonhuman primate crystalline lenses.

PubMed

de Castro, Alberto; Birkenfeld, Judith; Maceo, Bianca; Manns, Fabrice; Arrieta, Esdras; Parel, Jean-Marie; Marcos, Susana

2013-09-11

To estimate changes in surface shape and gradient refractive index (GRIN) profile in primate lenses as a function of accommodation. To quantify the contribution of surface shape and GRIN to spherical aberration changes with accommodation. Crystalline lenses from 15 cynomolgus monkeys were studied in vitro under different levels of accommodation produced by a stretching system. Lens shape was obtained from optical coherence tomography (OCT) cross-sectional images. The GRIN was reconstructed with a search algorithm using the optical path measured from OCT images and the measured back focal length. The spherical aberration of the lens was estimated as a function of accommodation using the reconstructed GRIN and a homogeneous refractive index. The lens anterior and posterior radii of curvature decreased with increasing lens power. Both surfaces exhibited negative asphericities in the unaccommodated state. The anterior surface conic constant shifted toward less negative values with accommodation, while the value of the posterior remained constant. GRIN parameters remained constant with accommodation. The lens spherical aberration with GRIN distribution was negative and higher in magnitude than that with a homogeneous equivalent refractive index (by 29% and 53% in the unaccommodated and fully accommodated states, respectively). Spherical aberration with the equivalent refractive index shifted with accommodation toward negative values (-0.070 μm/diopter [D]), but the reconstructed GRIN shifted it farther (-0.124 μm/D). When compared with the lens with the homogeneous equivalent refractive index, the reconstructed GRIN lens has more negative spherical aberration and a larger shift toward more negative values with accommodation.

Surface treatment of a titanium implant using low temperature atmospheric pressure plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hyun-Young; Tang, Tianyu; Ok, Jung-Woo; Kim, Dong-Hyun; Lee, Ho-Jun; Lee, Hae June

2015-09-01

During the last two decades, atmospheric pressure plasmas(APP) are widely used in diverse fields of biomedical applications, reduction of pollutants, and surface treatment of materials. Applications of APP to titanium surface of dental implants is steadily increasing as it renders surfaces wettability and modifies the oxide layer of titanium that hinders the interaction with cells and proteins. In this study, we have treated the titanium surfaces of screw-shaped implant samples using a plasma jet which is composed of a ceramic coaxial tube of dielectrics, a stainless steel inner electrode, and a coper tube outer electrode. The plasma ignition occurred with Ar gas flow between two coaxial metal electrodes and a sinusoidal bias voltage of 3 kV with a frequency of 20 kHz. Titanium materials used in this study are screw-shaped implants of which diameter and length are 5 mm and 13 mm, respectively. Samples were mounted at a distance of 5 mm below the plasma source, and the plasma treatment time was set to 3 min. The wettability of titanium surface was measured by the moving speed of water on its surface, which is enhanced by plasma treatment. The surface roughness was also measured by atomic force microscopy. The optimal condition for wettability change is discussed.

The generation and use of numerical shape models for irregular Solar System objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simonelli, Damon P.; Thomas, Peter C.; Carcich, Brian T.; Veverka, Joseph

1993-01-01

We describe a procedure that allows the efficient generation of numerical shape models for irregular Solar System objects, where a numerical model is simply a table of evenly spaced body-centered latitudes and longitudes and their associated radii. This modeling technique uses a combination of data from limbs, terminators, and control points, and produces shape models that have some important advantages over analytical shape models. Accurate numerical shape models make it feasible to study irregular objects with a wide range of standard scientific analysis techniques. These applications include the determination of moments of inertia and surface gravity, the mapping of surface locations and structural orientations, photometric measurement and analysis, the reprojection and mosaicking of digital images, and the generation of albedo maps. The capabilities of our modeling procedure are illustrated through the development of an accurate numerical shape model for Phobos and the production of a global, high-resolution, high-pass-filtered digital image mosaic of this Martian moon. Other irregular objects that have been modeled, or are being modeled, include the asteroid Gaspra and the satellites Deimos, Amalthea, Epimetheus, Janus, Hyperion, and Proteus.

Design of a surface deformation measuring instrument for the Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE-2)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stahl, H. Philip

1993-01-01

This final technical report covers the work accomplished (under NAG3-1300) from 1 October 1991 to 1 October 1993. The grant is a direct result of Dr. H. Philip Stahl's (of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology) participation in the NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship Program at NASA Lewis Research Center sponsored by Case Western Reserve University and the Ohio Aerospace Institute. The Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE) is a fundamental fluid physics experiment designed to provide quantitative data on the thermocapillary flow of fluid under the influence of an increased localized surface temperature. STDCE flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia in the First United States Microgravity Laboratory (USML-1) in June 1992. The second flight of this experiment (STDCE-2) is scheduled for 1995. The specific science objectives of STDCE-2 are to determine the extent and nature of thermocapillary flows, the effect of heating mode and level, the effect of the liquid free-surface shape, and the onset conditions for and nature of oscillatory flows. In order to satisfy one of these objectives, an instrument for measuring the shape of an air/oil free surface must be developed.

In vitro tympanic membrane position identification with a co-axial fiber-optic otoscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sundberg, Mikael; Peebo, Markus; Strömberg, Tomas

2011-09-01

Otitis media diagnosis can be assisted by measuring the shape of the tympanic membrane. We have developed an ear speculum for an otoscope, including spatially distributed source and detector optical fibers, to generate source-detector intensity matrices (SDIMs), representing the curvature of surfaces. The surfaces measured were a model ear with a latex membrane and harvested temporal bones including intact tympanic membranes. The position of the tympanic membrane was shifted from retracted to bulging by air pressure and that of the latex membrane by water displacement. The SDIM was normalized utilizing both external (a sheared flat plastic cylinder) and internal references (neutral position of the membrane). Data was fitted to a two-dimensional Gaussian surface representing the shape by its amplitude and offset. Retracted and bulging surfaces were discriminated for the model ear by the sign of the Gaussian amplitude for both internal and external reference normalization. Tympanic membranes were separated after a two-step normalization: first to an external reference, adjusted for the distance between speculum and the surfaces, and second by comparison with an average normally positioned SDIM from tympanic membranes. In conclusion, we have shown that the modified otoscope can discriminate between bulging and retracted tympanic membranes in a single measurement, given a two-step normalization.

Investigating the role of particle shape on colloid transport and retention in saturated porous media (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y.; Seymour, M.; Chen, G.; Su, C.

2013-12-01

Mechanistic understanding of the transport and retention of nanoparticles in porous media is essential both for environmental applications of nanotechnology and assessing the potential environmental impacts of engineered nanomaterials. Engineered and naturally occurring nanoparticles can be found in various shapes including rod-shape carbon nanotubes that have high aspect ratios. Although it is expected that nonspherical shape could play an important role on their transport and retention behaviors, current theoretical models for particle transport in porous media, however, are mostly based on spherical particle shape. In this work, the effect of particle shape on its transport and retention in porous media was evaluated by stretching carboxylate-modified fluorescent polystyrene spheres into rod shapes with aspect ratios of 2:1 and 4:1. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation experiments (QCM-D) were conducted to measure the deposition rates of spherical and rod-shaped nanoparticles to the collector (poly-L-lysine coated silica sensor) surface under favorable conditions. Under unfavorable conditions, the retention of nanoparticles in a microfluidic flow cell packed with glass beads was studied with the use of laser scanning cytometry (LSC). Under favorable conditions, the spherical particles displayed a significantly higher deposition rate compared with that of the rod-shaped particles. Theoretical analysis based on Smoluchowski-Levich approximation indicated that the rod-shaped particles largely counterbalance the attractive energies due to higher hydrodynamic forces and torques experienced during their transport and rotation. Under unfavorable conditions, significantly more attachment was observed for rod-shaped particles than spherical particles, and the attachment rate of the rod-shaped particles showed an increasing trend with the increase in injection volume. Rod-shaped particles were found to be less sensitive to the surface charge heterogeneity change than spherical particles. Increased attachment rate of rod-shaped particles was attributed to surface heterogeneity and possibly enhanced hydrophobicity during the stretching process.

Three-dimensional and thermal surface imaging produces reliable measures of joint shape and temperature: a potential tool for quantifying arthritis

PubMed Central

Spalding, Steven J; Kwoh, C Kent; Boudreau, Robert; Enama, Joseph; Lunich, Julie; Huber, Daniel; Denes, Louis; Hirsch, Raphael

2008-01-01

Introduction The assessment of joints with active arthritis is a core component of widely used outcome measures. However, substantial variability exists within and across examiners in assessment of these active joint counts. Swelling and temperature changes, two qualities estimated during active joint counts, are amenable to quantification using noncontact digital imaging technologies. We sought to explore the ability of three dimensional (3D) and thermal imaging to reliably measure joint shape and temperature. Methods A Minolta 910 Vivid non-contact 3D laser scanner and a Meditherm med2000 Pro Infrared camera were used to create digital representations of wrist and metacarpalphalangeal (MCP) joints. Specialized software generated 3 quantitative measures for each joint region: 1) Volume; 2) Surface Distribution Index (SDI), a marker of joint shape representing the standard deviation of vertical distances from points on the skin surface to a fixed reference plane; 3) Heat Distribution Index (HDI), representing the standard error of temperatures. Seven wrists and 6 MCP regions from 5 subjects with arthritis were used to develop and validate 3D image acquisition and processing techniques. HDI values from 18 wrist and 9 MCP regions were obtained from 17 patients with active arthritis and compared to data from 10 wrist and MCP regions from 5 controls. Standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for each quantitative measure to establish their reliability. CVs for volume and SDI were <1.3% and ICCs were greater than 0.99. Results Thermal measures were less reliable than 3D measures. However, significant differences were observed between control and arthritis HDI values. Two case studies of arthritic joints demonstrated quantifiable changes in swelling and temperature corresponding with changes in symptoms and physical exam findings. Conclusion 3D and thermal imaging provide reliable measures of joint volume, shape, and thermal patterns. Further refinement may lead to the use of these technologies to improve the assessment of disease activity in arthritis. PMID:18215307

Aging and the haptic perception of 3D surface shape.

PubMed

Norman, J Farley; Kappers, Astrid M L; Beers, Amanda M; Scott, A Kate; Norman, Hideko F; Koenderink, Jan J

2011-04-01

Two experiments evaluated the ability of older and younger adults to perceive the three-dimensional (3D) shape of object surfaces from active touch (haptics). The ages of the older adults ranged from 64 to 84 years, while those of the younger adults ranged from 18 to 27 years. In Experiment 1, the participants haptically judged the shape of large (20 cm diameter) surfaces with an entire hand. In contrast, in Experiment 2, the participants explored the shape of small (5 cm diameter) surfaces with a single finger. The haptic surfaces varied in shape index (Koenderink, Solid shape, 1990; Koenderink, Image and Vision Computing, 10, 557-564, 1992) from -1.0 to +1.0 in steps of 0.25. For both types of surfaces (large and small), the participants were able to judge surface shape reliably. The older participants' judgments of surface shape were just as accurate and precise as those of the younger participants. The results of the current study demonstrate that while older adults do possess reductions in tactile sensitivity and acuity, they nevertheless can effectively perceive 3D surface shape from haptic exploration.

Perception of local three-dimensional shape.

PubMed

Phillips, F; Todd, J T

1996-08-01

The authors present a series of 4 experiments designed to test the ability to perceive local shape information. Observers were presented with various smoothly varying 3-dimensional surfaces where they reported shape index and sign of Gaussian curvature at several probe locations. Results show that observers are poor at making judgments based on these local measures, especially when the region surrounding the local point is restricted or manipulated to make it noncoherent. Shape index judgments required at least 2 degrees of context surrounding the probe location, and performance on sign of Gaussian curvature judgments deteriorated as the contextual information was restricted as well.

An Experimental Comparison of Similarity Assessment Measures for 3D Models on Constrained Surface Deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quan, Lulin; Yang, Zhixin

2010-05-01

To address the issues in the area of design customization, this paper expressed the specification and application of the constrained surface deformation, and reported the experimental performance comparison of three prevail effective similarity assessment algorithms on constrained surface deformation domain. Constrained surface deformation becomes a promising method that supports for various downstream applications of customized design. Similarity assessment is regarded as the key technology for inspecting the success of new design via measuring the difference level between the deformed new design and the initial sample model, and indicating whether the difference level is within the limitation. According to our theoretical analysis and pre-experiments, three similarity assessment algorithms are suitable for this domain, including shape histogram based method, skeleton based method, and U system moment based method. We analyze their basic functions and implementation methodologies in detail, and do a series of experiments on various situations to test their accuracy and efficiency using precision-recall diagram. Shoe model is chosen as an industrial example for the experiments. It shows that shape histogram based method gained an optimal performance in comparison. Based on the result, we proposed a novel approach that integrating surface constrains and shape histogram description with adaptive weighting method, which emphasize the role of constrains during the assessment. The limited initial experimental result demonstrated that our algorithm outperforms other three algorithms. A clear direction for future development is also drawn at the end of the paper.

Modal phase measuring deflectometry

DOE PAGES

Huang, Lei; Xue, Junpeng; Gao, Bo; ...

2016-10-14

Here in this work, a model based method is applied to phase measuring deflectometry, which is named as modal phase measuring deflectometry. The height and slopes of the surface under test are represented by mathematical models and updated by optimizing the model coefficients to minimize the discrepancy between the reprojection in ray tracing and the actual measurement. The pose of the screen relative to the camera is pre-calibrated and further optimized together with the shape coefficients of the surface under test. Simulations and experiments are conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.

Confinement in Melts of Chains with Junction Points, but No Ends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foster, Mark; He, Qiming; Zhou, Yang; Zhang, Fan; Huang, Chongwen; Narayanan, Suresh

Measurements of surface fluctuations of 4-arm star and ''8-shaped'' analogs of the same polystyrene (PS) chain show that elimination of chain ends is much more important in dictating the fragility in a thin film than is the introduction of a branch point in the molecule. Both the viscosities derived from surface fluctuations and rheological measurements for the 8-shaped PS manifest a lower value than the 4-arm star PS analog, with the discrepancy increasing as the temperature approaches the glass transition temperature, Tg , bulk. Comparison among different chain topologies shows the effect of the number of chain ends and junction point on the viscosity. The viscosity behavior of the 8-shaped PS is quite different from that of the star analog, but similar to that of the simple cycle analog. The fragility of the 8-shaped molecule in the thin film is reduced relative to that in the bulk, manifesting a nanoconfinement effect. This research used resources of the Advanced Photon Source, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science User Facility operated for the DOE Office of Science by Argonne National Laboratory under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357.

Estimation of Mars radar backscatter from measured surface rock populations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baron, J.E.; Simpson, R.A.; Tyler, G.L.; Moore, H.J.; Harmon, J.K.

1998-01-01

Reanalysis of rock population data at the Mars Viking Lander sites has yielded updated values of rock fractional surface coverage (about 0.16 at both sites, including outcrops) and new estimates of rock burial depths and axial ratios. These data are combined with a finite difference time domain (FDTD) numerical scattering model to estimate diffuse backscatter due to rocks at both the Lander l (VL1) and Lander 2 (VL2) sites. We consider single scattering from both surface and subsurface objects of various shapes, ranging from an ideal sphere to an accurate digitized model of a terrestrial rock. The FDTD cross-section calculations explicitly account for the size, shape, composition, orientation, and burial state of the scattering object, the incident wave angle and polarization, and the composition of the surface. We calculate depolarized specific cross sections at 12.6 cm wavelength due to lossless rock-like scatterers of about 0.014 at VL1 and 0.023 at VL2, which are comparable to the measured ranges of 0.019-0.032 and 0.012-0.018, respectively. We also discuss the variation of the diffuse cross section as the local angle of incidence, ??i, changes. Numerical calculations for a limited set of rock shapes indicate a marked difference between the angular backscattering behavior of wavelength-scale surface and subsurface rocks: while subsurface rocks scatter approximately as a cosine power law, surface rocks display a complex variation, often with peak backscattering at high incidence angles (??i = 70??-75??). Copyright 1998 by the American Geophysical Union.

An experimental study of the aerodynamics of a NACA 0012 airfoil with a simulated glaze ice accretion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bragg, M. B.

1986-01-01

An experimental study was conducted in the Ohio State University subsonic wind tunnel to measure the detailed aerodynamic characteristics of an airfoil with a simulated glaze ice accretion. A NACA 0012 model with interchangeable leading edges and pressure taps every one percent chord was used. Surface pressure and wake data were taken on the airfoil clean, with forced transition and with a simulated glaze ice shape. Lift and drag penalties due to the ice shape were found and the surface pressure clearly showed that large separation bubbles were present. Both total pressure and split-film probes were used to measure velocity profiles, both for the clean model and for the model with a simulated ice accretion. A large region of flow separation was seen in the velocity profiles and was correlated to the pressure measurements. Clean airfoil data were found to compare well to existing airfoil analysis methods.

Shape Effect Undermined by Surface Reconstruction: Ethanol Dehydrogenation over Shape-Controlled SrTiO 3 Nanocrystals

DOE PAGES

Foo, Guo Shiou; Hood, Zachary D.; Wu, Zili

2017-12-05

For this research, to gain an in-depth understanding of the surface properties relevant for catalysis using ternary oxides, we report the acid–base pair reactivity of shape-controlled SrTiO 3 (STO) nanocrystals for the dehydrogenation of ethanol. Cubes, truncated cubes, dodecahedra, and etched cubes of STO with varying ratios of (001) and (110) crystal facets were synthesized using a hydrothermal method. Low-energy ion scattering (LEIS) analysis revealed that the (001) surface on cubes of STO is enriched with SrO due to surface reconstruction, resulting in a high ratio of strong base sites. Chemical treatment with dilute nitric acid to form etched cubesmore » of STO resulted in a surface enriched with Ti cations and strong acidity. Furthermore, the strength and distribution of surface acidic sites increase with the ratio of (110) facet from cubes to truncated cubes to dodecahedra for STO. Kinetic, isotopic, and spectroscopy methods show that the dehydrogenation of ethanol proceeds through the facile dissociation of the alcohol group, followed by the cleavage of the C α–H bond, which is the rate-determining step. Co-feeding of various probe molecules during catalysis, such as NH 3, 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine, CO 2, and SO 2, reveals that a pair of Lewis acid site and basic surface oxygen atom is involved in the dehydrogenation reaction. The surface density of acid–base site pairs was measured using acetic acid as a probe molecule, allowing initial acetaldehyde formation turnover rates to be obtained. Comparison among various catalysts reveals no simple correlation between ethanol turnover rate and the percentage of either surface facet ((001) or (110)) of the STO nanocrystals. Instead, the reaction rate is found to increase with the strength of acid sites but reversely with the strength of base sites. The acid–base property is directly related to the surface composition as a result from different surface reconstruction behaviors of the shaped STO nanocrystals. Lastly, the finding in this work underscores the importance of characterizing the top surface compositions and sites properties when assessing the catalytic performance of shape-controlled complex oxides such as perovskites.« less

Shape Effect Undermined by Surface Reconstruction: Ethanol Dehydrogenation over Shape-Controlled SrTiO 3 Nanocrystals

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

Foo, Guo Shiou; Hood, Zachary D.; Wu, Zili

For this research, to gain an in-depth understanding of the surface properties relevant for catalysis using ternary oxides, we report the acid–base pair reactivity of shape-controlled SrTiO 3 (STO) nanocrystals for the dehydrogenation of ethanol. Cubes, truncated cubes, dodecahedra, and etched cubes of STO with varying ratios of (001) and (110) crystal facets were synthesized using a hydrothermal method. Low-energy ion scattering (LEIS) analysis revealed that the (001) surface on cubes of STO is enriched with SrO due to surface reconstruction, resulting in a high ratio of strong base sites. Chemical treatment with dilute nitric acid to form etched cubesmore » of STO resulted in a surface enriched with Ti cations and strong acidity. Furthermore, the strength and distribution of surface acidic sites increase with the ratio of (110) facet from cubes to truncated cubes to dodecahedra for STO. Kinetic, isotopic, and spectroscopy methods show that the dehydrogenation of ethanol proceeds through the facile dissociation of the alcohol group, followed by the cleavage of the C α–H bond, which is the rate-determining step. Co-feeding of various probe molecules during catalysis, such as NH 3, 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine, CO 2, and SO 2, reveals that a pair of Lewis acid site and basic surface oxygen atom is involved in the dehydrogenation reaction. The surface density of acid–base site pairs was measured using acetic acid as a probe molecule, allowing initial acetaldehyde formation turnover rates to be obtained. Comparison among various catalysts reveals no simple correlation between ethanol turnover rate and the percentage of either surface facet ((001) or (110)) of the STO nanocrystals. Instead, the reaction rate is found to increase with the strength of acid sites but reversely with the strength of base sites. The acid–base property is directly related to the surface composition as a result from different surface reconstruction behaviors of the shaped STO nanocrystals. Lastly, the finding in this work underscores the importance of characterizing the top surface compositions and sites properties when assessing the catalytic performance of shape-controlled complex oxides such as perovskites.« less

Flight test results from a supercritical mission adaptive wing with smooth variable camber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Powers, Sheryll Goecke; Webb, Lannie D.; Friend, Edward L.; Lokos, William A.

1992-01-01

The mission adaptive wing (MAW) consisted of leading- and trailing-edge variable-camber surfaces that could be deflected in flight to provide a near-ideal wing camber shape for any flight condition. These surfaces featured smooth, flexible upper surfaces and fully enclosed lower surfaces, distinguishing them from conventional flaps that have discontinuous surfaces and exposed or semiexposed mechanisms. Camber shape was controlled by either a manual or automatic flight control system. The wing and aircraft were extensively instrumented to evaluate the local flow characteristics and the total aircraft performance. This paper discusses the interrelationships between the wing pressure, buffet, boundary-layer and flight deflection measurement system analyses and describes the flight maneuvers used to obtain the data. The results are for a wing sweep of 26 deg, a Mach number of 0.85, leading and trailing-edge cambers (delta(sub LE/TE)) of 0/2 and 5/10, and angles of attack from 3.0 deg to 14.0 deg. For the well-behaved flow of the delta(sub LE/TE) = 0/2 camber, a typical cruise camber shape, the local and global data are in good agreement with respect to the flow properties of the wing. For the delta(sub LE/TE) = 5/10 camber, a maneuvering camber shape, the local and global data have similar trends and conclusions, but not the clear-cut agreement observed for cruise camber.

Structure and Dynamics of Interfaces: Drops and Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mann, J. Adin, Jr.; Mann, Elizabeth K.; Meyer, William V.; Neumann, A. Wilhelm; Tavana, Hossein

2015-01-01

We aim to acquire measurements of the structure and dynamics of certain liquid-fluid interfaces using an ensemble of techniques in collaboration: (1) Total internal reflection (TIR) Surface light scattering spectroscopy (SLSS), (2) Brewster angle microscopy (BAM), and (3) Drop-shape analysis. SLSS and BAM can be done on a shared interfacial footprint. Results using a 50-50 mixture of pentane-isohexane, which extends the range of NASA's Confined Vapor Bubble (CVB) experiment, yield surface tension results that differ from the expected Langmuir Fit. These results were confirmed using both the SLSS and drop-shape analysis approaches.

Three-dimensional CTOA and constraint effects during stable tearing in a thin-sheet material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dawicke, D. S.; Newman, J. C., Jr.; Bigelow, C. A.

1995-01-01

A small strain theory, three-dimensional elastic-plastic finite element analysis was used to simulate fracture in thin sheet 2024-T3 aluminum alloy in the T-L orientation. Both straight and tunneled cracks were modeled. The tunneled crack front shapes as a function of applied stress were obtained from the fracture surface of tested specimens. The stable crack growth behavior was measured at the specimen surface as a function of applied stress. The fracture simulation modeled the crack tunneling and extension as a function of applied stress. The results indicated that the global constraint factor, alpha(sub g), initially dropped during stable crack growth. After peak applied stress was achieved, alpha(sub g) began to increase slightly. The effect of crack front shape on alpha(sub g) was small, but the crack front shape did greatly influence the local constraint and through-thickness crack-tip opening angle (CTOA) behavior. The surface values of CTOA for the tunneled crack front model agreed well with experimental measurements, showing the same initial decrease from high values during the initial 3mm of crack growth at the specimen's surface. At the same time, the interior CTOA values increased from low angles. After the initial stable tearing region, the CTOA was constant through the thickness. The three-dimensional analysis appears to confirm the potential of CTOA as a two-dimensional fracture criterion.

Probing-error compensation using 5 degree of freedom force/moment sensor for coordinate measuring machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Minho; Cho, Nahm-Gyoo

2013-09-01

A new probing and compensation method is proposed to improve the three-dimensional (3D) measuring accuracy of 3D shapes, including irregular surfaces. A new tactile coordinate measuring machine (CMM) probe with a five-degree of freedom (5-DOF) force/moment sensor using carbon fiber plates was developed. The proposed method efficiently removes the anisotropic sensitivity error and decreases the stylus deformation and the actual contact point estimation errors that are major error components of shape measurement using touch probes. The relationship between the measuring force and estimation accuracy of the actual contact point error and stylus deformation error are examined for practical use of the proposed method. The appropriate measuring force condition is presented for the precision measurement.

Estimation of 3D shape from image orientations.

PubMed

Fleming, Roland W; Holtmann-Rice, Daniel; Bülthoff, Heinrich H

2011-12-20

One of the main functions of vision is to estimate the 3D shape of objects in our environment. Many different visual cues, such as stereopsis, motion parallax, and shading, are thought to be involved. One important cue that remains poorly understood comes from surface texture markings. When a textured surface is slanted in 3D relative to the observer, the surface patterns appear compressed in the retinal image, providing potentially important information about 3D shape. What is not known, however, is how the brain actually measures this information from the retinal image. Here, we explain how the key information could be extracted by populations of cells tuned to different orientations and spatial frequencies, like those found in the primary visual cortex. To test this theory, we created stimuli that selectively stimulate such cell populations, by "smearing" (filtering) images of 2D random noise into specific oriented patterns. We find that the resulting patterns appear vividly 3D, and that increasing the strength of the orientation signals progressively increases the sense of 3D shape, even though the filtering we apply is physically inconsistent with what would occur with a real object. This finding suggests we have isolated key mechanisms used by the brain to estimate shape from texture. Crucially, we also find that adapting the visual system's orientation detectors to orthogonal patterns causes unoriented random noise to look like a specific 3D shape. Together these findings demonstrate a crucial role of orientation detectors in the perception of 3D shape.

Quasi-static shape adjustment of a 15 meter diameter space antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Belvin, W. Keith; Herstrom, Catherine L.; Edighoffer, Harold H.

1987-01-01

A 15 meter diameter Hoop-Column antenna has been analyzed and tested to study shape adjustment of the reflector surface. The Hoop-Column antenna concept employs pretensioned cables and mesh to produce a paraboloidal reflector surface. Fabrication errors and thermal distortions may significantly reduce surface accuracy and consequently degrade electromagnetic performance. Thus, the ability to adjust the surface shape is desirable. The shape adjustment algorithm consisted of finite element and least squares error analyses to minimize the surface distortions. Experimental results verified the analysis. Application of the procedure resulted in a reduction of surface error by 38 percent. Quasi-static shape adjustment has the potential for on-orbit compensation for a variety of surface shape distortions.

In-plane and out-of-plane motions of the human tympanic membrane

PubMed Central

Khaleghi, Morteza; Cheng, Jeffrey Tao; Furlong, Cosme; Rosowski, John J.

2016-01-01

Computer-controlled digital holographic techniques are developed and used to measure shape and four-dimensional nano-scale displacements of the surface of the tympanic membrane (TM) in cadaveric human ears in response to tonal sounds. The combination of these measurements (shape and sound-induced motions) allows the calculation of the out-of-plane (perpendicular to the surface) and in-plane (tangential) motion components at over 1 000 000 points on the TM surface with a high-degree of accuracy and sensitivity. A general conclusion is that the in-plane motion components are 10–20 dB smaller than the out-of-plane motions. These conditions are most often compromised with higher-frequency sound stimuli where the overall displacements are smaller, or the spatial density of holographic fringes is higher, both of which increase the uncertainty of the measurements. The results are consistent with the TM acting as a Kirchhoff–Love's thin shell dominated by out-of-plane motion with little in-plane motion, at least with stimulus frequencies up to 8 kHz. PMID:26827009

Dual-modality endoscopic probe for tissue surface shape reconstruction and hyperspectral imaging enabled by deep neural networks.

PubMed

Lin, Jianyu; Clancy, Neil T; Qi, Ji; Hu, Yang; Tatla, Taran; Stoyanov, Danail; Maier-Hein, Lena; Elson, Daniel S

2018-06-15

Surgical guidance and decision making could be improved with accurate and real-time measurement of intra-operative data including shape and spectral information of the tissue surface. In this work, a dual-modality endoscopic system has been proposed to enable tissue surface shape reconstruction and hyperspectral imaging (HSI). This system centers around a probe comprised of an incoherent fiber bundle, whose fiber arrangement is different at the two ends, and miniature imaging optics. For 3D reconstruction with structured light (SL), a light pattern formed of randomly distributed spots with different colors is projected onto the tissue surface, creating artificial texture. Pattern decoding with a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model and a customized feature descriptor enables real-time 3D surface reconstruction at approximately 12 frames per second (FPS). In HSI mode, spatially sparse hyperspectral signals from the tissue surface can be captured with a slit hyperspectral imager in a single snapshot. A CNN based super-resolution model, namely "super-spectral-resolution" network (SSRNet), has also been developed to estimate pixel-level dense hypercubes from the endoscope cameras standard RGB images and the sparse hyperspectral signals, at approximately 2 FPS. The probe, with a 2.1 mm diameter, enables the system to be used with endoscope working channels. Furthermore, since data acquisition in both modes can be accomplished in one snapshot, operation of this system in clinical applications is minimally affected by tissue surface movement and deformation. The whole apparatus has been validated on phantoms and tissue (ex vivo and in vivo), while initial measurements on patients during laryngeal surgery show its potential in real-world clinical applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Some interesting aspects of physisorption stay-time measurements obtained using molecular-beam techniques. [on Ni surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilmoth, R. G.; Fisher, S. S.

1974-01-01

Stay-time distributions have been obtained for Xe physisorbing on polycrystalline nickel as a function of the target temperature using a pulsed molecular-beam technique. Some interesting effects due to ion bombardment of the surface using He, Ar, and Xe ions are presented. Measured detector signal shapes are found to deviate from those predicted for first-order desorption with velocities corresponding to Maxwellian effusion at the surface temperature. Evidence is found for interaction between beam pulse adsorption and steady-state adsorption of beam species background atoms.

Surface deformation as a guide to kinematics and three-dimensional shape of slow-moving, clay-rich landslides, Honolulu, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baum, R.L.; Messerich, J.; Fleming, R.W.

1998-01-01

Two slow-moving landslides in Honolulu, Hawaii, were the subject of photogrammetric measurements, field mapping, and subsurface investigation to learn whether surface observations can yield useful information consistent with results of subsurface investigation. Mapping focused on structural damage and on surface features such as scarps, shears, and toes. The x-y-z positions of photo-identifiable points were obtained from aerial photographs taken at three different times. The measurements were intended to learn if the shape of the landslide failure surface can be determined from systematic surface observations and whether surface observations about deformation are consistent with photogrammetrically-obtained displacement gradients. Field and aerial photographic measurements were evaluated to identify the boundaries of the landslides, distinguish areas of incipient landslide enlargement, and identify zones of active and passive failure in the landslides. Data reported here apply mainly to the Alani-Paty landslide, a translational, earth-block landslide that damaged property in a 3.4-ha residential area. It began moving in the 1970s and displacement through 1991 totaled 4 m. Thickness, determined from borehole data, ranges from about 7 to 10 m; and the slope of the ground surface averages about 9??. Field evidence of deformation indicated areas of potential landslide enlargement outside the well-formed landslide boundaries. Displacement gradients obtained photogrammetrically and deformation mapping both identified similar zones of active failure (longitudinal stretching) and passive failure (longitudinal shortening) within the body of the landslide. Surface displacement on the landslide is approximately parallel to the broadly concave slip surface.

Determining Tooth Occlusal Surface Relief Indicator by Means of Automated 3d Shape Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaboutchian, A. V.; Knyaz, V. A.

2017-05-01

Determining occlusal surface relief indicator plays an important role in odontometric tooth shape analysis. An analysis of the parameters of surface relief indicators provides valuable information about closure of dental arches (occlusion) and changes in structure of teeth in lifetime. Such data is relevant for dentistry or anthropology applications. Descriptive techniques commonly used for surface relief evaluation have limited precision which, as a result, does not provide for reliability of conclusions about structure and functioning of teeth. Parametric techniques developed for such applications need special facilities and are time-consuming which limits their spread and ease to access. Nevertheless the use of 3D models, obtained by photogrammetric techniques, allows attaining required measurements accuracy and has a potential for process automation. We introduce new approaches for determining tooth occlusal surface relief indicator and provide data on efficiency in use of different indicators in natural attrition evaluation.

Spontaneous Spreading of a Droplet: The Role of Solid Continuity and Advancing Contact Angle.

PubMed

Jiang, Youhua; Sun, Yujin; Drelich, Jaroslaw W; Choi, Chang-Hwan

2018-05-01

Spontaneous spreading of a droplet on a solid surface is poorly understood from a macroscopic level down to a molecular level. Here, we investigate the effect of surface topography and wettability on spontaneous spreading of a water droplet. Spreading force is measured for a suspended droplet that minimizes interference of kinetic energy in the spontaneous spreading during its contact with solid surfaces of discontinuous (pillar) and continuous (pore) patterns with various shapes and dimensions. Results show that a droplet cannot spread spontaneously on pillared surfaces regardless of their shapes or dimensions because of the solid discontinuity. On the contrary, a droplet on pored surfaces can undergo spontaneous spreading whose force increases with a decrease in the advancing contact angle. Theoretical models based on both the system free energy and capillary force along the contact line validate the direct and universal dependency of the spontaneous spreading force on the advancing contact angle.

A new system for measuring three-dimensional back shape in scoliosis

PubMed Central

Pynsent, Paul; Fairbank, Jeremy; Disney, Simon

2008-01-01

The aim of this work was to develop a low-cost automated system to measure the three-dimensional shape of the back in patients with scoliosis. The resulting system uses structured light to illuminate a patient’s back from an angle while a digital photograph is taken. The height of the surface is calculated using Fourier transform profilometry with an accuracy of ±1 mm. The surface is related to body axes using bony landmarks on the back that have been palpated and marked with small coloured stickers prior to photographing. Clinical parameters are calculated automatically and presented to the user on a monitor and as a printed report. All data are stored in a database. The database can be interrogated and successive measurements plotted for monitoring the deformity changes. The system developed uses inexpensive hardware and open source software. Accurate surface topography can help the clinician to measure spinal deformity at baseline and monitor changes over time. It can help the patients and their families to assess deformity. Above all it reduces the dependence on serial radiography and reduces radiation exposure when monitoring spinal deformity. PMID:18247064

Use of Marker Bands for Determination of Fatigue Crack Growth Rates and Crack Front Shapes in Pre-Corroded Coupons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Willard, S. A.

1997-01-01

Groups of striations called marker bands generated on a fatigue fracture surface can be used to mark the position of an advancing fatigue crack at known intervals. A technique has been developed that uses the distance between multiple sets of marker bands to obtain a vs. N, crack front shape, and fatigue crack growth rate data for small cracks. This technique is particularly usefull for specimens that require crack length measurements during testing that cannot be obtained because corrosion obscures the surface of the specimen. It is also useful for specimens with unusual or non-symmetric shapes where it is difficult to obtain accurate crack lengths using traditional methods such as compliance or electric potential difference in the early stages of testing.

Effects of Iris Surface Curvature on Iris Recognition

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

Thompson, Joseph T; Flynn, Patrick J; Bowyer, Kevin W

To focus on objects at various distances, the lens of the eye must change shape to adjust its refractive power. This change in lens shape causes a change in the shape of the iris surface which can be measured by examining the curvature of the iris. This work isolates the variable of iris curvature in the recognition process and shows that differences in iris curvature degrade matching ability. To our knowledge, no other work has examined the effects of varying iris curvature on matching ability. To examine this degradation, we conduct a matching experiment across pairs of images with varyingmore » degrees of iris curvature differences. The results show a statistically signi cant degradation in matching ability. Finally, the real world impact of these ndings is discussed« less

Acoustic Levitation and its Applications in the Study of Liquid Surface Rheology.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Yuren

Due to its non-contact manipulation and requirement of small amounts of test sample, acoustical levitation has been used to investigate the interfacial dynamics of liquids. In this current work, the surface rheology of liquid drops levitated in air has been studied. The surrounding of a gaseous medium simplifies the theoretical analysis and the interpretation of experimental results. For a ground-based experiment, the effect of gravity and the levitation sound field can change a levitated drop into a nonspherical shape. A theory which involves the multiple interactions between the drop and the sound field, the acoustic scattering by a nonspherical object and the limitation of droplet volume variation is developed. The droplet aspect ratio is determined as a function of the sound pressure, frequency (or wavelength) and the surface tension of liquid under both zero and nonzero gravity environments. The dynamics of a liquid drop of surfactant solution is also theoretically analyzed by including the different surfactant transfer processes at the droplet surface. The approximate solutions of the resonance frequency and damping constant of droplet free quadrupole shape oscillation are derived analytically and verified with the exact numerical solutions. The phase relationship between the driving force and the droplet response is established for the case of forced droplet shape oscillation. The surface viscoelasticity of liquid has shown a strong effect on the droplet dynamics. An acoustic levitation apparatus is constructed and used to levitate a liquid drop in air. By gauging the static shape of the drop versus its spatial location, the equilibrium surface tension of the liquid can be determined. The surface elasticity and viscosity are evaluated from the measurements of the resonance frequency, damping constant and phase relationship of the droplet quadrupole shape oscillation. Different kind of liquids are tested. For surfactant solutions, the experimental results illustrate the existence of surface viscoelasticities.

Electromagnetic Scattering From a Polygonal Thin Metallic Plate Using Quadrilateral Meshing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deshpande, Manohar D.

2003-01-01

The problem of electromagnetic (EM) scattering from irregularly shaped, thin, metallic flat plates in free space is solved using the electric field integral equation (EFIE) approach in conjunction with the method of moments (MoM) with quadrilateral meshing. An irregularly shaped thin plate is discretized into quadrilateral patches and the unknown electric surface current over the plate is expressed in terms of proper basis functions over these patches. The basis functions for the electric surface current density that satisfy the proper boundary conditions on these quadrilateral patches are derived. The unknown surface current density on these quadrilateral patches is determined by setting up and solving the electric field integral equation by the application of the MoM. From the knowledge of the surface current density, the EM scattering from various irregularly shaped plates is determined and compared with the earlier published results. The novelty in the present approach is the use of quadrilateral patches instead of well known and often used triangular patches. The numerical results obtained using the quadrilateral patches compare favorably with measured results.

Nano-scale surface morphology, wettability and osteoblast adhesion on nitrogen plasma-implanted NiTi shape memory alloy.

PubMed

Liu, X M; Wu, S L; Chu, Paul K; Chung, C Y; Chu, C L; Chan, Y L; Lam, K O; Yeung, K W K; Lu, W W; Cheung, K M C; Luk, K D K

2009-06-01

Plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) is an effective method to increase the corrosion resistance and inhibit nickel release from orthopedic NiTi shape memory alloy. Nitrogen was plasma-implanted into NiTi using different pulsing frequencies to investigate the effects on the nano-scale surface morphology, structure, wettability, as well as biocompatibility. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show that the implantation depth of nitrogen increases with higher pulsing frequencies. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) discloses that the nano-scale surface roughness increases and surface features are changed from islands to spiky cones with higher pulsing frequencies. This variation in the nano surface structures leads to different surface free energy (SFE) monitored by contact angle measurements. The adhesion, spreading, and proliferation of osteoblasts on the implanted NiTi surface are assessed by cell culture tests. Our results indicate that the nano-scale surface morphology that is altered by the implantation frequencies impacts the surface free energy and wettability of the NiTi surfaces, and in turn affects the osteoblast adhesion behavior.

Atypical face shape and genomic structural variants in epilepsy

PubMed Central

Chinthapalli, Krishna; Bartolini, Emanuele; Novy, Jan; Suttie, Michael; Marini, Carla; Falchi, Melania; Fox, Zoe; Clayton, Lisa M. S.; Sander, Josemir W.; Guerrini, Renzo; Depondt, Chantal; Hennekam, Raoul; Hammond, Peter

2012-01-01

Many pathogenic structural variants of the human genome are known to cause facial dysmorphism. During the past decade, pathogenic structural variants have also been found to be an important class of genetic risk factor for epilepsy. In other fields, face shape has been assessed objectively using 3D stereophotogrammetry and dense surface models. We hypothesized that computer-based analysis of 3D face images would detect subtle facial abnormality in people with epilepsy who carry pathogenic structural variants as determined by chromosome microarray. In 118 children and adults attending three European epilepsy clinics, we used an objective measure called Face Shape Difference to show that those with pathogenic structural variants have a significantly more atypical face shape than those without such variants. This is true when analysing the whole face, or the periorbital region or the perinasal region alone. We then tested the predictive accuracy of our measure in a second group of 63 patients. Using a minimum threshold to detect face shape abnormalities with pathogenic structural variants, we found high sensitivity (4/5, 80% for whole face; 3/5, 60% for periorbital and perinasal regions) and specificity (45/58, 78% for whole face and perinasal regions; 40/58, 69% for periorbital region). We show that the results do not seem to be affected by facial injury, facial expression, intellectual disability, drug history or demographic differences. Finally, we use bioinformatics tools to explore relationships between facial shape and gene expression within the developing forebrain. Stereophotogrammetry and dense surface models are powerful, objective, non-contact methods of detecting relevant face shape abnormalities. We demonstrate that they are useful in identifying atypical face shape in adults or children with structural variants, and they may give insights into the molecular genetics of facial development. PMID:22975390

The measurement of tiny dew droplets at the initial deposition stage and dew point using a phase-shift interference microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shigeaki, Matsumoto

2003-12-01

The shape of a dew droplet deposited on the mirror surface of a copper plate was measured accurately using an interference microscope that employed a phase-shift technique. The microscope was constructed by adding a piezoelectric transducer to an interference microscope. A simple method that uses a conventional speaker horn and an optical fibre cable was used to depress any speckle noise. The shape of a dew droplet deposited at dew point on the plate surface with average roughness of 0.1 µm was measured with an accuracy of ± 3 nm. The mass of a tiny dew droplet could be determined from the volume of its shape and was of the order of 10-9 g. The total mass of a dew droplet deposited per unit area and the deposition velocity under a gentle wind were also obtained in a similar way. The total mass was of the order of 10-5 g cm-2 at the beginning of deposition and the deposition velocity ranged from 1 × 10-5 to 6 × 10-5 g cm-2 min-1 at room temperature.

Nanoindentation of the surface layer of Hadfield's steel after sliding friction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolubaev, A. V.; Kolubaev, E. A.; Sizova, O. V.

2007-12-01

We have measured the nanohardness of a deformed near-surface layer of Hadfield’s steel upon friction testing. The phenomenon of shape recovery upon indentation has been observed, which is retained for several days after tribological tests. It s suggested that the strained material exhibits behavior analogous to nonlinear elasticity.

OCT-based full crystalline lens shape change during accommodation in vivo.

PubMed

Martinez-Enriquez, Eduardo; Pérez-Merino, Pablo; Velasco-Ocana, Miriam; Marcos, Susana

2017-02-01

The full shape of the accommodating crystalline lens was estimated using custom three-dimensional (3-D) spectral OCT and image processing algorithms. Automatic segmentation and distortion correction were used to construct 3-D models of the lens region visible through the pupil. The lens peripheral region was estimated with a trained and validated parametric model. Nineteen young eyes were measured at 0-6 D accommodative demands in 1.5 D steps. Lens volume, surface area, diameter, and equatorial plane position were automatically quantified. Lens diameter & surface area correlated negatively and equatorial plane position positively with accommodation response. Lens volume remained constant and surface area decreased with accommodation, indicating that the lens material is incompressible and the capsular bag elastic.

OCT-based full crystalline lens shape change during accommodation in vivo

PubMed Central

Martinez-Enriquez, Eduardo; Pérez-Merino, Pablo; Velasco-Ocana, Miriam; Marcos, Susana

2017-01-01

The full shape of the accommodating crystalline lens was estimated using custom three-dimensional (3-D) spectral OCT and image processing algorithms. Automatic segmentation and distortion correction were used to construct 3-D models of the lens region visible through the pupil. The lens peripheral region was estimated with a trained and validated parametric model. Nineteen young eyes were measured at 0-6 D accommodative demands in 1.5 D steps. Lens volume, surface area, diameter, and equatorial plane position were automatically quantified. Lens diameter & surface area correlated negatively and equatorial plane position positively with accommodation response. Lens volume remained constant and surface area decreased with accommodation, indicating that the lens material is incompressible and the capsular bag elastic. PMID:28270993

Characterization of GaN microstructures grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

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

Lo, Ikai; Pang, Wen-Yuan; Hsu, Yu-Chi

2013-06-15

The characterization of GaN microstructures grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on LiAlO{sub 2} substrate was studied by cathodoluminescence and photoluminescence measurements. We demonstrated that the cathodoluminescence from oblique semi-polar surfaces of mushroom-shaped GaN was much brighter than that from top polar surface due to the reduction of polarization field on the oblique semi-polar surfaces. It implies that the oblique semi-polar surface is superior for the light-emitting surface of wurtzite nano-devices.

Electronic structure in high temperature superconducting oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howell, R. H.; Sterne, P.; Solal, F.; Fluss, M. J.; Tobin, J.; Obrien, J.; Radousky, H. B.; Haghighi, H.; Kaiser, J. H.; Rayner, S. L.

1991-08-01

We have performed measurements on entwined single crystals of YBCO using both photoemission and positron angular correlation of annihilation radiation and on single crystals of LSCO using only angular correlation. Fermi surface features in good agreement with band theory were found and identified in all of the measurements. In photoemission, the Fermi momentum was fixed for several points and the band dispersion below the Fermi energy was mapped. In positron angular correlation measurements, the shape of the Fermi surface was mapped for the CuO chains (YBCO) and the CuO planes (LSCO). Demonstration of the existence of Fermi surfaces in the HTSC materials points a direction for future theoretical considerations.

Detection of reflector surface from near field phase measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ida, Nathan

1991-01-01

The deviation of a reflector antenna surface from a perfect parabolic shape causes degradation of the performance of the antenna. The problem of determining the shape of the reflector surface in a reflector antenna using near field phase measurements is not a new one. A recent issue of the IEEE tansactions on Antennas and Propagation (June 1988) contained numerous descriptions of the use of these measurements: holographic reconstruction or inverse Fourier transform. Holographic reconstruction makes use of measurement of the far field of the reflector and then applies the Fourier transform relationship between the far field and the current distribution on the reflector surface. Inverse Fourier transformation uses the phase measurements to determine the far field pattern using the method of Kerns. After the far field pattern is established, an inverse Fourier transform is used to determine the phases in a plane between the reflector surface and the plane in which the near field measurements were taken. These calculations are time consuming since they involve a relatively large number of operations. A much faster method can be used to determine the position of the reflector. This method makes use of simple geometric optics to determine the path length of the ray from the feed to the reflector and from the reflector to the measurement point. For small physical objects and low frequencies, diffraction effects have a major effect on the error, and the algorithm provides incorrect results. It is believed that the effect is less noticeable for large distortions such as antenna warping, and more noticeable for small, localized distortions such as bumps and depressions such as might be caused by impact damage.

Shape of boulders ejected from small lunar impact craters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yuan; Basilevsky, A. T.; Xie, Minggang; Ip, Wing-Huen

2017-10-01

The shape of ejecta boulders from 7 lunar impact craters <1 km in diameter of known absolute age was measured to explore whether it correlates with the crater age and the boulder size. The boulders were mapped and then measured by rectangular fitting and the shape was represented by the axial ratio or aspect ratio (A) of the rectangle. The main conclusions from the analysis of our measurement results are: 1) the percentages of the number of boulders of studied craters decrease with the increase of the axial ratio. Most (∼90%) of the boulders have the axial ratio in the range of 1-2; no boulder with axial ratio larger than 4 was found. 2) the axial ratios of mare ejecta boulders decrease with their exposure time, whereas that for highland ones show unchanged trend. This difference may be probably due to target properties. 3) The shape of ejecta boulders are influenced by mechanical strength of bedrocks and space erosion. 4) surface peak stresses caused by thermal fatigue maybe play a significant erosion role in the shape of boulders of various diameter.

Estimating surface acoustic impedance with the inverse method.

PubMed

Piechowicz, Janusz

2011-01-01

Sound field parameters are predicted with numerical methods in sound control systems, in acoustic designs of building and in sound field simulations. Those methods define the acoustic properties of surfaces, such as sound absorption coefficients or acoustic impedance, to determine boundary conditions. Several in situ measurement techniques were developed; one of them uses 2 microphones to measure direct and reflected sound over a planar test surface. Another approach is used in the inverse boundary elements method, in which estimating acoustic impedance of a surface is expressed as an inverse boundary problem. The boundary values can be found from multipoint sound pressure measurements in the interior of a room. This method can be applied to arbitrarily-shaped surfaces. This investigation is part of a research programme on using inverse methods in industrial room acoustics.

Finite indentation of highly curved elastic shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearce, S. P.; King, J. R.; Steinbrecher, T.; Leubner-Metzger, G.; Everitt, N. M.; Holdsworth, M. J.

2018-01-01

Experimentally measuring the elastic properties of thin biological surfaces is non-trivial, particularly when they are curved. One technique that may be used is the indentation of a thin sheet of material by a rigid indenter, while measuring the applied force and displacement. This gives immediate information on the fracture strength of the material (from the force required to puncture), but it is also theoretically possible to determine the elastic properties by comparing the resulting force-displacement curves with a mathematical model. Existing mathematical studies generally assume that the elastic surface is initially flat, which is often not the case for biological membranes. We previously outlined a theory for the indentation of curved isotropic, incompressible, hyperelastic membranes (with no bending stiffness) which breaks down for highly curved surfaces, as the entire membrane becomes wrinkled. Here, we introduce the effect of bending stiffness, ensuring that energy is required to change the shell shape without stretching, and find that commonly neglected terms in the shell equilibrium equation must be included. The theory presented here allows for the estimation of shape- and size-independent elastic properties of highly curved surfaces via indentation experiments, and is particularly relevant for biological surfaces.

Finite indentation of highly curved elastic shells

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Experimentally measuring the elastic properties of thin biological surfaces is non-trivial, particularly when they are curved. One technique that may be used is the indentation of a thin sheet of material by a rigid indenter, while measuring the applied force and displacement. This gives immediate information on the fracture strength of the material (from the force required to puncture), but it is also theoretically possible to determine the elastic properties by comparing the resulting force–displacement curves with a mathematical model. Existing mathematical studies generally assume that the elastic surface is initially flat, which is often not the case for biological membranes. We previously outlined a theory for the indentation of curved isotropic, incompressible, hyperelastic membranes (with no bending stiffness) which breaks down for highly curved surfaces, as the entire membrane becomes wrinkled. Here, we introduce the effect of bending stiffness, ensuring that energy is required to change the shell shape without stretching, and find that commonly neglected terms in the shell equilibrium equation must be included. The theory presented here allows for the estimation of shape- and size-independent elastic properties of highly curved surfaces via indentation experiments, and is particularly relevant for biological surfaces. PMID:29434505

Influence of Shape and Gradient Refractive Index in the Accommodative Changes of Spherical Aberration in Nonhuman Primate Crystalline Lenses

PubMed Central

de Castro, Alberto; Birkenfeld, Judith; Maceo, Bianca; Manns, Fabrice; Arrieta, Esdras; Parel, Jean-Marie; Marcos, Susana

2013-01-01

Purpose. To estimate changes in surface shape and gradient refractive index (GRIN) profile in primate lenses as a function of accommodation. To quantify the contribution of surface shape and GRIN to spherical aberration changes with accommodation. Methods. Crystalline lenses from 15 cynomolgus monkeys were studied in vitro under different levels of accommodation produced by a stretching system. Lens shape was obtained from optical coherence tomography (OCT) cross-sectional images. The GRIN was reconstructed with a search algorithm using the optical path measured from OCT images and the measured back focal length. The spherical aberration of the lens was estimated as a function of accommodation using the reconstructed GRIN and a homogeneous refractive index. Results. The lens anterior and posterior radii of curvature decreased with increasing lens power. Both surfaces exhibited negative asphericities in the unaccommodated state. The anterior surface conic constant shifted toward less negative values with accommodation, while the value of the posterior remained constant. GRIN parameters remained constant with accommodation. The lens spherical aberration with GRIN distribution was negative and higher in magnitude than that with a homogeneous equivalent refractive index (by 29% and 53% in the unaccommodated and fully accommodated states, respectively). Spherical aberration with the equivalent refractive index shifted with accommodation toward negative values (−0.070 μm/diopter [D]), but the reconstructed GRIN shifted it farther (−0.124 μm/D). Conclusions. When compared with the lens with the homogeneous equivalent refractive index, the reconstructed GRIN lens has more negative spherical aberration and a larger shift toward more negative values with accommodation. PMID:23927893

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

Mouterde, Timothée; Lehoucq, Gaëlle; Xavier, Stéphane

Nanometre-scale features with special shapes impart a broad spectrum of unique properties to the surface of insects. These properties are essential for the animal’s survival, and include the low light reflectance of moth eyes, the oil repellency of springtail carapaces and the ultra-adhesive nature of palmtree bugs. Antireflective mosquito eyes and cicada wings are also known to exhibit some antifogging and self-cleaning properties. In all cases, the combination of small feature size and optimal shape provides exceptional surface properties. In this work, we investigate the underlying antifogging mechanism in model materials designed to mimic natural systems, and explain the importancemore » of the texture’s feature size and shape. While exposure to fog strongly compromises the water-repellency of hydrophobic structures, this failure can be minimized by scaling the texture down to nanosize. Furthermore, this undesired effect even becomes non-measurable if the hydrophobic surface consists of nanocones, which generate antifogging efficiency close to unity and water departure of droplets smaller than 2 μm.« less

Antifogging abilities of model nanotextures

DOE PAGES

Mouterde, Timothée; Lehoucq, Gaëlle; Xavier, Stéphane; ...

2017-02-27

Nanometre-scale features with special shapes impart a broad spectrum of unique properties to the surface of insects. These properties are essential for the animal’s survival, and include the low light reflectance of moth eyes, the oil repellency of springtail carapaces and the ultra-adhesive nature of palmtree bugs. Antireflective mosquito eyes and cicada wings are also known to exhibit some antifogging and self-cleaning properties. In all cases, the combination of small feature size and optimal shape provides exceptional surface properties. In this work, we investigate the underlying antifogging mechanism in model materials designed to mimic natural systems, and explain the importancemore » of the texture’s feature size and shape. While exposure to fog strongly compromises the water-repellency of hydrophobic structures, this failure can be minimized by scaling the texture down to nanosize. Furthermore, this undesired effect even becomes non-measurable if the hydrophobic surface consists of nanocones, which generate antifogging efficiency close to unity and water departure of droplets smaller than 2 μm.« less

Antifogging abilities of model nanotextures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mouterde, Timothée; Lehoucq, Gaëlle; Xavier, Stéphane; Checco, Antonio; Black, Charles T.; Rahman, Atikur; Midavaine, Thierry; Clanet, Christophe; Quéré, David

2017-06-01

Nanometre-scale features with special shapes impart a broad spectrum of unique properties to the surface of insects. These properties are essential for the animal’s survival, and include the low light reflectance of moth eyes, the oil repellency of springtail carapaces and the ultra-adhesive nature of palmtree bugs. Antireflective mosquito eyes and cicada wings are also known to exhibit some antifogging and self-cleaning properties. In all cases, the combination of small feature size and optimal shape provides exceptional surface properties. In this work, we investigate the underlying antifogging mechanism in model materials designed to mimic natural systems, and explain the importance of the texture’s feature size and shape. While exposure to fog strongly compromises the water-repellency of hydrophobic structures, this failure can be minimized by scaling the texture down to nanosize. This undesired effect even becomes non-measurable if the hydrophobic surface consists of nanocones, which generate antifogging efficiency close to unity and water departure of droplets smaller than 2 μm.

Electronically controlled rejections of spoof surface plasmons polaritons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yong Jin; Xiao, Qian Xun

2017-03-01

We have proposed and experimentally demonstrated a band-notched surface plasmonic filter, which is composed of an ultra-wide passband plasmonic filter with a simple C-shaped ring on the back of the substrate. Enhanced narrowband or broadband rejections of spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) can be achieved with double C-shaped rings in the propagation or transverse direction. By mounting active components across the slit cut in the C-shaped ring, dynamic control of rejection of spoof SPPs can be accomplished. Both the rejection of spoof SPPs and the rejection bandwidth can be controlled when the Schottky barrier diode is forward-biased or reverse-biased. The frequency spectrum of the rejection band can be electronically adjusted by tuning the applied bias voltage across the varactor diode. Both simulated and measured results agree well and demonstrate dynamic control of propagation of spoof SPPs at the microwave frequencies. Such electronically controllable devices could find more applications in advanced plasmonic integrated functional circuits in microwave and terahertz frequencies.

Novel imaging analysis system to measure the spatial dimension of engineered tissue construct.

PubMed

Choi, Kyoung-Hwan; Yoo, Byung-Su; Park, So Ra; Choi, Byung Hyune; Min, Byoung-Hyun

2010-02-01

The measurement of the spatial dimensions of tissue-engineered constructs is very important for their clinical applications. In this study, a novel method to measure the volume of tissue-engineered constructs was developed using iterative mathematical computations. The method measures and analyzes three-dimensional (3D) parameters of a construct to estimate its actual volume using a sequence of software-based mathematical algorithms. The mathematical algorithm is composed of two stages: the shape extraction and the determination of volume. The shape extraction utilized 3D images of a construct: length, width, and thickness, captured by a high-quality camera with charge coupled device. The surface of the 3D images was then divided into fine sections. The area of each section was measured and combined to obtain the total surface area. The 3D volume of the target construct was then mathematically obtained using its total surface area and thickness. The accuracy of the measurement method was verified by comparing the results with those obtained from the hydrostatic weighing method (Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science [KRISS], Korea). The mean difference in volume between two methods was 0.0313 +/- 0.0003% (n = 5, P = 0.523) with no significant statistical difference. In conclusion, our image-based spatial measurement system is a reliable and easy method to obtain an accurate 3D volume of a tissue-engineered construct.

Foramen Changes following Over Instrumentation of Curved Canals with Three Engine-Driven Instruments: An In Vitro Study

PubMed Central

Yammine, Salwa; Jabbour, Edgard; Nahas, Paul; Majzoub, Zeina

2017-01-01

Introduction: The present in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the changes in shape and surface area of the major foramen following shaping of curved canals with three new generation NiTi engine-driven instruments naming ProTaper Next, BT RaCe and WaveOne Gold- with 3 different levels of protrusion beyond the major apical foramen. Methods and Materials: A total of 45 extracted human molars with at least one curved canal were distributed in 3 comparable groups of 15 that were instrumented using either ProTaper Next (PTN), BT RaCe (BTR) or WaveOne Gold (WOG). The canals were instrumented to the major foramen and then over instrumented with the final file 0.5 mm, 1 mm and 1.5 mm beyond the foramen. Standardized pre- and post-instrumentation photographs of the foramen were obtained for all groups using a stereomicroscope. Foramen shape and surface area were evaluated using the AmScope software for measurements and compared between groups and levels of instrumentation applying binary conditional logistic regression and repeated measures ANOVA. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: Foramen shape tended to gradually change from circular to oval as the level of instrumentation increased in all groups. The original foramen shape in WOG group remained better than other groups. Foramen surface areas increased in all groups with Group BTR demonstrating significantly greater values than the other 2 groups. Conclusion: Over instrumentation resulted in apical enlargement and ovalization in all 3 groups but with different patterns. These differences can be attributed to the final file size, design characteristics and kinematics of the 3 systems. PMID:29225641

Foramen Changes following Over Instrumentation of Curved Canals with Three Engine-Driven Instruments: An In Vitro Study.

PubMed

Yammine, Salwa; Jabbour, Edgard; Nahas, Paul; Majzoub, Zeina

2017-01-01

The present in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the changes in shape and surface area of the major foramen following shaping of curved canals with three new generation NiTi engine-driven instruments naming ProTaper Next, BT RaCe and WaveOne Gold- with 3 different levels of protrusion beyond the major apical foramen. A total of 45 extracted human molars with at least one curved canal were distributed in 3 comparable groups of 15 that were instrumented using either ProTaper Next (PTN), BT RaCe (BTR) or WaveOne Gold (WOG). The canals were instrumented to the major foramen and then over instrumented with the final file 0.5 mm, 1 mm and 1.5 mm beyond the foramen. Standardized pre- and post-instrumentation photographs of the foramen were obtained for all groups using a stereomicroscope. Foramen shape and surface area were evaluated using the AmScope software for measurements and compared between groups and levels of instrumentation applying binary conditional logistic regression and repeated measures ANOVA. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Foramen shape tended to gradually change from circular to oval as the level of instrumentation increased in all groups. The original foramen shape in WOG group remained better than other groups. Foramen surface areas increased in all groups with Group BTR demonstrating significantly greater values than the other 2 groups. Over instrumentation resulted in apical enlargement and ovalization in all 3 groups but with different patterns. These differences can be attributed to the final file size, design characteristics and kinematics of the 3 systems.

Digital holographic measurements of shape and 3D sound-induced displacements of Tympanic Membrane

PubMed Central

Lu, Weina; Dobrev, Ivo; Cheng, Jeffrey Tao; Furlong, Cosme; Rosowski, John J

2014-01-01

Acoustically-induced vibrations of the Tympanic Membrane (TM) play a primary role in the hearing process, in that these motions are the initial mechanical response of the ear to airborne sound. Characterization of the shape and 3D displacement patterns of the TM is a crucial step to a better understanding of the complicated mechanics of sound reception by the ear. In this paper, shape and sound-induced 3D displacements of the TM in cadaveric chinchillas are measured by a lensless Dual-Wavelength Digital Holography system (DWDHS). The DWDHS consists of Laser Delivery (LD), Optical Head (OH), and Computing Platform (CP) subsystems. Shape measurements are performed in double-exposure mode and with the use of two wavelengths of a tunable laser while nanometer-scale displacements are measured along a single sensitivity direction and with a constant wavelength. In order to extract the three principal components of displacement in full-field-of-view, and taking into consideration the anatomical dimensions of the TM, we combine principles of thin-shell theory together with both, displacement measurements along the single sensitivity vector and TM surface shape. To computationally test this approach, Finite Element Methods (FEM) are applied to the study of artificial geometries. PMID:24790255

Digital holographic measurements of shape and three-dimensional sound-induced displacements of tympanic membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khaleghi, Morteza; Lu, Weina; Dobrev, Ivo; Cheng, Jeffrey Tao; Furlong, Cosme; Rosowski, John J.

2013-10-01

Acoustically induced vibrations of the tympanic membrane (TM) play a primary role in the hearing process, in that these motions are the initial mechanical response of the ear to airborne sound. Characterization of the shape and three-dimensional (3-D) displacement patterns of the TM is a crucial step to a better understanding of the complicated mechanics of sound reception by the ear. Sound-induced 3-D displacements of the TM are estimated from shape and one-dimensional displacements measured in cadaveric chinchillas using a lensless dual-wavelength digital holography system (DWDHS). The DWDHS consists of laser delivery, optical head, and computing platform subsystems. Shape measurements are performed in double-exposure mode with the use of two wavelengths of a tunable laser, while nanometer-scale displacements are measured along a single sensitivity direction with a constant wavelength. Taking into consideration the geometrical and dimensional constrains imposed by the anatomy of the TM, we combine principles of thin-shell theory together with displacement measurements along a single sensitivity vector and TM surface shape to extract the three principal components of displacement in the full-field-of-view. We test, validate, and identify limitations of this approach via the application of finite element method to artificial geometries.

Wind Speed Measurement from Bistatically Scattered GPS Signals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garrison, James L.; Komjathy, Attila; Zavorotny, Valery U.; Katzberg, Stephen J.

1999-01-01

Instrumentation and retrieval algorithms are described which use the forward, or bistatically scattered range-coded signals from the Global Positioning System (GPS) radio navigation system for the measurement of sea surface roughness. This roughness is known to be related directly to the surface wind speed. Experiments were conducted from aircraft along the TOPEX ground track, and over experimental surface truth buoys. These flights used a receiver capable of recording the cross correlation power in the reflected signal. The shape of this power distribution was then compared against analytical models derived from geometric optics. Two techniques for matching these functions were studied. The first recognized the most significant information content in the reflected signal is contained in the trailing edge slope of the waveform. The second attempted to match the complete shape of the waveform by approximating it as a series expansion and obtaining the nonlinear least squares estimate. Discussion is also presented on anomalies in the receiver operation and their identification and correction.

[Effectiveness of eyeglasses for protection against ultraviolet rays].

PubMed

Sakamoto, Y; Kojima, M; Sasaki, K

1999-05-01

The relationship between eyeglass size and protection of the eye surface from the effects of solar ultraviolet (UV) rays was investigated. Solar UV rays irradiating the eye surface were measured on a mannequin which modeled the standard facial bone structure of a Japanese female. UV sensor chips (photo-sensitivity: 260-400 nm) were attached to the ocular surface of the lid fissure. UV measurement was done from 12:00 to 15:00 on a sunny day in March. UV intensity was measured under the following conditions: 1) with or without eyeglasses, 2) wearing sunglasses with side protectors, and 3) wearing a cap with a 7 cm brim. Eyeglasses of four frame sizes (width: 48-57 mm) were put on the mannequin. All lenses were made of plastic and coated so as to be impervious to rays shorter than 400 nm. The refractive power was 0 diopters. At the same time, UV irradiation intensity from all directions (excluding from the earth direction) was measured using a polyhedron type UV sensor with 25 sensor chips. Except for eyeglasses with the smallest frame size, eyeglasses effectively reduced UV exposure to sunlight from the upper front direction. However, protection against rays from the upper temporal direction was extremely poor. Sunlight from the upper back was reflected by the posterior surface of the eyeglasses and reached the eye surface. The efficacy of eyeglasses against UV depends on their size. The shape of the eyeglasses and reflection from the posterior lens surface are also of great importance. Small eyeglasses do not offer ideal UV protection for the Japanese face shape.

A sapphire loaded TE011 cavity for surface impedance measurements: design, construction, and commissioning status

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

L. Phillips; G. K. Davis; J. R. Delayen

2005-07-10

In order to measure the superconducting surface properties of niobium that are of interest to SRF applications, a facility which utilizes a Nb cavity operating in the TE011 mode at 7.65 GHz which provides a well-defined RF field on a disk shaped sample has been designed and fabricated. The RF losses due to the sample's surface impedance are determined by using a calorimetric technique. The system has the capability to measure such properties as Rs,(T), and penetration depth, which can then be correlated with surface properties and preparation processes. The design, fabrication, and results from initial commissioning operations will bemore » discussed, along with the near term sample evaluation program.« less

Opto-numerical procedures supporting dynamic lower limbs monitoring and their medical diagnosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Witkowski, Marcin; Kujawińska, Malgorzata; Rapp, Walter; Sitnik, Robert

2006-01-01

New optical full-field shape measurement systems allow transient shape capture at rates between 15 and 30 Hz. These frequency rates are enough to monitor controlled movements used e.g. for medical examination purposes. In this paper we present a set of algorithms which may be applied for processing of data gathered by fringe projection method implemented for lower limbs shape measurement. The purpose of presented algorithms is to locate anatomical structures based on the limb shape and its deformation in time. The algorithms are based on local surface curvature calculation and analysis of curvature maps changes during the measurement sequence. One of anatomical structure of high medical interest that is possible to scan and analyze, is patella. Tracking of patella position and orientation under dynamic conditions may lead to detect pathological patella movements and help in knee joint disease diagnosis. Therefore the usefulness of the algorithms developed was proven at examples of patella localization and monitoring.

The relative contributions of facial shape and surface information to perceptions of attractiveness and dominance.

PubMed

Torrance, Jaimie S; Wincenciak, Joanna; Hahn, Amanda C; DeBruine, Lisa M; Jones, Benedict C

2014-01-01

Although many studies have investigated the facial characteristics that influence perceptions of others' attractiveness and dominance, the majority of these studies have focused on either the effects of shape information or surface information alone. Consequently, the relative contributions of facial shape and surface characteristics to attractiveness and dominance perceptions are unclear. To address this issue, we investigated the relationships between ratings of original versions of faces and ratings of versions in which either surface information had been standardized (i.e., shape-only versions) or shape information had been standardized (i.e., surface-only versions). For attractiveness and dominance judgments of both male and female faces, ratings of shape-only and surface-only versions independently predicted ratings of the original versions of faces. The correlations between ratings of original and shape-only versions and between ratings of original and surface-only versions differed only in two instances. For male attractiveness, ratings of original versions were more strongly related to ratings of surface-only than shape-only versions, suggesting that surface information is particularly important for men's facial attractiveness. The opposite was true for female physical dominance, suggesting that shape information is particularly important for women's facial physical dominance. In summary, our results indicate that both facial shape and surface information contribute to judgments of others' attractiveness and dominance, suggesting that it may be important to consider both sources of information in research on these topics.

Analytical and Photogrammetric Characterization of a Planar Tetrahedral Truss

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, K. Chauncey; Adams, Richard R.; Rhodes, Marvin D.

1990-01-01

Future space science missions are likely to require near-optical quality reflectors which are supported by a stiff truss structure. This support truss should conform closely with its intended shape to minimize its contribution to the overall surface error of the reflector. The current investigation was conducted to evaluate the planar surface accuracy of a regular tetrahedral truss structure by comparing the results of predicted and measured node locations. The truss is a 2-ring hexagonal structure composed of 102 equal-length truss members. Each truss member is nominally 2 meters in length between node centers and is comprised of a graphite/epoxy tube with aluminum nodes and joints. The axial stiffness and the length variation of the truss components were determined experimentally and incorporated into a static finite element analysis of the truss. From this analysis, the root mean square (RMS) surface error of the truss was predicted to be 0.11 mm (0004 in). Photogrammetry tests were performed on the assembled truss to measure the normal displacements of the upper surface nodes and to determine if the truss would maintain its intended shape when subjected to repeated assembly. Considering the variation in the truss component lengths, the measures rms error of 0.14 mm (0.006 in) in the assembled truss is relatively small. The test results also indicate that a repeatable truss surface is achievable. Several potential sources of error were identified and discussed.

3D morphometry of red blood cells by digital holography.

PubMed

Memmolo, Pasquale; Miccio, Lisa; Merola, Francesco; Gennari, Oriella; Netti, Paolo Antonio; Ferraro, Pietro

2014-12-01

Three dimensional (3D) morphometric analysis of flowing and not-adherent cells is an important aspect for diagnostic purposes. However, diagnostics tools need to be quantitative, label-free and, as much as possible, accurate. Recently, a simple holographic approach, based on shape from silhouette algorithm, has been demonstrated for accurate calculation of cells biovolume and displaying their 3D shapes. Such approach has been adopted in combination with holographic optical tweezers and successfully applied to cells with convex shape. Nevertheless, unfortunately, the method fails in case of specimen with concave surfaces. Here, we propose an effective approach to achieve correct 3D shape measurement that can be extended in case of cells having concave surfaces, thus overcoming the limit of the previous technique. We prove the new procedure for healthy red blood cells (RBCs) (i.e., discocytes) having a concave surface in their central region. Comparative analysis of experimental results with a theoretical 3D geometrical model of RBC is discussed in order to evaluate accuracy of the proposed approach. Finally, we show that the method can be also useful to classify, in terms of morphology, different varieties of RBCs. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

Nitrogen narcosis and tactile shape memory in low visibility.

PubMed

van Wijk, Charles H; Meintjes, W A J

2014-01-01

Commercial diving often occurs in low visibility, where divers are reliant on their tactile senses. This study examined the effect of nitrogen narcosis on tactile memory for shapes as well as the influence of psychological and biographical factors on this relationship. This crossover study tested 139 commercial divers in a dry hyperbaric chamber at 101.325 and 607.95 kPa (1 and 6 atmospheres absolute/atm abs). Divers memorized shapes while blindfolded, using their tactile senses only. Delayed recall was measured at the surface after each dive. Psychological and biographical data were also collected. A significant effect of hyperbaric pressure on tactile memory was demonstrated, and a further effect of sequence of testing found. Thus, divers' delayed shape recall deteriorated by 8% after learning material at depth, compared to learning on the surface. There were also significant but small effects of psychological and biographical markers on tactile memory performance, with lower trait anxiety associated with better recall, and lower education associated with poorer recall. The findings emphasize the importance of utilizing other forms of recording of events or objects at depth, particularly in conditions of low visibility during deeper diving, to aid memory encoding and subsequent recall at the surface.

Emergence of cracks by mass transport in elastic crystals stressed at high temperatures

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

Sun, B.; Suo, Z.; Evans, A.G.

1995-12-31

Single crystals are used under high temperature and high stresses in hostile environments (usually gases). A void produced in the fabrication process can change shape and volume, as atoms migrate under various thermodynamic forces. A small void under low stress remains rounded in shape, but a large void under high stress evolves to a crack. The material fractures catastrophically when the crack becomes sufficiently large. In this article three kinetic processes are analyzed: diffusion along the void surface, diffusion in a low melting point second phase inside the void, and surface reaction with the gases. An approximate evolution path ismore » simulated, with the void evolving as a sequence of spheroids, from a sphere to a penny-shaped crack. The free energy is calculated as a functional of void shape, from which the instability conditions are determined. The evolution rate is calculated by using variational principles derived from the valance of the reduction in the free energy and the dissipation is the kinetic processes. Crystalline anisotropy and surface heterogeneity can be readily incorporated in this energetic framework. Comparisons are made with experimental strength date for sapphire fibers measured at various strain rates.« less

Contributions of feature shapes and surface cues to the recognition of facial expressions.

PubMed

Sormaz, Mladen; Young, Andrew W; Andrews, Timothy J

2016-10-01

Theoretical accounts of face processing often emphasise feature shapes as the primary visual cue to the recognition of facial expressions. However, changes in facial expression also affect the surface properties of the face. In this study, we investigated whether this surface information can also be used in the recognition of facial expression. First, participants identified facial expressions (fear, anger, disgust, sadness, happiness) from images that were manipulated such that they varied mainly in shape or mainly in surface properties. We found that the categorization of facial expression is possible in either type of image, but that different expressions are relatively dependent on surface or shape properties. Next, we investigated the relative contributions of shape and surface information to the categorization of facial expressions. This employed a complementary method that involved combining the surface properties of one expression with the shape properties from a different expression. Our results showed that the categorization of facial expressions in these hybrid images was equally dependent on the surface and shape properties of the image. Together, these findings provide a direct demonstration that both feature shape and surface information make significant contributions to the recognition of facial expressions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design and simulation of the surface shape control system for membrane mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Gengsheng; Tang, Minxue

2009-11-01

The surface shape control is one of the key technologies for the manufacture of membrane mirror. This paper presents a design of membrane mirror's surface shape control system on the basis of fuzzy logic control. The system contains such function modules as surface shape design, surface shape control, surface shape analysis, and etc. The system functions are realized by using hybrid programming technology of Visual C# and MATLAB. The finite element method is adopted to simulate the surface shape control of membrane mirror. The finite element analysis model is established through ANSYS Parametric Design Language (APDL). ANSYS software kernel is called by the system in background running mode when doing the simulation. The controller is designed by means of controlling the sag of the mirror's central crosssection. The surface shape of the membrane mirror and its optical aberration are obtained by applying Zernike polynomial fitting. The analysis of surface shape control and the simulation of disturbance response are performed for a membrane mirror with 300mm aperture and F/2.7. The result of the simulation shows that by using the designed control system, the RMS wavefront error of the mirror can reach to 142λ (λ=632.8nm), which is consistent to the surface accuracy of the membrane mirror obtained by the large deformation theory of membrane under the same condition.

Real-time observation of slipping and rolling events in DLC wear nanoparticles.

PubMed

Sato, Takaaki; Nabeya, Shinsuke; Menon, Vivek; Ishida, Tadashi; Kometani, Reo; Fujita, Hiroyuki

2018-08-10

Real-time observation of the actual contact area between surface interfaces at the nanoscale enables more precise examination of what happens during friction. We have combined micro electro mechanical system actuators and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation, to both apply and measure forces across nanoscale junctions and contacts. This custom-designed experimental system can measure the true surface area of a contact site from a lateral viewpoint, while simultaneously measuring the friction force. We scratched surfaces coated with diamond like carbon, a classical solid lubricant, and observed the formation of wear particles that slipped and rolled between the interface. TEM images showed that the shape of the surface at the nanoscale underwent permanent deformation when acted upon with forces as low as several tens of nano newtons. The results demonstrated the limitations of friction analyses relying on friction force measurements without real-time surface profiling.

Quantitative Morphologic Analysis of Boulder Shape and Surface Texture to Infer Environmental History: A Case Study of Rock Breakdown at the Ephrata Fan, Channeled Scabland, Washington

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ehlmann, Bethany L.; Viles, Heather A.; Bourke, Mary C.

2008-01-01

Boulder morphology reflects both lithology and climate and is dictated by the combined effects of erosion, transport, and weathering. At present, morphologic information at the boulder scale is underutilized as a recorder of environmental processes, partly because of the lack of a systematic quantitative parameter set for reporting and comparing data sets. We develop such a parameter set, incorporating a range of measures of boulder form and surface texture. We use standard shape metrics measured in the field and fractal and morphometric classification methods borrowed from landscape analysis and applied to laser-scanned molds. The parameter set was pilot tested on three populations of basalt boulders with distinct breakdown histories in the Channeled Scabland, Washington: (1) basalt outcrop talus; (2) flood-transported boulders recently excavated from a quarry; and (3) flood-transported boulders, extensively weathered in situ on the Ephrata Fan surface. Size and shape data were found to distinguish between flood-transported and untransported boulders. Size and edge angles (approximately 120 degrees) of flood-transported boulders suggest removal by preferential fracturing along preexisting columnar joints, and curvature data indicate rounding relative to outcrop boulders. Surface textural data show that boulders which have been exposed at the surface are significantly rougher than those buried by fan sediments. Past signatures diagnostic of flood transport still persist on surface boulders, despite ongoing overprinting by processes in the present breakdown environment through roughening and fracturing in situ. Further use of this quantitative boulder parameter set at other terrestrial and planetary sites will aid in cataloging and understanding morphologic signatures of environmental processes.

Additional flow field studies of the GA(W)-1 airfoil with 30-percent chord Fowler flap including slot-gap variations and cove shape modifications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wentz, W. H., Jr.; Ostowari, C.

1983-01-01

Experimental measurements were made to determine the effects of slot gap opening and flap cove shape on flap and airfoil flow fields. Test model was the GA(W)-1 airfoil with 0.30c Fowler flap deflected 35 degrees. Tests were conducted with optimum, wide and narrow gaps, and with three cove shapes. Three test angles were selected, corresponding to pre-stall and post-stall conditions. Reynolds number was 2,200,000 and Mach number was 0.13. Force, surface pressure, total pressure, and split-film turbulence measurements were made. Results were compared with theory for those parameters for which theoretical values were available.

Three-dimensional surface anthropometry: Applications to the human body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Peter R. M.; Rioux, Marc

1997-09-01

Anthropometry is the study of the measurement of the human body. By tradition this has been carried out taking the measurements from body surface landmarks, such as circumferences and breadths, using simple instruments like tape measures and calipers. Three-dimensional (3D) surface anthropometry enables us to extend the study to 3D geometry and morphology of mainly external human body tissues. It includes the acquisition, indexing, transmission, archiving, retrieval, interrogation and analysis of body size, shape, and surface together with their variability throughout growth and development to adulthood. While 3D surface anthropometry surveying is relatively new, anthropometric surveying using traditional tools, such as calipers and tape measures, is not. Recorded studies of the human form date back to ancient times. Since at least the 17th century 1 investigators have made attempts to measure the human body for physical properties such as weight, size, and centre of mass. Martin documented 'standard' body measurement methods in a handbook in 1928. 2 This paper reviews the past and current literature devoted to the applications of 3D anthropometry because true 3D scanning of the complete human body is fast becoming a reality. We attempt to take readers through different forms of technology which deal with simple forms of projected light to the more complex advanced forms of laser and video technology giving low and/or high resolution 3D data. Information is also given about image capture of size and shape of the whole as well as most component parts of the human body. In particular, the review describes with explanations a multitude of applications, for example, medical, product design, human engineering, anthropometry and ergonomics etc.

Influence of physico-chemical, mechanical and morphological fingerpad properties on the frictional distinction of sticky/slippery surfaces

PubMed Central

Cornuault, Pierre-Henri; Carpentier, Luc; Bueno, Marie-Ange; Cote, Jean-Marc; Monteil, Guy

2015-01-01

This study investigates how the fingerpad hydrolipid film, shape, roughness and rigidity influence the friction when it rubs surfaces situated in the slippery psychophysical dimension. The studied counterparts comprised two ‘real’ (physical) surfaces and two ‘virtual’ surfaces. The latter were simulated with a tactile stimulator named STIMTAC. Thirteen women and 13 men rubbed their right forefingers against the different surfaces as their arms were displaced by a DC motor providing constant velocity and sliding distance. Tangential and normal forces were measured with a specific tribometer. The fingerpad hydrolipid film was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The shape and roughness of fingers were extrapolated from replicas. Indentation measurements were carried out to determine fingerpad effective elastic modulus. A clear difference was observed between women and men in terms of friction behaviour. The concept of tactile frictional contrast (TFC) which was introduced quantifies an individual's propensity to distinguish two surfaces frictionally. The lipids/water ratio and water amount on the finger skin significantly influenced the TFC. A correlation was observed between the TFC and fingerpad roughness, i.e. the height of the fingerpad ridges. This is essentially owing to gender differences. A significant difference between men's and women's finger topography was also noted, because our results suggested that men have rougher fingers than women. The friction measurements did not correlate with the fingerpad curvature nor with the epidermal ridges' spatial period. PMID:26269232

Stress-induced curvature engineering in surface-micromachined devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aksyuk, Vladimir A.; Pardo, Flavio; Bishop, David J.

1999-03-01

Residual stress and stress gradients play an important role in determining equilibrium shape and behavior of various Si surface-micromachined devices under applied loads. This is particularly true for system having large-area plates and long beams where curvature resulting from stress can lead to significant deviations from stress-free shape. To gain better understanding of these properties, we have measured the equilibrium shapes of various structures built on the MCNC MUMPs using an interferometric profiler. The structures were square plates and long beams composed of various combinations of polysilicon an oxide layers. Some of the structures had additional MUMPs metal layer on top, while on others in-house chromium-gold stacks of varying thickness have been deposited. Temperature dependence of the curvature was measured for some plates. We have used these data in conjunction with simple models to significantly improve the performance of our micromachined devices. While for some structures such as large area reflectors the curvature had to be minimized, it could be advantageously exploited by others, for example vertical actuators for self-assembly.

The perception of 3-D shape from shadows cast onto curved surfaces.

PubMed

Norman, J Farley; Lee, Young-lim; Phillips, Flip; Norman, Hideko F; Jennings, L RaShae; McBride, T Ryan

2009-05-01

In a natural environment, cast shadows abound. Objects cast shadows both upon themselves and upon background surfaces. Previous research on the perception of 3-D shape from cast shadows has only examined the informativeness of shadows cast upon flat background surfaces. In outdoor environments, however, background surfaces often possess significant curvature (large rocks, trees, hills, etc.), and this background curvature distorts the shape of cast shadows. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which observers can "discount" the distorting effects of curved background surfaces. In our experiments, observers viewed deforming or static shadows of naturally shaped objects, which were cast upon flat and curved background surfaces. The results showed that the discrimination of 3-D object shape from cast shadows was generally invariant over the distortions produced by hemispherical background surfaces. The observers often had difficulty, however, in identifying the shadows cast onto saddle-shaped background surfaces. The variations in curvature which occur in different directions on saddle-shaped background surfaces cause shadow distortions that lead to difficulties in object recognition and discrimination.

Global statistics of microphysical properties of cloud-top ice crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Diedenhoven, B.; Fridlind, A. M.; Cairns, B.; Ackerman, A. S.; Riedi, J.

2017-12-01

Ice crystals in clouds are highly complex. Their sizes, macroscale shape (i.e., habit), mesoscale shape (i.e., aspect ratio of components) and microscale shape (i.e., surface roughness) determine optical properties and affect physical properties such as fall speeds, growth rates and aggregation efficiency. Our current understanding on the formation and evolution of ice crystals under various conditions can be considered poor. Commonly, ice crystal size and shape are related to ambient temperature and humidity, but global observational statistics on the variation of ice crystal size and particularly shape have not been available. Here we show results of a project aiming to infer ice crystal size, shape and scattering properties from a combination of MODIS measurements and POLDER-PARASOL multi-angle polarimetry. The shape retrieval procedure infers the mean aspect ratios of components of ice crystals and the mean microscale surface roughness levels, which are quantifiable parameters that mostly affect the scattering properties, in contrast to "habit". We present global statistics on the variation of ice effective radius, component aspect ratio, microscale surface roughness and scattering asymmetry parameter as a function of cloud top temperature, latitude, location, cloud type, season, etc. Generally, with increasing height, sizes decrease, roughness increases, asymmetry parameters decrease and aspect ratios increase towards unity. Some systematic differences are observed for clouds warmer and colder than the homogeneous freezing level. Uncertainties in the retrievals will be discussed. These statistics can be used as observational targets for modeling efforts and to better constrain other satellite remote sensing applications and their uncertainties.

Global Statistics of Microphysical Properties of Cloud-Top Ice Crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Van Diedenhoven, Bastiaan; Fridlind, Ann; Cairns, Brian; Ackerman, Andrew; Riedl, Jerome

2017-01-01

Ice crystals in clouds are highly complex. Their sizes, macroscale shape (i.e., habit), mesoscale shape (i.e., aspect ratio of components) and microscale shape (i.e., surface roughness) determine optical properties and affect physical properties such as fall speeds, growth rates and aggregation efficiency. Our current understanding on the formation and evolution of ice crystals under various conditions can be considered poor. Commonly, ice crystal size and shape are related to ambient temperature and humidity, but global observational statistics on the variation of ice crystal size and particularly shape have not been available. Here we show results of a project aiming to infer ice crystal size, shape and scattering properties from a combination of MODIS measurements and POLDER-PARASOL multi-angle polarimetry. The shape retrieval procedure infers the mean aspect ratios of components of ice crystals and the mean microscale surface roughness levels, which are quantifiable parameters that mostly affect the scattering properties, in contrast to a habit. We present global statistics on the variation of ice effective radius, component aspect ratio, microscale surface roughness and scattering asymmetry parameter as a function of cloud top temperature, latitude, location, cloud type, season, etc. Generally, with increasing height, sizes decrease, roughness increases, asymmetry parameters decrease and aspect ratios increase towards unity. Some systematic differences are observed for clouds warmer and colder than the homogeneous freezing level. Uncertainties in the retrievals will be discussed. These statistics can be used as observational targets for modeling efforts and to better constrain other satellite remote sensing applications and their uncertainties.

Interferometer for measuring dynamic corneal topography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Micali, Jason Daniel

The cornea is the anterior most surface of the eye and plays a critical role in vision. A thin fluid layer, the tear film, coats the outer surface of the cornea and serves to protect, nourish, and lubricate the cornea. At the same time, the tear film is responsible for creating a smooth continuous surface where the majority of refraction takes place in the eye. A significant component of vision quality is determined by the shape of the cornea and stability of the tear film. It is desirable to possess an instrument that can measure the corneal shape and tear film surface with the same accuracy and resolution that is currently performed on common optical elements. A dual interferometer system for measuring the dynamic corneal topography is designed, built, and verified. The completed system is validated by testing on human subjects. The system consists of two co-aligned polarization splitting Twyman-Green interferometers designed to measure phase instantaneously. The primary interferometer measures the surface of the tear film while the secondary interferometer simultaneously tracks the absolute position of the cornea. Eye motion, ocular variation, and a dynamic tear film surface will result in a non-null configuration of the surface with respect to the interferometer system. A non-null test results in significant interferometer induced errors that add to the measured phase. New algorithms are developed to recover the absolute surface topography of the tear film and corneal surface from the simultaneous interferometer measurements. The results are high-resolution and high-accuracy surface topography measurements of the in vivo cornea that are captured at standard camera frame rates. This dissertation will cover the development and construction of an interferometer system for measuring the dynamic corneal topography of the human eye. The discussion starts with the completion of an interferometer for measuring the tear film. The tear film interferometer is part of an ongoing research project that has spanned multiple dissertations. For this research, the instrument was tested on human subjects and resulted in refinements to the interferometer design. The final configuration of the tear film interferometer and results from human subjects testing are presented. Feedback from this instrument was used to support the development and construction of the interferometric corneal topographer system. A calibration is performed on the instrument, and then verified against simulated eye surfaces. Finally, the instrument is validated by testing on human subjects. The result is an interferometer system that can non-invasively measure the dynamic corneal topography with greater accuracy and resolution than existing technologies.

Optimal shapes of surface-slip driven self-propelled swimmers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vilfan, Andrej; Osterman, Natan

2012-11-01

If one defines the swimming efficiency of a microorganism as the power needed to move it against viscous drag, divided by the total dissipated power, one usually finds values no better than 1%. In order to find out how close this is to the theoretically achievable optimum, we first introduced a new efficiency measure at the level of a single cilium or an infinite ciliated surface and numerically determined the optimal beating patterns according to this criterion. In the following we also determined the optimal shape of a swimmer such that the total power is minimal while maintaining the volume and the swimming speed. The resulting shape depends strongly on the allowed maximum curvature. When sufficient curvature is allowed the optimal swimmer exhibits two protrusions along the symmetry axis. The results show that prolate swimmers such as Paramecium have an efficiency that is ~ 20% higher than that of a spherical body, whereas some microorganisms have shapes that allow even higher efficiency.

Experimental evaluation of shape memory alloy actuation technique in adaptive antenna design concepts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kefauver, W. Neill; Carpenter, Bernie F.

1994-09-01

Creation of an antenna system that could autonomously adapt contours of reflecting surfaces to compensate for structural loads induced by a variable environment would maximize performance of space-based communication systems. Design of such a system requires the comprehensive development and integration of advanced actuator, sensor, and control technologies. As an initial step in this process, a test has been performed to assess the use of a shape memory alloy as a potential actuation technique. For this test, an existing, offset, cassegrain antenna system was retrofit with a subreflector equipped with shape memory alloy actuators for surface contour control. The impacts that the actuators had on both the subreflector contour and the antenna system patterns were measured. The results of this study indicate the potential for using shape memory alloy actuation techniques to adaptively control antenna performance; both variations in gain and beam steering capabilities were demonstrated. Future development effort is required to evolve this potential into a useful technology for satellite applications.

Experimental evaluation of shape memory alloy actuation technique in adaptive antenna design concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kefauver, W. Neill; Carpenter, Bernie F.

1994-01-01

Creation of an antenna system that could autonomously adapt contours of reflecting surfaces to compensate for structural loads induced by a variable environment would maximize performance of space-based communication systems. Design of such a system requires the comprehensive development and integration of advanced actuator, sensor, and control technologies. As an initial step in this process, a test has been performed to assess the use of a shape memory alloy as a potential actuation technique. For this test, an existing, offset, cassegrain antenna system was retrofit with a subreflector equipped with shape memory alloy actuators for surface contour control. The impacts that the actuators had on both the subreflector contour and the antenna system patterns were measured. The results of this study indicate the potential for using shape memory alloy actuation techniques to adaptively control antenna performance; both variations in gain and beam steering capabilities were demonstrated. Future development effort is required to evolve this potential into a useful technology for satellite applications.

Fast and robust shape diameter function.

PubMed

Chen, Shuangmin; Liu, Taijun; Shu, Zhenyu; Xin, Shiqing; He, Ying; Tu, Changhe

2018-01-01

The shape diameter function (SDF) is a scalar function defined on a closed manifold surface, measuring the neighborhood diameter of the object at each point. Due to its pose oblivious property, SDF is widely used in shape analysis, segmentation and retrieval. However, computing SDF is computationally expensive since one has to place an inverted cone at each point and then average the penetration distances for a number of rays inside the cone. Furthermore, the shape diameters are highly sensitive to local geometric features as well as the normal vectors, hence diminishing their applications to real-world meshes which often contain rich geometric details and/or various types of defects, such as noise and gaps. In order to increase the robustness of SDF and promote it to a wide range of 3D models, we define SDF by offsetting the input object a little bit. This seemingly minor change brings three significant benefits: First, it allows us to compute SDF in a robust manner since the offset surface is able to give reliable normal vectors. Second, it runs many times faster since at each point we only need to compute the penetration distance along a single direction, rather than tens of directions. Third, our method does not require watertight surfaces as the input-it supports both point clouds and meshes with noise and gaps. Extensive experimental results show that the offset-surface based SDF is robust to noise and insensitive to geometric details, and it also runs about 10 times faster than the existing method. We also exhibit its usefulness using two typical applications including shape retrieval and shape segmentation, and observe a significant improvement over the existing SDF.

Potential flow analysis of glaze ice accretions on an airfoil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zaguli, R. J.

1984-01-01

The results of an analytical/experimental study of the flow fields about an airfoil with leading edge glaze ice accretion shapes are presented. Tests were conducted in the Icing Research Tunnel to measure surface pressure distributions and boundary layer separation reattachment characteristics on a general aviation wing section to which was affixed wooden ice shapes which approximated typical glaze ice accretions. Comparisons were made with predicted pressure distributions using current airfoil analysis codes as well as the Bristow mixed analysis/design airfoil panel code. The Bristow code was also used to predict the separation reattachment dividing streamline by inputting the appropriate experimental surface pressure distribution.

Experimental Technique and Assessment for Measuring the Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient from Natural Ice Accretions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Masiulaniec, K. Cyril; Vanfossen, G. James, Jr.; Dewitt, Kenneth J.; Dukhan, Nihad

1995-01-01

A technique was developed to cast frozen ice shapes that had been grown on a metal surface. This technique was applied to a series of ice shapes that were grown in the NASA Lewis Icing Research Tunnel on flat plates. Nine flat plates, 18 inches square, were obtained from which aluminum castings were made that gave good ice shape characterizations. Test strips taken from these plates were outfitted with heat flux gages, such that when placed in a dry wind tunnel, can be used to experimentally map out the convective heat transfer coefficient in the direction of flow from the roughened surfaces. The effects on the heat transfer coefficient for both parallel and accelerating flow will be studied. The smooth plate model verification baseline data as well as one ice roughened test case are presented.

Assessment of Ice Shape Roughness Using a Self-Orgainizing Map Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcclain, Stephen T.; Kreeger, Richard E.

2013-01-01

Self-organizing maps are neural-network techniques for representing noisy, multidimensional data aligned along a lower-dimensional and nonlinear manifold. For a large set of noisy data, each element of a finite set of codebook vectors is iteratively moved in the direction of the data closest to the winner codebook vector. Through successive iterations, the codebook vectors begin to align with the trends of the higher-dimensional data. Prior investigations of ice shapes have focused on using self-organizing maps to characterize mean ice forms. The Icing Research Branch has recently acquired a high resolution three dimensional scanner system capable of resolving ice shape surface roughness. A method is presented for the evaluation of surface roughness variations using high-resolution surface scans based on a self-organizing map representation of the mean ice shape. The new method is demonstrated for 1) an 18-in. NACA 23012 airfoil 2 AOA just after the initial ice coverage of the leading 5 of the suction surface of the airfoil, 2) a 21-in. NACA 0012 at 0AOA following coverage of the leading 10 of the airfoil surface, and 3) a cold-soaked 21-in.NACA 0012 airfoil without ice. The SOM method resulted in descriptions of the statistical coverage limits and a quantitative representation of early stages of ice roughness formation on the airfoils. Limitations of the SOM method are explored, and the uncertainty limits of the method are investigated using the non-iced NACA 0012 airfoil measurements.

Laser Doppler position sensor for position and shape measurements of fast rotating objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czarske, Jürgen; Pfister, Thorsten; Büttner, Lars

2006-08-01

We report about a novel optical method based on laser Doppler velocimetry for position and shape measurements of moved solid state surfaces with approximately one micrometer position resolution. 3D shape measurements of a rotating cylinder inside a turning machine as well as tip clearance measurements at a transonic centrifugal compressor performed during operation at 50,000 rpm and 586 m/s blade tip velocity are presented. All results are in good agreement with conventional reference probes. The measurement accuracy of the laser Doppler position sensor is investigated in dependence of the speckle pattern. Furthermore, it is shown that this sensor offers high temporal resolution and high position resolution simultaneously and that shading can be reduced compared to triangulation. Consequently, the presented laser Doppler position sensor opens up new perspectives in the field of real-time manufacturing metrology and process control, for example controlling the turning and the grinding process or for future developments of turbo machines.

Contact angle and detachment energy of shape anisotropic particles at fluid-fluid interfaces.

PubMed

Anjali, Thriveni G; Basavaraj, Madivala G

2016-09-15

The three phase contact angle of particles, a measure of its wettability, is an important factor that greatly influences their behaviour at interfaces. It is one of the principal design parameters for potential applications of particles as emulsion/foam stabilizers, functional coatings and other novel materials. In the present work, the effect of size, shape and surface chemistry of particles on their contact angle is investigated using the gel trapping technique, which facilitates the direct visualization of the equilibrium position of particles at interfaces. The contact angle of hematite particles of spherocylindrical, peanut and cuboidal shapes, hematite-silica core-shell and silica shells is reported at a single particle level. The spherocylindrical and peanut shaped particles are always positioned with their major axis parallel to the interface. However, for cuboidal particles at air-water as well as decane-water interfaces, different orientations namely - face-up, edge-up and the vertex-up - are observed. The influence of gravity on the equilibrium position of the colloidal particles at the interface is studied using the hematite-silica core-shell particles and the silica shells. The measured contact angle values are utilized in the calculations of the detachment and surface energies of the hematite particles adsorbed at the interface. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of sputter temperature on vacancy island behavior on Ni(111) measured by photoemission of adsorbed xenon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malafsky, Geoffrey P.

1994-04-01

The temperature dependence of vacancy coalescence on an ion bombarded Ni(111) surface is measured by photoemission of adsorbed xenon (PAX). The Ni(111) crystal is sputtered by a low fluence (0.06 ML incident ions) Ar + ion beam with incident kinetic energies of 500-3000 eV. The Xe coverage decreases rapidly with increasing temperature between 88 and 375 K with little additional change from 375 to 775 K. The PAX spectra are acquired with a Xe chamber pressure of 8 × 10 -10 Torr and at a temperature of 88 K. Under these conditions, the Xe is selectively adsorbed at defect sites which would make the Xe coverage proportional to the surface defect density on simple defect structures but the large size of the Xe atom relative to the Ni atom prevents the direct relationship of Xe coverage to the defect density when complex and varying defect structures are present. The decrease in Xe coverage is not attributed to the loss of defect sites by adatom-vacancy recombination but the changing vacancy island shape and size with temperature which alters the ratio of adsorbed Xe atoms to surface vacancy sites. This ratio decreases with increasing temperature as the vacancy islands progress from small and irregularly shaped islands to larger and hexagonally shaped islands. This transition is seen in Monte Carlo simulations of the kinetically driven atomic diffusion on the sputtered surface.

A new mosaic method for three-dimensional surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Yun; Zhu, Zhaokun; Ding, Yongjun

2011-08-01

Three-dimensional (3-D) data mosaic is a indispensable link in surface measurement and digital terrain map generation. With respect to the mosaic problem of the local unorganized cloud points with rude registration and mass mismatched points, a new mosaic method for 3-D surface based on RANSAC is proposed. Every circular of this method is processed sequentially by random sample with additional shape constraint, data normalization of cloud points, absolute orientation, data denormalization of cloud points, inlier number statistic, etc. After N random sample trials the largest consensus set is selected, and at last the model is re-estimated using all the points in the selected subset. The minimal subset is composed of three non-colinear points which form a triangle. The shape of triangle is considered in random sample selection in order to make the sample selection reasonable. A new coordinate system transformation algorithm presented in this paper is used to avoid the singularity. The whole rotation transformation between the two coordinate systems can be solved by twice rotations expressed by Euler angle vector, each rotation has explicit physical means. Both simulation and real data are used to prove the correctness and validity of this mosaic method. This method has better noise immunity due to its robust estimation property, and has high accuracy as the shape constraint is added to random sample and the data normalization added to the absolute orientation. This method is applicable for high precision measurement of three-dimensional surface and also for the 3-D terrain mosaic.

Effects of cementation surface modifications on fracture resistance of zirconia.

PubMed

Srikanth, Ramanathan; Kosmac, Tomaz; Della Bona, Alvaro; Yin, Ling; Zhang, Yu

2015-04-01

To examine the effects of glass infiltration (GI) and alumina coating (AC) on the indentation flexural load and four-point bending strength of monolithic zirconia. Plate-shaped (12 mm × 12 mm × 1.0 mm or 1.5 or 2.0 mm) and bar-shaped (4 mm × 3 mm × 25 mm) monolithic zirconia specimens were fabricated. In addition to monolithic zirconia (group Z), zirconia monoliths were glass-infiltrated or alumina-coated on their tensile surfaces to form groups ZGI and ZAC, respectively. They were also glass-infiltrated on their upper surfaces, and glass-infiltrated or alumina-coated on their lower (tensile) surfaces to make groups ZGI2 and ZAC2, respectively. For comparison, porcelain-veneered zirconia (group PVZ) and monolithic lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (group LiDi) specimens were also fabricated. The plate-shaped specimens were cemented onto a restorative composite base for Hertzian indentation using a tungsten carbide spherical indenter with a radius of 3.2mm. Critical loads for indentation flexural fracture at the zirconia cementation surface were measured. Strengths of bar-shaped specimens were evaluated in four-point bending. Glass infiltration on zirconia tensile surfaces increased indentation flexural loads by 32% in Hertzian contact and flexural strength by 24% in four-point bending. Alumina coating showed no significant effect on resistance to flexural damage of zirconia. Monolithic zirconia outperformed porcelain-veneered zirconia and monolithic lithium disilicate glass-ceramics in terms of both indentation flexural load and flexural strength. While both alumina coating and glass infiltration can be used to effectively modify the cementation surface of zirconia, glass infiltration can further increase the flexural fracture resistance of zirconia. Copyright © 2015 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of cementation surface modifications on fracture resistance of zirconia

PubMed Central

Srikanth, Ramanathan; Kosmac, Tomaz; Bona, Alvaro Della; Yin, Ling; Zhang, Yu

2015-01-01

Objectives To examine the effects of glass infiltration (GI) and alumina coating (AC) on the indentation flexural load and four-point bending strength of monolithic zirconia. Methods Plate-shaped (12 mm × 12 mm × 1.0 mm or 1.5 mm or 2.0 mm) and bar-shaped (4 mm × 3 mm × 25 mm) monolithic zirconia specimens were fabricated. In addition to monolithic zirconia (group Z), zirconia monoliths were glass-infiltrated or alumina-coated on their tensile surfaces to form groups ZGI and ZAC, respectively. They were also glass-infiltrated on their upper surfaces, and glass-infiltrated or alumina-coated on their lower (tensile) surfaces to make groups ZGI2 and ZAC2, respectively. For comparison, porcelain-veneered zirconia (group PVZ) and monolithic lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (group LiDi) specimens were also fabricated. The plate-shaped specimens were cemented onto a restorative composite base for Hertzian indentation using a tungsten carbide spherical indenter with a radius of 3.2 mm. Critical loads for indentation flexural fracture at the zirconia cementation surface were measured. Strengths of bar-shaped specimens were evaluated in four-point bending. Results Glass infiltration on zirconia tensile surfaces increased indentation flexural loads by 32% in Hertzian contact and flexural strength by 24% in four-point bending. Alumina coating showed no significant effect on resistance to flexural damage of zirconia. Monolithic zirconia outperformed porcelain-veneered zirconia and monolithic lithium disilicate glass-ceramics in terms of both indentation flexural load and flexural strength. Significance While both alumina coating and glass infiltration can be used to effectively modify the cementation surface of zirconia, glass infiltration can further increase the flexural fracture resistance of zirconia. PMID:25687628

Cheap and fast measuring roughness on big surfaces with an imprint method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schopf, C.; Liebl, J.; Rascher, R.

2017-10-01

Roughness, shape and structure of a surface offer information on the state, shape and surface characteristics of a component. Particularly the roughness of the surface dictates the subsequent polishing of the optical surface. The roughness is usually measured by a white light interferometer, which is limited by the size of the components. Using a moulding method of surfaces that are difficult to reach, an imprint is taken and analysed regarding to roughness and structure. This moulding compound method is successfully used in dental technology. In optical production, the moulding compound method is advantageous in roughness determination in inaccessible spots or on large components (astrological optics). The "replica method" has been around in metal analysis and processing. Film is used in order to take an impression of a surface. Then, it is analysed for structures. In optical production, compound moulding seems advantageous in roughness determination in inaccessible spots or on large components (astrological optics). In preliminary trials, different glass samples with different roughness levels were manufactured. Imprints were taken from these samples (based on DIN 54150 "Abdruckverfahren für die Oberflächenprüfung"). The objective of these feasibility tests was to determine the limits of this method (smallest roughness determinable / highest roughness). The roughness of the imprint was compared with the roughness of the glass samples. By comparing the results, the uncertainty of the measuring method was determined. The spectrum for the trials ranged from rough grind (0.8 μm rms), over finishing grind (0.6 μm rms) to polishing (0.1 μm rms).

Photogrammetry of the three-dimensional shape and texture of a nanoscale particle using scanning electron microscopy and free software.

PubMed

Gontard, Lionel C; Schierholz, Roland; Yu, Shicheng; Cintas, Jesús; Dunin-Borkowski, Rafal E

2016-10-01

We apply photogrammetry in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to study the three-dimensional shape and surface texture of a nanoscale LiTi2(PO4)3 particle. We highlight the fact that the technique can be applied non-invasively in any SEM using free software (freeware) and does not require special sample preparation. Three-dimensional information is obtained in the form of a surface mesh, with the texture of the sample stored as a separate two-dimensional image (referred to as a UV Map). The mesh can be used to measure parameters such as surface area, volume, moment of inertia and center of mass, while the UV map can be used to study the surface texture using conventional image processing techniques. We also illustrate the use of 3D printing to visualize the reconstructed model. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental studies of contact angle hysteresis phenomena on polymer surfaces – Toward the understanding and control of wettability for different applications.

PubMed

Grundke, K; Pöschel, K; Synytska, A; Frenzel, R; Drechsler, A; Nitschke, M; Cordeiro, A L; Uhlmann, P; Welzel, P B

2015-08-01

Contact angle hysteresis phenomena on polymer surfaces have been studied by contact angle measurements using sessile liquid droplets and captive air bubbles in conjunction with a drop shape method known as Axisymmetric Drop Shape Analysis - Profile (ADSA-P). In addition, commercially available sessile drop goniometer techniques were used. The polymer surfaces were characterized with respect to their surface structure (morphology, roughness, swelling) and surface chemistry (elemental surface composition, acid-base characteristics) by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning force microscopy (SFM), ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and streaming potential measurements. Heterogeneous polymer surfaces with controlled roughness and chemical composition were prepared by different routes using plasma etching and subsequent dip coating or grafting of polymer brushes, anodic oxidation of aluminium substrates coated with thin polymer films, deposition techniques to create regular patterned and rough fractal surfaces from core-shell particles, and block copolymers. To reveal the effects of swelling and reorientation at the solid/liquid interface contact angle hysteresis phenomena on polyimide surfaces, cellulose membranes, and thermo-responsive hydrogels have been studied. The effect of different solutes in the liquid (electrolytes, surfactants) and their impact on contact angle hysteresis were characterized for solid polymers without and with ionizable functional surface groups in aqueous electrolyte solutions of different ion concentrations and pH and for photoresist surfaces in cationic aqueous surfactant solutions. The work is an attempt toward the understanding of contact angle hysteresis phenomena on polymer surfaces aimed at the control of wettability for different applications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Novel non-periodic spoof surface plasmon polaritons with H-shaped cells and its application to high selectivity wideband bandpass filter.

PubMed

Gao, Xin; Che, Wenquan; Feng, Wenjie

2018-02-06

In this paper, one kind of novel non-periodic spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) with H-shaped cells is proposed. As we all know, the cutoff frequency exists inherently for the conventional comb-shaped SSPPs, which is a kind of periodic groove shape structures and fed by a conventional coplanar waveguide (CPW). In this work, instead of increasing the depth of all the grooves, two H-shaped cells are introduced to effectively reduce the cutoff frequency of the conventional comb-shaped SSPPs (about 12 GHz) for compact design. More importantly, the guide waves can be gradually transformed to SSPP waves with high efficiency, and better impedance matching from 50 Ω to the novel SSPP strip is achieved. Based on the proposed non-periodic SSPPs with H-shaped cells, a wideband bandpass filter (the 3-dB fractional bandwidths 68%) is realized by integrating the spiral-shaped defected ground structure (DGS) etched on CPW. Specifically, the filter shows high passband selectivity (Δf 3 dB /Δf 20 dB  = 0.91) and wide upper stopband with -20 dB rejection. A prototype is fabricated for demonstration. Good agreements can be observed between the measured and simulated results, indicating potential applications in the integrated plasmonic devices and circuits at microwave and even THz frequencies.

Fluid surface behavior in low gravity. Center discretionary fund no. 83-21

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leslie, F.; Gans, R. F.; Schafer, C.

1985-01-01

Measurements of rotating equilibrium bubble shapes in the low-gravity environment of a free-falling aircraft are presented. Emphasis is placed on bubbles which intersect the container boundaries. These data are compared with theoretical profiles derived from Laplace's formula and are in good agreement with the measurements. Two types of instability are explored. The first occurs when the baffle spacing is too large for the bubble to intersect both the top and bottom boundaries. The second occurs when the hydrostatic pressure beneath a displaced free surface does not compensate for pressure change due to capillary forces. The interface shape depends on the contact angle, the radius of intersection with container, and the parameter F which is a measure of the relative importance of centrifugal force to surface tension. For isolated bubbles, F has a maximum value of 1/2. A further increase in F causes the bubble to break contact with the axis of rotation. For large values of F, the bubble becomes more cylindrical and the capillary rise occurs over a thinner layer so that the small radius of curvature can generate enough pressure drop to balance the increased hydrostatic contribution.

Single-ended retroreflection sensors for absorption spectroscopy in high-temperature environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melin, Scott T.; Wang, Ze; Neal, Nicholas J.; Rothamer, David A.; Sanders, Scott T.

2017-04-01

Novel single-ended sensor arrangements are demonstrated for in situ absorption spectroscopy in combustion and related test articles. A single-ended optical access technique based on back-reflection from a polished test article surface is presented. H2O vapor absorption spectra were measured at 10 kHz in a homogeneous-charge compression-ignition engine using a sensor of this design collecting back-reflection from a polished piston surface. The measured spectra show promise for high-repetition-rate measurements in practical combustion devices. A second sensor was demonstrated based on a modification to this optical access technique. The sensor incorporates a nickel retroreflective surface as back-reflector to reduce sensitivity to beam steering and misalignment. In a propane-fired furnace, H2O vapor absorption spectra were obtained over the range 7315-7550 cm- 1 at atmospheric pressure and temperatures up to 775 K at 20 Hz using an external-cavity diode laser spectrometer. Gas properties of temperature and mole fraction were obtained from this furnace data using a band-shape spectral fitting technique. The temperature accuracy of the band-shape fitting was demonstrated to be ±1.3 K for furnace measurements at atmospheric pressure. These results should extend the range of applications in which absorption spectroscopy sensors are attractive candidates.

Force, Surface Pressure, and Flowfield Measurements on a Slender Missile Configuration with Square Cross-Section at Supersonic Speeds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilcox, Floyd J., Jr.; Birch, Trevor J.; Allen, Jerry M.

2004-01-01

A wind-tunnel investigation of a square cross-section missile configuration has been conducted to obtain force and moment measurements, surface pressure measurements, and vapor screen flow visualization photographs for comparison with computational fluid dynamics studies conducted under the auspices of The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP). Tests were conducted on three configurations which included: (1) body alone, (2) body plus tail fins mounted on the missile corners, and (3) body plus tail fins mounted on the missile side. This test was conducted in test section #2 of the NASA Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at Mach numbers of 2.50 and 4.50 and at a Reynolds number of 4 million per ft. The data were obtained over an angle of attack range from -4 deg. to 24 deg. and roll angles from 0 deg. to 45 deg., i.e., from a diamond shape (as viewed from the rear) at a roll angle of 0 deg. to a square shape at 45 deg.

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.

Variability of the solar shape (before space dedicated missions)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rozelot, J. P.; Damiani, C.; Lefebvre, S.

2009-12-01

Shrinking or expansion of the solar shape and irradiance variations are ultimately related to solar activity. We give here a review on existing ground-based or space solar radius measurements, extending the concept to shape changes. We show how helioseismology results allow us to look at the variations below the surface, where changes are not uniform, putting in evidence a new shallow layer, the leptocline, which is the seat of solar asphericities, radius variations with the 11-yr cycle and the cradle of complex physical processes: partial ionization of the light elements, opacities changes, superadiabaticity, strong gradient of rotation and pressure. Based on such physical grounds, we show why it is important to get accurate measurements from scheduled dedicated space missions: PICARD, SDO, DynaMICCS, ASTROMETRIA, SPHERIS. Such measurements will provide us a unique opportunity to study in detail the relationship between global solar properties and changes in the Sun's interior.

Quantification of electrical field-induced flow reversal in a microchannel.

PubMed

Pirat, C; Naso, A; van der Wouden, E J; Gardeniers, J G E; Lohse, D; van den Berg, A

2008-06-01

We characterize the electroosmotic flow in a microchannel with field effect flow control. High resolution measurements of the flow velocity, performed by micro particle image velocimetry, evidence the flow reversal induced by a local modification of the surface charge due to the presence of the gate. The shape of the microchannel cross-section is accurately extracted from these measurements. Experimental velocity profiles show a quantitative agreement with numerical results accounting for this exact shape. Analytical predictions assuming a rectangular cross-section are found to give a reasonable estimate of the velocity far enough from the walls.

3D bubble reconstruction using multiple cameras and space carving method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Yucheng; Liu, Yang

2018-07-01

An accurate measurement of bubble shape and size has a significant value in understanding the behavior of bubbles that exist in many engineering applications. Past studies usually use one or two cameras to estimate bubble volume, surface area, among other parameters. The 3D bubble shape and rotation angle are generally not available in these studies. To overcome this challenge and obtain more detailed information of individual bubbles, a 3D imaging system consisting of four high-speed cameras is developed in this paper, and the space carving method is used to reconstruct the 3D bubble shape based on the recorded high-speed images from different view angles. The proposed method can reconstruct the bubble surface with minimal assumptions. A benchmarking test is performed in a 3 cm  ×  1 cm rectangular channel with stagnant water. The results show that the newly proposed method can measure the bubble volume with an error of less than 2% compared with the syringe reading. The conventional two-camera system has an error around 10%. The one-camera system has an error greater than 25%. The visualization of a 3D bubble rising demonstrates the wall influence on bubble rotation angle and aspect ratio. This also explains the large error that exists in the single camera measurement.

Full Coverage Shaped Hole Film Cooling in an Accelerating Boundary Layer with High Free-Stream Turbulence

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

Ames, Forrest E.; Kingery, Joseph E.

2015-06-17

Full coverage shaped-hole film cooling and downstream heat transfer measurements have been acquired in the accelerating flows over a large cylindrical leading edge test surface. The shaped holes had an 8° lateral expansion angled at 30° to the surface with spanwise and streamwise spacings of 3 diameters. Measurements were conducted at four blowing ratios, two Reynolds numbers and six well documented turbulence conditions. Film cooling measurements were acquired over a four to one range in blowing ratio at the lower Reynolds number and at the two lower blowing ratios for the higher Reynolds number. The film cooling measurements were acquiredmore » at a coolant to free-stream density ratio of approximately 1.04. The flows were subjected to a low turbulence condition (Tu = 0.7%), two levels of turbulence for a smaller sized grid (Tu = 3.5%, and 7.9%), one turbulence level for a larger grid (8.1%), and two levels of turbulence generated using a mock aero-combustor (Tu = 9.3% and 13.7%). Turbulence level is shown to have a significant influence in mixing away film cooling coverage progressively as the flow develops in the streamwise direction. Effectiveness levels for the aero-combustor turbulence condition are reduced to as low as 20% of low turbulence values by the furthest downstream region. The film cooling discharge is located close to the leading edge with very thin and accelerating upstream boundary layers. Film cooling data at the lower Reynolds number, show that transitional flows have significantly improved effectiveness levels compared with turbulent flows. Downstream effectiveness levels are very similar to slot film cooling data taken at the same coolant flow rates over the same cylindrical test surface. However, slots perform significantly better in the near discharge region. These data are expected to be very useful in grounding computational predictions of full coverage shaped hole film cooling with elevated turbulence levels and acceleration. IR measurements were performed for the two lowest turbulence levels to document the spanwise variation in film cooling effectiveness and heat transfer.« less

Shape sensing methods: Review and experimental comparison on a wing-shaped plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gherlone, Marco; Cerracchio, Priscilla; Mattone, Massimiliano

2018-05-01

Shape sensing, i.e., the reconstruction of the displacement field of a structure from some discrete surface strain measurements, is a fundamental capability for the structural health management of critical components. In this paper, a review of the shape sensing methodologies available in the open literature and of the different applications is provided. Then, for the first time, an experimental comparative study is presented among the main approaches in order to highlight their relative merits in presence of uncertainties affecting real applications. These approaches are, namely, the inverse Finite Element Method, the Modal Method and Ko's Displacement Theory. A brief description of these methods is followed by the presentation of the experimental test results. A cantilevered, wing-shaped aluminum plate is let deform under its own weight, leading to bending and twisting. Using the experimental strain measurements as input data, the deflection field of the plate is reconstructed using the three aforementioned approaches and compared with the actual measured deflection. The inverse Finite Element Method is proven to be slightly more accurate and particularly attractive because it is versatile with respect to the boundary conditions and it does not require any information about material properties and loading conditions.

Estimation of skeletal movement of human locomotion from body surface shapes using dynamic spatial video camera (DSVC) and 4D human model.

PubMed

Saito, Toshikuni; Suzuki, Naoki; Hattori, Asaki; Suzuki, Shigeyuki; Hayashibe, Mitsuhiro; Otake, Yoshito

2006-01-01

We have been developing a DSVC (Dynamic Spatial Video Camera) system to measure and observe human locomotion quantitatively and freely. A 4D (four-dimensional) human model with detailed skeletal structure, joint, muscle, and motor functionality has been built. The purpose of our research was to estimate skeletal movements from body surface shapes using DSVC and the 4D human model. For this purpose, we constructed a body surface model of a subject and resized the standard 4D human model to match with geometrical features of the subject's body surface model. Software that integrates the DSVC system and the 4D human model, and allows dynamic skeletal state analysis from body surface movement data was also developed. We practically applied the developed system in dynamic skeletal state analysis of a lower limb in motion and were able to visualize the motion using geometrically resized standard 4D human model.

Remote Sensing of Crystal Shapes in Ice Clouds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

van Diedenhoven, Bastiaan

2017-01-01

Ice crystals in clouds exist in a virtually limitless variation of geometries. The most basic shapes of ice crystals are columnar or plate-like hexagonal prisms with aspect ratios determined by relative humidity and temperature. However, crystals in ice clouds generally display more complex structures owing to aggregation, riming and growth histories through varying temperature and humidity regimes. Crystal shape is relevant for cloud evolution as it affects microphysical properties such as fall speeds and aggregation efficiency. Furthermore, the scattering properties of ice crystals are affected by their general shape, as well as by microscopic features such as surface roughness, impurities and internal structure. To improve the representation of ice clouds in climate models, increased understanding of the global variation of crystal shape and how it relates to, e.g., location, cloud temperature and atmospheric state is crucial. Here, the remote sensing of ice crystal macroscale and microscale structure from airborne and space-based lidar depolarization observations and multi-directional measurements of total and polarized reflectances is reviewed. In addition, a brief overview is given of in situ and laboratory observations of ice crystal shape as well as the optical properties of ice crystals that serve as foundations for the remote sensing approaches. Lidar depolarization is generally found to increase with increasing cloud height and to vary with latitude. Although this variation is generally linked to the variation of ice crystal shape, the interpretation of the depolarization remains largely qualitative and more research is needed before quantitative conclusions about ice shape can be deduced. The angular variation of total and polarized reflectances of ice clouds has been analyzed by numerous studies in order to infer information about ice crystal shapes from them. From these studies it is apparent that pristine crystals with smooth surfaces are generally inconsistent with the data and thus crystal impurity, distortion or surface roughness is prevalent. However, conclusions about the dominating ice shapes are often inconclusive and contradictory and are highly dependent on the limited selection of shapes included in the investigations. Since ice crystal optical properties are mostly determined by the aspect ratios of the crystal components and their microscale structure, it is advised that remote sensing applications focus on the variation of these ice shape characteristics, rather than on the macroscale shape or habit. Recent studies use databases with nearly continuous ranges of crystal component aspect ratio and-or roughness levels to infer the variation of ice crystal shape from satellite and airborne remote sensing measurements. Here, the rationale and results of varying strategies for the remote sensing of ice crystal shape are reviewed. Observed systematic variations of ice crystal geometry with location, cloud height and atmospheric state suggested by the data are discussed. Finally, a prospective is given on the future of the remote sensing of ice cloud particle shapes.

Considerations in the Design of Future Planetary Laser Altimeters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, D. E.; Neumann, G. A.; Mazarico, E.; Zuber, M. T.; Sun, X.

2017-12-01

Planetary laser altimeters have generally been designed to provide high accuracy measurements of the nadir range to an uncooperative surface for deriving the shape of the target body, and sometimes specifically for identifying and characterizing potential landing sites. However, experience has shown that in addition to the range measurement, other valuable observations can be acquired, including surface reflectance and surface roughness, despite not being given high priority in the original altimeter design or even anticipated. After nearly 2 decades of planetary laser altimeter design, the requirements are evolving and additional capabilities are becoming equally important. The target bodies, once the terrestrial planets, are now equally asteroids and moons that in many cases do not permit simple orbital operations due to their small mass, radiation issues, or spacecraft fuel limitations. In addition, for a number of reasons, it has become necessary to perform shape determination from a much greater range, even thousands of kilometers, and thus ranging is becoming as important as nadir altimetry. Reflectance measurements have also proved important for assessing the presence of ice, water or CO2, and laser pulse spreading informed knowledge of surface roughness; all indicating a need for improved instrument capability. Recently, the need to obtain accurate range measurement to laser reflectors on landers or on a planetary surface is presenting new science opportunities but for which current designs are far from optimal. These changes to classic laser altimetry have consequences for many instrument functions and capabilities, including beam divergence, laser power, number of beams and detectors, pixelation, energy measurements, pointing stability, polarization, laser wavelengths, and laser pulse rate dependent range. We will discuss how a new consideration of these trades will help make lidars key instruments to execute innovative science in future planetary missions.

Photogrammetry Of A Parabolic Antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merrick, W. D.; Lansing, F. L.; Stoller, F. W.; Lobb, V. B.

1988-01-01

Surface measured with accuracy better than 10 to the negative fifth power times diameter. Report describes use of advanced close-range photogrammetry to determine deviations of 34-m-diameter antenna main reflector and subreflector from nominal paraboloidal shapes. Measurements enable removal of linear offsets and angular misalignments of subreflector, with consequent increase of 4 percent in aperture efficiency.

Accuracy verification of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology for lower-limb prosthetic research: utilising animal soft tissue specimen and common socket casting materials.

PubMed

Safari, Mohammad Reza; Rowe, Philip; Buis, Arjan

2012-01-01

Lower limb prosthetic socket shape and volume consistency can be quantified using MRI technology. Additionally, MRI images of the residual limb could be used as an input data for CAD-CAM technology and finite element studies. However, the accuracy of MRI when socket casting materials are used has to be defined. A number of six, 46 mm thick, cross-sections of an animal leg were used. Three specimens were wrapped with Plaster of Paris (POP) and the other three with commercially available silicone interface liner. Data was obtained by utilising MRI technology and then the segmented images compared to corresponding calliper measurement, photographic imaging, and water suspension techniques. The MRI measurement results were strongly correlated with actual diameter, surface area, and volume measurements. The results show that the selected scanning parameters and the semiautomatic segmentation method are adequate enough, considering the limit of clinical meaningful shape and volume fluctuation, for residual limb volume and the cross-sectional surface area measurements.

Accuracy Verification of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology for Lower-Limb Prosthetic Research: Utilising Animal Soft Tissue Specimen and Common Socket Casting Materials

PubMed Central

Safari, Mohammad Reza; Rowe, Philip; Buis, Arjan

2012-01-01

Lower limb prosthetic socket shape and volume consistency can be quantified using MRI technology. Additionally, MRI images of the residual limb could be used as an input data for CAD-CAM technology and finite element studies. However, the accuracy of MRI when socket casting materials are used has to be defined. A number of six, 46 mm thick, cross-sections of an animal leg were used. Three specimens were wrapped with Plaster of Paris (POP) and the other three with commercially available silicone interface liner. Data was obtained by utilising MRI technology and then the segmented images compared to corresponding calliper measurement, photographic imaging, and water suspension techniques. The MRI measurement results were strongly correlated with actual diameter, surface area, and volume measurements. The results show that the selected scanning parameters and the semiautomatic segmentation method are adequate enough, considering the limit of clinical meaningful shape and volume fluctuation, for residual limb volume and the cross-sectional surface area measurements. PMID:22619599

Radiation Pattern of Chair Armed Microstrip Antenna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Rabindra Kishore; Sahu, Kumar Satyabrat

2016-12-01

This work analyzes planar antenna conformable to chair arm shaped surfaces for WLAN application. Closed form expressions for its radiation pattern are developed and validated using measurements on prototype and commercial EM code at 2.4 GHz.

Clinical anthropometrics and body composition from 3D whole-body surface scans.

PubMed

Ng, B K; Hinton, B J; Fan, B; Kanaya, A M; Shepherd, J A

2016-11-01

Obesity is a significant worldwide epidemic that necessitates accessible tools for robust body composition analysis. We investigated whether widely available 3D body surface scanners can provide clinically relevant direct anthropometrics (circumferences, areas and volumes) and body composition estimates (regional fat/lean masses). Thirty-nine healthy adults stratified by age, sex and body mass index (BMI) underwent whole-body 3D scans, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), air displacement plethysmography and tape measurements. Linear regressions were performed to assess agreement between 3D measurements and criterion methods. Linear models were derived to predict DXA body composition from 3D scan measurements. Thirty-seven external fitness center users underwent 3D scans and bioelectrical impedance analysis for model validation. 3D body scan measurements correlated strongly to criterion methods: waist circumference R 2 =0.95, hip circumference R 2 =0.92, surface area R 2 =0.97 and volume R 2 =0.99. However, systematic differences were observed for each measure due to discrepancies in landmark positioning. Predictive body composition equations showed strong agreement for whole body (fat mass R 2 =0.95, root mean square error (RMSE)=2.4 kg; fat-free mass R 2 =0.96, RMSE=2.2 kg) and arms, legs and trunk (R 2 =0.79-0.94, RMSE=0.5-1.7 kg). Visceral fat prediction showed moderate agreement (R 2 =0.75, RMSE=0.11 kg). 3D surface scanners offer precise and stable automated measurements of body shape and composition. Software updates may be needed to resolve measurement biases resulting from landmark positioning discrepancies. Further studies are justified to elucidate relationships between body shape, composition and metabolic health across sex, age, BMI and ethnicity groups, as well as in those with metabolic disorders.

Fabrication of micromachined focusing mirrors with seamless reflective surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Max Ti-Kuang; Liao, Ke-Min; Yeh, Hong-Zhen; Cheng, Bo-Wen; Hong, Pei-Yuan; Chen, Rongshun

2003-01-01

A surface-micromachined focusing mirror with variable focal length, which is controlled by adjusting the mirror"s curvature, is fabricated and characterized. The bowl-shaped micromirror, which is fabricated from the micro bilayer circular plate, focuses light beam through thermal actuation of the external heat source. Both the initial and operational curvatures are manipulated by the residual stresses in two layers of the mirror. Improper stresses would lead to the failure of the bowl-shaped structure. We analyze and design geometrical dimensions for simultaneously avoiding the structure failure and increasing the tuning range of the focal length. The interferometer has been used to measure the focal length and the focusing ability. Mirrors with nominal focal lengths approximately 730 μm, and tuning ranges of about 50 microns were demonstrated. The measurement directly through optical approach has also been tried, but requires further investigation, because the laser beam affects the focusing of the micromirror seriously.

A Rapid Method to Achieve Aero-Engine Blade Form Detection

PubMed Central

Sun, Bin; Li, Bing

2015-01-01

This paper proposes a rapid method to detect aero-engine blade form, according to the characteristics of an aero-engine blade surface. This method first deduces an inclination error model in free-form surface measurements based on the non-contact laser triangulation principle. Then a four-coordinate measuring system was independently developed, a special fixture was designed according to the blade shape features, and a fast measurement of the blade features path was planned. Finally, by using the inclination error model for correction of acquired data, the measurement error that was caused by tilt form is compensated. As a result the measurement accuracy of the Laser Displacement Sensor was less than 10 μm. After the experimental verification, this method makes full use of optical non-contact measurement fast speed, high precision and wide measuring range of features. Using a standard gauge block as a measurement reference, the coordinate system conversion data is simple and practical. It not only improves the measurement accuracy of the blade surface, but also its measurement efficiency. Therefore, this method increases the value of the measurement of complex surfaces. PMID:26039420

A rapid method to achieve aero-engine blade form detection.

PubMed

Sun, Bin; Li, Bing

2015-06-01

This paper proposes a rapid method to detect aero-engine blade form, according to the characteristics of an aero-engine blade surface. This method first deduces an inclination error model in free-form surface measurements based on the non-contact laser triangulation principle. Then a four-coordinate measuring system was independently developed, a special fixture was designed according to the blade shape features, and a fast measurement of the blade features path was planned. Finally, by using the inclination error model for correction of acquired data, the measurement error that was caused by tilt form is compensated. As a result the measurement accuracy of the Laser Displacement Sensor was less than 10 μm. After the experimental verification, this method makes full use of optical non-contact measurement fast speed, high precision and wide measuring range of features. Using a standard gauge block as a measurement reference, the coordinate system conversion data is simple and practical. It not only improves the measurement accuracy of the blade surface, but also its measurement efficiency. Therefore, this method increases the value of the measurement of complex surfaces.

Medial Demons Registration Localizes The Degree of Genetic Influence Over Subcortical Shape Variability: An N= 1480 Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Gutman, Boris A.; Jahanshad, Neda; Ching, Christopher R.K.; Wang, Yalin; Kochunov, Peter V.; Nichols, Thomas E.; Thompson, Paul M.

2015-01-01

We present a multi-cohort shape heritability study, extending the fast spherical demons registration to subcortical shapes via medial modeling. A multi-channel demons registration based on vector spherical harmonics is applied to medial and curvature features, while controlling for metric distortion. We registered and compared seven subcortical structures of 1480 twins and siblings from the Queensland Twin Imaging Study and Human Connectome Project: Thalamus, Caudate, Putamen, Pallidum, Hippocampus, Amygdala, and Nucleus Accumbens. Radial distance and tensor-based morphometry (TBM) features were found to be highly heritable throughout the entire basal ganglia and limbic system. Surface maps reveal subtle variation in heritability across functionally distinct parts of each structure. Medial Demons reveals more significantly heritable regions than two previously described surface registration methods. This approach may help to prioritize features and measures for genome-wide association studies. PMID:26413211

Medial Demons Registration Localizes The Degree of Genetic Influence Over Subcortical Shape Variability: An N= 1480 Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Gutman, Boris A; Jahanshad, Neda; Ching, Christopher R K; Wang, Yalin; Kochunov, Peter V; Nichols, Thomas E; Thompson, Paul M

2015-04-01

We present a multi-cohort shape heritability study, extending the fast spherical demons registration to subcortical shapes via medial modeling. A multi-channel demons registration based on vector spherical harmonics is applied to medial and curvature features, while controlling for metric distortion. We registered and compared seven subcortical structures of 1480 twins and siblings from the Queensland Twin Imaging Study and Human Connectome Project: Thalamus, Caudate, Putamen, Pallidum, Hippocampus, Amygdala, and Nucleus Accumbens . Radial distance and tensor-based morphometry (TBM) features were found to be highly heritable throughout the entire basal ganglia and limbic system. Surface maps reveal subtle variation in heritability across functionally distinct parts of each structure. Medial Demons reveals more significantly heritable regions than two previously described surface registration methods. This approach may help to prioritize features and measures for genome-wide association studies.

Backscattered EM-wave manipulation using low cost 1-bit reflective surface at W-band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taher Al-Nuaimi, Mustafa K.; Hong, Wei; He, Yejun

2018-04-01

The design of low cost 1-bit reflective (non-absorptive) surfaces for manipulation of backscattered EM-waves and radar cross section (RCS) reduction at W-band is presented in this article. The presented surface is designed based on the reflection phase cancellation principle. The unit cell used to compose the proposed surface has an obelus (division symbol of short wire and two disks above and below) like shape printed on a grounded dielectric material. Using this unit cell, surfaces that can efficiently manipulate the backscattered RCS pattern by using the proposed obelus-shaped unit cell (as ‘0’ element) and its mirrored unit cell (as ‘1’ element) in one surface with a 180°  ±  35° reflection phase difference between their reflection phases are designed. The proposed surfaces can generate various kinds of backscattered RCS patterns, such as single, three, or four lobes or even a low-level (reduced RCS) diffused reflection pattern when those two unit cells are distributed randomly across the surface aperture. For experimental characterization purposes, a 50  ×  50 mm2 surface is fabricated and measured.

Artificial tektites: an experimental technique for capturing the shapes of spinning drops

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baldwin, K. A.

2014-12-01

Tektites are small stones formed from rapidly cooling drops of molten rock ejected from high velocity asteroid impacts with the Earth, that freeze into a myriad of shapes during flight. Many splash-form tektites have an elongated or dumb-bell shape owing to their rotation prior to solidification[1]. Here we present a novel method for creating 'artificial tektites' from spinning drops of molten wax, using diamagnetic levitation to suspend the drops[2]. We find that the solid wax models produced this way are the stable equilibrium shapes of a spinning liquid droplet held together by surface tension. In addition to the geophysical interest in tektite formation, the stable equilibrium shapes of liquid drops have implications for many physical phenomena, covering a wide range of length scales, from nuclear physics (e.g. in studies of rapidly rotating atomic nuclei), to astrophysics (e.g. in studies of the shapes of astronomical bodies such as asteroids, rapidly rotating stars and event horizons of rotating black holes). For liquid drops bound by surface tension, analytical and numerical methods predict a series of stable equilibrium shapes with increasing angular momentum. Slowly spinning drops have an oblate-like shape. With increasing angular momentum these shapes become secularly unstable to a series of triaxial pseudo-ellipsoids that then evolve into a family of two-lobed 'dumb-bell' shapes as the angular momentum is increased still further. Our experimental method allows accurate measurements of the drops to be taken, which are useful to validate numerical models. This method has provided a means for observing tektite formation, and has additionally confirmed experimentally the stable equilibrium shapes of liquid drops, distinct from the equivalent shapes of rotating astronomical bodies. Potentially, this technique could be applied to observe the non-equilibrium dynamic processes that are also important in real tektite formation, involving, e.g. viscoelastic effects, non-uniform solidification, surface wrinkling (Schlieren), and rapid separation/fission of dumb-bells via the Rayleigh-Plateau instability. [1] M. R. Stauffer and S. L. Butler, Earth Moon Planets, 107, 169 (2009). [2] R. J. A. Hill and L. Eaves, Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 234501 (2008).

Backward-gazing method for heliostats shape errors measurement and calibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coquand, Mathieu; Caliot, Cyril; Hénault, François

2017-06-01

The pointing and canting accuracies and the surface shape of the heliostats have a great influence on the solar tower power plant efficiency. At the industrial scale, one of the issues to solve is the time and the efforts devoted to adjust the different mirrors of the faceted heliostats, which could take several months if the current methods were used. Accurate control of heliostat tracking requires complicated and onerous devices. Thus, methods used to adjust quickly the whole field of a plant are essential for the rise of solar tower technology with a huge number of heliostats. Wavefront detection is widely use in adaptive optics and shape error reconstruction. Such systems can be sources of inspiration for the measurement of solar facets misalignment and tracking errors. We propose a new method of heliostat characterization inspired by adaptive optics devices. This method aims at observing the brightness distributions on heliostat's surface, from different points of view close to the receiver of the power plant, in order to calculate the wavefront of the reflection of the sun on the concentrated surface to determine its errors. The originality of this new method is to use the profile of the sun to determine the defects of the mirrors. In addition, this method would be easy to set-up and could be implemented without sophisticated apparatus: only four cameras would be used to perform the acquisitions.

Experimental investigation of the effects of compound angle holes on film cooling effectiveness and heat transfer performance using a transient liquid crystal thermometry technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seager, David J.; Liburdy, James A.

1997-11-01

To further understand the effect of both compound angle holes and hole shaping on film cooling, detailed heat transfer measurements were obtained using hue based thermochromic liquid crystal method. The data were analyzed to measure both the full surface adiabatic effectiveness and heat transfer coefficient. The compound angles that were evaluated consist of holes that were aligned 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees and 90 degrees to the main cross flow direction. Hole shaping variations from the traditional cylindrical shaped hole include forward diffused and laterally diffused hole geometries. Geometric parameters that were selected were the length to diameter ratio of 3.0, and the inclination angle 35 degrees. A density ratio of 1.55 was obtained for all teste. For each set of conditions the blowing ratio was varied to be 0.88, 1.25, and 1.88. Adiabatic effectiveness was obtained using a steady state test, while an active heating surface was used to determine the heat transfer coefficient using a transient method. The experimental method provides a unique method of analyzing a three-temperature heat transfer problem by providing detailed surface transport properties. Based on these results for the different hole geometries at each blowing ratio conclusions are drawn relative to the effects of compound angle holes on the overall film cooling performance.

Evaluation of algorithms for point cloud surface reconstruction through the analysis of shape parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Lu; Verbeek, Fons J.

2012-03-01

In computer graphics and visualization, reconstruction of a 3D surface from a point cloud is an important research area. As the surface contains information that can be measured, i.e. expressed in features, the application of surface reconstruction can be potentially important for application in bio-imaging. Opportunities in this application area are the motivation for this study. In the past decade, a number of algorithms for surface reconstruction have been proposed. Generally speaking, these methods can be separated into two categories: i.e., explicit representation and implicit approximation. Most of the aforementioned methods are firmly based in theory; however, so far, no analytical evaluation between these methods has been presented. The straightforward way of evaluation has been by convincing through visual inspection. Through evaluation we search for a method that can precisely preserve the surface characteristics and that is robust in the presence of noise. The outcome will be used to improve reliability in surface reconstruction of biological models. We, therefore, use an analytical approach by selecting features as surface descriptors and measure these features in varying conditions. We selected surface distance, surface area and surface curvature as three major features to compare quality of the surface created by the different algorithms. Our starting point has been ground truth values obtained from analytical shapes such as the sphere and the ellipsoid. In this paper we present four classical surface reconstruction methods from the two categories mentioned above, i.e. the Power Crust, the Robust Cocone, the Fourier-based method and the Poisson reconstruction method. The results obtained from our experiments indicate that Poisson reconstruction method performs the best in the presence of noise.

Dynamics of droplet motion under electrowetting actuation.

PubMed

Annapragada, S Ravi; Dash, Susmita; Garimella, Suresh V; Murthy, Jayathi Y

2011-07-05

The static shape of droplets under electrowetting actuation is well understood. The steady-state shape of the droplet is obtained on the basis of the balance of surface tension and electrowetting forces, and the change in the apparent contact angle is well characterized by the Young-Lippmann equation. However, the transient droplet shape behavior when a voltage is suddenly applied across a droplet has received less attention. Additional dynamic frictional forces are at play during this transient process. We present a model to predict this transient behavior of the droplet shape under electrowetting actuation. The droplet shape is modeled using the volume of fluid method. The electrowetting and dynamic frictional forces are included as an effective dynamic contact angle through a force balance at the contact line. The model is used to predict the transient behavior of water droplets on smooth hydrophobic surfaces under electrowetting actuation. The predictions of the transient behavior of droplet shape and contact radius are in excellent agreement with our experimental measurements. The internal fluid motion is explained, and the droplet motion is shown to initiate from the contact line. An approximate mathematical model is also developed to understand the physics of the droplet motion and to describe the overall droplet motion and the contact line velocities. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Effect of cathode shape on vertical buffered electropolishing for niobium SRF cavities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, S.; Wu, A. T.; Lu, X. Y.; Rimmer, R. A.; Lin, L.; Zhao, K.; Mammosser, J.; Gao, J.

2013-09-01

This paper reports the research results of the effect of cathode shape during vertical buffered electropolishing (BEP) by employing a demountable single cell niobium (Nb) superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavity. Several different cathode shapes such as, for instance, bar, ball, ellipsoid, and wheels of different diameters have been tested. Detailed electropolishing parameters including I-V characteristic, removal rate, surface roughness, and polishing uniformity at different locations inside the demountable cavity are measured. Similar studies are also done on conventional electropolishing (EP) for comparison. It is revealed that cathode shape has dominant effects for BEP especially on the obtaining of a suitable polishing condition and a uniform polishing rate in an Nb SRF single cell cavity. EP appears to have the same tendency. This paper demonstrates that a more homogeneous polishing result can be obtained by optimizing the electric field distribution inside the cavity through the modification of the cathode shape given the conditions that temperature and electrolyte flow are kept constant. Electric field distribution and electrolyte flow patterns inside the cavity are simulated via Poisson-Superfish and Solidworks respectively. With the optimal cathode shape, BEP shows a much faster polishing rate of ∼2.5 μm/min and is able to produce a smoother surface finish in the treatments of single cell cavities in comparison with EP.

Model-based RSA of a femoral hip stem using surface and geometrical shape models.

PubMed

Kaptein, Bart L; Valstar, Edward R; Spoor, Cees W; Stoel, Berend C; Rozing, Piet M

2006-07-01

Roentgen stereophotogrammetry (RSA) is a highly accurate three-dimensional measuring technique for assessing micromotion of orthopaedic implants. A drawback is that markers have to be attached to the implant. Model-based techniques have been developed to prevent using special marked implants. We compared two model-based RSA methods with standard marker-based RSA techniques. The first model-based RSA method used surface models, and the second method used elementary geometrical shape (EGS) models. We used a commercially available stem to perform experiments with a phantom as well as reanalysis of patient RSA radiographs. The data from the phantom experiment indicated the accuracy and precision of the elementary geometrical shape model-based RSA method is equal to marker-based RSA. For model-based RSA using surface models, the accuracy is equal to the accuracy of marker-based RSA, but its precision is worse. We found no difference in accuracy and precision between the two model-based RSA techniques in clinical data. For this particular hip stem, EGS model-based RSA is a good alternative for marker-based RSA.

Hydra Emerges from the Shadows

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-07-15

Since its discovery in 2005, Pluto's moon Hydra has been known only as a fuzzy dot of uncertain shape, size, and reflectivity. Imaging obtained during NASA's New Horizons' historic transit of the Pluto-Charon system and transmitted to Earth early this morning has definitively resolved these fundamental properties of Pluto's outermost moon. Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) observations revealed an irregularly shaped body characterized by significant brightness variations over the surface. With a resolution of 2 miles (3 kilometers) per pixel, the LORRI image shows the tiny potato-shaped moon measures 27 miles (43 kilometers) by 20 miles (33 kilometers). Like that of Charon, Hydra's surface is probably covered with water ice, the most abundant ice in the universe. Observed within Hydra's bright regions is a darker circular structure with a diameter of approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers). Hydra's reflectivity (the percentage of incident light reflected from the surface) is intermediate between that of Pluto and Charon. Hydra was approximately 400,000 miles away from New Horizons when this image was acquired. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA19711

Problems in determining the surface density of the Galactic disk

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Statler, Thomas S.

1989-01-01

A new method is presented for determining the local surface density of the Galactic disk from distance and velocity measurements of stars toward the Galactic poles. The procedure is fully three-dimensional, approximating the Galactic potential by a potential of Staeckel form and using the analytic third integral to treat the tilt and the change of shape of the velocity ellipsoid consistently. Applying the procedure to artificial data superficially resembling the K dwarf sample of Kuijken and Gilmore (1988, 1989), it is shown that the current best estimates of local disk surface density are uncertain by at least 30 percent. Of this, about 25 percent is due to the size of the velocity sample, about 15 percent comes from uncertainties in the rotation curve and the solar galactocentric distance, and about 10 percent from ignorance of the shape of the velocity distribution above z = 1 kpc, the errors adding in quadrature. Increasing the sample size by a factor of 3 will reduce the error to 20 percent. To achieve 10 percent accuracy, observations will be needed along other lines of sight to constrain the shape of the velocity ellipsoid.

Visualizing the shape of soft solid and fluid contacts between two surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pham, Jonathan; Schellenberger, Frank; Kappl, Michael; Vollmer, Doris; Butt, Hans-Jürgen

The soft contact between two surfaces is fundamentally interesting for soft materials and fluid mechanics and relevant for friction and wear. The deformation of soft solid interfaces has received much interest because it interestingly reveals similarities to fluid wetting. We present an experimental route towards visualizing the three-dimensional contact geometry of either liquid-solid (i.e., oil and glass) or solid-solid (i.e., elastomer and glass) interfaces using a home-built combination of confocal microscopy and atomic force microscopy. We monitor the shape of a fluid capillary bridge and the depth of indentation in 3D while simultaneously measuring the force. In agreement with theoretical predictions, the height of the capillary bridge depends on the interfacial tensions. By using a slowly evaporating solvent, we quantify the temporal evolution of the capillary bridge and visualized the influence of pinning points on its shape. The position dependence of the advancing and receding contact angle along the three-phase contact line, particle-liquid-air, is resolved. Extending our system, we explore the contact deformation of soft solids where elasticity, in addition to surface tension, becomes an important factor.

Method for 3D profilometry measurement based on contouring moire fringe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Zhiwei; Lin, Juhua

2007-12-01

3D shape measurement is one of the most active branches of optical research recently. A method of 3D profilometry measurement by the combination of Moire projection method and phase-shifting technology based on SCM (Single Chip Microcomputer) control is presented in the paper. Automatic measurement of 3D surface profiles can be carried out by applying this method with high speed and high precision.

A Phase Correction Technique Based on Spatial Movements of Antennas in Real-Time (S.M.A.R.T.) for Designing Self-Adapting Conformal Array Antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Sayan

This research presents a real-time adaptive phase correction technique for flexible phased array antennas on conformal surfaces of variable shapes. Previously reported pattern correctional methods for flexible phased array antennas require prior knowledge on the possible non-planar shapes in which the array may adapt for conformal applications. For the first time, this initial requirement of shape curvature knowledge is no longer needed and the instantaneous information on the relative location of array elements is used here for developing a geometrical model based on a set of Bezier curves. Specifically, by using an array of inclinometer sensors and an adaptive phase-correctional algorithm, it has been shown that the proposed geometrical model can successfully predict different conformal orientations of a 1-by-4 antenna array in real-time without the requirement of knowing the shape-changing characteristics of the surface the array is attached upon. Moreover, the phase correction technique is validated by determining the field patterns and broadside gain of the 1-by-4 antenna array on four different conformal surfaces with multiple points of curvatures. Throughout this work, measurements are shown to agree with the analytical solutions and full-wave simulations.

Smagglce: Surface Modeling and Grid Generation for Iced Airfoils: Phase 1 Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vickerman, Mary B.; Choo, Yung K.; Braun, Donald C.; Baez, Marivell; Gnepp, Steven

1999-01-01

SmaggIce (Surface Modeling and Grid Generation for Iced Airfoils) is a software toolkit used in the process of aerodynamic performance prediction of iced airfoils with grid-based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). It includes tools for data probing, boundary smoothing, domain decomposition, and structured grid generation and refinement. SmaggIce provides the underlying computations to perform these functions, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to control and interact with those functions, and graphical displays of results, it is being developed at NASA Glenn Research Center. This paper discusses the overall design of SmaggIce as well as what has been implemented in Phase 1. Phase 1 results provide two types of software tools: interactive ice shape probing and interactive ice shape control. The ice shape probing tools will provide aircraft icing engineers and scientists with an interactive means to measure the physical characteristics of ice shapes. On the other hand, the ice shape control features of SmaggIce will allow engineers to examine input geometry data, correct or modify any deficiencies in the geometry, and perform controlled systematic smoothing to a level that will make the CFD process manageable.

Experimental strain modal analysis for beam-like structure by using distributed fiber optics and its damage detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Liangliang; Busca, Giorgio; Cigada, Alfredo

2017-07-01

Modal analysis is commonly considered as an effective tool to obtain the intrinsic characteristics of structures including natural frequencies, modal damping ratios, and mode shapes, which are significant indicators for monitoring the health status of engineering structures. The complex mode indicator function (CMIF) can be regarded as an effective numerical tool to perform modal analysis. In this paper, experimental strain modal analysis based on the CMIF has been introduced. Moreover, a distributed fiber-optic sensor, as a dense measuring device, has been applied to acquire strain data along a beam surface. Thanks to the dense spatial resolution of the distributed fiber optics, more detailed mode shapes could be obtained. In order to test the effectiveness of the method, a mass lump—considered as a linear damage component—has been attached to the surface of the beam, and damage detection based on strain mode shape has been carried out. The results manifest that strain modal parameters can be estimated effectively by utilizing the CMIF based on the corresponding simulations and experiments. Furthermore, damage detection based on strain mode shapes benefits from the accuracy of strain mode shape recognition and the excellent performance of the distributed fiber optics.

Crescent shaped Fabry-Perot fiber cavity for ultra-sensitive strain measurement.

PubMed

Liu, Ye; Wang, D N; Chen, W P

2016-12-02

Optical Fabry-Perot interferometer sensors based on inner air-cavity is featured with compact size, good robustness and high strain sensitivity, especially when an ultra-thin air-cavity is adopted. The typical shape of Fabry-Perot inner air-cavity with reflection mode of operation is elliptic, with minor axis along with and major axis perpendicular to the fiber length. The first reflection surface is diverging whereas the second one is converging. To increase the visibility of the output interference pattern, the length of major axis should be large for a given cavity length. However, the largest value of the major axis is limited by the optical fiber diameter. If the major axis length reaches the fiber diameter, the robustness of the Fabry-Perot cavity device would be decreased. Here we demonstrate an ultra-thin crescent shaped Fabry-Perot cavity for strain sensing with ultra-high sensitivity and low temperature cross-sensitivity. The crescent-shape cavity consists of two converging reflection surfaces, which provide the advantages of enhanced strain sensitivity when compared with elliptic or D-shaped FP cavity. The device is fabricated by fusion splicing an etched multimode fiber with a single mode fiber, and hence is simple in structure and economic in cost.

Crescent shaped Fabry-Perot fiber cavity for ultra-sensitive strain measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ye; Wang, D. N.; Chen, W. P.

2016-12-01

Optical Fabry-Perot interferometer sensors based on inner air-cavity is featured with compact size, good robustness and high strain sensitivity, especially when an ultra-thin air-cavity is adopted. The typical shape of Fabry-Perot inner air-cavity with reflection mode of operation is elliptic, with minor axis along with and major axis perpendicular to the fiber length. The first reflection surface is diverging whereas the second one is converging. To increase the visibility of the output interference pattern, the length of major axis should be large for a given cavity length. However, the largest value of the major axis is limited by the optical fiber diameter. If the major axis length reaches the fiber diameter, the robustness of the Fabry-Perot cavity device would be decreased. Here we demonstrate an ultra-thin crescent shaped Fabry-Perot cavity for strain sensing with ultra-high sensitivity and low temperature cross-sensitivity. The crescent-shape cavity consists of two converging reflection surfaces, which provide the advantages of enhanced strain sensitivity when compared with elliptic or D-shaped FP cavity. The device is fabricated by fusion splicing an etched multimode fiber with a single mode fiber, and hence is simple in structure and economic in cost.

In-Roll Stress Analysis Considering Air-Entrainment at the Roll-Inlet with the Effect of Grooves on Nip Roll Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasaki, Masashi; Tanimoto, Koshi; Kohno, Kazukiyo; Takahashi, Sadamu; Kometani, Hideo; Hashimoto, Hiromu

High-speed winding of paper web sometimes leads the winding system into unstable states, interlayer slippage of wound roll, paper breakage and so on, due to the excessive air-entrainment at the roll-inlet of nip contact region. These phenomena are more frequently observed on coated paper or plastic film comparing with newspaper, because the former allows little permeation of air and their surface roughness is small. Therefore, it is of vital importance to clarify the in-roll stress of wound roll considering the effect of air-entrainment. Generally, it is known that the amount of air-entrainment is affected by grooving shape of nip roll surface. In this paper, we focused on the grooving shape and investigated the relationship with the air-entrainment into two rolls being pressed each other and the grooving shape in order to achieve stable winding at high speed. We conducted experiments using small sized test machine. Entrained air-film thickness was evaluated applying the solution of the elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication for foil bearing with the consideration of nip profile at the grooved area. Air film thickness was measured to ensure the applicability of the above theory. Consequently, we found that the air film thickness can be estimated considering the effect of grooves on the nip roll surface, and that the validity of the above estimations was ensured from experimental investigations. Furthermore, it became to be able to propose the optimal shape of grooves on nip roll surface to maintain the stable winding at high speed and at large-diameter in reel.

Understanding Galaxy Shapes Across Cosmic Time Using The IllustrisTNG Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Genel, Shy

2017-08-01

Legacy HST observations have enabled groundbreaking measurements of galaxy structure over cosmic time, measurements that still require theoretical interpretation in the context of a comprehensive galaxy evolution model. This proposed research aims at significantly promoting our understanding of the shapes of galaxies as quantified by their principal axes ratios. The main tool we propose to use is IllustrisTNG, a suite consisting of two of the largest cosmological hydrodynamical simulations run to date, which contain resolved galaxy populations (thousands of L* galaxies) that represent a state-of-the-art match to observed galaxies. In Part I of the program, we will use the simulations to create mock images and study the dependence of projected shape measurements on various factors: shape estimator, observed band, the presence of dust, radial and surface brightness cuts, and noise. We will then perform apples-to-apples comparison with observations (including HST), and provide predictions for archival as well as future observations. Further, we will quantify the intrinsic, three-dimensional, shape distribution of galaxies as a function of various galaxy parameters: redshift, mass, color, and size. In Part II of the program, we will develop theoretical insights into the physical mechanisms driving these results. We will study how galaxy shapes relate to angular momentum and merger history, and will follow the shape evolution of individual galaxies over time, looking for correlations to the evolution of other galaxy properties, e.g. size and SFR. We will also study galaxy shape relations to dark matter halo shape, thereby providing input for high-precision cosmic shear models.

Development and Beam-Shape Analysis of an Integrated Fiber-Optic Confocal Probe for High-Precision Central Thickness Measurement of Small-Radius Lenses

PubMed Central

Sutapun, Boonsong; Somboonkaew, Armote; Amarit, Ratthasart; Chanhorm, Sataporn

2015-01-01

This work describes a new design of a fiber-optic confocal probe suitable for measuring the central thicknesses of small-radius optical lenses or similar objects. The proposed confocal probe utilizes an integrated camera that functions as a shape-encoded position-sensing device. The confocal signal for thickness measurement and beam-shape data for off-axis measurement can be simultaneously acquired using the proposed probe. Placing the probe’s focal point off-center relative to a sample’s vertex produces a non-circular image at the camera’s image plane that closely resembles an ellipse for small displacements. We were able to precisely position the confocal probe’s focal point relative to the vertex point of a ball lens with a radius of 2.5 mm, with a lateral resolution of 1.2 µm. The reflected beam shape based on partial blocking by an aperture was analyzed and verified experimentally. The proposed confocal probe offers a low-cost, high-precision technique, an alternative to a high-cost three-dimensional surface profiler, for tight quality control of small optical lenses during the manufacturing process. PMID:25871720

Effect of laser beam on temperature distribution on artificial cylindrical shaped hard tissue bones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Akhras, M.-Ali H.; Qaseer, Mohammad-Khair; Albiss, B. A.; Gezawa, Umar S.

2018-02-01

Samples from fresh lamb chest bones were made in cylindrical shapes to study the time variation of temperature T as functions of the cylindrical radius and depth when its front surface exposed to a laser beam of 110Mw power and 642nm wavelength. The laser beam was directed at the center of the front surface of the horizontal cylinder. The measurements were done in vacuum and at atmospheric pressure. Our data reveal the linear variation of T with time, followed by a gradual increase before it reaches a plateau value at higher time. This sort of behavior independent of the radius or the depth where the temperature was measured. Moreover, the maximum variation occurs on the front surface where the laser beam was hitting and diminishes gradually with depth deep inside the cylinder. Data at atmospheric pressure showed less changes in temperature. The temperature distribution in bone due to laser irradiation is very important for a rational use of laser therapy as well as in the surgery to minimizes the thermal tissue damage.

Etalon (standard) for surface potential distribution produced by electric activity of the heart.

PubMed

Szathmáry, V; Ruttkay-Nedecký, I

1981-01-01

The authors submit etalon (standard) equipotential maps as an aid in the evaluation of maps of surface potential distributions in living subjects. They were obtained by measuring potentials on the surface of an electrolytic tank shaped like the thorax. The individual etalon maps were determined in such a way that the parameters of the physical dipole forming the source of the electric field in the tank corresponded to the mean vectorcardiographic parameters measured in a healthy population sample. The technique also allows a quantitative estimate of the degree of non-dipolarity of the heart as the source of the electric field.

Shaping off-axis metallic membrane reflectors using optimal boundary shapes and inelastic strains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, C. V.; Dragovan, M.

2004-01-01

This paper will describe a novel concept for constructing off-axis membrane reflector surfaces. Membrane reflectors have been extensively studied, including investigations into inflated lenticular architectures, shaping by spin casting, shaping using electrostatic forces, and shaping by evacuating behind a membrane surface stretched between circular or annular-shaped supports.

The Drainage of Thin, Vertical, Model Polyurethane Liquid Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snow, Steven; Pernisz, Udo; Braun, Richard; Naire, Shailesh

1999-11-01

We have successfully measured the drainage rate of thin, vertically-aligned, liquid films prepared from model polyurethane foam formulations. The pattern of interference fringes in these films was consistent with a wedge-shaped film profile. The time evolution of this wedge shape (the ``collapsing wedge") obeyed a power law relationship between fringe density s and time t of s = k t^m. Experimentally, m ranged from -0.47 to -0.92. The lower bound for m represented a case where the surface viscosity of the film was very high (a ``rigid" surface). Theoretical modeling of this case yielded m = -0.5, in excellent agreement with experiment. Instantaneous film drainage rate (dV/dt) could be extracted from the ``Collapsing Wedge" model. As expected, dV/dt scaled inversely with bulk viscosity. As surfactant concentration was varied at constant bulk viscosity, dV/dt passed through a maximum value, consistent with a model where the rigidity of the surface was a function of both the intensity of surface tension gradients and the surface viscosity of the film. The influence of surface viscosity on dV/dt was also modeled theoretically.

Size and shape dependence of CO adsorption sites on sapphire supported Fe microcrystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Papageorgopoulos, C.; Heinemann, K.

1985-01-01

The surface structure and stoichiometry of alumina substrates, as well as the size, growth characteristics, and shape of Fe deposits on sapphire substrates have been investigated by low energy electron diffraction (LEED), Auger electron spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), as well as work function measurements, in conjunction with transition electron microscopy observations. The substrates used in this work were the following: (1) new, clean Al2O3; (2) same surface amorphized by Ar ion bombardment; (3) same surface regenerated by 650 C annealing; (4) amorphous alumina films on Ta slab; and (5) polycrystal alumina films, obtained by heating amorphous films to 600 C. Substrate cleaning was found to be most effective in producing a reproducible surface upon oxygen RF plasma treatment. The Fe nucleation and growth process was found to depend strongly on the type of substrate surface and deposition conditions. Ar ion bombardment under beam flooding, and subsequent annealing at 650 C was found an effective means to restore the original Al2O3 (1102) surface for renewed Fe deposition.

A semiautomatic segmentation method for prostate in CT images using local texture classification and statistical shape modeling.

PubMed

Shahedi, Maysam; Halicek, Martin; Guo, Rongrong; Zhang, Guoyi; Schuster, David M; Fei, Baowei

2018-06-01

Prostate segmentation in computed tomography (CT) images is useful for treatment planning and procedure guidance such as external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy. However, because of the low, soft tissue contrast of CT images, manual segmentation of the prostate is a time-consuming task with high interobserver variation. In this study, we proposed a semiautomated, three-dimensional (3D) segmentation for prostate CT images using shape and texture analysis and we evaluated the method against manual reference segmentations. The prostate gland usually has a globular shape with a smoothly curved surface, and its shape could be accurately modeled or reconstructed having a limited number of well-distributed surface points. In a training dataset, using the prostate gland centroid point as the origin of a coordination system, we defined an intersubject correspondence between the prostate surface points based on the spherical coordinates. We applied this correspondence to generate a point distribution model for prostate shape using principal component analysis and to study the local texture difference between prostate and nonprostate tissue close to the different prostate surface subregions. We used the learned shape and texture characteristics of the prostate in CT images and then combined them with user inputs to segment a new image. We trained our segmentation algorithm using 23 CT images and tested the algorithm on two sets of 10 nonbrachytherapy and 37 postlow dose rate brachytherapy CT images. We used a set of error metrics to evaluate the segmentation results using two experts' manual reference segmentations. For both nonbrachytherapy and post-brachytherapy image sets, the average measured Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was 88% and the average mean absolute distance (MAD) was 1.9 mm. The average measured differences between the two experts on both datasets were 92% (DSC) and 1.1 mm (MAD). The proposed, semiautomatic segmentation algorithm showed a fast, robust, and accurate performance for 3D prostate segmentation of CT images, specifically when no previous, intrapatient information, that is, previously segmented images, was available. The accuracy of the algorithm is comparable to the best performance results reported in the literature and approaches the interexpert variability observed in manual segmentation. © 2018 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

A new imaging technique based on resonance for arterial vessels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaoming; Fatemi, Mostafa; Greenleaf, James F.

2003-04-01

Vibro-acoustography is a new noncontact imaging method based on the radiation force of ultrasound. We extend this technique for imaging of arterial vessels based on vibration resonance. The arterial vessel is excited remotely by ultrasound at a resonant frequency, at which the vibration of the vessel as well as its transmission to the body surface are large enough to be measured. By scanning the ultrasound beam across the vessel plane and measuring the vibration at one single point on the body or vessel surface, an image of the interior artery can be mapped. Theory is developed that predicts the measured velocity is proportional to the value of the mode shape at resonance. Experimental studies were carried out on a silicone tube embedded in a cylindrical gel phantom of large radius, which simulates a large artery and the surrounding body. The fundamental frequency was measured at which the ultrasound transducer scanned across the tube plane with velocity measurement at one single point on the tube or on the phantom by laser. The images obtained show clearly the interior tube and the modal shape of the tube. The present technique offers a new imaging method for arterial vessels.

Wind slab formation in snow: experimental setup and first results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sommer, Christian; Lehning, Michael; Fierz, Charles

2016-04-01

The formation of wind-hardened surface layers, also known as wind slabs or wind crusts, is studied. Better knowledge about which processes and parameters are important will lead to an improved understanding of the mass balances in polar and alpine areas. It will also improve snow-cover models (i.e. SNOWPACK) as well as the forecast of avalanche danger. A ring-shaped wind tunnel has been built and instrumented. The facility is ring-shaped to simulate an infinitely long snow surface (infinite fetch). A SnowMicroPen (SMP) is used to measure the snow hardness. Other sensors measure environmental conditions such as wind velocity, air temperature, air humidity, the temperature of the snow and of the snow surface. A camera is used to detect drifting particles and to measure the Specific Surface Area (SSA) at the snow surface via near-infrared photography. First experiments indicate that mechanical fragmentation followed by sintering is the most efficient process to harden the surface. The hardness increased rapidly during drifting snow events, but only slowly or not at all when the wind speed was kept below the threshold for drifting snow. With drifting, the penetration resistance increased from the original 0.07 N to around 0.3 N in about an hour. Without drifting, a slow, further increase in resistance was observed. In about six hours, the hardness of the top 1-2 cm increased to 0.5 N. During this eight-hour experiment consisting of about two hours with intermittent drifting and six hours without drifting, the density at the surface increased from 66 kg/m3 to around 170 kg/m3. In the unaffected region close to the ground, the density increased from 100 kg/m3 to 110 kg/m3.

3D surface coordinate inspection of formed sheet material parts using optical measurement systems and virtual distortion compensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weckenmann, Albert A.; Gall, P.; Gabbia, A.

2005-02-01

Modern forming technology allows the production of highly sophisticated free form sheet material components, affording great flexibility to the design and manufacturing processes across a wide range of industries. This increased design and manufacturing potential places an ever growing demand on the accompanying inspection metrology. As a consequence of their surface shape, these parts underlie a reversible geometrical deformation caused by variations of the material and the manufacturing process, as well as by gravity. This distortion is removed during the assembly process, usually performed in automated robotic processes. For this reason, the part's tolerated parameters have to be inspected in a defined state, simulating the assembly process' boundary conditions. Thus, the inspection process chain consists of six steps: picking the workpiece up, manual fixation of the workpiece, tactile measurement of the surface's coordinates using a defined measurement strategy, manual removal of the fixation and removal of the workpiece from the inspection area. These steps are both laborious and time consuming (for example, the inspection of a car door can take up to a working day to complete). Using optical measuring systems and virtual distortion compensation, this process chain can be dramatically shortened. Optical measuring systems provide as a measurement result a point cloud representing a sample of all nearest surfaces in the measuring range containing the measurand. From this data, a surface model of the measurand can be determined, independent of its position in the measuring range. For thin sheet material parts an approximating finite element model can be deduced from such a surface model. By means of pattern recognition, assembly relevant features of the measurand can be identified and located on this model. Together with the boundary conditions given by the assembly process, the shape of the surface in its assembled state can be calculated using the finite elements method. In application these methods culminate in a shortened inspection process chain (which can now also be automated): picking the workpiece up, placing it in the measuring range, optical measurement, virtual distortion compensation and removal of the workpiece from the inspection area. This work discusses the methodology of our approach in detail and also provides and analyses experimental results. The underlying research was greatfully funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Conoscopic holography for image registration: a feasibility study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lathrop, Ray A.; Cheng, Tiffany T.; Webster, Robert J., III

2009-02-01

Preoperative image data can facilitate intrasurgical guidance by revealing interior features of opaque tissues, provided image data can be accurately registered to the physical patient. Registration is challenging in organs that are deformable and lack features suitable for use as alignment fiducials (e.g. liver, kidneys, etc.). However, provided intraoperative sensing of surface contours can be accomplished, a variety of rigid and deformable 3D surface registration techniques become applicable. In this paper, we evaluate the feasibility of conoscopic holography as a new method to sense organ surface shape. We also describe potential advantages of conoscopic holography, including the promise of replacing open surgery with a laparoscopic approach. Our feasibility study investigated use of a tracked off-the-shelf conoscopic holography unit to perform a surface scans on several types of biological and synthetic phantom tissues. After first exploring baseline accuracy and repeatability of distance measurements, we performed a number of surface scan experiments on the phantom and ex vivo tissues with a variety of surface properties and shapes. These indicate that conoscopic holography is capable of generating surface point clouds of at least comparable (and perhaps eventually improved) accuracy in comparison to published experimental laser triangulation-based surface scanning results.

Homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadenings and the Voigt line shapes in the phase-resolved and intensity sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy.

PubMed

Chen, Shun-Li; Fu, Li; Gan, Wei; Wang, Hong-Fei

2016-01-21

In this report, we show that the ability to measure the sub-1 cm(-1) resolution phase-resolved and intensity high-resolution broadband sum frequency generation vibrational spectra of the -CN stretch vibration of the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) monolayer of the 4-n-octyl-4'-cyanobiphenyl (8CB) on the z-cut α-quartz surface allows the direct comparison and understanding of the homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadenings in the imaginary and intensity SFG vibrational spectral line shapes in detail. The difference of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the imaginary and intensity sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy spectra of the same vibrational mode is the signature of the Voigt line shape and it measures the relative contribution to the overall line shape from the homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadenings in SFG vibrational spectra. From the phase-resolved and intensity spectra, we found that the FWHM of the 2238.00 ± 0.02 cm(-1) peak in the phase-resolved imaginary and intensity spectra is 19.2 ± 0.2 cm(-1) and 21.6 ± 0.4 cm(-1), respectively, for the -CN group of the 8CB LB monolayer on the z-cut α-quartz crystal surface. The FWHM width difference of 2.4 cm(-1) agrees quantitatively with a Voigt line shape with a homogeneous broadening half width of Γ = 5.29 ± 0.08 cm(-1) and an inhomogeneous standard derivation width Δω = 5.42 ± 0.07 cm(-1). These results shed new lights on the understanding and interpretation of the line shapes of both the phase-resolved and the intensity SFG vibrational spectra, as well as other incoherent and coherent spectroscopic techniques in general.

Embedded Gold Nanorods as Microscale Thermochromic Temperature Sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kennedy, W. Joshua; Slinker, Keith; Koerner, Hilmar; Ehlert, Gregory; Baur, Jeffery

2015-03-01

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are known to undergo a shape transformation via surface melting at temperatures far below the bulk melting temperature of gold. Because the optical scattering by the AuNRs depends on both particle morphology and the surrounding local dielectric constant the opto-thermal properties of polymer-AuNR nanocomposites depend strongly on the chemical and mechanical characteristics of the polymer host. We have measured the optical absorption of polymer nanocomposites consisting of AuNRs in a variety of polymer systems as a function of temperature, time, molecular weight, and crosslink density. Our results show that the shape transformation of the AuNRs is not well described by a simple kinetic model, and that multiple contributors to the surface energy play significant roles in the process. We show that the dynamics of the shape transformation may be calibrated in a nanocomposite such that the optical absorption spectrum of the material may be used as a local sensor of both temperature history and degree of cure. We demonstrate the usefulness of this technique by measuring (ex situ) the temperature of an internally heated epoxy resin with a lateral spatial resolution of < 10 μm. Principal Investigator.

Three-dimensional vibrometry of the human eardrum with stroboscopic lensless digital holography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khaleghi, Morteza; Furlong, Cosme; Ravicz, Mike; Cheng, Jeffrey Tao; Rosowski, John J.

2015-05-01

The eardrum or tympanic membrane (TM) transforms acoustic energy at the ear canal into mechanical motions of the ossicles. The acousto-mechanical transformer behavior of the TM is determined by its shape, three-dimensional (3-D) motion, and mechanical properties. We have developed an optoelectronic holographic system to measure the shape and 3-D sound-induced displacements of the TM. The shape of the TM is measured with dual-wavelength holographic contouring using a tunable near IR laser source with a central wavelength of 780 nm. 3-D components of sound-induced displacements of the TM are measured with the method of multiple sensitivity vectors using stroboscopic holographic interferometry. To accurately obtain sensitivity vectors, a new technique is developed and used in which the sensitivity vectors are obtained from the images of a specular sphere that is being illuminated from different directions. Shape and 3-D acoustically induced displacement components of cadaveric human TMs at several excitation frequencies are measured at more than one million points on its surface. A numerical rotation matrix is used to rotate the original Euclidean coordinate of the measuring system in order to obtain in-plane and out-of-plane motion components. Results show that in-plane components of motion are much smaller (<20%) than the out-of-plane motions' components.

Automated Droplet Manipulation Using Closed-Loop Axisymmetric Drop Shape Analysis.

PubMed

Yu, Kyle; Yang, Jinlong; Zuo, Yi Y

2016-05-17

Droplet manipulation plays an important role in a wide range of scientific and industrial applications, such as synthesis of thin-film materials, control of interfacial reactions, and operation of digital microfluidics. Compared to micron-sized droplets, which are commonly considered as spherical beads, millimeter-sized droplets are generally deformable by gravity, thus introducing nonlinearity into control of droplet properties. Such a nonlinear drop shape effect is especially crucial for droplet manipulation, even for small droplets, at the presence of surfactants. In this paper, we have developed a novel closed-loop axisymmetric drop shape analysis (ADSA), integrated into a constrained drop surfactometer (CDS), for manipulating millimeter-sized droplets. The closed-loop ADSA generalizes applications of the traditional drop shape analysis from a surface tension measurement methodology to a sophisticated tool for manipulating droplets in real time. We have demonstrated the feasibility and advantages of the closed-loop ADSA in three applications, including control of drop volume by automatically compensating natural evaporation, precise control of surface area variations for high-fidelity biophysical simulations of natural pulmonary surfactant, and steady control of surface pressure for in situ Langmuir-Blodgett transfer from droplets. All these applications have demonstrated the accuracy, versatility, applicability, and automation of this new ADSA-based droplet manipulation technique. Combining with CDS, the closed-loop ADSA holds great promise for advancing droplet manipulation in a variety of material and surface science applications, such as thin-film fabrication, self-assembly, and biophysical study of pulmonary surfactant.

3D face recognition under expressions, occlusions, and pose variations.

PubMed

Drira, Hassen; Ben Amor, Boulbaba; Srivastava, Anuj; Daoudi, Mohamed; Slama, Rim

2013-09-01

We propose a novel geometric framework for analyzing 3D faces, with the specific goals of comparing, matching, and averaging their shapes. Here we represent facial surfaces by radial curves emanating from the nose tips and use elastic shape analysis of these curves to develop a Riemannian framework for analyzing shapes of full facial surfaces. This representation, along with the elastic Riemannian metric, seems natural for measuring facial deformations and is robust to challenges such as large facial expressions (especially those with open mouths), large pose variations, missing parts, and partial occlusions due to glasses, hair, and so on. This framework is shown to be promising from both--empirical and theoretical--perspectives. In terms of the empirical evaluation, our results match or improve upon the state-of-the-art methods on three prominent databases: FRGCv2, GavabDB, and Bosphorus, each posing a different type of challenge. From a theoretical perspective, this framework allows for formal statistical inferences, such as the estimation of missing facial parts using PCA on tangent spaces and computing average shapes.

Thin Cu film resistivity using four probe techniques: Effect of film thickness and geometrical shapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choudhary, Sumita; Narula, Rahul; Gangopadhyay, Subhashis

2018-05-01

Precise measurement of electrical sheet resistance and resistivity of metallic thin Cu films may play a significant role in temperature sensing by means of resistivity changes which can further act as a safety measure of various electronic devices during their operation. Four point probes resistivity measurement is a useful approach as it successfully excludes the contact resistance between the probes and film surface of the sample. Although, the resistivity of bulk samples at a particular temperature mostly depends on its materialistic property, however, it may significantly differ in the case of thin films, where the shape and thickness of the sample can significantly influence on it. Depending on the ratio of the film thickness to probe spacing, samples are usually classified in two segments such as (i) thick films or (ii) thin films. Accordingly, the geometric correction factors G can be related to the sample resistivity r, which has been calculated here for thin Cu films of thickness up to few 100 nm. In this study, various rectangular shapes of thin Cu films have been used to determine the shape induced geometric correction factors G. An expressions for G have been obtained as a function of film thickness t versus the probe spacing s. Using these expressions, the correction factors have been plotted separately for each cases as a function of (a) film thickness for fixed linear probe spacing and (b) probe distance from the edge of the film surface for particular thickness. Finally, we compare the experimental results of thin Cu films of various rectangular geometries with the theoretical reported results.

Silica-covered star-shaped Au-Ag nanoparticles as new electromagnetic nanoresonators for Raman characterisation of surfaces.

PubMed

Krajczewski, Jan; Kołątaj, Karol; Pietrasik, Sylwia; Kudelski, Andrzej

2018-03-15

One of the tools used for determining the composition of surfaces of various materials is shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS). SHINERS is a modification of "standard" surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), in which, before Raman spectra are recorded, the surfaces analysed are covered with a layer of plasmonic nanoparticles protected by a very thin layer of a transparent dielectric. The plasmonic cores of the core-shell nanoparticles used in SHINERS measurements generate a local enhancement of the electric field of the incident electromagnetic radiation, whereas the transparent coatings prevent the metal cores from coming into direct contact with the material being analysed. In this contribution, we propose a new type of SHINERS nanoresonators that contain spiky, star-shaped metal cores (produced from a gold/silver alloy). These spiky, star-shaped Au-Ag nanoparticles have been covered by a layer of silica. The small radii of the ends of the tips of the spikes of these plasmonic nanostructures make it possible to generate a very large enhancement of the electromagnetic field there, with the result that such SHINERS nanoresonators are significantly more efficient than the standard semi-spherical nanostructures. The Au-Ag alloy nanoparticles were synthesised by the reduction of a solution containing silver nitrate and chloroauric acid by ascorbic acid. The final geometry of the nanostructures thus formed was controlled by changing the ratio between the concentrations of AuCl 4 - and Ag + ions. The shape of the synthesised star-shaped Au-Ag nanoparticles does not change significantly during the two standard procedures for depositing a layer of silica (by the decomposition of sodium silicate or the decomposition of tetraethyl orthosilicate). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Silica-covered star-shaped Au-Ag nanoparticles as new electromagnetic nanoresonators for Raman characterisation of surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krajczewski, Jan; Kołątaj, Karol; Pietrasik, Sylwia; Kudelski, Andrzej

2018-03-01

One of the tools used for determining the composition of surfaces of various materials is shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS). SHINERS is a modification of "standard" surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), in which, before Raman spectra are recorded, the surfaces analysed are covered with a layer of plasmonic nanoparticles protected by a very thin layer of a transparent dielectric. The plasmonic cores of the core-shell nanoparticles used in SHINERS measurements generate a local enhancement of the electric field of the incident electromagnetic radiation, whereas the transparent coatings prevent the metal cores from coming into direct contact with the material being analysed. In this contribution, we propose a new type of SHINERS nanoresonators that contain spiky, star-shaped metal cores (produced from a gold/silver alloy). These spiky, star-shaped Au-Ag nanoparticles have been covered by a layer of silica. The small radii of the ends of the tips of the spikes of these plasmonic nanostructures make it possible to generate a very large enhancement of the electromagnetic field there, with the result that such SHINERS nanoresonators are significantly more efficient than the standard semi-spherical nanostructures. The Au-Ag alloy nanoparticles were synthesised by the reduction of a solution containing silver nitrate and chloroauric acid by ascorbic acid. The final geometry of the nanostructures thus formed was controlled by changing the ratio between the concentrations of AuCl4- and Ag+ ions. The shape of the synthesised star-shaped Au-Ag nanoparticles does not change significantly during the two standard procedures for depositing a layer of silica (by the decomposition of sodium silicate or the decomposition of tetraethyl orthosilicate).

Lightning Nitrogen Oxides (LNOx) Vertical Profile Quantification and 10 Year Trend Analysis using Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) Satellite Measurements, Air Quality Station (AQS) Surface Measurements, The National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN), and Simulated by Cloud Resolving Chemical Transport Model (REAM Cloud)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smeltzer, C. D.; Wang, Y.; Koshak, W. J.

2014-12-01

Vertical profiles and emission lifetimes of lightning nitrogen oxides (LNOx) are derived using the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI). Approximately 200 million flashes, over a 10 year climate period, from the United States National Lighting Detection Network (NLDN), are aggregated with OMI cloud top height to determine the vertical LNOx structure. LNOx lifetime is determined as function of LNOx signal in a 36 kilometer vertical column from the time of the last known flash to depletion of the LNOx signal. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Quality Station (AQS) surface data further support these results by demonstrating as much as a 200% increase in surface level NO2 during strong thunderstorm events and a lag as long as 5 to 8 hours from the lightning event to the peak surface event, indicating a evolutional process. Analysis of cloud resolving chemical transport model (REAM Cloud) demonstrates that C-shaped LNOx profiles, which agree with OMI vertical profile observations, evolve due to micro-scale convective meteorology given inverted C-shaped LNOx emission profiles as determined from lightning radio telemetry. It is shown, both in simulations and in observations, that the extent to which the LNOx vertical distribution is C-shaped and the lifetime of LNOx is proportional to the shear-strength of the thunderstorm. Micro-scale convective meteorology is not adequately parameterized in global scale and regional scale chemical transport models (CTM). Therefore, these larger scale CTMs ought to use a C-shape emissions profile to best reproduce observations until convective parameterizations are updated. These findings are used to simulate decadal LNOx and lightning ozone climatology over the Continental United States (CONUS) from 2004-2014.

Phase analysis for three-dimensional surface reconstruction of apples using structured-illumination reflectance imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yuzhen; Lu, Renfu

2017-05-01

Three-dimensional (3-D) shape information is valuable for fruit quality evaluation. This study was aimed at developing phase analysis techniques for reconstruction of the 3-D surface of fruit from the pattern images acquired by a structuredillumination reflectance imaging (SIRI) system. Phase-shifted sinusoidal patterns, distorted by the fruit geometry, were acquired and processed through phase demodulation, phase unwrapping and other post-processing procedures to obtain phase difference maps relative to the phase of a reference plane. The phase maps were then transformed into height profiles and 3-D shapes in a world coordinate system based on phase-to-height and in-plane calibrations. A reference plane-based approach, coupled with the curve fitting technique using polynomials of order 3 or higher, was utilized for phase-to-height calibrations, which achieved superior accuracies with the root-mean-squared errors (RMSEs) of 0.027- 0.033 mm for a height measurement range of 0-91 mm. The 3rd-order polynomial curve fitting technique was further tested on two reference blocks with known heights, resulting in relative errors of 3.75% and 4.16%. In-plane calibrations were performed by solving a linear system formed by a number of control points in a calibration object, which yielded a RMSE of 0.311 mm. Tests of the calibrated system for reconstructing the surface of apple samples showed that surface concavities (i.e., stem/calyx regions) could be easily discriminated from bruises from the phase difference maps, reconstructed height profiles and the 3-D shape of apples. This study has laid a foundation for using SIRI for 3-D shape measurement, and thus expanded the capability of the technique for quality evaluation of horticultural products. Further research is needed to utilize the phase analysis techniques for stem/calyx detection of apples, and optimize the phase demodulation and unwrapping algorithms for faster and more reliable detection.

Negative differential resistance by molecular resonant tunneling between neutral tribenzosubporphine anchored to a Au(111) surface and tribenzosubporphine cation adsorbed on to a tungsten tip.

PubMed

Majima, Yutaka; Ogawa, Daisuke; Iwamoto, Masachika; Azuma, Yasuo; Tsurumaki, Eiji; Osuka, Atsuhiro

2013-09-25

Tribenzosubporphyrins are boron(III)-chelated triangular bowl-shaped ring-contracted porphyrins that possess a 14π-aromatic circuit. Their flat molecular shapes and discrete molecular orbital diagrams make them ideal for observation by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Expanding their applications toward single molecule-based devices requires a fundamental knowledge of single molecular conductance between tribenzosubporphines and the STM metal tip. We utilized a tungsten (W) STM tip to investigate the electronic properties of B-(5-mercaptopentoxy)tribenzosubporphine 1 at the single molecular level. B-(5-mercaptopentoxy)-tribenzosubporphine 1 was anchored to the Au(111) surface via reaction with 1-heptanethiol linkers that were preorganized as a self-assembled monolayer (C7S SAM) on the Au(111) substrate. This arrangement ensured that 1 was electronically decoupled from the metal surface. Differential conductance (dI/dV - V) measurements with the bare W tip exhibited a broad gap region of low conductance and three distinct responses at 2.4,-1.3, and -2.1 V. Bias-voltage-dependent STM imaging of 1 at 65 K displayed a triangle shape at -2.1 < V < -1.3 V and a circle shape at V < -2.1 V, reflecting its HOMO and HOMO-1, respectively. In addition, different conductance behaviors were reproducibly observed, which has been ascribed to the adsorption of a tribenzosubporphine-cation on the W tip. When using a W tip doped with preadsorbed tribenzosubporphine-cation, negative differential resistance (NDR) phenomena were clearly observed in a reproducible manner with a peak-to-valley ratio of 2.6, a value confirmed by spatial mapping conductance measurements. Collectively, the observed NDR phenomena have been attributed to effective molecular resonant tunneling between a neutral tribenzosubporphine anchored to the metal surface and a tribenzosubporphine cation adsorbed on a W tip.

Improved understanding of the recombination rate at inverted p+ silicon surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

To, Alexander; Ma, Fajun; Hoex, Bram

2017-08-01

The effect of positive fixed charge on the recombination rate at SiN x -passivated p+ surfaces is studied in this work. It is shown that a high positive fixed charge on a low defect density, passivated doped surface can result in a near injection level independent lifetime in a certain injection level range. This behaviour is modelled with advanced computer simulations using Sentaurus TCAD, which replicates the measurements conditions during a photoconductance based effective minority carrier lifetime measurement. The resulting simulations show that the shape of the injection level dependent lifetime is a result of the surface recombination rate, which is non-linear due to the surfaces moving into inversion with increasing injection level. As a result, the surface recombination rate switches from being limited by electrons to holes. Equations describing the surface saturation current density, J 0s, during this regime are also derived in this work.

LASER APPLICATIONS AND OTHER TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: On the possibility of studying the temporal evolution of a surface relief directly during exposure to high-power radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abramov, D. V.; Arakelyan, S. M.; Galkin, A. F.; Klimovskii, Ivan I.; Kucherik, A. O.; Prokoshev, V. G.

2006-06-01

The video image of the graphite surface exposed to focused laser radiation is obtained with the help of a laser monitor. A bright ring moving over the heated surface was observed. A method for reconstructing the surface relief from the video image is proposed and realised. The method is based on the measurement of the angular distribution of the light intensity scattered by the graphite sample surface. The surface relief of the graphite sample changing in time is reconstructed. The relative change in the relief height during laser excitation is measured. The statistical characteristics of the reconstructed graphite surface shape and their variation during laser irradiation are studied. It is found that a circular convexity appears within the bright ring. The formation mechanism of this convexity requires further investigations.

Arctic Sea Ice: Using Airborne Topographic Mapper Measurements (ATM) to Determine Sea Ice Thickness

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-10

Track Distance (Km) E le v a ti o n ( m ) ATM Elevation Profile Elevation 18 Figure 13: Geoid shape of earth’s equipotential surface , which is...inferred for the region between successive leads. Therefore, flying over a lead in the ice is very important for determining the exact sea surface elevation...inferred for the region between successive leads. Therefore, flying over a lead in the ice is very important for determining the exact sea surface

Cyclic Square Wave Voltammetry of Surface-Confined Quasireversible Electron Transfer Reactions.

PubMed

Mann, Megan A; Bottomley, Lawrence A

2015-09-01

The theory for cyclic square wave voltammetry of surface-confined quasireversible electrode reactions is presented and experimentally verified. Theoretical voltammograms were calculated following systematic variation of empirical parameters to assess their impact on the shape of the voltammogram. From the trends obtained, diagnostic criteria for this mechanism were deduced. These criteria were experimentally confirmed using two well-established surface-confined analytes. When properly applied, these criteria will enable non-experts in voltammetry to assign the electrode reaction mechanism and accurately measure electrode reaction kinetics.

Light-emitting dendrimer film morphology: A neutron reflectivity study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vickers, S. V.; Barcena, H.; Knights, K. A.; Thomas, R. K.; Ribierre, J.-C.; Gambino, S.; Samuel, I. D. W.; Burn, P. L.; Fragneto, Giovanna

2010-06-01

We have used neutron reflectivity (NR) measurements to probe the physical structure of phosphorescent dendrimer films. The dendrimers consisted of fac-tris(2-phenylpyridyl)iridium(III) cores, biphenyl-based dendrons (first or second generation), and perdeuterated 2-ethylhexyloxy surface groups. We found that the shape and hydrodynamic radius of the dendrimer were both important factors in determining the packing density of the dendrimers. "Cone" shaped dendrimers were found to pack more effectively than "spherical" dendrimers even when the latter had a smaller radius. The morphology of the films determined by NR was consistent with the measured photoluminescence and charge transporting properties of the materials.

Three-dimensional shape measurement system applied to superficial inspection of non-metallic pipes for the hydrocarbons transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arciniegas, Javier R.; González, Andrés. L.; Quintero, L. A.; Contreras, Carlos R.; Meneses, Jaime E.

2014-05-01

Three-dimensional shape measurement is a subject that consistently produces high scientific interest and provides information for medical, industrial and investigative applications, among others. In this paper, it is proposed to implement a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction system for applications in superficial inspection of non-metallic pipes for the hydrocarbons transport. The system is formed by a CCD camera, a video-projector and a laptop and it is based on fringe projection technique. System functionality is evidenced by evaluating the quality of three-dimensional reconstructions obtained, which allow observing the failures and defects on the study object surface.

Novel 3-D free-form surface profilometry for reverse engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Liang-Chia; Huang, Zhi-Xue

2005-01-01

This article proposes an innovative 3-D surface contouring approach for automatic and accurate free-form surface reconstruction using a sensor integration concept. The study addresses a critical problem in accurate measurement of free-form surfaces by developing an automatic reconstruction approach. Unacceptable measuring accuracy issues are mainly due to the errors arising from the use of inadequate measuring strategies, ending up with inaccurate digitised data and costly post-data processing in Reverse Engineering (RE). This article is thus aimed to develop automatic digitising strategies for ensuring surface reconstruction efficiency, as well as accuracy. The developed approach consists of two main stages, namely the rapid shape identification (RSI) and the automated laser scanning (ALS) for completing 3-D surface profilometry. This developed approach effectively utilises the advantages of on-line geometric information to evaluate the degree of satisfaction of user-defined digitising accuracy under a triangular topological patch. An industrial case study was used to attest the feasibility of the approach.

Thickness determination of polymeric multilayer surface protection systems for concrete by means of pulse thermography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altenburg, S. J.; Krankenhagen, R.; Bavendiek, F.

2017-02-01

For thickness determination of polymer based surface protection systems for concrete surfaces, so far only destructive measurement techniques are available. Pulse thermography appears to be well suited for non-destructive thickness evaluation in these systems. Here, we present first results of the development of a respective measurement and analysis procedure. Since surface protection systems consist of a number of layers, a model for the calculation of the surface temperature of a multi-layer structure on a semi-infinite (concrete) substrate in pulse thermography setup was developed. It considers semitransparency of the upmost layer and thermal losses at the surface. It also supports the use of an arbitrary temporal shape of the heating pulse to properly describe the measurement conditions for different heat sources. Simulations for one and three layers on the substrate are presented and first results from fitting the model to experimental data for thickness determination and verification of the model are presented.

Deflectometric analysis of high volume injection molds for production of occupational eye wear.

PubMed

Speck, Alexis; Zelzer, Benedikt; Speich, Marco; Börret, Rainer; Langenbucher, Achim; Eppig, Timo

2013-12-01

Most of the protective eye wear devices currently on the market are manufactured on simple polycarbonate shields, produced by injection molding techniques. Despite high importance of optical quality, injection molds are rarely inspected for surface quality before or during the manufacturing process. Quality degradation is mainly monitored by optical testing of the molded parts. The purpose of this work was to validate a non-contact deflectometric measurement technique for surface and shape analysis of injection molds to facilitate deterministic surface quality control and to monitor minor conformity of the injection mold with the design data. The system is based on phase-measuring deflectometry with a operating measurement field of 80×80 mm(2) (±18° slope), a lateral resolution of 60μm and a local sensitivity of some nanometers. The calibration was tested with a calibration normal and a reference sphere. The results were crosschecked against a measurement of the same object with a tactile coordinate measuring machine. Eight injection molds for production of safety goggles with radii of +58mm (convex) and -60mm (concave) were measured in this study. The molds were separated into two groups (cavity 1 and 2 of the tool with different polishing techniques) and measured to test whether the measurement tool could extract differences. The analysis was performed on difference height between the measured surface and the spherical model. The device could derive the surface change due to polishing and discriminate between both polishing techniques, on the basis of the measured data. The concave nozzle sides of the first group (cavity 1) showed good shape conformity. In comparison, the nozzle sides of the second group (cavity 2) showed local deviations from design data up to 14.4μm. Local form variations of about 5μm occurred in the field of view. All convex ejector sides of both groups (cavity 1 and 2) showed rotational symmetric errors and the molds were measured in general flatter than design data. We applied a deflectometric system for measuring and evaluating specular reflective injection molding tools to optimize the production process of occupational eye wear. The surface quality could be inline monitored in the production processes for actual spectacle models. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Topography compensation for haptization of a mesh object and its stiffness distribution.

PubMed

Yim, Sunghoon; Jeon, Seokhee; Choi, Seungmoon

2015-01-01

This work was motivated by the need for perceptualizing nano-scale scientific data, e.g., those acquired by a scanning probe microscope, where collocated topography and stiffness distribution of a surface can be measured. Previous research showed that when the topography of a surface with spatially varying stiffness is rendered using the conventional penalty-based haptic rendering method, the topography perceived by the user could be significantly distorted from its original model. In the worst case, a higher region with a smaller stiffness value can be perceived to be lower than a lower region with a larger stiffness value. This problem was explained by the theory of force constancy: the user tends to maintain an invariant contact force when s/he strokes the surface to perceive its topography. In this paper, we present a haptization algorithm that can render the shape of a mesh surface and its stiffness distribution with high perceptual accuracy. Our algorithm adaptively changes the surface topography on the basis of the force constancy theory to deliver adequate shape information to the user while preserving the stiffness perception. We also evaluated the performance of the proposed haptization algorithm in comparison to the constraint-based algorithm by examining relevant proximal stimuli and carrying out a user experiment. Results demonstrated that our algorithm could improve the perceptual accuracy of shape and reduce the exploration time, thereby leading to more accurate and efficient haptization.

Microstructural and superficial modification in a Cu-Al-Be shape memory alloy due to superficial severe plastic deformation under sliding wear conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Figueroa, C. G.; Garcia-Castillo, F. N.; Jacobo, V. H.; Cortés-Pérez, J.; Schouwenaars, R.

2017-05-01

Stress induced martensitic transformation in copper-based shape memory alloys has been studied mainly in monocrystals. This limits the use of such results for practical applications as most engineering applications use polycristals. In the present work, a coaxial tribometer developed by the authors was used to characterise the tribological behaviour of polycrystalline Cu-11.5%Al-0.5%Be shape memory alloy in contact with AISI 9840 steel under sliding wear conditions. The surface and microstructure characterization of the worn material was conducted by conventional scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, while the mechanical properties along the transversal section were measured by means of micro-hardness testing. The tribological behaviour of Cu-Al-Be showed to be optimal under sliding wear conditions since the surface only presented a slight damage consisting in some elongated flakes produced by strong plastic deformation. The combination of the plastically modified surface and the effects of mechanically induced martensitic transformation is well-suited for sliding wear conditions since the modified surface provides the necessary strength to avoid superficial damage while superelasticity associated to martensitic transformation is an additional mechanism which allows absorbing mechanical energy associated to wear phenomena as opposed to conventional ductile alloys where severe plastic deformation affects several tens of micrometres below the surface.

The Shape of the Urine Stream — From Biophysics to Diagnostics

PubMed Central

Wheeler, Andrew P. S.; Morad, Samir; Buchholz, Noor; Knight, Martin M.

2012-01-01

We develop a new computational model of capillary-waves in free-jet flows, and apply this to the problem of urological diagnosis in this first ever study of the biophysics behind the characteristic shape of the urine stream as it exits the urethral meatus. The computational fluid dynamics model is used to determine the shape of a liquid jet issuing from a non-axisymmetric orifice as it deforms under the action of surface tension. The computational results are verified with experimental modelling of the urine stream. We find that the shape of the stream can be used as an indicator of both the flow rate and orifice geometry. We performed volunteer trials which showed these fundamental correlations are also observed in vivo for male healthy volunteers and patients undergoing treatment for low flow rate. For healthy volunteers, self estimation of the flow shape provided an accurate estimation of peak flow rate (). However for the patients, the relationship between shape and flow rate suggested poor meatal opening during voiding. The results show that self measurement of the shape of the urine stream can be a useful diagnostic tool for medical practitioners since it provides a non-invasive method of measuring urine flow rate and urethral dilation. PMID:23091609

Rotating Molten Metallic Drops and Related Phenomena: A New Approach to the Surface Tension Measurement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhim, Won-Kyu; Ishikawa, Takehiko

2000-01-01

Molten aluminum and tin drops were levitated in a high vacuum by controlled electric fields, and they were systematically rotated by applying by a rotating magnetic field. When the evolution of the drop shape was measured as a function of rotation frequency, it agreed quantitatively well with the Brown and Scriven's theoretical prediction. The normalized rotation frequencies at the bifurcation point agreed with the predicted value 0.559, within 2%. An anomalous phenomenon which totally deviated from the prediction was observed in rotating molten tin drops when they were kept in a high rotation rate for several hours. No anomaly was observed in aluminum drops when they underwent similar condition. It was speculated that under the strong centrifugal force in the drop the tin isotopes must be separating. Since Al-27 is essentially the only naturally abundant isotope in the aluminum drops, the same anomaly is not expected. Based on the shape deformation of a rotating drop, an alternate approach to the surface tension measurement was verified. This new surface tension measurement technique was applied to a glassforming alloy, Zr(41.2)Ti(13.8)Cu(12.5)Ni(10.0)Be(22.5) in its highly viscous states. Also demonstrated in the paper was a use of a molten aluminum drop to verify the Busse's prediction of the influence of the drop rotation on the drop oscillation frequency.

Geometry- and Length Scale-Dependent Deformation and Recovery on Micro- and Nanopatterned Shape Memory Polymer Surfaces

PubMed Central

Lee, Wei Li; Low, Hong Yee

2016-01-01

Micro- and nanoscale surface textures, when optimally designed, present a unique approach to improve surface functionalities. Coupling surface texture with shape memory polymers may generate reversibly tuneable surface properties. A shape memory polyetherurethane is used to prepare various surface textures including 2 μm- and 200 nm-gratings, 250 nm-pillars and 200 nm-holes. The mechanical deformation via stretching and recovery of the surface texture are investigated as a function of length scales and shapes. Results show the 200 nm-grating exhibiting more deformation than 2 μm-grating. Grating imparts anisotropic and surface area-to-volume effects, causing different degree of deformation between gratings and pillars under the same applied macroscopic strain. Full distribution of stress within the film causes the holes to deform more substantially than the pillars. In the recovery study, unlike a nearly complete recovery for the gratings after 10 transformation cycles, the high contribution of surface energy impedes the recovery of holes and pillars. The surface textures are shown to perform a switchable wetting function. This study provides insights into how geometric features of shape memory surface patterns can be designed to modulate the shape programming and recovery, and how the control of reversibly deformable surface textures can be applied to transfer microdroplets. PMID:27026290

Fast Measurement and Reconstruction of Large Workpieces with Freeform Surfaces by Combining Local Scanning and Global Position Data

PubMed Central

Chen, Zhe; Zhang, Fumin; Qu, Xinghua; Liang, Baoqiu

2015-01-01

In this paper, we propose a new approach for the measurement and reconstruction of large workpieces with freeform surfaces. The system consists of a handheld laser scanning sensor and a position sensor. The laser scanning sensor is used to acquire the surface and geometry information, and the position sensor is utilized to unify the scanning sensors into a global coordinate system. The measurement process includes data collection, multi-sensor data fusion and surface reconstruction. With the multi-sensor data fusion, errors accumulated during the image alignment and registration process are minimized, and the measuring precision is significantly improved. After the dense accurate acquisition of the three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates, the surface is reconstructed using a commercial software piece, based on the Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) surface. The system has been evaluated, both qualitatively and quantitatively, using reference measurements provided by a commercial laser scanning sensor. The method has been applied for the reconstruction of a large gear rim and the accuracy is up to 0.0963 mm. The results prove that this new combined method is promising for measuring and reconstructing the large-scale objects with complex surface geometry. Compared with reported methods of large-scale shape measurement, it owns high freedom in motion, high precision and high measurement speed in a wide measurement range. PMID:26091396

Wind tunnel evaluation of air-foil performance using simulated ice shapes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bragg, M. B.; Zaguli, R. J.; Gregorek, G. M.

1982-01-01

A two-phase wind tunnel test was conducted in the 6 by 9 foot Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) at NASA Lewis Research Center to evaluate the effect of ice on the performance of a full scale general aviation wing. In the first IRT tests, rime and glaze shapes were carefully documented as functions of angle of attack and free stream conditions. Next, simulated ice shapes were constructed for two rime and two glaze shapes and used in the second IRT tunnel entry. The ice shapes and the clean airfoil were tapped to obtain surface pressures and a probe used to measure the wake characteristics. These data were recorded and processed, on-line, with a minicomputer/digital data acquisition system. The effect of both rime and glaze ice on the pressure distribution, Cl, Cd, and Cm are presented.

Effects of surface characteristics on the plantar shape of feet and subjects' perceived sensations.

PubMed

Witana, Channa P; Goonetilleke, Ravindra S; Xiong, Shuping; Au, Emily Y L

2009-03-01

Orthotics and other types of shoe inserts are primarily designed to reduce injury and improve comfort. The interaction between the plantar surface of the foot and the load-bearing surface contributes to foot and surface deformations and hence to perceived comfort, discomfort or pain. The plantar shapes of 16 participants' feet were captured when standing on three support surfaces that had different cushioning properties in the mid-foot region. Foot shape deformations were quantified using 3D laser scans. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the participant's perceptions of perceived shape and perceived feeling. The results showed that the structure in the mid-foot could change shape, independent of the rear-foot and forefoot regions. Participants were capable of identifying the shape changes with distinct preferences towards certain shapes. The cushioning properties of the mid-foot materials also have a direct influence on perceived feelings. This research has strong implications for the design and material selection of orthotics, insoles and footwear.

Contributions of feature shapes and surface cues to the recognition and neural representation of facial identity.

PubMed

Andrews, Timothy J; Baseler, Heidi; Jenkins, Rob; Burton, A Mike; Young, Andrew W

2016-10-01

A full understanding of face recognition will involve identifying the visual information that is used to discriminate different identities and how this is represented in the brain. The aim of this study was to explore the importance of shape and surface properties in the recognition and neural representation of familiar faces. We used image morphing techniques to generate hybrid faces that mixed shape properties (more specifically, second order spatial configural information as defined by feature positions in the 2D-image) from one identity and surface properties from a different identity. Behavioural responses showed that recognition and matching of these hybrid faces was primarily based on their surface properties. These behavioural findings contrasted with neural responses recorded using a block design fMRI adaptation paradigm to test the sensitivity of Haxby et al.'s (2000) core face-selective regions in the human brain to the shape or surface properties of the face. The fusiform face area (FFA) and occipital face area (OFA) showed a lower response (adaptation) to repeated images of the same face (same shape, same surface) compared to different faces (different shapes, different surfaces). From the behavioural data indicating the critical contribution of surface properties to the recognition of identity, we predicted that brain regions responsible for familiar face recognition should continue to adapt to faces that vary in shape but not surface properties, but show a release from adaptation to faces that vary in surface properties but not shape. However, we found that the FFA and OFA showed an equivalent release from adaptation to changes in both shape and surface properties. The dissociation between the neural and perceptual responses suggests that, although they may play a role in the process, these core face regions are not solely responsible for the recognition of facial identity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Absolute measurements of large mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Peng

The ability to produce mirrors for large astronomical telescopes is limited by the accuracy of the systems used to test the surfaces of such mirrors. Typically the mirror surfaces are measured by comparing their actual shapes to a precision master, which may be created using combinations of mirrors, lenses, and holograms. The work presented here develops several optical testing techniques that do not rely on a large or expensive precision, master reference surface. In a sense these techniques provide absolute optical testing. The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) has been designed with a 350 m 2 collecting area provided by a 25 m diameter primary mirror made out from seven circular independent mirror segments. These segments create an equivalent f/0.7 paraboloidal primary mirror consisting of a central segment and six outer segments. Each of the outer segments is 8.4 m in diameter and has an off-axis aspheric shape departing 14.5 mm from the best-fitting sphere. Much of the work in this dissertation is motivated by the need to measure the surfaces or such large mirrors accurately, without relying on a large or expensive precision reference surface. One method for absolute testing describing in this dissertation uses multiple measurements relative to a reference surface that is located in different positions with respect to the test surface of interest. The test measurements are performed with an algorithm that is based on the maximum likelihood (ML) method. Some methodologies for measuring large flat surfaces in the 2 m diameter range and for measuring the GMT primary mirror segments were specifically developed. For example, the optical figure of a 1.6-m flat mirror was determined to 2 nm rms accuracy using multiple 1-meter sub-aperture measurements. The optical figure of the reference surface used in the 1-meter sub-aperture measurements was also determined to the 2 nm level. The optical test methodology for a 1.7-m off axis parabola was evaluated by moving several times the mirror under test in relation to the test system. The result was a separation of errors in the optical test system to those errors from the mirror under test. This method proved to be accurate to 12nm rms. Another absolute measurement technique discussed in this dissertation utilizes the property of a paraboloidal surface of reflecting rays parallel to its optical axis, to its focal point. We have developed a scanning pentaprism technique that exploits this geometry to measure off-axis paraboloidal mirrors such as the GMT segments. This technique was demonstrated on a 1.7 m diameter prototype and proved to have a precision of about 50 nm rms.

On the unsteady gravity-capillary wave pattern found behind a slow moving localized pressure distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masnadi, N.; Duncan, J. H.

2013-11-01

The non-linear response of a water surface to a slow-moving pressure distribution is studied experimentally using a vertically oriented carriage-mounted air-jet tube that is set to translate over the water surface in a long tank. The free surface deformation pattern is measured with a full-field refraction-based method that utilizes a vertically oriented digital movie camera (under the tank) and a random dot pattern (above the water surface). At towing speeds just below the minimum phase speed of gravity-capillary waves (cmin ~ 23 cm/s), an unsteady V-shaped pattern is formed behind the pressure source. Localized depressions are generated near the source and propagate in pairs along the two arms of the V-shaped pattern. These depressions are eventually shed from the tips of the pattern at a frequency of about 1 Hz. It is found that the shape and phase speeds of the first depressions shed in each run are quantitatively similar to the freely-propagating gravity-capillary lumps from potential flow calculations. In the experiments, the amplitudes of the depressions decrease by approximately 60 percent while travelling 12 wavelengths. The depressions shed later in each run behave in a less consistent manner, probably due to their interaction with neighboring depressions.

Fabrication and characterization of a micromachined swirl-shaped ionic polymer metal composite actuator with electrodes exhibiting asymmetric resistance.

PubMed

Feng, Guo-Hua; Liu, Kim-Min

2014-05-12

This paper presents a swirl-shaped microfeatured ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuator. A novel micromachining process was developed to fabricate an array of IPMC actuators on a glass substrate and to ensure that no shortcircuits occur between the electrodes of the actuator. We demonstrated a microfluidic scheme in which surface tension was used to construct swirl-shaped planar IPMC devices of microfeature size and investigated the flow velocity of Nafion solutions, which formed the backbone polymer of the actuator, within the microchannel. The unique fabrication process yielded top and bottom electrodes that exhibited asymmetric surface resistance. A tool for measuring surface resistance was developed and used to characterize the resistances of the electrodes for the fabricated IPMC device. The actuator, which featured asymmetric electrode resistance, caused a nonzero-bias current when the device was driven using a zero-bias square wave, and we propose a circuit model to describe this phenomenon. Moreover, we discovered and characterized a bending and rotating motion when the IPMC actuator was driven using a square wave. We observed a strain rate of 14.6% and a displacement of 700 μm in the direction perpendicular to the electrode surfaces during 4.5-V actuation.

Fabrication and Characterization of a Micromachined Swirl-Shaped Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Actuator with Electrodes Exhibiting Asymmetric Resistance

PubMed Central

Feng, Guo-Hua; Liu, Kim-Min

2014-01-01

This paper presents a swirl-shaped microfeatured ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuator. A novel micromachining process was developed to fabricate an array of IPMC actuators on a glass substrate and to ensure that no shortcircuits occur between the electrodes of the actuator. We demonstrated a microfluidic scheme in which surface tension was used to construct swirl-shaped planar IPMC devices of microfeature size and investigated the flow velocity of Nafion solutions, which formed the backbone polymer of the actuator, within the microchannel. The unique fabrication process yielded top and bottom electrodes that exhibited asymmetric surface resistance. A tool for measuring surface resistance was developed and used to characterize the resistances of the electrodes for the fabricated IPMC device. The actuator, which featured asymmetric electrode resistance, caused a nonzero-bias current when the device was driven using a zero-bias square wave, and we propose a circuit model to describe this phenomenon. Moreover, we discovered and characterized a bending and rotating motion when the IPMC actuator was driven using a square wave. We observed a strain rate of 14.6% and a displacement of 700 μm in the direction perpendicular to the electrode surfaces during 4.5-V actuation. PMID:24824370

Automatic anatomical structures location based on dynamic shape measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Witkowski, Marcin; Rapp, Walter; Sitnik, Robert; Kujawinska, Malgorzata; Vander Sloten, Jos; Haex, Bart; Bogaert, Nico; Heitmann, Kjell

2005-09-01

New image processing methods and active photonics apparatus have made possible the development of relatively inexpensive optical systems for complex shape and object measurements. We present dynamic 360° scanning method for analysis of human lower body biomechanics, with an emphasis on the analysis of the knee joint. The anatomical structure (of high medical interest) that is possible to scan and analyze, is patella. Tracking of patella position and orientation under dynamic conditions may lead to detect pathological patella movements and help in knee joint disease diagnosis. The processed data is obtained from a dynamic laser triangulation surface measurement system, able to capture slow to normal movements with a scan frequency between 15 and 30 Hz. These frequency rates are enough to capture controlled movements used e.g. for medical examination purposes. The purpose of the work presented is to develop surface analysis methods that may be used as support of diagnosis of motoric abilities of lower limbs. The paper presents algorithms used to process acquired lower limbs surface data in order to find the position and orientation of patella. The algorithms implemented include input data preparation, curvature description methods, knee region discrimination and patella assumed position/orientation calculation. Additionally, a method of 4D (3D + time) medical data visualization is proposed. Also some exemplary results are presented.

Plasmonic properties of gold nanoparticles on silicon substrates: Understanding Fano-like spectra observed in reflection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bossard-Giannesini, Léo; Cruguel, Hervé; Lacaze, Emmanuelle; Pluchery, Olivier

2016-09-01

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are known for their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) that can be measured with UV-visible spectroscopy. AuNPs are often deposited on silicon substrates for various applications, and the LSPR is measured in reflection. In this case, optical spectra are measured by surface differential reflectance spectroscopy (SDRS) and the absorbance exhibits a negative peak. This article studies both experimentally and theoretically on the single layers of 16 nm diameter spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) grafted on silicon. The morphology and surface density of AuNPs were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The plasmon response in transmission on the glass substrate and in reflection on the silicon substrate is described by an analytical model based on the Fresnel equations and the Maxwell-Garnett effective medium theory (FMG). The FMG model shows a strong dependence to the incidence angle of the light. At low incident angles, the peak appears negatively with a shallow intensity, and at angles above 30°, the usual positive shape of the plasmon is retrieved. The relevance of the FMG model is compared to the Mie theory within the dipolar approximation. We conclude that no Fano effect is responsible for this derivative shape. An easy-to-use formula is derived that agrees with our experimental data.

Reversal of the asymmetry in a cylindrical coaxial capacitively coupled Ar/Cl 2 plasma

DOE PAGES

Upadhyay, Janardan; Im, Do; Popović, Svetozar; ...

2015-10-08

The reduction of the asymmetry in the plasma sheath voltages of a cylindrical coaxial capacitively coupled plasma is crucial for efficient surface modification of the inner surfaces of concave three-dimensional structures, including superconducting radio frequency cavities. One critical asymmetry effect is the negative dc self-bias, formed across the inner electrode plasma sheath due to its lower surface area compared to the outer electrode. The effect on the self-bias potential with the surface enhancement by geometric modification on the inner electrode structure is studied. The shapes of the inner electrodes are chosen as cylindrical tube, large and small pitch bellows, andmore » disc-loaded corrugated structure (DLCS). The dc self-bias measurements for all these shapes were taken at different process parameters in Ar/Cl 2 discharge. Lastly, the reversal of the negative dc self-bias potential to become positive for a DLCS inner electrode was observed and the best etch rate is achieved due to the reduction in plasma asymmetry.« less

Ferroelectric Fluid Flow Control Valve

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jalink, Antony, Jr. (Inventor); Hellbaum, Richard F. (Inventor); Rohrbach, Wayne W. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

An active valve is controlled and driven by external electrical actuation of a ferroelectric actuator to provide for improved passage of the fluid during certain time periods and to provide positive closure of the valve during other time periods. The valve provides improved passage in the direction of flow and positive closure in the direction against the flow. The actuator is a dome shaped internally prestressed ferroelectric actuator having a curvature, said dome shaped actuator having a rim and an apex. and a dome height measured from a plane through said rim said apex that varies with an electric voltage applied between an inside and an outside surface of said dome shaped actuator.

Bubble colloidal AFM probes formed from ultrasonically generated bubbles.

PubMed

Vakarelski, Ivan U; Lee, Judy; Dagastine, Raymond R; Chan, Derek Y C; Stevens, Geoffrey W; Grieser, Franz

2008-02-05

Here we introduce a simple and effective experimental approach to measuring the interaction forces between two small bubbles (approximately 80-140 microm) in aqueous solution during controlled collisions on the scale of micrometers to nanometers. The colloidal probe technique using atomic force microscopy (AFM) was extended to measure interaction forces between a cantilever-attached bubble and surface-attached bubbles of various sizes. By using an ultrasonic source, we generated numerous small bubbles on a mildly hydrophobic surface of a glass slide. A single bubble picked up with a strongly hydrophobized V-shaped cantilever was used as the colloidal probe. Sample force measurements were used to evaluate the pure water bubble cleanliness and the general consistency of the measurements.

Surface integrity on grinding of gamma titanium aluminide intermetallic compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murtagian, Gregorio Roberto

Gamma-TiAl is an ordered intermetallic compound characterized by high strength to density ratio, good oxidation resistance, and good creep properties at elevated temperatures. However, it is intrinsically brittle at room temperature. This thesis investigates the potential for the use of grinding to process TiAl into useful shapes. Grinding is far from completely understood, and many aspects of the individual mechanical interactions of the abrasive grit with the material and their effect on surface integrity are unknown. The development of new synthetic diamond superabrasives in which shape and size can be controlled raises the question of the influence of those variables on the surface integrity. The goal of this work is to better understand the fundamentals of the abrasive grit/material interaction in grinding operations. Experimental, analytical, and numerical work was done to characterize and predict the resultant deformation and surface integrity on ground lamellar gamma-TiAl. Grinding tests were carried out, by analyzing the effects of grit size and shape, workpiece speed, wheel depth of cut, and wear on the subsurface plastic deformation depth (PDD). A practical method to assess the PDD is introduced based on the measurement of the lateral material flow by 3D non-contact surface profilometry. This method combines the quantitative capabilities of the microhardness measurement with the sensitivity of Nomarski microscopy. The scope and limitations of this technique are analyzed. Mechanical properties were obtained by quasi-static and split Hopkinson bar compression tests. Residual stress plots were obtained by x-ray, and surface roughness and cracking were evaluated. The abrasive grit/material interaction was accounted by modeling the force per abrasive grit for different grinding conditions, and studying its correlation to the PDD. Numerical models of this interaction were used to analyze boundary conditions, and abrasive size effects on the PDD. An explicit 2D triple planar slip crystal plasticity model of single point scratching was used to analyze the effects of lamellae orientation, material anisotropy, and grain boundaries on the deformation.

Measuring neutrino mass imprinted on the anisotropic galaxy clustering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Minji; Song, Yong-Seon

2017-04-01

The anisotropic galaxy clustering of large scale structure observed by the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey Data Release 11 is analyzed to probe the sum of neutrino masses in the small mν lesssim 1 eV limit in which the early broadband shape determined before the last scattering surface is immune from the variation of mν. The signature of mν is imprinted on the altered shape of the power spectrum at later epoch, which provides an opportunity to access the non-trivial mν through the measured anisotropic correlation function in redshift space (hereafter RSD instead of Redshift Space Distortion). The non-linear RSD corrections with massive neutrinos in the quasi linear regime are approximately estimated using one-loop order terms. We suggest an approach to probe mν simultaneously with all other distance measures and coherent growth functions, exploiting this deformation of the early broadband shape of the spectrum at later epoch. If the origin of cosmic acceleration is unknown, mν is poorly determined after marginalizing over all other observables. However, we find that the measured distances and coherent growth functions are minimally affected by the presence of mild neutrino mass. Although the standard model of cosmic acceleration is assumed to be the cosmological constant, the constraint on mν is little improved. Interestingly, the measured Cosmic Microwave Background (hereafter CMB) distance to the last scattering surface sharply slices the degeneracy between the matter content and mν, and the mν is observed to be mν = 0.19+0.28-0.17 eV which is different from massless neutrino at 68% confidence.

Studies on unsteady pressure fields in the region of separating and reattaching flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Govinda Ram, H. S.; Arakeri, V. H.

1990-12-01

Experimental studies on the measurement of pressure fields in the region of separating and reattaching flows behind several two-dimensional fore-bodies and one axisymmetric body are reported. In particular, extensive measurements of mean pressure, surface pressure fluctuation, and pressure fluctuation within the flow were made for a series of two-dimensional fore-body shapes consisting of triangular nose with varying included angle. The measurements from different bodies are compared and one of the important findings is that the maximum values of rms pressure fluctuation levels in the shear layer approaching reattachment are almost equal to the maximum value of the surface fluctuation levels.

Hippocampal subfield surface deformity in non-semantic primary progressive aphasia.

PubMed

Christensen, Adam; Alpert, Kathryn; Rogalski, Emily; Cobia, Derin; Rao, Julia; Beg, Mirza Faisal; Weintraub, Sandra; Mesulam, M-Marsel; Wang, Lei

2015-03-01

Alzheimer neuropathology (AD) is found in almost half of patients with non-semantic primary progressive aphasia (PPA). This study examined hippocampal abnormalities in PPA to determine similarities to those described in amnestic AD. In 37 PPA patients and 32 healthy controls, we generated hippocampal subfield surface maps from structural MRIs and administered a face memory test. We analyzed group and hemisphere differences for surface shape measures and their relationship with test scores and ApoE genotype. The hippocampus in PPA showed inward deformity (CA1 and subiculum subfields) and outward deformity (CA2-4+DG subfield) and smaller left than right volumes. Memory performance was related to hippocampal shape abnormalities in PPA patients, but not controls, even in the absence of memory impairments. Hippocampal deformity in PPA is related to memory test scores. This may reflect a combination of intrinsic degenerative phenomena with transsynaptic or Wallerian effects of neocortical neuronal loss.

Hα line shape in front of the limiter in the HT-6M tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Baonian; Li, Jiangang; Luo, Jiarong; Xie, Jikang; Wu, Zhenwei; Zhang, Xianmei; HT-6M Group

1999-11-01

The Hα line shape in front of the limiter in the HT-6M tokamak is analysed by multi-Gaussian fitting. The energy distribution of neutral hydrogen atoms reveals that Hα radiation is contributed by Franck-Condon atoms, atoms reflected at the limiter surface and charge exchange. Multi-Gaussian fitting of the Hα spectral profile indicates contributions of 60% from reflection particles and 40% from molecule dissociation to recycling. Ion temperatures in central regions are obtained from the spectral width of charge exchange components. Dissociation of hydrogen molecules and reflection of particles at the limiter surface are dominant in edge recycling. Reduction of particle reflection at the limiter surface is important for controlling edge recycling. The measured profiles of neutral hydrogen atom density are reproduced by a particle continuity equation and a simplified one dimensional Monte Carlo simulation code.

Shock Location Dominated Transonic Flight Loads on the Active Aeroelastic Wing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lokos, William A.; Lizotte, Andrew; Lindsley, Ned J.; Stauf, Rick

2005-01-01

During several Active Aeroelastic Wing research flights, the shadow of the over-wing shock could be observed because of natural lighting conditions. As the plane accelerated, the shock location moved aft, and as the shadow passed the aileron and trailing-edge flap hinge lines, their associated hinge moments were substantially affected. The observation of the dominant effect of shock location on aft control surface hinge moments led to this investigation. This report investigates the effect of over-wing shock location on wing loads through flight-measured data and analytical predictions. Wing-root and wing-fold bending moment and torque and leading- and trailing-edge hinge moments have been measured in flight using calibrated strain gages. These same loads have been predicted using a computational fluid dynamics code called the Euler Navier-Stokes Three Dimensional Aeroelastic Code. The computational fluid dynamics study was based on the elastically deformed shape estimated by a twist model, which in turn was derived from in-flight-measured wing deflections provided by a flight deflection measurement system. During level transonic flight, the shock location dominated the wing trailing-edge control surface hinge moments. The computational fluid dynamics analysis based on the shape provided by the flight deflection measurement system produced very similar results and substantially correlated with the measured loads data.

Multi-Beam Surface Lidar for Lunar and Planetary Mapping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bufton, Jack L.; Garvin, James B.

1998-01-01

Surface lidar techniques are now being demonstrated in low Earth orbit with a single beam of pulsed laser radiation at 1064 nm that profiles the vertical structure of Earth surface landforms along the nadir track of a spacecraft. In addition, a profiling laser altimeter, called MOLA, is operating in elliptical Martian orbit and returning surface topography data. These instruments form the basis for suggesting an improved lidar instrument that employs multiple beams for extension of sensor capabilities toward the goal of true, 3-dimensional mapping of the Moon or other similar planetary surfaces. In general the lidar waveform acquired with digitization of a laser echo can be used for laser distance measurement (i.e. range-to-the-surface) by time-of-flight measurement and for surface slope and shape measurements by examining the detailed lidar waveform. This is particularly effective when the intended target is the lunar surface or another planetary body free of any atmosphere. The width of the distorted return pulse is a first order measure of the surface incidence angle, a combination of surface slope and laser beam pointing. Assuming an independent and absolute (with respect to inertial space) measurement of laser beam pointing on the spacecraft, it is possible to derive a surface slope with-respect-to the mean planetary surface or its equipotential gravity surface. Higher-order laser pulse distortions can be interpreted in terms of the vertical relief of the surface or reflectivity variations within the area of the laser beam footprint on the surface.

The applications and research progresses of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy in reconstructive surgery.

PubMed

Li, Qiang; Zeng, Yanjun; Tang, Xiaoying

2010-06-01

In spite of some good successes and excellent researches of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy (NiTi-SMA) in reconstructive surgery, there are still serious limitations to the clinical applications of NiTi alloy today. The potential leakage of elements and ions could be toxic to cells, tissues and organs. This review discussed the properties, clinical applications, corrosion performance, biocompatibility, the possible preventive measures to improve corrosion resistance by surface/structure modifications and the long-term challenges of using SMAs.

Radar Investigations of Asteroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ostro, S. J.

1984-01-01

Radar investigations of asteroids, including observations during 1984 to 1985 of at least 8 potential targets and continued analyses of radar data obtained during 1980 to 1984 for 30 other asteroids is proposed. The primary scientific objectives include estimation of echo strength, polarization, spectral shape, spectral bandwidth, and Doppler shift. These measurements yield estimates of target size, shape, and spin vector; place constraints on topography, morphology, density, and composition of the planetary surface; yield refined estimates of target orbital parameters; and reveals the presence of asteroidal satellites.

Estimation of Time Dependent Properties from Surface Pressure in Open Cavities

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-02-01

static pressure of the cavity. The stagnation and static pressures are measured separately with Druck Model DPI 145 pressure transducers (with a quoted...interacting with the ZNMF actuator jets, the 2D shape of the vortical structures transform to a 3D shape with spanwise vortical structures. These...Therefore, the pressure gradient in the d direction is dd ° 3d Substituting Equation (5.3) into Equation (5.5) results in ^l = PJk(e^-Re^)/c^ (5.6

Laboratory volcano geodesy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Færøvik Johannessen, Rikke; Galland, Olivier; Mair, Karen

2014-05-01

Magma transport in volcanic plumbing systems induces surface deformation, which can be monitored by geodetic techniques, such as GPS and InSAR. These geodetic signals are commonly analyzed through geodetic models in order to constrain the shape of, and the pressure in, magma plumbing systems. These models, however, suffer critical limitations: (1) the modelled magma conduit shapes cannot be compared with the real conduits, so the geodetic models cannot be tested nor validated; (2) the modelled conduits only exhibit shapes that are too simplistic; (3) most geodetic models only account for elasticity of the host rock, whereas substantial plastic deformation is known to occur. To overcome these limitations, one needs to use a physical system, in which (1) both surface deformation and the shape of, and pressure in, the underlying conduit are known, and (2) the mechanical properties of the host material are controlled and well known. In this contribution, we present novel quantitative laboratory results of shallow magma emplacement. Fine-grained silica flour represents the brittle crust, and low viscosity vegetable oil is an analogue for the magma. The melting temperature of the oil is 31°C; the oil solidifies in the models after the end of the experiments. At the time of injection the oil temperature is 50°C. The oil is pumped from a reservoir using a volumetric pump into the silica flour through a circular inlet at the bottom of a 40x40 cm square box. The silica flour is cohesive, such that oil intrudes it by fracturing it, and produces typical sheet intrusions (dykes, cone sheets, etc.). During oil intrusion, the model surface deforms, mostly by doming. These movements are measured by an advanced photogrammetry method, which uses 4 synchronized fixed cameras that periodically image the surface of the model from different angles. We apply particle tracking method to compute the 3D ground deformation pattern through time. After solidification of the oil, the intrusion can be excavated and photographed from several angles to compute its 3D shape with the same photogrammetry method. Then, the surface deformation pattern can be directly compared with the shape of underlying intrusion. This quantitative dataset is essential to quantitatively test and validate classical volcano geodetic models.

Interaction between Air Bubbles and Superhydrophobic Surfaces in Aqueous Solutions.

PubMed

Shi, Chen; Cui, Xin; Zhang, Xurui; Tchoukov, Plamen; Liu, Qingxia; Encinas, Noemi; Paven, Maxime; Geyer, Florian; Vollmer, Doris; Xu, Zhenghe; Butt, Hans-Jürgen; Zeng, Hongbo

2015-07-07

Superhydrophobic surfaces are usually characterized by a high apparent contact angle of water drops in air. Here we analyze the inverse situation: Rather than focusing on water repellency in air, we measure the attractive interaction of air bubbles and superhydrophobic surfaces in water. Forces were measured between microbubbles with radii R of 40-90 μm attached to an atomic force microscope cantilever and submerged superhydrophobic surfaces. In addition, forces between macroscopic bubbles (R = 1.2 mm) at the end of capillaries and superhydrophobic surfaces were measured. As superhydrophobic surfaces we applied soot-templated surfaces, nanofilament surfaces, micropillar arrays with flat top faces, and decorated micropillars. Depending on the specific structure of the superhydrophobic surfaces and the presence and amount of entrapped air, different interactions were observed. Soot-templated surfaces in the Cassie state showed superaerophilic behavior: Once the electrostatic double-layer force and a hydrodynamic repulsion were overcome, bubbles jumped onto the surface and fully merged with the entrapped air. On nanofilaments and micropillar arrays we observed in addition the formation of sessile bubbles with finite contact angles below 90° or the attachment of bubbles, which retained their spherical shape.

Large-scale cauliflower-shaped hierarchical copper nanostructures for efficient photothermal conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Peixun; Wu, Hui; Zhong, Minlin; Zhang, Hongjun; Bai, Benfeng; Jin, Guofan

2016-07-01

Efficient solar energy harvesting and photothermal conversion have essential importance for many practical applications. Here, we present a laser-induced cauliflower-shaped hierarchical surface nanostructure on a copper surface, which exhibits extremely high omnidirectional absorption efficiency over a broad electromagnetic spectral range from the UV to the near-infrared region. The measured average hemispherical absorptance is as high as 98% within the wavelength range of 200-800 nm, and the angle dependent specular reflectance stays below 0.1% within the 0-60° incident angle. Such a structured copper surface can exhibit an apparent heating up effect under the sunlight illumination. In the experiment of evaporating water, the structured surface yields an overall photothermal conversion efficiency over 60% under an illuminating solar power density of ~1 kW m-2. The presented technology provides a cost-effective, reliable, and simple way for realizing broadband omnidirectional light absorptive metal surfaces for efficient solar energy harvesting and utilization, which is highly demanded in various light harvesting, anti-reflection, and photothermal conversion applications. Since the structure is directly formed by femtosecond laser writing, it is quite suitable for mass production and can be easily extended to a large surface area.Efficient solar energy harvesting and photothermal conversion have essential importance for many practical applications. Here, we present a laser-induced cauliflower-shaped hierarchical surface nanostructure on a copper surface, which exhibits extremely high omnidirectional absorption efficiency over a broad electromagnetic spectral range from the UV to the near-infrared region. The measured average hemispherical absorptance is as high as 98% within the wavelength range of 200-800 nm, and the angle dependent specular reflectance stays below 0.1% within the 0-60° incident angle. Such a structured copper surface can exhibit an apparent heating up effect under the sunlight illumination. In the experiment of evaporating water, the structured surface yields an overall photothermal conversion efficiency over 60% under an illuminating solar power density of ~1 kW m-2. The presented technology provides a cost-effective, reliable, and simple way for realizing broadband omnidirectional light absorptive metal surfaces for efficient solar energy harvesting and utilization, which is highly demanded in various light harvesting, anti-reflection, and photothermal conversion applications. Since the structure is directly formed by femtosecond laser writing, it is quite suitable for mass production and can be easily extended to a large surface area. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: XRD patterns of the fs laser structured Cu surface as produced and after the photothermal conversion test, directly measured temperature values on Cu surfaces, temperature rise on Cu surfaces at varied solar irradiation angles, comparison of the white light and IR images of the structured Cu surface with the polished Cu surface, temperature rise on the peripheral zones of the blue coating surface. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr03662g

3D mouse shape reconstruction based on phase-shifting algorithm for fluorescence molecular tomography imaging system.

PubMed

Zhao, Yue; Zhu, Dianwen; Baikejiang, Reheman; Li, Changqing

2015-11-10

This work introduces a fast, low-cost, robust method based on fringe pattern and phase shifting to obtain three-dimensional (3D) mouse surface geometry for fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) imaging. We used two pico projector/webcam pairs to project and capture fringe patterns from different views. We first calibrated the pico projectors and the webcams to obtain their system parameters. Each pico projector/webcam pair had its own coordinate system. We used a cylindrical calibration bar to calculate the transformation matrix between these two coordinate systems. After that, the pico projectors projected nine fringe patterns with a phase-shifting step of 2π/9 onto the surface of a mouse-shaped phantom. The deformed fringe patterns were captured by the corresponding webcam respectively, and then were used to construct two phase maps, which were further converted to two 3D surfaces composed of scattered points. The two 3D point clouds were further merged into one with the transformation matrix. The surface extraction process took less than 30 seconds. Finally, we applied the Digiwarp method to warp a standard Digimouse into the measured surface. The proposed method can reconstruct the surface of a mouse-sized object with an accuracy of 0.5 mm, which we believe is sufficient to obtain a finite element mesh for FMT imaging. We performed an FMT experiment using a mouse-shaped phantom with one embedded fluorescence capillary target. With the warped finite element mesh, we successfully reconstructed the target, which validated our surface extraction approach.

Lidar Observations of Wave Shape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brodie, K. L.; Raubenheimer, B.; Spore, N.; Gorrell, L.; Slocum, R. K.; Elgar, S.

2016-02-01

As waves propagate across the inner-surf zone, through a shorebreak, to the swash, their shapes can evolve rapidly, particularly if there are large changes in water depth over a wavelength. As wave shapes evolve, the time history of near-bed wave-orbital velocities also changes. Asymmetrical near-bed velocities result in preferential directions for sediment transport, and spatial variations in asymmetries can lead to morphological evolution. Thus, understanding and predicting wave shapes in the inner-surf and swash zones is important to improving sediment transport predictions. Here, rapid changes in wave shape, quantified by 3rd moments (skewness and asymmetry) of the sea-surface elevation time series, were observed on a sandy Atlantic Ocean beach near Duck, NC using terrestrial lidar scanners that measure the elevation of the water surface along a narrow cross-shore transect with high spatial [O(1 cm)] and temporal [O(0.5 s)] resolution. The terrestrial lidar scanners were mounted on a tower on the beach dune (about 8 m above the water surface) and on an 8-m tall amphibious tripod [the Coastal Research Amphibious Buggy (CRAB)]. Observations with the dune lidar are used to investigate how bulk wave shape parameters such as wave skewness and asymmetry, and the ratio of wave height to water depth (gamma) vary with beach slope, tide level, and offshore wave conditions. Observations with the lidar mounted on the CRAB are used to investigate the evolution of individual waves propagating across the surf zone and shorebreak to the swash. For example, preliminary observations from the CRAB include a wave that appeared to shoal and then "pitch" backwards immediately prior to breaking and running up the beach. Funded by the USACE Coastal Field Data Collection Program, ASD(R&E), and ONR.

Precision cylinder optics for higher requirements; Techical Digest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergner, Dieter; Falkenstorfer, Oliver; Malina, Dirk; Roder, Janett; Schreiner, Roland

2005-05-01

JENOPTIK Laser, Optik, Systeme GmbH (JO L.O.S.) enlarged its product range in the field of cylinder lenses and crystal optics. These components are used in optical measuring technology and in various laser applications. The new cylinder components are a result of the state of the art manufacturing technology. For applications, where the quality of standard cylinders with a surface deviation of PV Lambda/2 to Lambda/5 @632,8nm and tested with a reference glass only is not sufficient, the surface shape can be improved to PV Lambda/10 @632,8nm. The presentation deals with Jenoptik's current state to produce cylinder optics, to reduce remaining surface shape deviations of semi-finished cylinder optics and to test these elements. Based on in-house developed machinery, cylinders are manufactured by means of blocking or drum. The required surface quality in the range of PV Lambda/10 @632,8nm for cylindrical lenses can be reached by computer aided correction using mrf-polishing techniques in connection with an interferometer test set-up. Therefore, the polishing machine is equipped with an additional axis of movement. The interferometer measurement of the residual surface deviation is done by Computer Generated Holograms (CGH), which are designed and manufactured in-house. CGHs from JO L.O.S. for testing cylindrical lenses can be custom designed starting with F#1.0. They are related to the typical rectangular geometry of cylinder components. Using these measurement techniques, testing is no longer the limiting factor in achieving high quality cylindrical surfaces. JO L.O.S. has all the capabilities of effective manufacturing, testing and correcting cylindrical lenses. Latest results achieved in series production are shown.

Precision cylinder optics for higher requirements; Techical Digest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergner, Dieter; Falkenstorfer, Oliver; Malina, Dirk; Roder, Janett; Schreiner, Roland

2005-05-01

JENOPTIK Laser, Optik, Systeme GmbH (JO L.O.S.) enlarged its product range in the field of cylinder lenses and crystal optics. These components are used in optical measuring technology and in various laser applications. The new cylinder components are a result of the state of the art manufacturing technology. For applications, where the quality of standard cylinders with a surface deviation of PV~Lambda/2 to ~Lambda/5 @632,8nm and tested with a reference glass only is not sufficient, the surface shape can be improved to PV Lambda/10 @632,8nm. The presentation deals with Jenoptik's current state to produce cylinder optics, to reduce remaining surface shape deviations of semi-finished cylinder optics and to test these elements. Based on in-house developed machinery, cylinders are manufactured by means of blocking or drum. The required surface quality in the range of PV~Lambda/10 @632,8nm for cylindrical lenses can be reached by computer aided correction using mrf-polishing techniques in connection with an interferometer test set-up. Therefore, the polishing machine is equipped with an additional axis of movement. The interferometer measurement of the residual surface deviation is done by Computer Generated Holograms (CGH), which are designed and manufactured in-house. CGHs from JO L.O.S. for testing cylindrical lenses can be custom designed starting with F#1.0. They are related to the typical rectangular geometry of cylinder components. Using these measurement techniques, testing is no longer the limiting factor in achieving high quality cylindrical surfaces. JO L.O.S. has all the capabilities of effective manufacturing, testing and correcting cylindrical lenses. Latest results achieved in series production are shown.

Apparatus for Use in Determining Surface Conductivity at Microwave Frequencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hearn, Chase P. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

An apparatus is provided for use in determining surface conductivity of a flat or shaped conductive material at microwave frequencies. A plate has an electrically conductive surface with first and second holes passing through the plate. An electrically conductive material under test (MUT) is maintained in a spaced apart relationship with the electrically conductive surface of the plate by one or more nonconductive spacers. A first coupling loop is electrically shielded within the first hole while a second coupling loop is electrically shielded within the second hole. A dielectric resonator element is positioned between the first and second coupling loops, while also being positioned closer to the MUT than the electrically conductive surface of the plate. Microwave energy at an operating frequency f is supplied from a signal source to the first coupling loop while microwave energy received at the second coupling loop is measured. The apparatus is capable of measuring the Q-factor of the dielectric resonator situated in the 'cavity' existing between the electrically conductive surface of the plate and the MUT. Surface conductivity of the electrically conductive surface can be determined via interpolation using: 1 ) the measured Q-factor with the electrically conductive surface in place, and 2) the measured Q-factor when the MUT is replaced with reference standards having known surface conductivities.

Measurements of noise produced by flow past lifting surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kendall, J. M.

1978-01-01

Wind tunnel studies have been conducted to determine the specific locations of aerodynamic noise production within the flow field about various lifting-surface configurations. The models tested included low aspect ratio shapes intended to represent aircraft flaps, a finite aspect ratio NACA 0012 wing, and a multi-element wing section consisting of a main section, a leading edge flap, and dual trailing edge flaps. Turbulence was induced on the models by surface roughness. Lift and drag were measured for the flap models. Hot-wire anemometry was used for study of the flap-model vortex roll-up. Apparent noise source distributions were measured by use of a directional microphone system, located outside the tunnel, which was scanned about the flow region to be analyzed under computer control. These distributions exhibited a diversity of pattern, suggesting that several flow processes are important to lifting-surface noise production. Speculation concerning these processes is offered.

Laser beam shaping design based on micromirror array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Han; Su, Bida; Liu, Jiaguo; Fan, Xiaoli; Jing, Wang

2017-10-01

In the practical application of the laser, it is necessary to use the laser beam shaping technology to shape the output beam of laser device to the uniform light intensity distribution. The shaping divergent optical system of compound eye integrator way is composed of beam expanding mirror group and lens array. Its working principle is to expand the output laser to a certain size of caliber, and then divide the beam with lens array into multiple sub beam, where the lens unit of lens array can control the divergence angle of sub beam through the design of focal length, with mutual superposition of the sub beam in far field, to make up for the nonuniformity of beam, so that the radiant exitance on the radiated surface may become uniform. In this paper, we use a reflective microlens array to realize the laser beam shaping. By through of the practical optical path model established, the ray tracing is carried out and the simulation results for single-mode Gaussian beam with noise circumstance is provided. The analysis results show that the laser beam shaping under different inputs can be effectively realized by use of microlens array. All the energy is within the signal window, with a high energy efficiency of more than 90%; The measured surface has a better uniformity, and the uniformity is better than 99.5% at 150m.

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

Harris, Michael D.; Dater, Manasi; Whitaker, Ross

In this study, statistical shape modeling (SSM) was used to quantify three-dimensional (3D) variation and morphologic differences between femurs with and without cam femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). 3D surfaces were generated from CT scans of femurs from 41 controls and 30 cam FAI patients. SSM correspondence particles were optimally positioned on each surface using a gradient descent energy function. Mean shapes for control and patient groups were defined from the resulting particle configurations. Morphological differences between group mean shapes and between the control mean and individual patients were calculated. Principal component analysis was used to describe anatomical variation present in bothmore » groups. The first 6 modes (or principal components) captured statistically significant shape variations, which comprised 84% of cumulative variation among the femurs. Shape variation was greatest in femoral offset, greater trochanter height, and the head-neck junction. The mean cam femur shape protruded above the control mean by a maximum of 3.3 mm with sustained protrusions of 2.5-3.0 mm along the anterolateral head-neck junction and distally along the anterior neck, corresponding well with reported cam lesion locations and soft-tissue damage. This study provides initial evidence that SSM can describe variations in femoral morphology in both controls and cam FAI patients and may be useful for developing new measurements of pathological anatomy. SSM may also be applied to characterize cam FAI severity and provide templates to guide patient-specific surgical resection of bone.« less

Comparison of Blackbody Sources for Low-Temperature IR Calibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ljungblad, S.; Holmsten, M.; Josefson, L. E.; Klason, P.

2015-12-01

Radiation thermometers are traditionally mostly used in high-temperature applications. They are, however, becoming more common in different applications at room temperature or below, in applications such as monitoring frozen food and evaluating heat leakage in buildings. To measure temperature accurately with a pyrometer, calibration is essential. A problem with traditional, commercially available, blackbody sources is that ice is often formed on the surface when measuring temperatures below 0°C. This is due to the humidity of the surrounding air and, as ice does not have the same emissivity as the blackbody source, it biases the measurements. An alternative to a traditional blackbody source has been tested by SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden. The objective is to find a cost-efficient method of calibrating pyrometers by comparison at the level of accuracy required for the intended use. A disc-shaped blackbody with a surface pyramid pattern is placed in a climatic chamber with an opening for field of view of the pyrometer. The temperature of the climatic chamber is measured with two platinum resistance thermometers in the air in the vicinity of the disc. As a rule, frost will form only if the deposition surface is colder than the surrounding air, and, as this is not the case when the air of the climatic chamber is cooled, there should be no frost or ice formed on the blackbody surface. To test the disc-shaped blackbody source, a blackbody cavity immersed in a conventional stirred liquid bath was used as a reference blackbody source. Two different pyrometers were calibrated by comparison using the two different blackbody sources, and the results were compared. The results of the measurements show that the disc works as intended and is suitable as a blackbody radiation source.

Rock surface roughness measurement using CSI technique and analysis of surface characterization by qualitative and quantitative results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukhtar, Husneni; Montgomery, Paul; Gianto; Susanto, K.

2016-01-01

In order to develop image processing that is widely used in geo-processing and analysis, we introduce an alternative technique for the characterization of rock samples. The technique that we have used for characterizing inhomogeneous surfaces is based on Coherence Scanning Interferometry (CSI). An optical probe is first used to scan over the depth of the surface roughness of the sample. Then, to analyse the measured fringe data, we use the Five Sample Adaptive method to obtain quantitative results of the surface shape. To analyse the surface roughness parameters, Hmm and Rq, a new window resizing analysis technique is employed. The results of the morphology and surface roughness analysis show micron and nano-scale information which is characteristic of each rock type and its history. These could be used for mineral identification and studies in rock movement on different surfaces. Image processing is thus used to define the physical parameters of the rock surface.

Spacecraft Internal Acoustic Environment Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chu, SShao-sheng R.; Allen, Christopher S.

2009-01-01

Acoustic modeling can be used to identify key noise sources, determine/analyze sub-allocated requirements, keep track of the accumulation of minor noise sources, and to predict vehicle noise levels at various stages in vehicle development, first with estimates of noise sources, later with experimental data. In FY09, the physical mockup developed in FY08, with interior geometric shape similar to Orion CM (Crew Module) IML (Interior Mode Line), was used to validate SEA (Statistical Energy Analysis) acoustic model development with realistic ventilation fan sources. The sound power levels of these sources were unknown a priori, as opposed to previous studies that RSS (Reference Sound Source) with known sound power level was used. The modeling results were evaluated based on comparisons to measurements of sound pressure levels over a wide frequency range, including the frequency range where SEA gives good results. Sound intensity measurement was performed over a rectangular-shaped grid system enclosing the ventilation fan source. Sound intensities were measured at the top, front, back, right, and left surfaces of the and system. Sound intensity at the bottom surface was not measured, but sound blocking material was placed tinder the bottom surface to reflect most of the incident sound energy back to the remaining measured surfaces. Integrating measured sound intensities over measured surfaces renders estimated sound power of the source. The reverberation time T6o of the mockup interior had been modified to match reverberation levels of ISS US Lab interior for speech frequency bands, i.e., 0.5k, 1k, 2k, 4 kHz, by attaching appropriately sized Thinsulate sound absorption material to the interior wall of the mockup. Sound absorption of Thinsulate was modeled in three methods: Sabine equation with measured mockup interior reverberation time T60, layup model based on past impedance tube testing, and layup model plus air absorption correction. The evaluation/validation was carried out by acquiring octave band microphone data simultaneously at ten fixed locations throughout the mockup. SPLs (Sound Pressure Levels) predicted by our SEA model match well with measurements for our CM mockup, with a more complicated shape. Additionally in FY09, background NC noise (Noise Criterion) simulation and MRT (Modified Rhyme Test) were developed and performed in the mockup to determine the maximum noise level in CM habitable volume for fair crew voice communications. Numerous demonstrations of simulated noise environment in the mockup and associated SIL (Speech Interference Level) via MRT were performed for various communities, including members from NASA and Orion prime-/sub-contractors. Also, a new HSIR (Human-Systems Integration Requirement) for limiting pre- and post-landing SIL was proposed.

Mapping Mars with a Laser Altimeter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, David E.

2001-01-01

In November 1996 the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft was launched to Mars. One of the instruments on the spacecraft was a laser altimeter, MOLA, for measuring the shape and topography of the planet. The altimeter has a diode pumped Q-switched ND:YAG laser at 1064nm, operating at 10Hz with an 8 nsec pulse width. The pulse energy is 48mJ, and the instrument has a 37cm ranging precision. The laser illuminates a spot on the surface of Mars approximately 160 meters in diameter and the instrument has accumulated over 600 million range measurements of the surface since arrival at Mars in September 1997. MOLA has operated continuously for over 2 years and has mapped the planet at a horizontal resolution of about 1 km and a radial accuracy of about a meter. MOLA has measured the shape of the planet, the heights of the volcanoes, the depths of the canyons, and the volumes of the polar icecaps. It has detected carbon dioxide clouds and measured the accumulation of seasonal CO2 on the polar icecaps. This new remote sensing tool has helped transform our understanding of Mars and its geological history, and opened a new door to planetary exploration.

High temperature growth of Pt on the Rh(111) surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duisberg, M.; Dräger, M.; Wandelt, K.; Gruber, E. L. D.; Schmid, M.; Varga, P.

1999-08-01

The epitaxial growth of Pt on the Rh(111) surface at 700 K was studied with AES, UPS, ISS and STM. From AES and ISS measurements a 2D growth mode is concluded at this substrate temperature. The morphology of the surface is studied by photoemission spectra of adsorbed Xe (PAX) and STM. A disperse distribution of the Pt atoms is suggested by PAX and is consistent with an incorporation of these atoms into the first substrate layer. Atomically and chemically resolved STM measurements confirm these conclusions. The interaction of CO with the surface alloy is investigated by UPS. The CO-induced features in UP spectra show significant differences in the peak positions and shape between the clean substrate and the surface precovered with different amounts of Pt. The CO induced emissions are, thus, used for a quantitative titration of Pt on the Rh surface.

Multipoint photonic doppler velocimetry using optical lens elements

DOEpatents

Frogget, Brent Copely; Romero, Vincent Todd

2014-04-29

A probe including a fisheye lens is disclosed to measure the velocity distribution of a moving surface along many lines of sight. Laser light, directed to the surface and then reflected back from the surface, is Doppler shifted by the moving surface, collected into fisheye lens, and then directed to detection equipment through optic fibers. The received light is mixed with reference laser light and using photonic Doppler velocimetry, a continuous time record of the surface movement is obtained. An array of single-mode optical fibers provides an optic signal to an index-matching lens and eventually to a fisheye lens. The fiber array flat polished and coupled to the index-matching lens using index-matching gel. Numerous fibers in a fiber array project numerous rays through the fisheye lens which in turn project many measurement points at numerous different locations to establish surface coverage over a hemispherical shape with very little crosstalk.

Monte Carlo simulations in CT for the study of the surface air kerma and energy imparted to phantoms of varying size and position

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avilés Lucas, P.; Dance, D. R.; Castellano, I. A.; Vañó, E.

2004-04-01

A Monte Carlo computational model of CT has been developed and used to investigate the effect of various physical factors on the surface air kerma length product, the peak surface air kerma, the air kerma length product within a phantom and the energy imparted. The factors investigated were the bow-tie filter and the size, shape and position of a phantom which simulates the patient. The calculations show that the surface air kerma length product and the maximum surface air kerma are mainly dependent on phantom position and decrease along the vertical axis of the CT plane as the phantom surface moves away from the isocentre along this axis. As a result, measurements using standard body dosimetry phantoms may underestimate the skin dose for real patients. This result is specially important for CT fluoroscopic procedures: for an adult patient the peak skin dose can be 37% higher than that estimated with a standard measurement on the body AAPM (American Association of Physicists in Medicine) phantom. The results also show that the energy imparted to a phantom is mainly influenced by phantom size and is nearly independent of phantom position (within 3%) and shape (up to 5% variation). However, variations of up to 30% were found for the air kerma to regions within the AAPM body phantom when it is moved vertically. This highlights the importance of calculating doses to organs taking into account their size and position within the gantry.

Global MHD Simulations of the Earth's Bow Shock Shape and Motion Under Variable Solar Wind Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mejnertsen, L.; Eastwood, J. P.; Hietala, H.; Schwartz, S. J.; Chittenden, J. P.

2018-01-01

Empirical models of the Earth's bow shock are often used to place in situ measurements in context and to understand the global behavior of the foreshock/bow shock system. They are derived statistically from spacecraft bow shock crossings and typically treat the shock surface as a conic section parameterized according to a uniform solar wind ram pressure, although more complex models exist. Here a global magnetohydrodynamic simulation is used to analyze the variability of the Earth's bow shock under real solar wind conditions. The shape and location of the bow shock is found as a function of time, and this is used to calculate the shock velocity over the shock surface. The results are compared to existing empirical models. Good agreement is found in the variability of the subsolar shock location. However, empirical models fail to reproduce the two-dimensional shape of the shock in the simulation. This is because significant solar wind variability occurs on timescales less than the transit time of a single solar wind phase front over the curved shock surface. Empirical models must therefore be used with care when interpreting spacecraft data, especially when observations are made far from the Sun-Earth line. Further analysis reveals a bias to higher shock speeds when measured by virtual spacecraft. This is attributed to the fact that the spacecraft only observes the shock when it is in motion. This must be accounted for when studying bow shock motion and variability with spacecraft data.

Multi-Scale Surface Descriptors

PubMed Central

Cipriano, Gregory; Phillips, George N.; Gleicher, Michael

2010-01-01

Local shape descriptors compactly characterize regions of a surface, and have been applied to tasks in visualization, shape matching, and analysis. Classically, curvature has be used as a shape descriptor; however, this differential property characterizes only an infinitesimal neighborhood. In this paper, we provide shape descriptors for surface meshes designed to be multi-scale, that is, capable of characterizing regions of varying size. These descriptors capture statistically the shape of a neighborhood around a central point by fitting a quadratic surface. They therefore mimic differential curvature, are efficient to compute, and encode anisotropy. We show how simple variants of mesh operations can be used to compute the descriptors without resorting to expensive parameterizations, and additionally provide a statistical approximation for reduced computational cost. We show how these descriptors apply to a number of uses in visualization, analysis, and matching of surfaces, particularly to tasks in protein surface analysis. PMID:19834190

Macro-structural effect of metal surfaces treated using computer-assisted yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser scanning on bone-implant fixation.

PubMed

Hirao, Makoto; Sugamoto, Kazuomi; Tamai, Noriyuki; Oka, Kunihiro; Yoshikawa, Hideki; Mori, Yusuke; Sasaki, Takatomo

2005-05-01

Porous coatings have been applied to the surface of prosthetic devices to foster stable device fixation. The coating serves as a source of mechanical interlocking and may stimulate healthy bone growth through osseointegrated load transfer in cementless arthroplasty. Joint arthroplasty by porous-coated prostheses is one of the most common surgical treatments, and has provided painless and successful joint mobility. However, long-term success is often impaired by the loss of fixation between the prosthesis and bone. Porous-coated prostheses are associated with several disadvantages, including metal debris from porous coatings (third body wear particles) and irregular micro-texture of metal surfaces. Consequently, quantitative histological analysis has been very difficult. These issues arise because the porous coating treatment is based on addition of material and is not precisely controllable. We recently developed a precisely controllable porous texture technique based on material removal by yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. Free shapes can be applied to complex, three-dimensional hard metal surfaces using this technique. In this study, tartan check shapes made by crossing grooves and dot shapes made by forming holes were produced on titanium (Ti6A14V) or cobalt chrome (CoCr) and evaluated with computer-assisted histological analysis and measurement of bone-metal interface shear strength. Width of grooves or holes ranged from 100 to 800 mum (100, 200, 500, and 800 microm), with a depth of 500 microm. When the cylindrical porous-texture-treated metal samples (diameter, 5 mm; height, 15 mm) were implanted into a rabbit femoral condyle, bone tissue with bone trabeculae formed in the grooves and holes after 2 or 4 weeks, especially in 500-microm-wide grooves. Abundant osteoconduction was consistently observed throughout 500-microm-wide grooves in both Ti6A14V and CoCr. Speed of osteoconduction was faster in Ti6A14V than in CoCr, especially in the tartan check shape made of 500-microm-wide grooves. In pushout testing, the tartan check shape made of 500-microm-wide grooves had significantly higher bone-metal interface shear strength than the dot shape or commercial porous coating. These results indicate that the tartan check shape made of 500-microm-wide grooves on metal surfaces has potential for clinical application in artificial prosthesis design.

Calcified cartilage shape in archosaur long bones reflects overlying joint shape in stress-bearing elements: Implications for nonavian dinosaur locomotion.

PubMed

Bonnan, Matthew F; Sandrik, Jennifer L; Nishiwaki, Takahiko; Wilhite, D Ray; Elsey, Ruth M; Vittore, Christopher

2010-12-01

In nonavian dinosaur long bones, the once-living chondroepiphysis (joint surface) overlay a now-fossilized calcified cartilage zone. Although the shape of this zone is used to infer nonavian dinosaur locomotion, it remains unclear how much it reflects chondroepiphysis shape. We tested the hypothesis that calcified cartilage shape reflects the overlying chondroepiphysis in extant archosaurs. Long bones with intact epiphyses from American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), and juvenile ostriches (Struthio camelus) were measured and digitized for geometric morphometric (GM) analyses before and after chondroepiphysis removal. Removal of the chondroepiphysis resulted in significant element truncation in all examined taxa, but the amount of truncation decreased with increasing size. GM analyses revealed that Alligator show significant differences between chondroepiphysis shape and the calcified cartilage zone in the humerus, but display nonsignificant differences in femora of large individuals. In Numida, GM analysis shows significant shape differences in juvenile humeri, but humeri of adults and the femora of all guinea fowl show no significant shape difference. The juvenile Struthio sample showed significant differences in both long bones, which diminish with increasing size, a pattern confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging scans in an adult. Our data suggest that differences in extant archosaur long bone shape are greater in elements not utilized in locomotion and related stress-inducing activities. Based on our data, we propose tentative ranges of error for nonavian dinosaur long bone dimensional measurements. We also predict that calcified cartilage shape in adult, stress-bearing nonavian dinosaur long bones grossly reflects chondroepiphysis shape.

Optimizations for optical velocity measurements in narrow gaps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlüßler, Raimund; Blechschmidt, Christian; Czarske, Jürgen; Fischer, Andreas

2013-09-01

Measuring the flow velocity in small gaps or near a surface with a nonintrusive optical measurement technique is a challenging measurement task, as disturbing light reflections from the surface appear. However, these measurements are important, e.g., in order to understand and to design the leakage flow in the tip gap between the rotor blade end face and the housing of a turbomachine. Hence, methods to reduce the interfering light power and to correct measurement errors caused by it need to be developed and verified. Different alternatives of minimizing the interfering light power for optical flow measurements in small gaps are presented. By optimizing the beam shape of the applied illumination beam using a numerical diffraction simulation, the interfering light power is reduced by up to a factor of 100. In combination with a decrease of the reflection coefficient of the rotor blade surface, an additional reduction of the interfering light power below the used scattered light power is possible. Furthermore, a correction algorithm to decrease the measurement uncertainty of disturbed measurements is derived. These improvements enable optical three-dimensional three-component flow velocity measurements in submillimeter gaps or near a surface.

Shaped platinum nanoparticles directly synthesized inside mesoporous silica supports

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jiwhan; Bae, Youn-Sang; Lee, Hyunjoo

2014-10-01

It is difficult to deposit shape-controlled nanoparticles into a mesoporous framework while preserving the shape. For shaped platinum nanoparticles, which are typically 5-10 nm in size, capillary inclusion by sonication or the formation of a mesoporous framework around the shaped platinum nanoparticles has been attempted, but the nanoparticles aggregated or their shapes were degraded easily. In this work, we directly nucleated platinum on the surface inside a mesoporous silica support and controlled the overgrowth step, producing cubic shaped nanoparticles. Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane was used as an anchoring agent causing nucleation at the silica surface, and it also helped to shape the nanoparticles. Platinum nanocubes, which were synthesized with polymeric capping agents separately, were deposited inside the mesoporous silica by sonication, but most of the nanoparticles were clogged at the entrance to the pores, and the surface of the platinum had very few sites that were catalytically active, as evidenced by the small H2 uptake. Unshaped platinum nanoparticles, which were prepared by conventional wet impregnation, showed a similar amount of H2 uptake as the in situ shaped platinum cubes, but the selectivity for pyrrole hydrogenation was poorer towards the production of pyrrolidine. The mesoporosity and the residual thiol groups on the surface of the in situ shaped Pt nanocubes might cause a high selectivity for pyrrolidine.It is difficult to deposit shape-controlled nanoparticles into a mesoporous framework while preserving the shape. For shaped platinum nanoparticles, which are typically 5-10 nm in size, capillary inclusion by sonication or the formation of a mesoporous framework around the shaped platinum nanoparticles has been attempted, but the nanoparticles aggregated or their shapes were degraded easily. In this work, we directly nucleated platinum on the surface inside a mesoporous silica support and controlled the overgrowth step, producing cubic shaped nanoparticles. Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane was used as an anchoring agent causing nucleation at the silica surface, and it also helped to shape the nanoparticles. Platinum nanocubes, which were synthesized with polymeric capping agents separately, were deposited inside the mesoporous silica by sonication, but most of the nanoparticles were clogged at the entrance to the pores, and the surface of the platinum had very few sites that were catalytically active, as evidenced by the small H2 uptake. Unshaped platinum nanoparticles, which were prepared by conventional wet impregnation, showed a similar amount of H2 uptake as the in situ shaped platinum cubes, but the selectivity for pyrrole hydrogenation was poorer towards the production of pyrrolidine. The mesoporosity and the residual thiol groups on the surface of the in situ shaped Pt nanocubes might cause a high selectivity for pyrrolidine. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Fig. S1-S9. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr03951c

Compensation method for obtaining accurate, sub-micrometer displacement measurements of immersed specimens using electronic speckle interferometry.

PubMed

Fazio, Massimo A; Bruno, Luigi; Reynaud, Juan F; Poggialini, Andrea; Downs, J Crawford

2012-03-01

We proposed and validated a compensation method that accounts for the optical distortion inherent in measuring displacements on specimens immersed in aqueous solution. A spherically-shaped rubber specimen was mounted and pressurized on a custom apparatus, with the resulting surface displacements recorded using electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI). Point-to-point light direction computation is achieved by a ray-tracing strategy coupled with customized B-spline-based analytical representation of the specimen shape. The compensation method reduced the mean magnitude of the displacement error induced by the optical distortion from 35% to 3%, and ESPI displacement measurement repeatability showed a mean variance of 16 nm at the 95% confidence level for immersed specimens. The ESPI interferometer and numerical data analysis procedure presented herein provide reliable, accurate, and repeatable measurement of sub-micrometer deformations obtained from pressurization tests of spherically-shaped specimens immersed in aqueous salt solution. This method can be used to quantify small deformations in biological tissue samples under load, while maintaining the hydration necessary to ensure accurate material property assessment.

Compensation strategy for machining optical freeform surfaces by the combined on- and off-machine measurement.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaodong; Zeng, Zhen; Liu, Xianlei; Fang, Fengzhou

2015-09-21

Freeform surface is promising to be the next generation optics, however it needs high form accuracy for excellent performance. The closed-loop of fabrication-measurement-compensation is necessary for the improvement of the form accuracy. It is difficult to do an off-machine measurement during the freeform machining because the remounting inaccuracy can result in significant form deviations. On the other side, on-machine measurement may hides the systematic errors of the machine because the measuring device is placed in situ on the machine. This study proposes a new compensation strategy based on the combination of on-machine and off-machine measurement. The freeform surface is measured in off-machine mode with nanometric accuracy, and the on-machine probe achieves accurate relative position between the workpiece and machine after remounting. The compensation cutting path is generated according to the calculated relative position and shape errors to avoid employing extra manual adjustment or highly accurate reference-feature fixture. Experimental results verified the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Influence of measuring algorithm on shape accuracy in the compensating turning of high gradient thin-wall parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Tao; Wang, Guilin; Zhu, Dengchao; Li, Shengyi

2015-02-01

In order to meet the requirement of aerodynamics, the infrared domes or windows with conformal and thin-wall structure becomes the development trend of high-speed aircrafts in the future. But these parts usually have low stiffness, the cutting force will change along with the axial position, and it is very difficult to meet the requirement of shape accuracy by single machining. Therefore, on-machine measurement and compensating turning are used to control the shape errors caused by the fluctuation of cutting force and the change of stiffness. In this paper, on the basis of ultra precision diamond lathe, a contact measuring system with five DOFs is developed to achieve on-machine measurement of conformal thin-wall parts with high accuracy. According to high gradient surface, the optimizing algorithm is designed on the distribution of measuring points by using the data screening method. The influence rule of sampling frequency is analyzed on measuring errors, the best sampling frequency is found out based on planning algorithm, the effect of environmental factors and the fitting errors are controlled within lower range, and the measuring accuracy of conformal dome is greatly improved in the process of on-machine measurement. According to MgF2 conformal dome with high gradient, the compensating turning is implemented by using the designed on-machine measuring algorithm. The shape error is less than PV 0.8μm, greatly superior compared with PV 3μm before compensating turning, which verifies the correctness of measuring algorithm.

Instability growth seeded by oxygen in CH shells on the National Ignition Facility

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

Haan, S. W., E-mail: haan1@llnl.gov; Johnson, M. A.; Stadermann, M.

Fusion targets imploded on the National Ignition Facility are subject to hydrodynamic instabilities. These have generally been assumed to be seeded primarily by surface roughness, as existing work had suggested that internal inhomogeneity was small enough not to contribute significantly. New simulations presented here examine this in more detail, and consider modulations in internal oxygen content in CH plastic ablators. The oxygen is configured in a way motivated by measurement of oxygen in the shells. We find that plausible oxygen nonuniformity, motivated by target characterization experiments, seeds instability growth that is 3–5× bigger than expected from surface roughness. Pertinent existingmore » capsule characterization is discussed, which suggests the presence of internal modulations that could be oxygen at levels large enough to be the dominant seed for hydrodynamic instability growth. Oxygen-seeded growth is smaller for implosions driven by high-foot pulse shapes, consistent with the performance improvement seen with these pulse shapes. Growth is somewhat smaller for planned future pulse shapes that were optimized to minimize growth of surface ripples. A possible modified specification for oxygen modulations is discussed, which is about 1/5 of the current requirement.« less

Evaluation of cracks with different hidden depths and shapes using surface magnetic field measurements based on semi-analytical modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Feng; Liu, Shulin

2018-03-01

In this paper, we present a feasibility study for detecting cracks with different hidden depths and shapes using information contained in the magnetic field excited by a rectangular coil with a rectangular cross section. First, we solve for the eigenvalues and the unknown coefficients of the magnetic vector potential by imposing artificial and natural boundary conditions. Thus, a semi-analytical solution for the magnetic field distribution around the surface of a conducting plate that contains a long hidden crack is formulated. Next, based on the proposed modelling, the influences of the different hidden depth cracks on the surface magnetic field are analysed. The results show that the horizontal and vertical components of the magnetic field near the crack are becoming weaker and that the phase information of the magnetic field can be used to qualitatively determine the hidden depth of the crack. In addition, the model is optimised to improve its accuracy in classifying crack types. The relationship between signal features and crack shapes is subsequently established. The modified model is validated by using finite element simulations, visually indicating the change in the magnetic field near the crack.

Analysis of Cortical Shape in Children with Simplex Autism

PubMed Central

Dierker, Donna L.; Feczko, Eric; Pruett, John R.; Petersen, Steven E.; Schlaggar, Bradley L.; Constantino, John N.; Harwell, John W.; Coalson, Timothy S.; Van Essen, David C.

2015-01-01

We used surface-based morphometry to test for differences in cortical shape between children with simplex autism (n = 34, mean age 11.4 years) and typical children (n = 32, mean age 11.3 years). This entailed testing for group differences in sulcal depth and in 3D coordinates after registering cortical midthickness surfaces to an atlas target using 2 independent registration methods. We identified bilateral differences in sulcal depth in restricted portions of the anterior-insula and frontal-operculum (aI/fO) and in the temporoparietal junction (TPJ). The aI/fO depth differences are associated with and likely to be caused by a shape difference in the inferior frontal gyrus in children with simplex autism. Comparisons of average midthickness surfaces of children with simplex autism and those of typical children suggest that the significant sulcal depth differences represent local peaks in a larger pattern of regional differences that are below statistical significance when using coordinate-based analysis methods. Cortical regions that are statistically significant before correction for multiple measures are peaks of more extended, albeit subtle regional differences that may guide hypothesis generation for studies using other imaging modalities. PMID:24165833

Power systems and requirements for the integration of smart structures into aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lockyer, Allen J.; Martin, Christopher A.; Lindner, Douglas K.; Walia, Paramjit S.

2002-07-01

Electrical power distribution for recently developed smart actuators becomes an important air-vehicle challenge if projected smart actuation benefits are to be met. Among the items under development are variable shape inlets and control surfaces that utilize shape memory alloys (SMA); full span, chord-wise and span-wise contouring trailing control surfaces that use SMA or piezoelectric materials for actuation; and other strain-based actuators for buffet load alleviation, flutter suppression and flow control. At first glance, such technologies afford overall vehicle performance improvement, however, integration system impacts have yet to be determined or quantified. Power systems to support smart structures initiatives are the focus of the current paper. The paper has been organized into five main topics for further discussion: (1) air-vehicle power system architectures - standard and advanced distribution concepts for actuators, (2) smart wing actuator power requirements and results - highlighting wind tunnel power measurements from shape memory alloy and piezoelectric ultrasonic motor actuated control surfaces and different dynamic pressure and angle of attack; (3) vehicle electromagnetic effects (EME) issues, (4) power supply design considerations for smart actuators - featuring the aircraft power and actuator interface, and (5) summary and conclusions.

Lymph node segmentation on CT images by a shape model guided deformable surface methodh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maleike, Daniel; Fabel, Michael; Tetzlaff, Ralf; von Tengg-Kobligk, Hendrik; Heimann, Tobias; Meinzer, Hans-Peter; Wolf, Ivo

2008-03-01

With many tumor entities, quantitative assessment of lymph node growth over time is important to make therapy choices or to evaluate new therapies. The clinical standard is to document diameters on transversal slices, which is not the best measure for a volume. We present a new algorithm to segment (metastatic) lymph nodes and evaluate the algorithm with 29 lymph nodes in clinical CT images. The algorithm is based on a deformable surface search, which uses statistical shape models to restrict free deformation. To model lymph nodes, we construct an ellipsoid shape model, which strives for a surface with strong gradients and user-defined gray values. The algorithm is integrated into an application, which also allows interactive correction of the segmentation results. The evaluation shows that the algorithm gives good results in the majority of cases and is comparable to time-consuming manual segmentation. The median volume error was 10.1% of the reference volume before and 6.1% after manual correction. Integrated into an application, it is possible to perform lymph node volumetry for a whole patient within the 10 to 15 minutes time limit imposed by clinical routine.

Predicting infant cortical surface development using a 4D varifold-based learning framework and local topography-based shape morphing.

PubMed

Rekik, Islem; Li, Gang; Lin, Weili; Shen, Dinggang

2016-02-01

Longitudinal neuroimaging analysis methods have remarkably advanced our understanding of early postnatal brain development. However, learning predictive models to trace forth the evolution trajectories of both normal and abnormal cortical shapes remains broadly absent. To fill this critical gap, we pioneered the first prediction model for longitudinal developing cortical surfaces in infants using a spatiotemporal current-based learning framework solely from the baseline cortical surface. In this paper, we detail this prediction model and even further improve its performance by introducing two key variants. First, we use the varifold metric to overcome the limitations of the current metric for surface registration that was used in our preliminary study. We also extend the conventional varifold-based surface registration model for pairwise registration to a spatiotemporal surface regression model. Second, we propose a morphing process of the baseline surface using its topographic attributes such as normal direction and principal curvature sign. Specifically, our method learns from longitudinal data both the geometric (vertices positions) and dynamic (temporal evolution trajectories) features of the infant cortical surface, comprising a training stage and a prediction stage. In the training stage, we use the proposed varifold-based shape regression model to estimate geodesic cortical shape evolution trajectories for each training subject. We then build an empirical mean spatiotemporal surface atlas. In the prediction stage, given an infant, we select the best learnt features from training subjects to simultaneously predict the cortical surface shapes at all later timepoints, based on similarity metrics between this baseline surface and the learnt baseline population average surface atlas. We used a leave-one-out cross validation method to predict the inner cortical surface shape at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age from the baseline cortical surface shape at birth. Our method attained a higher prediction accuracy and better captured the spatiotemporal dynamic change of the highly folded cortical surface than the previous proposed prediction method. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigation of the Influence of Shapes-Texture on Surface Deformation of UHMWPE as a Bearing Material in Static Normal Load and Rolling Contact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lestari, W. D.; Ismail, R.; Jamari, J.; Bayuseno, A. P.

2017-05-01

Surface texture is a common method for improving wear properties of a tribo-pair of soft and hard bearing material. The reduction of wear rates on the contacting surface material is becoming important issues. In the present study, analysis of the contact pressure on the flat surface of UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) under the static- and rolling motion with the surface of steel ball used the 3D finite element method (FEM) (the ABAQUS software version 6.12). Five shaped-texture models (square, circle, ellipse, triangle, and chevron) were presented on the flat surface for analysis. The normal load of 17, 30 and 50 N was deliberately set-up for static and rolling contact analysis. The contact pressure was determined to predict the wear behavior of the shaped-texture on the flat surface of UHMWPE. The results have shown that the static normal load yielded the lowest von-Mises stress distribution on the shaped-texture of the ellipse for all values applied a load, while the square shape experienced the highest stress distribution. Under rolling contact, however, the increasing load yielded the increasing von Mises stress distribution for the texture with a triangle shape. Moreover, the texture shapes for circle, ellipse, and chevron respectively, may undergo the lowest stress distribution for all load. The wear calculation provided that the circle and square shape may undergo the highest wear rates. Obviously, the surface texture of circle, ellipse, and chevron may experience the lowest wear rates and is potential for use in the surface engineering of bearing materials.

Thermal phonon transport in Si thin film with dog-leg shaped asymmetric nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kage, Yuta; Hagino, Harutoshi; Yanagisawa, Ryoto; Maire, Jeremie; Miyazaki, Koji; Nomura, Masahiro

2016-08-01

Thermal phonon transport in single-crystalline Si thin films with dog-leg shaped nanostructures was investigated. Thermal conductivities for the forward and backward directions were measured and compared at 5 and 295 K by micro thermoreflectance. The Si thin film with dog-leg shaped nanostructures showed lower thermal conductivities than those of nanowires and two-dimensional phononic crystals with circular holes at the same surface-to-volume ratio. However, asymmetric thermal conductivity was not observed at small temperature gradient condition in spite of the highly asymmetric shape though the size of the pattern is within thermal phonon mean free path range. We conclude that strong temperature dependent thermal conductivity is required to observe the asymmetric thermal phonon conduction in monolithic materials with asymmetric nanostructures.

Effect of planar cuts' orientation on the perceived surface layout and object's shape.

PubMed

Bocheva, Nadejda

2009-07-01

The effect of the orientation of the cutting planes producing planar curves over the surface of an object on its perceived pose and shape was investigated for line drawings representing three-dimensional objects. The results suggest that the orientational flow produced by the surface curves introduces an apparent object rotation in depth and in the image plane and changes in its perceived elongation. The apparent location of the nearest points is determined by the points of maximal view-dependent unsigned curvature of the surface curves. The data are discussed in relation to the interaction of the shape-from-silhouette system and shape-from-contour system and its effect on the interpretation of the surface contours with respect to the surface geometry.

Out-of-plane stretching for simultaneous generation of different morphological wrinkles on a soft matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xin; Zhao, Zhi-Jun; Park, Sang-Hu

2016-07-01

This study demonstrates a simple and flexible out-of-plane induced mechanical stretching method for generating labyrinthic, waving, and straight orderly microscale directional wrinkles. Different complex wrinkling patterns were fabricated simultaneously using a UV-curable thin layer of resin NOA-68T that was coated on a soft foundation. Then an out-of-plane pre-straining deformation was applied by a specially designed punch to generate internal elastic instabilities. The surface wrinkling pattern characteristics (shapes and size) changed according to the amount of punch stroke (pre-strain) and the cross-sectional shape of the punch. This study confirms the usefulness of this method for controlling and generating local wrinkling patterns for diverse applications. As an example, the contact angles of a water droplet on a local area of the same pattern were measured to identify the change in wettability with respect to different wrinkling shapes. This method can be utilized in topographical tunable wrinkle fabrication for local surface modification.

Crystal defects observed by the etch-pit method and their effects on Schottky-barrier-diode characteristics on (\\bar{2}01) β-Ga2O3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasu, Makoto; Oshima, Takayoshi; Hanada, Kenji; Moribayashi, Tomoya; Hashiguchi, Akihiro; Oishi, Toshiyuki; Koshi, Kimiyoshi; Sasaki, Kohei; Kuramata, Akito; Ueda, Osamu

2017-09-01

A pixel array of vertical Schottky-barrier diodes (SBDs) was fabricated and measured on the surface of a (\\bar{2}01) β-Ga2O3 single crystal. Subsequently, etch pits and patterns were observed on the same surface. Three types of etch pits were discovered: (1) a line-shaped etch pattern originating from a void and extending toward the [010] direction, (2) an arrow-shaped etch pit whose arrow’s head faces toward the [102] direction and, (3) a gourd-shaped etch pit whose point head faces toward the [102] direction. Their average densities were estimated to be 5 × 102, 7 × 104, and 9 × 104 cm-2, respectively. We confirmed no clear relationship between the leakage current in SBDs and these crystalline defects. Such results are obtained because threading dislocations run mainly in the [010] growth direction and do not go through the (\\bar{2}01) sample plate.

Simulated recovery of Europa's global shape and tidal Love numbers from altimetry and radio tracking during a dedicated flyby tour

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazarico, Erwan; Genova, Antonio; Neumann, Gregory A.; Smith, David E.; Zuber, Maria T.

2015-05-01

The fundamental scientific objectives for future spacecraft exploration of Jupiter's moon Europa include confirmation of the existence of subsurface ocean beneath the surface ice shell and constraints on the physical properties of the ocean. Here we conduct a comprehensive simulation of a multiple-flyby mission. We demonstrate that radio tracking data can provide an estimate of the gravitational tidal Love number k2 with sufficient precision to confirm the presence of a liquid layer. We further show that a capable long-range laser altimeter can improve determination of the spacecraft position, improve the k2 determination (<1% error), and enable the estimation of the planetary shape and Love number h2 (3-4% error), which is directly related to the amplitude of the surface tidal deformation. These measurements, in addition to the global shape accurately constrained by the long altimetric profiles, can yield further constraints on the interior structure of Europa.

Surface Plasmon Damping Quantified with an Electron Nanoprobe

PubMed Central

Bosman, Michel; Ye, Enyi; Tan, Shu Fen; Nijhuis, Christian A.; Yang, Joel K. W.; Marty, Renaud; Mlayah, Adnen; Arbouet, Arnaud; Girard, Christian; Han, Ming-Yong

2013-01-01

Fabrication and synthesis of plasmonic structures is rapidly moving towards sub-nanometer accuracy in control over shape and inter-particle distance. This holds the promise for developing device components based on novel, non-classical electro-optical effects. Monochromated electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) has in recent years demonstrated its value as a qualitative experimental technique in nano-optics and plasmonic due to its unprecedented spatial resolution. Here, we demonstrate that EELS can also be used quantitatively, to probe surface plasmon kinetics and damping in single nanostructures. Using this approach, we present from a large (>50) series of individual gold nanoparticles the plasmon Quality factors and the plasmon Dephasing times, as a function of energy/frequency. It is shown that the measured general trend applies to regular particle shapes (rods, spheres) as well as irregular shapes (dendritic, branched morphologies). The combination of direct sub-nanometer imaging with EELS-based plasmon damping analysis launches quantitative nanoplasmonics research into the sub-nanometer realm. PMID:23425921

Electronic anisotropies revealed by detwinned angle-resolved photo-emission spectroscopy measurements of FeSe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watson, Matthew D.; Haghighirad, Amir A.; Rhodes, Luke C.; Hoesch, Moritz; Kim, Timur K.

2017-10-01

We report high resolution angle-resolved photo-emission spectroscopy (ARPES) measurements of detwinned FeSe single crystals. The application of a mechanical strain is used to promote the volume fraction of one of the orthorhombic domains in the sample, which we estimate to be 80 % detwinned. While the full structure of the electron pockets consisting of two crossed ellipses may be observed in the tetragonal phase at temperatures above 90 K, we find that remarkably, only one peanut-shaped electron pocket oriented along the longer a axis contributes to the ARPES measurement at low temperatures in the nematic phase, with the expected pocket along b being not observed. Thus the low temperature Fermi surface of FeSe as experimentally determined by ARPES consists of one elliptical hole pocket and one orthogonally-oriented peanut-shaped electron pocket. Our measurements clarify the long-standing controversies over the interpretation of ARPES measurements of FeSe.

3D absolute shape measurement of live rabbit hearts with a superfast two-frequency phase-shifting technique

PubMed Central

Wang, Yajun; Laughner, Jacob I.; Efimov, Igor R.; Zhang, Song

2013-01-01

This paper presents a two-frequency binary phase-shifting technique to measure three-dimensional (3D) absolute shape of beating rabbit hearts. Due to the low contrast of the cardiac surface, the projector and the camera must remain focused, which poses challenges for any existing binary method where the measurement accuracy is low. To conquer this challenge, this paper proposes to utilize the optimal pulse width modulation (OPWM) technique to generate high-frequency fringe patterns, and the error-diffusion dithering technique to produce low-frequency fringe patterns. Furthermore, this paper will show that fringe patterns produced with blue light provide the best quality measurements compared to fringe patterns generated with red or green light; and the minimum data acquisition speed for high quality measurements is around 800 Hz for a rabbit heart beating at 180 beats per minute. PMID:23482151

Measurement of stress distributions in truck tyre contact patch in real rolling conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anghelache, Gabriel; Moisescu, Raluca

2012-12-01

Stress distributions on three orthogonal directions have been measured across the contact patch of truck tyres using the complex measuring system that contains a transducer assembly with 30 sensing elements placed in the road surface. The measurements have been performed in straight line, in real rolling conditions. Software applications for calibration, data acquisition, and data processing were developed. The influence of changes in inflation pressure and rolling speed on the shapes and sizes of truck tyre contact patch has been shown. The shapes and magnitudes of normal, longitudinal, and lateral stress distributions, measured at low speed, have been presented and commented. The effect of wheel toe-in and camber on the stress distribution results was observed. The paper highlights the impact of the longitudinal tread ribs on the shear stress distributions. The ratios of stress distributions in the truck tyre contact patch have been computed and discussed.

Comparative evaluation of root canal preparations of maxillary first molars with self-adjusting file, reciproc single file, and revo-s rotary file: A micro-computed tomography study.

PubMed

Ahmetoglu, Fuat; Keles, Ali; Simsek, Neslihan; Ocak, M Sinan; Yologlu, Saim

2015-01-01

This study was aimed to use micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) to evaluate the canal shaping properties of three nickel-titanium instruments, Self-Adjusting File (SAF), Reciproc, and Revo-S rotary file, in maxillary first molars. Thirty maxillary molars were scanned preoperatively by using micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) scans at 13,68 μm resolution. The teeth were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10). The root canals were shaped with SAF, Reciproc, and Revo-S, respectively. The shaped root canals were rescanned. Changes in canal volumes and surface areas were compared with preoperative values. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Conover's post hoc tests, with p < .05 denoting a statistically significant difference. Preoperatively canal volumes and surface area were statistically similar among the three groups (p > .05). There were statistically significant differences in all measures comparing preoperative and postoperative canal models (p = 0.0001). These differences occurred after instrumentation among the three experimental groups showed no statistically significant difference for volume (p > .05). Surface area showed the similar activity in buccal canals in each of the three techniques whereas no statistically significant difference was detected among surface area, the SAF, and the Revo-S in the palatal (P) canal. Each of three shaping system showed the similar volume activity in all canals, but SAF and Revo-S provided more effectively root planning in comparison with Reciproc in P canal. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The 3-D vision system integrated dexterous hand

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luo, Ren C.; Han, Youn-Sik

1989-01-01

Most multifingered hands use a tendon mechanism to minimize the size and weight of the hand. Such tendon mechanisms suffer from the problems of striction and friction of the tendons resulting in a reduction of control accuracy. A design for a 3-D vision system integrated dexterous hand with motor control is described which overcomes these problems. The proposed hand is composed of three three-jointed grasping fingers with tactile sensors on their tips, a two-jointed eye finger with a cross-shaped laser beam emitting diode in its distal part. The two non-grasping fingers allow 3-D vision capability and can rotate around the hand to see and measure the sides of grasped objects and the task environment. An algorithm that determines the range and local orientation of the contact surface using a cross-shaped laser beam is introduced along with some potential applications. An efficient method for finger force calculation is presented which uses the measured contact surface normals of an object.

Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ostrach, Simon; Kamotani, Y.; Pline, A.

1994-01-01

Results are reported of the Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE) aboard the USML-1 (first United States Microgravity Laboratory) Spacelab which was launched on June 25, 1992. In the experiment 10 cSt silicone oil was placed in an open circular container which was 10 cm wide by 5 cm deep. The fluid was heated either by a cylindrical heater (1.11 cm dia.) located along the container centerline or by a CO2 laser beam to induce thermocapillary flow. The flow field was studied by flow visualization. Several thermistor probes were placed in the fluid to measure the temperature distribution. The temperature distribution along the liquid free surface was measured by an infrared imager. Tests were conducted over a range of heating powers, laser beam diameters, and free surface shapes. In conjunction with the experiments an extensive numerical modeling of the flow was conducted. In this paper some results of the velocity and temperature measurements with flat and curved free surfaces are presented and they are shown to agree well with the numerical predictions.

Piezocomposite Actuator Arrays for Correcting and Controlling Wavefront Error in Reflectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradford, Samuel Case; Peterson, Lee D.; Ohara, Catherine M.; Shi, Fang; Agnes, Greg S.; Hoffman, Samuel M.; Wilkie, William Keats

2012-01-01

Three reflectors have been developed and tested to assess the performance of a distributed network of piezocomposite actuators for correcting thermal deformations and total wave-front error. The primary testbed article is an active composite reflector, composed of a spherically curved panel with a graphite face sheet and aluminum honeycomb core composite, and then augmented with a network of 90 distributed piezoelectric composite actuators. The piezoelectric actuator system may be used for correcting as-built residual shape errors, and for controlling low-order, thermally-induced quasi-static distortions of the panel. In this study, thermally-induced surface deformations of 1 to 5 microns were deliberately introduced onto the reflector, then measured using a speckle holography interferometer system. The reflector surface figure was subsequently corrected to a tolerance of 50 nm using the actuators embedded in the reflector's back face sheet. Two additional test articles were constructed: a borosilicate at window at 150 mm diameter with 18 actuators bonded to the back surface; and a direct metal laser sintered reflector with spherical curvature, 230 mm diameter, and 12 actuators bonded to the back surface. In the case of the glass reflector, absolute measurements were performed with an interferometer and the absolute surface was corrected. These test articles were evaluated to determine their absolute surface control capabilities, as well as to assess a multiphysics modeling effort developed under this program for the prediction of active reflector response. This paper will describe the design, construction, and testing of active reflector systems under thermal loads, and subsequent correction of surface shape via distributed peizeoelctric actuation.

Large-scale cauliflower-shaped hierarchical copper nanostructures for efficient photothermal conversion.

PubMed

Fan, Peixun; Wu, Hui; Zhong, Minlin; Zhang, Hongjun; Bai, Benfeng; Jin, Guofan

2016-08-14

Efficient solar energy harvesting and photothermal conversion have essential importance for many practical applications. Here, we present a laser-induced cauliflower-shaped hierarchical surface nanostructure on a copper surface, which exhibits extremely high omnidirectional absorption efficiency over a broad electromagnetic spectral range from the UV to the near-infrared region. The measured average hemispherical absorptance is as high as 98% within the wavelength range of 200-800 nm, and the angle dependent specular reflectance stays below 0.1% within the 0-60° incident angle. Such a structured copper surface can exhibit an apparent heating up effect under the sunlight illumination. In the experiment of evaporating water, the structured surface yields an overall photothermal conversion efficiency over 60% under an illuminating solar power density of ∼1 kW m(-2). The presented technology provides a cost-effective, reliable, and simple way for realizing broadband omnidirectional light absorptive metal surfaces for efficient solar energy harvesting and utilization, which is highly demanded in various light harvesting, anti-reflection, and photothermal conversion applications. Since the structure is directly formed by femtosecond laser writing, it is quite suitable for mass production and can be easily extended to a large surface area.

Ultrasonic monitoring of pitting corrosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jarvis, A. J. C.; Cegla, F. B.; Bazaz, H.; Lozev, M.

2013-01-01

Exposure to corrosive substances in high temperature environments can cause damage accumulation in structural steels, particularly in the chemical and petrochemical industries. The interaction mechanisms are complex and varied; however initial damage propagation often manifests itself in the form of localized areas of increased material loss. Recent development of an ultrasonic wall thickness monitoring sensor capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 500°C has allowed permanent monitoring within such hostile environments, providing information on how the shape of a pulse which has reflected from a corroding surface can change over time. Reconstructing localized corrosion depth and position may be possible by tracking such changes in reflected pulse shape, providing extra information on the state of the backwall and whether process conditions should be altered to increase plant life. This paper aims to experimentally investigate the effect certain localized features have on reflected pulse shape by `growing' artificial defects into the backwall while wall thickness is monitored using the sensor. The size and complexity of the three dimensional scattering problem lead to the development of a semi-analytical simulation based on the distributed point source method (DPSM) which is capable of simulating pulse reflection from complex surfaces measuring approximately 17×10λ Comparison to experimental results show that amplitude changes are predicted to within approximately 1dB and that pulse shape changes are accurately modelled. All experiments were carried out at room temperature, measurements at high temperature will be studied in the future.

High-Speed Surface Reconstruction of Flying Birds Using Structured Light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deetjen, Marc; Lentink, David

2017-11-01

Birds fly effectively through complex environments, and in order to understand the strategies that enable them to do so, we need to determine the shape and movement of their wings. Previous studies show that even small perturbations in wing shape have dramatic aerodynamic effects, but these shape changes have not been quantified automatically at high temporal and spatial resolutions. Hence, we developed a custom 3D surface mapping method which uses a high-speed camera to view a grid of stripes projected onto a flying bird. Because the light is binary rather than grayscale, and each frame is separately analyzed, this method can function at any frame rate with sufficient light. The method is automated, non-invasive, and able to measure a volume by simultaneously reconstructing from multiple views. We use this technique to reconstruct the 3D shape of the surface of a parrotlet during flapping flight at 3200 fps. We then analyze key dynamic parameters such as wing twist and angle of attack, and compute aerodynamic parameters such as lift and drag. While this novel system is designed to quantify bird wing shape and motion, it is adaptable for tracking other objects such as quickly deforming fish, especially those which are difficult to reconstruct using other 3D tracking methods. The presenter needs to leave by 3 pm on the final day of the conference (11/21) in order to make his flight. Please account for this in the scheduling if possible by scheduling the presentation earlier in the day or a different day.

A new surface fractal dimension for displacement mode shape-based damage identification of plate-type structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Binkai; Qiao, Pizhong

2018-03-01

Vibration-based nondestructive testing is an area of growing interest and worthy of exploring new and innovative approaches. The displacement mode shape is often chosen to identify damage due to its local detailed characteristic and less sensitivity to surrounding noise. Requirement for baseline mode shape in most vibration-based damage identification limits application of such a strategy. In this study, a new surface fractal dimension called edge perimeter dimension (EPD) is formulated, from which an EPD-based window dimension locus (EPD-WDL) algorithm for irregularity or damage identification of plate-type structures is established. An analytical notch-type damage model of simply-supported plates is proposed to evaluate notch effect on plate vibration performance; while a sub-domain of notch cases with less effect is selected to investigate robustness of the proposed damage identification algorithm. Then, fundamental aspects of EPD-WDL algorithm in term of notch localization, notch quantification, and noise immunity are assessed. A mathematical solution called isomorphism is implemented to remove false peaks caused by inflexions of mode shapes when applying the EPD-WDL algorithm to higher mode shapes. The effectiveness and practicability of the EPD-WDL algorithm are demonstrated by an experimental procedure on damage identification of an artificially-induced notched aluminum cantilever plate using a measurement system of piezoelectric lead-zirconate (PZT) actuator and scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (SLDV). As demonstrated in both the analytical and experimental evaluations, the new surface fractal dimension technique developed is capable of effectively identifying damage in plate-type structures.

Size- and shape-dependent surface thermodynamic properties of nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Qingshan; Xue, Yongqiang; Cui, Zixiang

2018-05-01

As the fundamental properties, the surface thermodynamic properties of nanocrystals play a key role in the physical and chemical changes. However, it remains ambiguous about the quantitative influence regularities of size and shape on the surface thermodynamic properties of nanocrystals. Thus by introducing interface variables into the Gibbs energy and combining Young-Laplace equation, relations between the surface thermodynamic properties (surface Gibbs energy, surface enthalpy, surface entropy, surface energy and surface heat capacity), respectively, and size of nanocrystals with different shapes were derived. Theoretical estimations of the orders of the surface thermodynamic properties of nanocrystals agree with available experimental values. Calculated results of the surface thermodynamic properties of Au, Bi and Al nanocrystals suggest that when r > 10 nm, the surface thermodynamic properties linearly vary with the reciprocal of particle size, and when r < 10 nm, the effect of particle size on the surface thermodynamic properties becomes greater and deviates from linear variation. For nanocrystals with identical equivalent diameter, the more the shape deviates from sphere, the larger the surface thermodynamic properties (absolute value) are.

Three-dimensional vibrometry of the human eardrum with stroboscopic lensless digital holography

PubMed Central

Khaleghi, Morteza; Furlong, Cosme; Ravicz, Mike; Cheng, Jeffrey Tao; Rosowski, John J.

2015-01-01

Abstract. The eardrum or tympanic membrane (TM) transforms acoustic energy at the ear canal into mechanical motions of the ossicles. The acousto-mechanical transformer behavior of the TM is determined by its shape, three-dimensional (3-D) motion, and mechanical properties. We have developed an optoelectronic holographic system to measure the shape and 3-D sound-induced displacements of the TM. The shape of the TM is measured with dual-wavelength holographic contouring using a tunable near IR laser source with a central wavelength of 780 nm. 3-D components of sound-induced displacements of the TM are measured with the method of multiple sensitivity vectors using stroboscopic holographic interferometry. To accurately obtain sensitivity vectors, a new technique is developed and used in which the sensitivity vectors are obtained from the images of a specular sphere that is being illuminated from different directions. Shape and 3-D acoustically induced displacement components of cadaveric human TMs at several excitation frequencies are measured at more than one million points on its surface. A numerical rotation matrix is used to rotate the original Euclidean coordinate of the measuring system in order to obtain in-plane and out-of-plane motion components. Results show that in-plane components of motion are much smaller (<20%) than the out-of-plane motions’ components. PMID:25652791

The Impact Of Surface Shape Of Chip-Breaker On Machined Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Šajgalík, Michal; Czán, Andrej; Martinček, Juraj; Varga, Daniel; Hemžský, Pavel; Pitela, David

2015-12-01

Machined surface is one of the most used indicators of workpiece quality. But machined surface is influenced by several factors such as cutting parameters, cutting material, shape of cutting tool or cutting insert, micro-structure of machined material and other known as technological parameters. By improving of these parameters, we can improve machined surface. In the machining, there is important to identify the characteristics of main product of these processes - workpiece, but also the byproduct - the chip. Size and shape of chip has impact on lifetime of cutting tools and its inappropriate form can influence the machine functionality and lifetime, too. This article deals with elimination of long chip created when machining of shaft in automotive industry and with impact of shape of chip-breaker on shape of chip in various cutting conditions based on production requirements.

[Technical aspects of measurement for optically sophisticated eyeglasses].

PubMed

Guilino, G

1988-07-01

This paper deals with the question of how aspherical ophthalmic lenses can be measured outside the reference point given by the manufacturer in order to make a lens comparison or to test the shape faithfulness of the lens surface. Three procedures are presented with measuring examples - vertex power measurement with swiveled lens mount, probe scan in a three-coordinate measurement, and interferometer measurement using a non-ideal reference lens. The basic problem inherent in an application-related interpretation of the measuring data sets gained by these methods is shown.

Measurement and prediction of indoor air quality using a breathing thermal manikin.

PubMed

Melikov, A; Kaczmarczyk, J

2007-02-01

The analyses performed in this paper reveal that a breathing thermal manikin with realistic simulation of respiration including breathing cycle, pulmonary ventilation rate, frequency and breathing mode, gas concentration, humidity and temperature of exhaled air and human body shape and surface temperature is sensitive enough to perform reliable measurement of characteristics of air as inhaled by occupants. The temperature, humidity, and pollution concentration in the inhaled air can be measured accurately with a thermal manikin without breathing simulation if they are measured at the upper lip at a distance of <0.01 m from the face. Body surface temperature, shape and posture as well as clothing insulation have impact on the measured inhaled air parameters. Proper simulation of breathing, especially of exhalation, is needed for studying the transport of exhaled air between occupants. A method for predicting air acceptability based on inhaled air parameters and known exposure-response relationships established in experiments with human subjects is suggested. Recommendations for optimal simulation of human breathing by means of a breathing thermal manikin when studying pollution concentration, temperature and humidity of the inhaled air as well as the transport of exhaled air (which may carry infectious agents) between occupants are outlined. In order to compare results obtained with breathing thermal manikins, their nose and mouth geometry should be standardized.

Direct Measurements of Drag Forces in C. elegans Crawling Locomotion

PubMed Central

Rabets, Yegor; Backholm, Matilda; Dalnoki-Veress, Kari; Ryu, William S.

2014-01-01

With a simple and versatile microcantilever-based force measurement technique, we have probed the drag forces involved in Caenorhabditis elegans locomotion. As a worm crawls on an agar surface, we found that substrate viscoelasticity introduces nonlinearities in the force-velocity relationships, yielding nonconstant drag coefficients that are not captured by original resistive force theory. A major contributing factor to these nonlinearities is the formation of a shallow groove on the agar surface. We measured both the adhesion forces that cause the worm’s body to settle into the agar and the resulting dynamics of groove formation. Furthermore, we quantified the locomotive forces produced by C. elegans undulatory motions on a wet viscoelastic agar surface. We show that an extension of resistive force theory is able to use the dynamics of a nematode’s body shape along with the measured drag coefficients to predict the forces generated by a crawling nematode. PMID:25418179

Unsteady blade pressure measurements for the SR-7A propeller at cruise conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heidelberg, L. J.; Nallasamy, M.

1990-01-01

The unsteady blade surface pressures were measured on the SR-7A propeller. The freestream Mach no., inflow angle, and advance ratio were varied while measurements were made at nine blade stations. At a freestream Mach no. of 0.8, the data in terms of unsteady pressure coefficient vs. azimuth angle are compared to an unsteady 3-D Euler solution, yielding very encouraging results. The code predicts the shape (phase) of the waveform very well, while the magnitude is over-predicted in many cases. At tunnel Mach nos. below 0.6, an unusually large response on the suction surface at 0.15 chord and 0.88 radius was observed. The behavior of this response suggests the presence of a leading edge vortex. The midchord measuring stations on the suction surface exhibit a response that leads the forcing function while most other locations show a phase lag.

Unsteady Pressures on a Generic Capsule Shape

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burnside, Nathan; Ross, James C.

2015-01-01

While developing the aerodynamic database for the Orion spacecraft, the low-speed flight regime (transonic and below) proved to be the most difficult to predict and measure accurately. The flow over the capsule heat shield in descent flight was particularly troublesome for both computational and experimental efforts due to its unsteady nature and uncertainty about the boundary layer state. The data described here were acquired as part of a study to improve the understanding of the overall flow around a generic capsule. The unsteady pressure measurements acquired on a generic capsule shape are presented along with a discussion about the effects of various flight conditions and heat-shield surface roughness on the resulting pressure fluctuations.

Temperature dependence of surface tension of molten iron under reducing gas atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozawa, S.; Takahashi, S.; Fukuyama, H.; Watanabe, M.

2011-12-01

Surface tension of molten iron was measured under Ar-He-5vol.%H2 gas by oscillating droplet method using electromagnetic levitation furnace in consideration of the temperature dependence of oxygen partial pressure, Po2, of the gas. For comparison, the measurement was carried under Ar-He atmosphere to fix the Po2 of the inlet gas at 10-2Pa. The surface tension was successfully measured over a wide temperature range of about 780K including undercooling condition. When Po2 is fixed at 10-2 Pa, the surface tension increased and then decreased with increasing temperature like a boomerang shape. When the measurement was carried out under the H2-containing gas atmosphere, the temperature dependence of the surface tension shows unique kink at around 1810K instead of liner relationship due to competition between the temperature dependence of the Po2 and that of the equilibrium constant of oxygen adsorption reaction. The relationship between the calculated lnKad with respect to inverse temperature using Szyszkowski model was different between the atmospheric gases.

Surface Irregularity Factor as a Parameter to Evaluate the Fatigue Damage State of CFRP

PubMed Central

Zuluaga-Ramírez, Pablo; Frövel, Malte; Belenguer, Tomás; Salazar, Félix

2015-01-01

This work presents an optical non-contact technique to evaluate the fatigue damage state of CFRP structures measuring the irregularity factor of the surface. This factor includes information about surface topology and can be measured easily on field, by techniques such as optical perfilometers. The surface irregularity factor has been correlated with stiffness degradation, which is a well-accepted parameter for the evaluation of the fatigue damage state of composite materials. Constant amplitude fatigue loads (CAL) and realistic variable amplitude loads (VAL), representative of real in- flight conditions, have been applied to “dog bone” shaped tensile specimens. It has been shown that the measurement of the surface irregularity parameters can be applied to evaluate the damage state of a structure, and that it is independent of the type of fatigue load that has caused the damage. As a result, this measurement technique is applicable for a wide range of inspections of composite material structures, from pressurized tanks with constant amplitude loads, to variable amplitude loaded aeronautical structures such as wings and empennages, up to automotive and other industrial applications. PMID:28793655

Dynamics of landslides on comets of irregular shape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czechowski, Leszek

2017-04-01

Landslides were observed on a few comet's nuclei, e.g. [1], [2]. The mechanism of their origin is not obvious because of very low gravity. According to [2] fluidization and multiphase transport of cometary material could be an explanation. We investigate here motion of the mass on a comet of irregular shape. The mechanism responsible for the low friction is not considered here. In fact, mass motion often occurs without contact with the surface. The motion could be triggered by meteoroids impacts or by the tidal forces. Comets nuclei are believed to be built of soft materials like snow and dust. The landing of Philae on the comet 67P/Czuriumow-Gierasimienko indicates a different situation. According to [1]: "thermal probe did not fully penetrate the near-surface layers, suggesting a local resistance of the ground to penetration of >4 megapascals, equivalent to >2 megapascal uniaxial compressive strength". Here we assume that elastic properties of comet's nuclei could be similar to elastic properties of dry snow, namely Young modulus is assumed to be 1 - 100 MPa, see [3] and [4]. We consider nucleus of the shape of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko with density 470 kg/m3. The impact or tidal forces result in changing of rotation of the comet. In general, the vector of angular velocity will be a subject to nutation that results in changing of centrifugal force, and consequently could be a factor triggering landslides. Note that nucleus' shape does not resemble the shape of surface of constant value of gravitational potential (i.e. 'geoid'). Our numerical models indicate the parts of the nucleus where landslides start and other parts where landslides stop. Of course, the regolith from the first type of regions would be removed to the regions of the second class. The motion of the mass is often complicated because of complicated distribution of the gravity and complicated shape of the nucleus. Acknowledgement: The research is partly supported by Polish National Science Centre NCN) (decision 2014/15/B/ST 10/02117) References [1] T. Spohn, et al. (2015) Thermal and mechanical properties of the near-surface layers of comet 67P/Churyumov- Gerasimenko. Science 31 July 2015: Vol. 349 no. 6247 DOI: 10.1126/science.aab0464 [2] Belton M. J.S., Melosh J. (2009). Fluidization and multiphase transport of particulate cometary material as an explanation of the smooth terrains and repetitive outbursts on 9P/Tempel 1. Icarus 200 (2009) 280-291 [3] Reuter B. (2013) On how to measure snow mechanical properties relevant to slab avalanche release. International Snow Science Workshop Grenoble - Chamonix Mont-Blanc - 2013 007 [4] Ball A.J. (1997) Ph. D. Thesis: Measuring Physical Properties at the Surface of a Comet Nucleus, Univ.of Kent U.K.

An assessment technique for computer-socket manufacturing

PubMed Central

Sanders, Joan; Severance, Michael

2015-01-01

An assessment strategy is presented for testing the quality of carving and forming of individual computer aided manufacturing facilities. The strategy is potentially useful to facilities making sockets and companies marketing manufacturing equipment. To execute the strategy, an evaluator fabricates a collection of test models and sockets using the manufacturing suite under evaluation, and then measures their shapes using scanning equipment. Overall socket quality is assessed by comparing socket shapes with electronic file shapes. Then model shapes are compared with electronic file shapes to characterize carving performance. Socket shapes are compared with model shapes to characterize forming performance. The mean radial error (MRE), which is the average difference in radii between the two shapes being compared, provides insight into sizing quality. Inter-quartile range (IQR), the range of radial error for the best matched half of the points on the surfaces being compared, provides insight into shape quality. By determining MRE and IQR for carving and forming separately, the source(s) of socket shape error may be pinpointed. The developed strategy may provide a useful tool to the prosthetics community and industry to help identify problems and limitations in computer aided manufacturing and insight into appropriate modifications to overcome them. PMID:21938663

Dynamics of contextual modulation of perceived shape in human vision

PubMed Central

Gheorghiu, Elena; Kingdom, Frederick A. A.

2017-01-01

In biological vision, contextual modulation refers to the influence of a surround pattern on either the perception of, or the neural responses to, a target pattern. One studied form of contextual modulation deals with the effect of a surround texture on the perceived shape of a contour, in the context of the phenomenon known as the shape aftereffect. In the shape aftereffect, prolonged viewing, or adaptation to a particular contour’s shape causes a shift in the perceived shape of a subsequently viewed contour. Shape aftereffects are suppressed when the adaptor contour is surrounded by a texture of similarly-shaped contours, a surprising result given that the surround contours are all potential adaptors. Here we determine the motion and temporal properties of this form of contextual modulation. We varied the relative motion directions, speeds and temporal phases between the central adaptor contour and the surround texture and measured for each manipulation the degree to which the shape aftereffect was suppressed. Results indicate that contextual modulation of shape processing is selective to motion direction, temporal frequency and temporal phase. These selectivities are consistent with one aim of vision being to segregate contours that define objects from those that form textured surfaces. PMID:28230085

Effect of Anisotropy on Shape Measurement Accuracy of Silicon Wafer Using Three-Point-Support Inverting Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, Yukihiro; Natsu, Wataru; Kunieda, Masanori

This paper describes the influences of anisotropy found in the elastic modulus of monocrystalline silicon wafers on the measurement accuracy of the three-point-support inverting method which can measure the warp and thickness of thin large panels simultaneously. Deflection due to gravity depends on the crystal orientation relative to the positions of the three-point-supports. Thus the deviation of actual crystal orientation from the direction indicated by the notch fabricated on the wafer causes measurement errors. Numerical analysis of the deflection confirmed that the uncertainty of thickness measurement increases from 0.168µm to 0.524µm due to this measurement error. In addition, experimental results showed that the rotation of crystal orientation relative to the three-point-supports is effective for preventing wafer vibration excited by disturbance vibration because the resonance frequency of wafers can be changed. Thus, surface shape measurement accuracy was improved by preventing resonant vibration during measurement.

3D shape measurement of moving object with FFT-based spatial matching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Qinghua; Ruan, Yuxi; Xi, Jiangtao; Song, Limei; Zhu, Xinjun; Yu, Yanguang; Tong, Jun

2018-03-01

This work presents a new technique for 3D shape measurement of moving object in translational motion, which finds applications in online inspection, quality control, etc. A low-complexity 1D fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based spatial matching approach is devised to obtain accurate object displacement estimates, and it is combined with single shot fringe pattern prolometry (FPP) techniques to achieve high measurement performance with multiple captured images through coherent combining. The proposed technique overcomes some limitations of existing ones. Specifically, the placement of marks on object surface and synchronization between projector and camera are not needed, the velocity of the moving object is not required to be constant, and there is no restriction on the movement trajectory. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.

Superhydrophobic Surface With Shape Memory Micro/Nanostructure and Its Application in Rewritable Chip for Droplet Storage.

PubMed

Lv, Tong; Cheng, Zhongjun; Zhang, Dongjie; Zhang, Enshuang; Zhao, Qianlong; Liu, Yuyan; Jiang, Lei

2016-09-21

Recently, superhydrophobic surfaces with tunable wettability have aroused much attention. Noticeably, almost all present smart performances rely on the variation of surface chemistry on static micro/nanostructure, to obtain a surface with dynamically tunable micro/nanostructure, especially that can memorize and keep different micro/nanostructures and related wettabilities, is still a challenge. Herein, by creating micro/nanostructured arrays on shape memory polymer, a superhydrophobic surface that has shape memory ability in changing and recovering its hierarchical structures and related wettabilities was reported. Meanwhile, the surface was successfully used in the rewritable functional chip for droplet storage by designing microstructure-dependent patterns, which breaks through current research that structure patterns cannot be reprogrammed. This article advances a superhydrophobic surface with shape memory hierarchical structure and the application in rewritable functional chip, which could start some fresh ideas for the development of smart superhydrophobic surface.

Method for deploying and recovering a wave energy converter

DOEpatents

Mundon, Timothy R

2017-05-23

A system for transporting a buoy and a heave plate. The system includes a buoy and a heave plate. An outer surface of the buoy has a first geometrical shape. A surface of the heave plate has a geometrical shape complementary to the first geometrical shape of the buoy. The complementary shapes of the buoy and the heave plate facilitate coupling of the heave plate to the outer surface of the buoy in a transport mode.

Random packing of regular polygons and star polygons on a flat two-dimensional surface.

PubMed

Cieśla, Michał; Barbasz, Jakub

2014-08-01

Random packing of unoriented regular polygons and star polygons on a two-dimensional flat continuous surface is studied numerically using random sequential adsorption algorithm. Obtained results are analyzed to determine the saturated random packing ratio as well as its density autocorrelation function. Additionally, the kinetics of packing growth and available surface function are measured. In general, stars give lower packing ratios than polygons, but when the number of vertexes is large enough, both shapes approach disks and, therefore, properties of their packing reproduce already known results for disks.

Wind-Tunnel Investigation of Control-Surface Characteristics XX : Plain and Balanced Flaps on an NACA 0009 Rectangular Semispan Tail Surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garner, Elizabeth I.

1944-01-01

Correlation is established between aerodynamic characteristics of control surfaces in two-dimensional and three-dimensional flow. Slope of lift curve was affected little by overhang and balance-nose shape, but increased by sealing flap-nose gap. Effectiveness of balancing tab was same for sealed plain flap and unsealed overhang flap. Changes in hinge-moment coefficient were diminished by sealing gap. Values measured by three-dimensional flow disagreed with two-dimensional flow values until aspect ratio corrections were made.

Geoscientific Mapping of Vesta by the Dawn Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaumann, R.; Pieters, C. M.; Neukum, G.; Mottola, S.; DeSanctis, M. C.; Russell, C. T.; Raymond, C. A.; McSween, H. Y.; Roatsch, T.; Nathues, A.;

Dynamic calibration of higher eigenmode parameters of a cantilever in atomic force microscopy by using tip–surface interactions

DOE PAGES

Borysov, Stanislav S.; Forchheimer, Daniel; Haviland, David B.

2014-10-29

Here we present a theoretical framework for the dynamic calibration of the higher eigenmode parameters (stiffness and optical lever inverse responsivity) of a cantilever. The method is based on the tip–surface force reconstruction technique and does not require any prior knowledge of the eigenmode shape or the particular form of the tip–surface interaction. The calibration method proposed requires a single-point force measurement by using a multimodal drive and its accuracy is independent of the unknown physical amplitude of a higher eigenmode.

Deformable Mirror Materials Issue Assessment

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

Rudd, R E

2008-05-27

It was a pleasure to speak with you and Dr. Olivier Guyon about your project to develop a coronagraph and in particular about materials science considerations in the development of the deformable mirror (DM) for the coronagraph. The coronagraph application will demand more of a DM than previous applications with regard to precision, and since the characterization and modeling tools are currently under development, you asked me to comment on materials issues that might impact the DM design and testing. I have not conducted research on this question, and my own research on modeling MEMS has not included DM systems.more » I am only in a position to discuss some general considerations that may help in developing a research plan for the DM system. As I understand it, the relevant points about the DM system are as follows. The DM surface needs to be positioned to less than 1 {angstrom} RMS of the desired shape, and be stable to 0.3 {angstrom} RMS for an hour. In the ultimate application in space the stability requirements may be greater. For example, the DM shape can be set using a bright star and then allow the coronagraph to be turned to a dim star to collect data for several hours, counting on the mirror shape to be stable. The DM is made of a polysilicon membrane coated with one or more metal layers for the reflective surface and actuated by 32x32 or 64x64 electrostatic actuators on the back side. The uncertainty in the position of any one actuator should be at the few-picometer level or less averaged over the 300-{micro}m region of the actuator. Currently, experiments are conducted that can characterize the surface shape to the 1 nm level, and it is anticipated that the experiments will be able to characterize the shape at the sub-Angstrom level but not in the immediate future. Regarding stability, under relatively large deformations (10's of nm), the DM mirror surface shows no hysteresis at the measurable nm level. Let me begin by saying that I am not aware of any article in the literature that directly assesses surface position stability at the sub-Angstrom level across 100's of microns of surface. Interferometry is typically used for precise metrology over areas this large, but not typically at the sub-Angstrom level. For the purpose of these comments, I assume that it will be possible to measure the precision of the mirror shape and stability at the requisite sub-Angstrom level at some point during the coronagraph development using interferometers or some other high-precision metrology technique. The hope is that the comments at this point may identify some potential issues that can be resolved early in the development to avoid costly surprises in the later stages.« less

Pulsed Airborne Lidar Measurements of Atmospheric CO2 Column Absorption and Line Shapes from 3-13 km Altitudes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abshire, J. B.; Riris, H.; Allan, G. R.; Weaver, C.; Hasselbrack, W.; Sun, X.

2009-01-01

We have developed a lidar technique for measuring the tropospheric C02 concentrations as a candidate for NASA's planned ASCENDS mission. Our technique uses two pulsed laser transmitters allowing simultaneous measurement of a C02 absorption line in the 1570 nm band, 02 extinction in the Oxygen A-band and surface height and backscatter. The lidar measures the energy and time of flight of the laser echoes reflected from the atmosphere and surface. The lasers are stepped in wavelength across the C02 line and an 02 line region during the measurement. The receiver uses a telescope and photon counting detectors, and measures the background light and energies of the laser echoes from the surface along with scattering from any aerosols in the path. The gas extinction and column densities for the C02 and 02 gases are estimated from the ratio of the on- and off- line signals via the DIAL technique. Time gating is used to isolate the laser echo signals from the surface, and to reject laser photons scattered in the atmosphere. We have developed an airborne lidar to demonstrate the C02 measurement from the NASA Glenn Lear 25 aircraft. The airborne lidar steps the pulsed laser's wavelength across a selected C02 line with 20 steps per scan. The line scan rate is 450 Hz and laser pulse widths are I usec. The time resolved laser backscatter is collected by a 20 cm telescope, detected by a photomultiplier and is recorded by a photon counting system. We made initial airborne measurements on flights during October and December 2008. Laser backscatter and absorption measurements were made over a variety of land and water surfaces and through thin and broken clouds. Atmospheric C02 column measurements using the 1571.4, 1572.02 and 1572.33 nm C02 lines. Two flights were made above the DOE SGP ARM site at altitudes from 3-8 km. These nights were coordinated with DOE investigators who Hew an in-situ C02 sensor on a Cessna aircraft under the path. The increasing C02 line absorptions with altitudes were evident and comparison with in-situ measurements showed agreements to 6 ppm. This spring we improved the aircraft's nadir window. During July and August 2009 we made 9 additional 2 hour long flights and measured the atmospheric C02 absorption and line shapes using the 1572.33 nm C02 line. Measurements were made at stepped altitudes from 3-13 km over a variety of surface types in Nebraska, Illinois, the SGP ARM site, and near and over the Chesapeake Bay in North Carolina and Virginia. Strong laser signals and clear line shapes were observed at all altitudes, and some measurements were made through thin clouds. The flights over the ARM site were underflown with in-situ measurements made from the DOE Cessna. The Oklahoma and east coast t1ights were coordinated with a LaRC/ITT C02 lidar on the LaRC UC-12 aircraft, a LaRC insitu C02 sensor, and the Oklahoma flights also included a JPL C02 lidar on a Twin Otter aircraft. Ed Browell and Gary Spiers led the LaRC and JPL teams. More details of the t1ights, measurements and analysis will be described in the presentation.

Blade pressure measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chivers, J. W. H.

Three measurement techniques which enable rotating pressures to be measured during the normal operation of a gas turbine or a component test rig are described. The first technique was developed specifically to provide steady and transient blade surface pressure data to aid both fan flutter research and general fan performance development. This technique involves the insertion of miniature high frequency response pressure transducers into the fan blades of a large civil gas turbine. The other two techniques were developed to measure steady rotating pressures inside and on the surface of engine or rig turbine blades and also rotating pressures in cooling feed systems. These two low frequency response systems are known as the "pressure pineapple' (a name which resulted from the shape of the original prototype) and the rotating scanivalve.

Visualization of the wake behind a sliding bubble

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Reilly Meehan, R.; Grennan, K.; Davis, I.; Nolan, K.; Murray, D. B.

2017-10-01

In this work, Schlieren measurements are presented for the wake of an air bubble sliding under a heated, inclined surface in quiescent water to provide new insights into the intricate sliding bubble wake structure and the associated convective cooling process. This is a two-phase flow configuration that is pertinent to thermal management solutions, where the fundamental flow physics have yet to be fully described. In this work, we present an experimental apparatus that enables high-quality Schlieren images for different bubble sizes and measurement planes. By combining these visualizations with an advanced bubble tracking technique, we can simultaneously quantify the symbiotic relationship that exists between the sliding bubble dynamics and its associated wake. An unstable, dynamic wake structure is revealed, consisting of multiple hairpin-shaped vortex structures interacting within the macroscopic area affected by the bubble. As vorticity is generated in the near wake, the bubble shape is observed to recoil and rebound. This also occurs normal to the surface and is particularly noticeable for larger bubble sizes, with a periodic ejection of material from the near wake corresponding to significant shape changes. These findings, along with their implications from a thermal management perspective, provide information on the rich dynamics of this natural flow that cannot be obtained using alternate experimental techniques.

The role of probe oxide in local surface conductivity measurements

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

Barnett, C. J.; Kryvchenkova, O.; Wilson, L. S. J.

2015-05-07

Local probe methods can be used to measure nanoscale surface conductivity, but some techniques including nanoscale four point probe rely on at least two of the probes forming the same low resistivity non-rectifying contact to the sample. Here, the role of probe shank oxide has been examined by carrying out contact and non-contact I V measurements on GaAs when the probe oxide has been controllably reduced, both experimentally and in simulation. In contact, the barrier height is pinned but the barrier shape changes with probe shank oxide dimensions. In non-contact measurements, the oxide modifies the electrostatic interaction inducing a quantummore » dot that alters the tunneling behavior. For both, the contact resistance change is dependent on polarity, which violates the assumption required for four point probe to remove probe contact resistance from the measured conductivity. This has implications for all nanoscale surface probe measurements and macroscopic four point probe, both in air and vacuum, where the role of probe oxide contamination is not well understood.« less

Does Guided Bone Regeneration Prevent Unfavorable Bone Shapes in Distraction Gap?

PubMed

Demetoglu, Umut; Alkan, Alper; Kiliç, Erdem; Ozturk, Mustafa; Bilge, Suheyb

2018-03-01

Complications related to distraction osteogenesis can cause degradation of newly regenerated bone. Additionally, an unfavorable shape of the regenerated bone at the distraction gap can reduce the quantity of regenerated bone. The aim of the present study was to report on the prevention of unfavorable shapes of regenerated bone using guided bone regeneration during distraction. Bilateral alveolar distraction was performed in 10 beagle dog mandibles. One side of the mandible formed the experimental group and the other side served as the control group. In the experimental group, guided bone regeneration was performed simultaneously with distraction osteogenesis. In the control group, only alveolar distraction was applied. At the end of a 1-week latent period, all mandibles were distracted 10 mm (1 mm/day). After the distraction period, 3 months were allowed for consolidation. After consolidation, all the dogs were euthanized, and the shape of the regenerated bone was determined to be either favorable or unfavorable. Densitometric evaluation and area measurements were performed using computed tomography scans. Statistical evaluation was performed using the independent t test, with a significance level of P < .05. In the experimental group, no unfavorable bone shape developed in the distraction gap, and the new bone had a surface and volume similar to those of the segments. In contrast, in the control group, 4 mandibles had an unfavorable bone shape in the distraction gap and 4 showed favorable bone healing with no defect. The surface area of the regenerating bone in the experimental group was significantly greater than that in the control group. Also, the surface area differed significantly between the experimental and control groups (P < .05). However, the densitometric values did not differ between the 2 groups (P < .05). Concomitant use of guided bone regeneration with distraction osteogenesis could be an optimal method for generating a favorable bone shape within the distraction gap. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tumbling in Turbulence: How much does particle shape effect particle motion?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Variano, E. A.; Andersson, H. I.; Zhao, L.; Byron, M.

2014-12-01

Natural particles suspended in surface water are often non-spherical. We explore the ways in which particle shape effects particle motion, focusing specifically on how particle rotation is divided into spinning and tumbling components. This, in turn, will effect particle collision, clustering, and settling rates. We focus on idealized axisymmetric particles shaped as rods, discs, and spheroids. They are chosen so as to explain the physics of aspherical-particle motion that will be relevant for natural particles such as plankton, sediment, or aggregates (e.g. oil-mineral aggregates, clay flocs, or bio-sediment aggregates held together by TEP). Our work begins with laboratory measurements of particle motion in a turbulence tank built to mimic the flow found in rivers, estuaries, and the ocean surface mixed layer. We then proceed to direct numerical simulation of particle-flow interactions in sheared turbulence similar to that which is found in the surface water of creeks and rivers. We find that shape has only a very weak effect on particle angular velocity, which is a quantity calculated with respect the global reference frame (i.e. east/north/up). If we analyze rotation in a particle's local frame (i.e. the particle's principle axes of rotation), then particle shape has a strong effect on rotation. In the local frame, rotation is described by two components: tumbling and spinning. We find that rod-shaped particles spin more than they tumble, and we find that disc-shaped particles tumble more than they spin. Such behavior is indicative of how particles respond the the directional influence of vortex tubes in turbulence, and such response has implications for particle motion other than rotation. Understanding particle alignment is relevant for predicting particle-particle collision rates, particle-wall collision rates, and the shear-driven breakup of aggregates. We discuss these briefly in the context of what can be concluded from the rotation data discussed above.

Characteristics of Turbulent Airflow Deduced from Rapid Surface Thermal Fluctuations: An Infrared Surface Anemometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aminzadeh, Milad; Breitenstein, Daniel; Or, Dani

2017-12-01

The intermittent nature of turbulent airflow interacting with the surface is readily observable in fluctuations of the surface temperature resulting from the thermal imprints of eddies sweeping the surface. Rapid infrared thermography has recently been used to quantify characteristics of the near-surface turbulent airflow interacting with the evaporating surfaces. We aim to extend this technique by using single-point rapid infrared measurements to quantify properties of a turbulent flow, including surface exchange processes, with a view towards the development of an infrared surface anemometer. The parameters for the surface-eddy renewal (α and β ) are inferred from infrared measurements of a single-point on the surface of a heat plate placed in a wind tunnel with prescribed wind speeds and constant mean temperatures of the surface. Thermally-deduced parameters are in agreement with values obtained from standard three-dimensional ultrasonic anemometer measurements close to the plate surface (e.g., α = 3 and β = 1/26 (ms)^{-1} for the infrared, and α = 3 and β = 1/19 (ms)^{-1} for the sonic-anemometer measurements). The infrared-based turbulence parameters provide new insights into the role of surface temperature and buoyancy on the inherent characteristics of interacting eddies. The link between the eddy-spectrum shape parameter α and the infrared window size representing the infrared field of view is investigated. The results resemble the effect of the sampling height above the ground in sonic anemometer measurements, which enables the detection of larger eddies with higher values of α . The physical basis and tests of the proposed method support the potential for remote quantification of the near-surface momentum field, as well as scalar-flux measurements in the immediate vicinity of the surface.

Clinical anthropometrics and body composition from 3D whole-body surface scans

PubMed Central

Ng, BK; Hinton, BJ; Fan, B; Kanaya, AM; Shepherd, JA

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Obesity is a significant worldwide epidemic that necessitates accessible tools for robust body composition analysis. We investigated whether widely available 3D body surface scanners can provide clinically relevant direct anthropometrics (circumferences, areas and volumes) and body composition estimates (regional fat/lean masses). SUBJECTS/METHODS Thirty-nine healthy adults stratified by age, sex and body mass index (BMI) underwent whole-body 3D scans, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), air displacement plethysmography and tape measurements. Linear regressions were performed to assess agreement between 3D measurements and criterion methods. Linear models were derived to predict DXA body composition from 3D scan measurements. Thirty-seven external fitness center users underwent 3D scans and bioelectrical impedance analysis for model validation. RESULTS 3D body scan measurements correlated strongly to criterion methods: waist circumference R2 = 0.95, hip circumference R2 = 0.92, surface area R2 = 0.97 and volume R2 = 0.99. However, systematic differences were observed for each measure due to discrepancies in landmark positioning. Predictive body composition equations showed strong agreement for whole body (fat mass R2 = 0.95, root mean square error (RMSE) = 2.4 kg; fat-free mass R2 = 0.96, RMSE = 2.2 kg) and arms, legs and trunk (R2 = 0.79–0.94, RMSE = 0.5–1.7 kg). Visceral fat prediction showed moderate agreement (R2 = 0.75, RMSE = 0.11 kg). CONCLUSIONS 3D surface scanners offer precise and stable automated measurements of body shape and composition. Software updates may be needed to resolve measurement biases resulting from landmark positioning discrepancies. Further studies are justified to elucidate relationships between body shape, composition and metabolic health across sex, age, BMI and ethnicity groups, as well as in those with metabolic disorders. PMID:27329614

Edge Length and Surface Area of a Blank: Experimental Assessment of Measures, Size Predictions and Utility

PubMed Central

Dogandžić, Tamara; Braun, David R.; McPherron, Shannon P.

2015-01-01

Blank size and form represent one of the main sources of variation in lithic assemblages. They reflect economic properties of blanks and factors such as efficiency and use life. These properties require reliable measures of size, namely edge length and surface area. These measures, however, are not easily captured with calipers. Most attempts to quantify these features employ estimates; however, the efficacy of these estimations for measuring critical features such as blank surface area and edge length has never been properly evaluated. In addition, these parameters are even more difficult to acquire for retouched implements as their original size and hence indication of their previous utility have been lost. It has been suggested, in controlled experimental conditions, that two platform variables, platform thickness and exterior platform angle, are crucial in determining blank size and shape meaning that knappers can control the interaction between size and efficiency by selecting specific core angles and controlling where fracture is initiated. The robustness of these models has rarely been tested and confirmed in context other than controlled experiments. In this paper, we evaluate which currently employed caliper measurement methods result in the highest accuracy of size estimations of blanks, and we evaluate how platform variables can be used to indirectly infer aspects of size on retouched artifacts. Furthermore, we investigate measures of different platform management strategies that control the shape and size of artifacts. To investigate these questions, we created an experimental lithic assemblage, we digitized images to calculate 2D surface area and edge length, which are used as a point of comparison for the caliper measurements and additional analyses. The analysis of aspects of size determinations and the utility of blanks contributes to our understanding of the technological strategies of prehistoric knappers and what economic decisions they made during process of blank production. PMID:26332773

Interface stability in a slowly rotating, low gravity tank Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leslie, F.; Gans, R. F.

1986-01-01

Analytical models of liquid in partially-filled rotating tanks predict both the shape of the interface between the liquid and its vapor, and the stability of that interface. The models are of necessity incomplete and experimental data are needed to assess the approximations made. Presented are preliminary experimental studies both in the laboratory and in the low-gravity environment of a free-falling aircraft. Emphasis is placed on bubbles which intersect the container boundaries. Measurements of rotating equilibrium bubble shapes are in agreement with theoretical profiles derived from Laplace's formula. The interface shape depends on the contact angle, the radius of intersection with container, and the ratio of centrifugal force to surface tension.

Nanostructures Exploit Hybrid-Polariton Resonances

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, Mark

2008-01-01

Nanostructured devices that exploit the hybrid-polariton resonances arising from coupling among photons, phonons, and plasmons are subjects of research directed toward the development of infrared-spectroscopic sensors for measuring extremely small quantities of molecules of interest. The spectroscopic techniques in question are surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and surface enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA). An important intermediate goal of this research is to increase the sensitivity achievable by these techniques. The basic idea of the approach being followed in this research is to engineer nanostructured devices and thereby engineer their hybrid-polariton resonances to concentrate infrared radiation incident upon their surfaces in such a manner as to increase the absorption of the radiation for SEIRA and measure the frequency shifts of surface vibrational modes. The underlying hybrid-polariton-resonance concept is best described by reference to experimental devices that have been built and tested to demonstrate the concept. The nanostructure of each such device includes a matrix of silicon carbide particles of approximately 1 micron in diameter that are supported on a potassium bromide (KBr) or poly(tetrafluoroethylene) [PTFE] window. These grains are sputter-coated with gold grains of 40-nm size (see figure). From the perspective of classical electrodynamics, in this nanostructure, that includes a particulate or otherwise rough surface, the electric-field portion of an incident electromagnetic field becomes concentrated on the particles when optical resonance conditions are met. Going beyond the perspective of classical electrodynamics, it can be seen that when the resonance frequencies of surface phonons and surface plasmons overlap, the coupling of the resonances gives rise to an enhanced radiation-absorption or -scattering mechanism. The sizes, shapes, and aggregation of the particles determine the frequencies of the resonances. Hence, the task of designing a nanostructure to exhibit the desired radiation-absorption properties translates, in large part, to selecting particle sizes and shapes to obtain the desired enhanced coupling of energy from photons to plasmons and phonons. To broaden the spectral region(s) of enhanced absorption, one would select a distribution of particle sizes and shapes.

Three-dimensional microscopic deformation measurements on cellular solids.

PubMed

Genovese, K

2016-07-01

The increasing interest in small-scale problems demands novel experimental protocols providing dense sets of 3D deformation data of complex shaped microstructures. Obtaining such information is particularly significant for the study of natural and engineered cellular solids for which experimental data collected at macro scale and describing the global mechanical response provide only limited information on their function/structure relationship. Cellular solids, in fact, due their superior mechanical performances to a unique arrangement of the bulk material properties (i.e. anisotropy and heterogeneity) and cell structural features (i.e. pores shape, size and distribution) at the micro- and nano-scales. To address the need for full-field experimental data down to the cell level, this paper proposes a single-camera stereo-Digital Image Correlation (DIC) system that makes use of a wedge prism in series to a telecentric lens for performing surface shape and deformation measurements on microstructures in three dimensions. Although the system possesses a limited measurement volume (FOV~2.8×4.3mm(2), error-free DOF ~1mm), large surface areas of cellular samples can be accurately covered by employing a sequential image capturing scheme followed by an optimization-based mosaicing procedure. The basic principles of the proposed method together with the results of the benchmarking of its metrological performances and error analysis are here reported and discussed in detail. Finally, the potential utility of this method is illustrated with micro-resolution three-dimensional measurements on a 3D printed honeycomb and on a block sample of a Luffa sponge under compression. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimal Multiple Surface Segmentation With Shape and Context Priors

PubMed Central

Bai, Junjie; Garvin, Mona K.; Sonka, Milan; Buatti, John M.; Wu, Xiaodong

2014-01-01

Segmentation of multiple surfaces in medical images is a challenging problem, further complicated by the frequent presence of weak boundary evidence, large object deformations, and mutual influence between adjacent objects. This paper reports a novel approach to multi-object segmentation that incorporates both shape and context prior knowledge in a 3-D graph-theoretic framework to help overcome the stated challenges. We employ an arc-based graph representation to incorporate a wide spectrum of prior information through pair-wise energy terms. In particular, a shape-prior term is used to penalize local shape changes and a context-prior term is used to penalize local surface-distance changes from a model of the expected shape and surface distances, respectively. The globally optimal solution for multiple surfaces is obtained by computing a maximum flow in a low-order polynomial time. The proposed method was validated on intraretinal layer segmentation of optical coherence tomography images and demonstrated statistically significant improvement of segmentation accuracy compared to our earlier graph-search method that was not utilizing shape and context priors. The mean unsigned surface positioning errors obtained by the conventional graph-search approach (6.30 ± 1.58 μm) was improved to 5.14 ± 0.99 μm when employing our new method with shape and context priors. PMID:23193309

Interpretation of scanning electron microscope measurements of minority carrier diffusion lengths in semiconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flat, A.; Milnes, A. G.

1978-01-01

In scanning electron microscope (SEM) injection measurements of minority carrier diffusion lengths some uncertainties of interpretation exist when the response current is nonlinear with distance. This is significant in epitaxial layers where the layer thickness is not large in relation to the diffusion length, and where there are large surface recombination velocities on the incident and contact surfaces. An image method of analysis is presented for such specimens. A method of using the results to correct the observed response in a simple convenient way is presented. The technique is illustrated with reference to measurements in epitaxial layers of GaAs. Average beam penetration depth may also be estimated from the curve shape.

Optical apparatus for laser scattering by objects having complex shapes

DOEpatents

Ellingson, William A.; Visher, Robert J.

2006-11-14

Apparatus for observing and measuring in realtime surface and subsurface characteristics of objects having complex shapes includes an optical fiber bundle having first and second opposed ends. The first end includes a linear array of fibers, where the ends of adjacent fibers are in contact and are aligned perpendicular to the surface of the object being studied. The second ends of some of the fibers are in the form of a polished ferrule forming a multi-fiber optical waveguide for receiving laser light. The second ends of the remaining fibers are formed into a linear array suitable for direct connection to a detector, such as a linear CMOS-based optical detector. The output data is analyzed using digital signal processing for the detection of anomalies such as cracks, voids, inclusions and other defects.

Design and characterization of an integrated surface ion trap and micromirror optical cavity.

PubMed

Van Rynbach, Andre; Schwartz, George; Spivey, Robert F; Joseph, James; Vrijsen, Geert; Kim, Jungsang

2017-08-10

We have fabricated and characterized laser-ablated micromirrors on fused silica substrates for constructing stable Fabry-Perot optical cavities. We highlight several design features which allow these cavities to have lengths in the 250-300 μm range and be integrated directly with surface ion traps. We present a method to calculate the optical mode shape and losses of these micromirror cavities as functions of cavity length and mirror shape, and confirm that our simulation model is in good agreement with experimental measurements of the intracavity optical mode at a test wavelength of 780 nm. We have designed and tested a mechanical setup for dampening vibrations and stabilizing the cavity length, and explore applications for these cavities as efficient single-photon sources when combined with trapped Yb171 + ions.

Comparison of Impact Crater Size-Frequency Distributions (SFD) on Saturnian Satellites with Other Solar-System Bodies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmedemann, N.; Neukum, G.; Denk, T.; Wagner, R.; Hartmann, O.

2009-04-01

The examination of the geologic history of the saturnian satellites is a major goal of the Cassini imaging experiment (ISS) [5]. The study of the impact crater-SFD is necessary to derive ages of the saturnian satellite surface units. Furthermore it can be used for resolving the main impactor source and the impactor orbital characteristics for understanding the nature of the bombardment. While large and old areas are suited to measure the branch of large crater sizes, smaller craters can be found in a state of production only at relatively young areas on the saturnian satellites. The impact-crater SFD is derived only from such crater populations which are in production. Hence the measurement of the whole production function in one specific area is impossible. Therefore we have to measure it piece-wise in crater size range in a number of suitable areas. On Iapetus the production function has been measured in seven crater size range pieces, covering a crater size range from 0.15 km to 700 km. At the same crater size, these areas have somewhat different crater frequencies, since they are of different ages. The crater frequency differences of the respective pieces to each other have to be taken out, in order to obtain continuous curves. We have achieved that by normalizing the frequencies measured on the older surface units at the respective smallest crater sizes to the tail ends of the crater frequencies for the largest craters on the younger surface units. The resulting continuous curves give us a reliable production SFD over the whole accessible range. Doing so, we assumed that the production SFD has not changed over time in the parts of the SFD not directly accessible by measurement. Hence the resulting SFD curve is a consequence of a compilation of measurements taken in different areas. Intensive analyses of the crater diameter SFD of the lunar surface have revealed a characteristic W-shaped curve, when it is R-plotted. Crater counting on other planetary surfaces such as Mercury, Venus, Mars, Gaspra, Callisto, Ganymede and Mimas have revealed similarly shaped crater diameter SFDs e.g. [4]. While those SFD curves are equally shaped, the whole curves with their characteristic W-shapes appear to be shifted along the diameter axis. Most likely, this shift is primarily the result of different impact velocities. Other factors of scaling relationships between crater diameter and projectile diameter such as density and gravity on different target bodies are of secondary importance. The measurements of the crater diameter SFD on the saturnian satellites Tethys, Dione, Rhea, and Iapetus also show high similarities to the lunar W-shaped curve. The most complete and statistically valid data set was generated in the case of Iapetus. We have been able to measure crater sizes over four orders of magnitude. The most likely impactor source for the craters in the inner solar system is the asteroid belt orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter e.g. [3],[4]. The asteroid body diameter SFD has more recently been analyzed by [2] using the latest discoveries and the absolute geometric albedo of the asteroids. Those albedo values have been converted to asteroid-body diameters using the method of [1]. The body SFD of the asteroid belt in the range from its inner border out to the 5:2 resonance gap gives a very good match to the lunar SFD. The same W-shape characteristics is found at the jovian and saturnian satellite SFD curves as mentioned earlier. Based on these observations and similarities, it is reasonable to suspect asteroids as the major contribution for the outer solar system bombardment in the range of Saturn as well. References: [1]Fowler & Chillemi (1992) in "The IRAS minor planet survey" [2]Ivanov at al. (2002) in „Asteroids III"; The University of Arizona Press: 89-101 [3]Neukum (1983) Habilitation Thesis, "Meteoritenbombardement und Datierung planetarer Oberflächen"; Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich. [4]Neukum & Ivanov (1994) in "Hazards due to comets & Asteroids"; The University of Arizona Press: 359-416 [5]Porco et al. (2004) Space Science Reviews 115: 363-497

Curvature methods of damage detection using digital image correlation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helfrick, Mark N.; Niezrecki, Christopher; Avitabile, Peter

2009-03-01

Analytical models have shown that local damage in a structure can be detected by studying changes in the curvature of the structure's displaced shape while under an applied load. In order for damage to be detected, located, and quantified using curvature methods, a spatially dense set of measurement points is required on the structure of interest and the change in curvature must be measurable. Experimental testing done to validate the theory is often plagued by sparse data sets and experimental noise. Furthermore, the type of load, the location and severity of the damage, and the mechanical properties (material and geometry) of the structure have a significant effect on how much the curvature will change. Within this paper, three-dimensional (3D) Digital Image Correlation (DIC) as one possible method for detecting damage through curvature methods is investigated. 3D DIC is a non-contacting full-field measurement technique which uses a stereo pair of digital cameras to capture surface shape. This approach allows for an extremely dense data set across the entire visible surface of an object. A test is performed to validate the approach on an aluminum cantilever beam. A dynamic load is applied to the beam which allows for measurements to be made of the beam's response at each of its first three resonant frequencies, corresponding to the first three bending modes of the structure. DIC measurements are used with damage detection algorithms to predict damage location with varying levels of damage inflicted in the form of a crack with a prescribed depth. The testing demonstrated that this technique will likely only work with structures where a large displaced shape is easily achieved and in cases where the damage is relatively severe. Practical applications and limitations of the technique are discussed.

The estimation of 3D SAR distributions in the human head from mobile phone compliance testing data for epidemiological studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wake, Kanako; Varsier, Nadège; Watanabe, Soichi; Taki, Masao; Wiart, Joe; Mann, Simon; Deltour, Isabelle; Cardis, Elisabeth

2009-10-01

A worldwide epidemiological study called 'INTERPHONE' has been conducted to estimate the hypothetical relationship between brain tumors and mobile phone use. In this study, we proposed a method to estimate 3D distribution of the specific absorption rate (SAR) in the human head due to mobile phone use to provide the exposure gradient for epidemiological studies. 3D SAR distributions due to exposure to an electromagnetic field from mobile phones are estimated from mobile phone compliance testing data for actual devices. The data for compliance testing are measured only on the surface in the region near the device and in a small 3D region around the maximum on the surface in a homogeneous phantom with a specific shape. The method includes an interpolation/extrapolation and a head shape conversion. With the interpolation/extrapolation, SAR distributions in the whole head are estimated from the limited measured data. 3D SAR distributions in the numerical head models, where the tumor location is identified in the epidemiological studies, are obtained from measured SAR data with the head shape conversion by projection. Validation of the proposed method was performed experimentally and numerically. It was confirmed that the proposed method provided good estimation of 3D SAR distribution in the head, especially in the brain, which is the tissue of major interest in epidemiological studies. We conclude that it is possible to estimate 3D SAR distributions in a realistic head model from the data obtained by compliance testing measurements to provide a measure for the exposure gradient in specific locations of the brain for the purpose of exposure assessment in epidemiological studies. The proposed method has been used in several studies in the INTERPHONE.

In-situ position and vibration measurement of rough surfaces using laser Doppler distance sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czarske, J.; Pfister, T.; Günther, P.; Büttner, L.

2009-06-01

In-situ measurement of distances and shapes as well as dynamic deformations and vibrations of fast moving and especially rotating objects, such as gear shafts and turbine blades, is an important task at process control. We recently developed a laser Doppler distance frequency sensor, employing two superposed fan-shaped interference fringe systems with contrary fringe spacing gradients. Via two Doppler frequency evaluations the non-incremental position (i.e. distance) and the tangential velocity of rotating bodies are determined simultaneously. The distance uncertainty is in contrast to e.g. triangulation in principle independent of the object velocity. This unique feature allows micrometer resolutions of fast moved rough surfaces. The novel sensor was applied at turbo machines in order to control the tip clearance. The measurements at a transonic centrifugal compressor were performed during operation at up to 50,000 rpm, i.e. 586 m/s velocity of the blade tips. Due to the operational conditions such as temperatures of up to 300 °C, a flexible and robust measurement system with a passive fiber-coupled sensor, using diffractive optics, has been realized. Since the tip clearance of individual blades could be temporally resolved an analysis of blade vibrations was possible. A Fourier transformation of the blade distances results in an average period of 3 revolutions corresponding to a frequency of 1/3 of the rotary frequency. Additionally, a laser Doppler distance sensor using two tilted fringe systems and phase evaluation will be presented. This phase sensor exhibits a minimum position resolution of σz = 140 nm. It allows precise in-situ shape measurements at grinding and turning processes.

The estimation of 3D SAR distributions in the human head from mobile phone compliance testing data for epidemiological studies.

PubMed

Wake, Kanako; Varsier, Nadège; Watanabe, Soichi; Taki, Masao; Wiart, Joe; Mann, Simon; Deltour, Isabelle; Cardis, Elisabeth

2009-10-07

A worldwide epidemiological study called 'INTERPHONE' has been conducted to estimate the hypothetical relationship between brain tumors and mobile phone use. In this study, we proposed a method to estimate 3D distribution of the specific absorption rate (SAR) in the human head due to mobile phone use to provide the exposure gradient for epidemiological studies. 3D SAR distributions due to exposure to an electromagnetic field from mobile phones are estimated from mobile phone compliance testing data for actual devices. The data for compliance testing are measured only on the surface in the region near the device and in a small 3D region around the maximum on the surface in a homogeneous phantom with a specific shape. The method includes an interpolation/extrapolation and a head shape conversion. With the interpolation/extrapolation, SAR distributions in the whole head are estimated from the limited measured data. 3D SAR distributions in the numerical head models, where the tumor location is identified in the epidemiological studies, are obtained from measured SAR data with the head shape conversion by projection. Validation of the proposed method was performed experimentally and numerically. It was confirmed that the proposed method provided good estimation of 3D SAR distribution in the head, especially in the brain, which is the tissue of major interest in epidemiological studies. We conclude that it is possible to estimate 3D SAR distributions in a realistic head model from the data obtained by compliance testing measurements to provide a measure for the exposure gradient in specific locations of the brain for the purpose of exposure assessment in epidemiological studies. The proposed method has been used in several studies in the INTERPHONE.

Contribution of the hydrostatic pressure to the shape of silver island particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anno, E.; Hoshino, R.

1984-09-01

We have investigated the shape change of silver island particles caused by the surface energy reduction. When the surface energy was reduced by the reaction with hydrogen sulfide, the flattening of the particles was observed. As is well known, the similar shape change takes place when the particle size increases. Therefore, the particle shape is considered to depend both on the surface energy and the particle size. From this consideration, we predict the contribution of the hydrostatic pressure P to the particle shape. As evidence of this contribution, we consider the existence of the critical size below which P is larger than the adhesive force FA between deposit and substrate surface. Investigating the influence of the flattening due to the surface energy reduction on the size distribution, the critical size is found and estimated to be about 80 Å in diameter. This value is comparable with that estimated from the condition P = FA.

Quantitative study of protein-protein interactions by quartz nanopipettes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiwari, Purushottam Babu; Astudillo, Luisana; Miksovska, Jaroslava; Wang, Xuewen; Li, Wenzhi; Darici, Yesim; He, Jin

2014-08-01

In this report, protein-modified quartz nanopipettes were used to quantitatively study protein-protein interactions in attoliter sensing volumes. As shown by numerical simulations, the ionic current through the conical-shaped nanopipette is very sensitive to the surface charge variation near the pore mouth. With the appropriate modification of negatively charged human neuroglobin (hNgb) onto the inner surface of a nanopipette, we were able to detect concentration-dependent current change when the hNgb-modified nanopipette tip was exposed to positively charged cytochrome c (Cyt c) with a series of concentrations in the bath solution. Such current change is due to the adsorption of Cyt c to the inner surface of the nanopipette through specific interactions with hNgb. In contrast, a smaller current change with weak concentration dependence was observed when Cyt c was replaced with lysozyme, which does not specifically bind to hNgb. The equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) for the Cyt c-hNgb complex formation was derived and the value matched very well with the result from surface plasmon resonance measurement. This is the first quantitative study of protein-protein interactions by a conical-shaped nanopore based on charge sensing. Our results demonstrate that nanopipettes can potentially be used as a label-free analytical tool to quantitatively characterize protein-protein interactions.In this report, protein-modified quartz nanopipettes were used to quantitatively study protein-protein interactions in attoliter sensing volumes. As shown by numerical simulations, the ionic current through the conical-shaped nanopipette is very sensitive to the surface charge variation near the pore mouth. With the appropriate modification of negatively charged human neuroglobin (hNgb) onto the inner surface of a nanopipette, we were able to detect concentration-dependent current change when the hNgb-modified nanopipette tip was exposed to positively charged cytochrome c (Cyt c) with a series of concentrations in the bath solution. Such current change is due to the adsorption of Cyt c to the inner surface of the nanopipette through specific interactions with hNgb. In contrast, a smaller current change with weak concentration dependence was observed when Cyt c was replaced with lysozyme, which does not specifically bind to hNgb. The equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) for the Cyt c-hNgb complex formation was derived and the value matched very well with the result from surface plasmon resonance measurement. This is the first quantitative study of protein-protein interactions by a conical-shaped nanopore based on charge sensing. Our results demonstrate that nanopipettes can potentially be used as a label-free analytical tool to quantitatively characterize protein-protein interactions. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Determination of nanopipette diameter; surface modification scheme; numerical simulation; noise analysis; SPR experiments. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr02964j

Programming 2D/3D shape-shifting with hobbyist 3D printers† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c7mh00269f

PubMed Central

van Manen, Teunis; Janbaz, Shahram

2017-01-01

Materials and devices with advanced functionalities often need to combine complex 3D shapes with functionality-inducing surface features. Precisely controlled bio-nanopatterns, printed electronic components, and sensors/actuators are all examples of such surface features. However, the vast majority of the refined technologies that are currently available for creating functional surface features work only on flat surfaces. Here we present initially flat constructs that upon triggering by high temperatures change their shape to a pre-programmed 3D shape, thereby enabling the combination of surface-related functionalities with complex 3D shapes. A number of shape-shifting materials have been proposed during the last few years based on various types of advanced technologies. The proposed techniques often require multiple fabrication steps and special materials, while being limited in terms of the 3D shapes they could achieve. The approach presented here is a single-step printing process that requires only a hobbyist 3D printer and inexpensive off-the-shelf materials. It also lends itself to a host of design strategies based on self-folding origami, instability-driven pop-up, and ‘sequential’ shape-shifting to unprecedentedly expand the space of achievable 3D shapes. This combination of simplicity and versatility is a key to widespread applications. PMID:29308207

Evaluation of the shape of the specular peak for high glossy surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obein, Gaël.; Ouarets, Shiraz; Ged, Guillaume

2014-02-01

Gloss is the second most relevant visual attribute of a surface beside its colour. While the colour originates from the wavelength repartition of the reflected light, gloss originates from its angular distribution. When an observer is asked to evaluate the gloss of a surface, he always first orientate his eyes along the specular direction before lightly tilting the examined sample. This means that gloss is located in and around the specular direction, in a peak that is called the specular peak. On the one hand, this peak is flat and broad on matte surfaces on the other hand, it is narrow and sharp on high gloss surfaces. For the late ones, the FWHM of the specular peak is less than 2° which can be quite difficult to measure. We developed a dedicated facility capable of measuring specular peak with a FWHM up to 0,1 °. We measured the evolution of the peak according to the angle of illumination and the specular gloss of the sample in the restricted field of very glossy surface. The facility and peaks measured are presented in the paper. The next step will be to identify the correlations between the peak and the roughness of the sample.

Surfactant Behavior of Sodium Dodecylsulfate in Deep Eutectic Solvent Choline Chloride/Urea.

PubMed

Arnold, T; Jackson, A J; Sanchez-Fernandez, A; Magnone, D; Terry, A E; Edler, K J

2015-12-01

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) resemble ionic liquids but are formed from an ionic mixture instead of being a single ionic compound. Here we present some results that demonstrate that surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) remains surface-active and shows self-assembly phenomena in the most commonly studied DES, choline chloride/urea. X-ray reflectivity (XRR) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) suggest that the behavior is significantly different from that in water. Our SANS data supports our determination of the critical micelle concentration using surface-tension measurements and suggests that the micelles formed in DES do not have the same shape and size as those seen in water. Reflectivity measurements have also demonstrated that the surfactants remain surface-active below this concentration.

On the evolution of antiferromagnetic nanodomains in NiO thin films: A LEEM study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Jayanta; Menon, Krishnakumar S. R.

2018-03-01

Fractional order (1/2, 0) spots appear in the electron diffraction from NiO/Ag(0 0 1) films due to exchange scattering of low energy electrons by the antiferromagnetically ordered surface Ni moments. Utilizing these beams, imaging of the nanosized surface magnetic domains were carried out employing the high spatial resolution (∼ 10 nm) of the Low Energy Electron Microscopy (LEEM) in the dark-field (DF) mode. While selected through a contrast aperture, the four magnetic reflections produced by the p (2 × 2) antiferromagnetic sub-lattice lead to the visualization of the different magnetic twin domains. The intensity variations of different twin domains were measured as a function of electron beam energies via domain resolved LEEM I-V plots. The surface Néel temperatures (TN) of the films were measured using the temperature dependence of these half-order spot intensities. Detailed morphological studies of the size and shape of these nanodomains and their evolution as a function of the film thickness have been carried out with the help of pair-correlation function and fractal analysis. The size, shape and distribution of these magnetic domains are modified significantly by the strain relaxation mechanism beyond the critical film thickness. A method to estimate the relative domain sizes from a quantitative measure of the half-order spot intensities is manifested well below TN .

Multi-functional surface acoustic wave sensor for monitoring enviromental and structural condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furuya, Y.; Kon, T.; Okazaki, T.; Saigusa, Y.; Nomura, T.

2006-03-01

As a first step to develop a health monitoring system with active and embedded nondestructive evaluation devices for the machineries and structures, multi-functional SAW (surface acoustic wave) device was developed. A piezoelectric LiNbO3(x-y cut) materials were used as a SAW substrate on which IDT(20μm pitch) was produced by lithography. On the surface of a path of SAW between IDTs, environmentally active material films of shape memory Ti50Ni41Cu(at%) with non-linear hysteresis and superelastic Ti48Ni43Cu(at%) with linear deformation behavior were formed by magnetron-sputtering technique. In this study, these two kinds of shape memory alloys SMA) system were used to measure 1) loading level, 2) phase transformation and 3)stress-strain hysteresis under cyclic loading by utilizing their linearity and non-linearity deformation behaviors. Temperature and stress dependencies of SAW signal were also investigated in the non-sputtered film state. Signal amplitude and phase change of SAW were chosen to measure as the sensing parameters. As a result, temperature, stress level, phase transformation in SMA depending on temperature and mechanical damage accumulation could be measured by the proposed multi-functional SAW sensor. Moreover, the wireless SAW sensing system which has a unique feature of no supplying electric battery was constructed, and the same characteristic evaluation is confirmed in comparison with wired case.

The Influence of Dynamic Contact Angle on Wetting Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rame, Enrique; Garoff, Steven

2005-01-01

When surface tension forces dominate, and regardless of whether the situation is static or dynamic, the contact angle (the angle the interface between two immiscible fluids makes when it contacts a solid) is the key parameter that determines the shape of a fluid-fluid interface. The static contact angle is easy to measure and implement in models predicting static capillary surface shapes and such associated quantities as pressure drops. By contrast, when the interface moves relative to the solid (as in dynamic wetting processes) the dynamic contact angle is not identified unambiguously because it depends on the geometry of the system Consequently, its determination becomes problematic and measurements in one geometry cannot be applied in another for prediction purposes. However, knowing how to measure and use the dynamic contact angle is crucial to determine such dynamics as a microsystem throughput reliably. In this talk we will present experimental and analytical efforts aimed at resolving modeling issues present in dynamic wetting. We will review experiments that show the inadequacy of the usual hydrodynamic model when a fluid-fluid meniscus moves over a solid surface such as the wall of a small tube or duct. We will then present analytical results that show how to parametrize these problems in a predictive manner. We will illustrate these ideas by showing how to implement the method in numerical fluid mechanical calculations.

A review of factors that affect contact angle and implications for flotation practice.

PubMed

Chau, T T; Bruckard, W J; Koh, P T L; Nguyen, A V

2009-09-30

Contact angle and the wetting behaviour of solid particles are influenced by many physical and chemical factors such as surface roughness and heterogeneity as well as particle shape and size. A significant amount of effort has been invested in order to probe the correlation between these factors and surface wettability. Some of the key investigations reported in the literature are reviewed here. It is clear from the papers reviewed that, depending on many experimental conditions such as the size of the surface heterogeneities and asperities, surface cleanliness, and the resolution of measuring equipment and data interpretation, obtaining meaningful contact angle values is extremely difficult and such values are reliant on careful experimental control. Surface wetting behaviour depends on not only surface texture (roughness and particle shape), and surface chemistry (heterogeneity) but also on hydrodynamic conditions in the preparation route. The inability to distinguish the effects of each factor may be due to the interplay and/or overlap of two or more factors in each system. From this review, it was concluded that: Surface geometry (and surface roughness of different scales) can be used to tune the contact angle; with increasing surface roughness the apparent contact angle decreases for hydrophilic materials and increases for hydrophobic materials. For non-ideal surfaces, such as mineral surfaces in the flotation process, kinetics plays a more important role than thermodynamics in dictating wettability. Particle size encountered in flotation (10-200 microm) showed no significant effect on contact angle but has a strong effect on flotation rate constant. There is a lack of a rigid quantitative correlation between factors affecting wetting, wetting behaviour and contact angle on minerals; and hence their implication for flotation process. Specifically, universal correlation of contact angle to flotation recovery is still difficult to predict from first principles. Other advanced techniques and measures complementary to contact angle will be essential to establish the link between research and practice in flotation.

Do the SRS-22 self-image and mental health domain scores reflect the degree of asymmetry of the back in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

PubMed

Cheshire, James; Gardner, Adrian; Berryman, Fiona; Pynsent, Paul

2017-01-01

Patient-reported outcomes are becoming increasingly recognised in the management of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Integrated Shape Imaging System 2 (ISIS2) surface topography is a validated tool to assess AIS. Previous studies have failed to demonstrate strong correlations between AIS and patient-reported outcomes highlighting the need for additional objective surface parameters to define the deformities associated with AIS. The aim of this study was to examine whether the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) outcome questionnaire reflects the degree of measurable external asymmetry of the back in AIS and thus is a measure of patient outcome for external appearance. A total of 102 pre-operative AIS patients were identified retrospectively. Objective parameters were measured using ISIS2 surface topography. The associations between these parameters and the self-image and mental health domains of the SRS-22 questionnaire were investigated using correlation coefficients. All correlations between the parameters of asymmetry and SRS-22 self-image score were of weak strength. Similarly, all correlations between the parameters of asymmetry and SRS-22 mental health score were of weak strength. The SRS-22 mental health and self-image domains correlate poorly with external measures of deformity. This demonstrates that the assessment of mental health and self-image by the SRS-22 has little to do with external torso shape. Whilst the SRS-22 assesses the patient as a whole, it provides little information about objective measures of deformity over which a surgeon has control.

3D digital headform models of Australian cyclists.

PubMed

Ellena, Thierry; Skals, Sebastian; Subic, Aleksandar; Mustafa, Helmy; Pang, Toh Yen

2017-03-01

Traditional 1D anthropometric data have been the primary source of information used by ergonomists for the dimensioning of head and facial gear. Although these data are simple to use and understand, they only provide univariate measures of key dimensions. 3D anthropometric data, however, describe the complete shape characteristics of the head surface, but are complicated to interpret due to the abundance of information they contain. Consequently, current headform standards based on 1D measurements may not adequately represent the actual head shape variations of the intended user groups. The purpose of this study was to introduce a set of new digital headform models representative of the adult cyclists' community in Australia. Four models were generated based on an Australian 3D anthropometric database of head shapes and a modified hierarchical clustering algorithm. Considerable shape differences were identified between our models and the current headforms from the Australian standard. We conclude that the design of head and facial gear based on current standards might not be favorable for optimal fitting results. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measuring the shapes of macromolecules – and why it matters

PubMed Central

Li, Jie; Mach, Paul; Koehl, Patrice

2013-01-01

The molecular basis of life rests on the activity of biological macromolecules, mostly nucleic acids and proteins. A perhaps surprising finding that crystallized over the last handful of decades is that geometric reasoning plays a major role in our attempt to understand these activities. In this paper, we address this connection between geometry and biology, focusing on methods for measuring and characterizing the shapes of macromolecules. We briefly review existing numerical and analytical approaches that solve these problems. We cover in more details our own work in this field, focusing on the alpha shape theory as it provides a unifying mathematical framework that enable the analytical calculations of the surface area and volume of a macromolecule represented as a union of balls, the detection of pockets and cavities in the molecule, and the quantification of contacts between the atomic balls. We have shown that each of these quantities can be related to physical properties of the molecule under study and ultimately provides insight on its activity. We conclude with a brief description of new challenges for the alpha shape theory in modern structural biology. PMID:24688748

Artificial tektites: an experimental technique for capturing the shapes of spinning drops

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baldwin, Kyle A.; Butler, Samuel L.; Hill, Richard J. A.

2015-01-01

Determining the shapes of a rotating liquid droplet bound by surface tension is an archetypal problem in the study of the equilibrium shapes of a spinning and charged droplet, a problem that unites models of the stability of the atomic nucleus with the shapes of astronomical-scale, gravitationally-bound masses. The shapes of highly deformed droplets and their stability must be calculated numerically. Although the accuracy of such models has increased with the use of progressively more sophisticated computational techniques and increases in computing power, direct experimental verification is still lacking. Here we present an experimental technique for making wax models of these shapes using diamagnetic levitation. The wax models resemble splash-form tektites, glassy stones formed from molten rock ejected from asteroid impacts. Many tektites have elongated or `dumb-bell' shapes due to their rotation mid-flight before solidification, just as we observe here. Measurements of the dimensions of our wax `artificial tektites' show good agreement with equilibrium shapes calculated by our numerical model, and with previous models. These wax models provide the first direct experimental validation for numerical models of the equilibrium shapes of spinning droplets, of importance to fundamental physics and also to studies of tektite formation.

Dynamic 3D shape of the plantar surface of the foot using coded structured light: a technical report

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The foot provides a crucial contribution to the balance and stability of the musculoskeletal system, and accurate foot measurements are important in applications such as designing custom insoles/footwear. With better understanding of the dynamic behavior of the foot, dynamic foot reconstruction techniques are surfacing as useful ways to properly measure the shape of the foot. This paper presents a novel design and implementation of a structured-light prototype system providing dense three dimensional (3D) measurements of the foot in motion. The input to the system is a video sequence of a foot during a single step; the output is a 3D reconstruction of the plantar surface of the foot for each frame of the input. Methods Engineering and clinical tests were carried out to test the accuracy and repeatability of the system. Accuracy experiments involved imaging a planar surface from different orientations and elevations and measuring the fitting errors of the data to a plane. Repeatability experiments were done using reconstructions from 27 different subjects, where for each one both right and left feet were reconstructed in static and dynamic conditions over two different days. Results The static accuracy of the system was found to be 0.3 mm with planar test objects. In tests with real feet, the system proved repeatable, with reconstruction differences between trials one week apart averaging 2.4 mm (static case) and 2.8 mm (dynamic case). Conclusion The results obtained in the experiments show positive accuracy and repeatability results when compared to current literature. The design also shows to be superior to the systems available in the literature in several factors. Further studies need to be done to quantify the reliability of the system in clinical environments. PMID:24456711

Dynamic 3D shape of the plantar surface of the foot using coded structured light: a technical report.

PubMed

Thabet, Ali K; Trucco, Emanuele; Salvi, Joaquim; Wang, Weijie; Abboud, Rami J

2014-01-23

The foot provides a crucial contribution to the balance and stability of the musculoskeletal system, and accurate foot measurements are important in applications such as designing custom insoles/footwear. With better understanding of the dynamic behavior of the foot, dynamic foot reconstruction techniques are surfacing as useful ways to properly measure the shape of the foot. This paper presents a novel design and implementation of a structured-light prototype system providing dense three dimensional (3D) measurements of the foot in motion. The input to the system is a video sequence of a foot during a single step; the output is a 3D reconstruction of the plantar surface of the foot for each frame of the input. Engineering and clinical tests were carried out to test the accuracy and repeatability of the system. Accuracy experiments involved imaging a planar surface from different orientations and elevations and measuring the fitting errors of the data to a plane. Repeatability experiments were done using reconstructions from 27 different subjects, where for each one both right and left feet were reconstructed in static and dynamic conditions over two different days. The static accuracy of the system was found to be 0.3 mm with planar test objects. In tests with real feet, the system proved repeatable, with reconstruction differences between trials one week apart averaging 2.4 mm (static case) and 2.8 mm (dynamic case). The results obtained in the experiments show positive accuracy and repeatability results when compared to current literature. The design also shows to be superior to the systems available in the literature in several factors. Further studies need to be done to quantify the reliability of the system in clinical environments.