Fiber-optic Michelson interferometer fixed in a tilted tube for direction-dependent ultrasonic detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gang, Tingting; Hu, Manli; Qiao, Xueguang; Li, JiaCheng; Shao, Zhihua; Tong, Rongxin; Rong, Qiangzhou

2017-01-01

A fiber-optic interferometer is proposed and demonstrated experimentally for ultrasonic detection. The sensor consists of a compact Michelson interferometer (MI), which is fixed in a tilted-tube end-face (45°). Thin gold films are used for the reflective coatings of two arms and one of the interference arms is etched serving as the sensing arm. The spectral sideband filter technique is used to interrogate the continuous and pulse ultrasonic signals (with frequency of 300 KHz). Furthermore, because of the asymmetrical structure of the sensor, it presents strong direction-dependent ultrasonic sensitivity, such that the sensor can be considered a vector detector. The experimental results show that the sensor is highly sensitive to ultrasonic signals, and thus it can be a candidate for ultrasonic imaging of seismic physical models.

Choosing a Motion Detector.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ballard, David M.

1990-01-01

Examines the characteristics of three types of motion detectors: Doppler radar, infrared, and ultrasonic wave, and how they are used on school buses to prevent students from being killed by their own school bus. Other safety devices cited are bus crossing arms and a camera monitor system. (MLF)

Flexible Carbon Dioxide Laser Fiber Versus Ultrasonic Scalpel in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy.

PubMed

Choussein, Souzana; Srouji, Serene S; Farland, Leslie V; Gargiulo, Antonio R

2015-01-01

To compare the effectiveness and safety of a flexible carbon dioxide (CO2) laser fiber to the ultrasonic scalpel when employed through a robotic surgical system. Retrospective cohort study. Level II-2 evidence. Reproductive surgery practice at an academic hospital. Two hundred thirty-six women who had undergone robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy with either CO2 laser (n = 85) or the ultrasonic scalpel (n = 151). Robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy employing either a flexible CO2 laser fiber or a robotic ultrasonic scalpel as the primary energy tool. Perioperative outcomes (estimated blood loss, operative time, length of hospital stay) of patients undergoing robot-assisted myomectomy with a flexible laser fiber or ultrasonic scalpel. Estimated blood loss and operative time were comparable (p = .95 and p = .55, respectively) between the 2 groups after adjusting for all confounders, whereas length of hospital stay remained significantly different (p = .004). Odds ratio for complications was 0.35 (95% confidence interval 0.08-1.56; p = .17), which denotes no difference in the risk for complications between the 2 groups. Robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy with a flexible CO2 laser fiber is safe and has comparable operative outcomes to the ultrasonic scalpel. The small size and flexibility of this device allows robotic surgeons to employ safe focal energy without sacrificing operative ergonomics. Copyright © 2015 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High-numerical-aperture-based virtual point detectors for photoacoustic tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Changhui; Wang, Lihong V.

2008-07-01

The focal point of a high-numerical-aperture (NA) ultrasonic transducer can be used as a virtual point detector. This virtual point detector detects omnidirectionally over a wide acceptance angle. It also combines a large active transducer surface and a small effective virtual detector size. Thus the sensitivity is high compared with that of a real point detector, and the aperture effect is small compared with that of a finite size transducer. We present two kinds of high-NA-based virtual point detectors and their successful application in photoacoustic tomography. They can also be applied in other ultrasound-related fields.

Free Motion Scanning System

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

Sword, Charles K.

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic scanner and method for the imaging of a part surface, the scanner comprising: a probe assembly spaced apart from the surface including at least two tracking signals for emitting electromagnetic radiation and a transmitter for emitting ultrasonic waves onto a surface in order to induce at least a portion of said waves to be reflected from the surface, at least one detector for receiving the electromagnetic radiation wherein the detector is positioned to receive said radiation from the tracking signals, an analyzing means for recognizing a three-dimensional location of the tracking signals basedmore » on said emitted electromagnetic radiation, a differential conversion means for generating an output signal representative of the waveform of the reflected waves, and a means for relating said tracking signal location with the output signal and projecting an image of the resulting data. The scanner and method are particularly useful to acquire ultrasonic inspection data by scanning the probe-over a complex part surface in an arbitrary scanning pattern.« less

Free motion scanning system

DOEpatents

Sword, Charles K.

2000-01-01

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic scanner system and method for the imaging of a part system, the scanner comprising: a probe assembly spaced apart from the surface of the part including at least two tracking signals for emitting radiation and a transmitter for emitting ultrasonic waves onto a surface in order to induce at least a portion of the waves to be reflected from the part, at least one detector for receiving the radiation wherein the detector is positioned to receive the radiation from the tracking signals, an analyzer for recognizing a three-dimensional location of the tracking signals based on the emitted radiation, a differential converter for generating an output signal representative of the waveform of the reflected waves, and a device such as a computer for relating said tracking signal location with the output signal and projecting an image of the resulting data. The scanner and method are particularly useful to acquire ultrasonic inspection data by scanning the probe over a complex part surface in an arbitrary scanning pattern.

The SKED: speckle knife edge detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharpies, S. D.; Light, R. A.; Achamfuo-Yeboah, S. O.; Clark, M.; Somekh, M. G.

2014-06-01

The knife edge detector—also known as optical beam deflection—is a simple and robust method of detecting ultrasonic waves using a laser. It is particularly suitable for detection of high frequency surface acoustic waves as the response is proportional to variation of the local tilt of the surface. In the case of a specular reflection of the incident laser beam from a smooth surface, any lateral movement of the reflected beam caused by the ultrasonic waves is easily detected by a pair of photodiodes. The major disadvantage of the knife edge detector is that it does not cope well with optically rough surfaces, those that give a speckled reflection. The optical speckles from a rough surface adversely affect the efficiency of the knife edge detector, because 'dark' speckles move synchronously with 'bright' speckles, and their contributions to the ultrasonic signal cancel each other out. We have developed a new self-adapting sensor which can cope with the optical speckles reflected from a rough surface. It is inelegantly called the SKED—speckle knife edge detector—and like its smooth surface namesake it is simple, cheap, compact, and robust. We describe the theory of its operation, and present preliminary experimental results validating the overall concept and the operation of the prototype device.

Ultrasonic Device Would Open Pipe Bombs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

El-Raheb, Michael S.; Adams, Marc A.; Zwissler, James G.

1991-01-01

Piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer, energized by frequency generator and power supply, vibrates shell of pipe bomb while hardly disturbing explosive inner material. Frequency-control circuitry senses resonance in shell and holds generator at that frequency to induce fatigue cracking in threads of end cap. In addition to disarming bombs, ultrasonically induced fatigue may have other applications. In manufacturing, replaces some machining and cutting operations. In repair of equipment, cleanly and quickly disassembles corroded parts. In demolition of buildings used to dismember steel framework safely and controllably.

Breast Cancer Nodes Detection Using Ultrasonic Microscale Subarrayed MIMO RADAR

PubMed Central

Siwamogsatham, Siwaruk; Pomalaza-Ráez, Carlos

2014-01-01

This paper proposes the use of ultrasonic microscale subarrayed MIMO RADARs to estimate the position of breast cancer nodes. The transmit and receive antenna arrays are divided into subarrays. In order to increase the signal diversity each subarray is assigned a different waveform from an orthogonal set. High-frequency ultrasonic transducers are used since a breast is considered to be a superficial structure. Closed form expressions for the optimal Neyman-Pearson detector are derived. The combination of the waveform diversity present in the subarrayed deployment and traditional phased-array RADAR techniques provides promising results. PMID:25309591

Acousto-ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation of materials using laser beam generation and detection. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huber, Robert D.; Green, Robert E., Jr.

1990-01-01

The acousto-ultrasonic method has proven to be a most interesting technique for nondestructive evaluation of the mechanical properties of a variety of materials. Use of the technique or a modification thereof, has led to correlation of the associated stress wave factor with mechanical properties of both metals and composite materials. The method is applied to the nondestructive evaluation of selected fiber reinforced structural composites. For the first time, conventional piezoelectric transducers were replaced with laser beam ultrasonic generators and detectors. This modification permitted true non-contact acousto-ultrasonic measurements to be made, which yielded new information about the basic mechanisms involved as well as proved the feasibility of making such non-contact measurements on terrestrial and space structures and heat engine components. A state-of-the-art laser based acousto-ultrasonic system, incorporating a compact pulsed laser and a fiber-optic heterodyne interferometer, was delivered to the NASA Lewis Research Center.

Ultrasonic enhancing amorphization during synthesis of calcium phosphate.

PubMed

He, Kun; Xiao, Gui-Yong; Xu, Wen-Hua; Zhu, Rui-Fu; Lu, Yu-Peng

2014-03-01

Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) has great application potential in biomaterials field due to its non-cytotoxicity, high bioactivity, good cytocompatibility, and so on. The results of this research demonstrated that ultrasonic obviously enhanced amorphization during synthesis of calcium phosphate. The ACP phase was relatively ideal when the solvent of Ca(NO3)2·4H2O was ethanol and the solvent of (NH4)2HPO4 was a mixture of water and ethanol, under ultrasonic. In-situ crystallization of ACP could be observed by HRTEM. The mechanism on the effects of ultrasonic on amorphization of the synthesized calcium phosphate was discussed. It was suggested that ultrasonic synthesis might be a facile method to prepare pure and safe ACP related biomaterials. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Orientation and Weatherproofing on the Detection of Bat Echolocation Calls

Treesearch

E. Britzke; B. Slack; M Armstrong; S. Loeb

2010-01-01

Ultrasonic detectors are powerful tools for the study of bat ecology. Many options are available for deploying acoustic detectors including various weatherproofing designs and microphone orientations, but the impacts of these options on the quantity and quality of the bat calls that are recorded are unknown. We compared the impacts of three microphone orientations (...

Plastic Foam Porosity Characterization by Air-Borne Ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffrén, H.; Karppinen, T.; Hæggström, E.

2006-03-01

We continue to develop an ultrasonic burst-reflection method for estimating porosity and tortuosity of solid materials. As a first step we report on method design considerations and measurements on polyurethane foams (Sylomer® vibration dampener) with well-defined porosity. The ultrasonic method is experimentally tested by measuring 235 kHz and 600 kHz air-borne ultrasound reflection from a foam surface at two incidence angles. The reflected sound wave from different foam samples (32% - 64% porosity) was compared to a wave that had traveled from the transmitter to the detector without reflection. The ultrasonically estimated sample porosities coincided within 8% with the porosity estimates obtained by a gravimetric reference method. This parallels the uncertainty of the gravimetric method, 8%. The repeatability of the ultrasonic porosity measurements was better than 5%.

Comparative testing of radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing and phased array advanced ultrasonic testing non destructive testing techniques in accordance with the AWS D1.5 bridge welding code : [summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-02-01

To ensure that Florida bridges remain safe and structurally secure for their 50-year-plus service life, they are inspected regularly. For steel bridges, welds critical to the bridges integrity do not even leave the workshop unless they meet rigoro...

Tumour cell dispersion by the ultrasonic aspirator during brain tumour resection.

PubMed

Preston, J K; Masciopinto, J; Salamat, M S; Badie, B

1999-10-01

Ultrasonic aspirators are commonly used to resect brain tumours because they allow safe, rapid and accurate removal of diseased tissue. Since ultrasonic aspirators generate a spray of aerosolized irrigating fluid around the instrument tip, we questioned whether this spray might contain viable tumours cells that could contribute to intraoperative spread of tumour fragments. To test this hypothesis, we collected the spray produced during the resection of nine brain tumours with an ultrasonic aspirator and semi-quantitatively analysed it for tumour presence. The aerosolized irrigation fluid was found to contain intact tumour cells or clumps of tumour cells in all nine instances, and there was a trend of increasing tumour cell dispersion with increasing ultrasonic aspiration times. Further examination is required to determine if this intraoperative dispersion of apparently viable tumour fragments contributes to local neoplasm recurrence.

Noncontact Acousto-Ultrasonics for Material Characterization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kautz, Harold E.

1998-01-01

A NdYAG 1064 nm, laser pulse was employed to produce ultrasonic waves in specimens of SiC/SiC and SiC/Ti 6-4 composites which are high temperature materials of interest for aerospace applications. Air coupled transducers were used to detect and collect the signals used for acousto-ultrasonic analysis. Conditions for detecting ultrasonic decay signals were examined. The results were compared to those determined on the same specimens with contact coupling. Some non-contact measurements were made employing conventional air focused detectors. Others were performed with a more novel micromachined capacitance transducer. Concerns of the laser-in technology include potential destructiveness of the laser pulse. Repeated laser pulsing at the same location does lead to deterioration of the ultrasonic signal in some materials, but seems to recover with time. Also, unlike contact AU, the frequency regime employed is a function of laser-material interaction rather than the choice of transducers. Concerns of the air coupled-out technology include the effect of air attenuation. This imposes a practical upper limit to frequency of detection. In the case of the experimental specimens studied ultrasonic decay signals could be imaged satisfactorily.

Partial Discharge Ultrasound Detection Using the Sagnac Interferometer System

PubMed Central

Li, Xiaomin; Gao, Yan; Zhang, Hongjuan; Wang, Dong; Jin, Baoquan

2018-01-01

Partial discharge detection is crucial for electrical cable safety evaluation. The ultrasonic signals frequently generated in the partial discharge process contains important characteristic information. However, traditional ultrasonic transducers are easily subject to strong electromagnetic interference in environments with high voltages and strong magnetic fields. In order to overcome this problem, an optical fiber Sagnac interferometer system is proposed for partial discharge ultrasound detection. Optical fiber sensing and time-frequency analysis of the ultrasonic signals excited by the piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer is realized for the first time. The effective frequency band of the Sagnac interferometer system was up to 175 kHz with the help of a designed 10 kV partial discharge simulator device. Using the cumulative histogram method, the characteristic ultrasonic frequency band of the partial discharges was between 28.9 kHz and 57.6 kHz for this optical fiber partial discharge detection system. This new ultrasound sensor can be used as an ideal ultrasonic source for the intrinsically safe detection of partial discharges in an explosive environment. PMID:29734682

Optimization of ultrasonication period for better dispersion and stability of TiO2-water nanofluid.

PubMed

Mahbubul, I M; Elcioglu, Elif Begum; Saidur, R; Amalina, M A

2017-07-01

Nanofluids are promising in many fields, including engineering and medicine. Stability deterioration may be a critical constraint for potential applications of nanofluids. Proper ultrasonication can improve the stability, and possibility of the safe use of nanofluids in different applications. In this study, stability properties of TiO 2 -H 2 O nanofluid for varying ultrasonication durations were tested. The nanofluids were prepared through two-step method; and electron microscopies, with particle size distribution and zeta potential analyses were conducted for the evaluation of their stability. Results showed the positive impact of ultrasonication on nanofluid dispersion properties up to some extent. Ultrasonication longer than 150min resulted in re-agglomeration of nanoparticles. Therefore, ultrasonication for 150min was the optimum period yielding highest stability. A regression analysis was also done in order to relate the average cluster size and ultrasonication time to zeta potential. It can be concluded that performing analytical imaging and colloidal property evaluation during and after the sample preparation leads to reliable insights. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Progress and Challenges of Ultrasonic Testing for Stress in Remanufacturing Laser Cladding Coating

PubMed Central

Yan, Xiao-Ling; Dong, Shi-Yun; Xu, Bin-Shi; Cao, Yong

2018-01-01

Stress in laser cladding coating is an important factor affecting the safe operation of remanufacturing components. Ultrasonic testing has become a popular approach in the nondestructive evaluation of stress, because it has the advantages of safety, nondestructiveness, and online detection. This paper provides a review of ultrasonic testing for stress in remanufacturing laser cladding coating. It summarizes the recent research outcomes on ultrasonic testing for stress, and analyzes the mechanism of ultrasonic testing for stress. Remanufacturing laser cladding coating shows typical anisotropic behaviors. The ultrasonic testing signal in laser cladding coating is influenced by many complex factors, such as microstructure, defect, temperature, and surface roughness, among others. At present, ultrasonic testing for stress in laser cladding coating can only be done roughly. This paper discusses the active mechanism of micro/macro factors in the reliability of stress measurement, as well as the impact of stress measurement on the quality and safety of remanufacturing components. Based on the discussion, this paper proposes strategies to nondestructively, rapidly, and accurately measure stress in remanufacturing laser cladding coating. PMID:29438309

Progress and Challenges of Ultrasonic Testing for Stress in Remanufacturing Laser Cladding Coating.

PubMed

Yan, Xiao-Ling; Dong, Shi-Yun; Xu, Bin-Shi; Cao, Yong

2018-02-13

Stress in laser cladding coating is an important factor affecting the safe operation of remanufacturing components. Ultrasonic testing has become a popular approach in the nondestructive evaluation of stress, because it has the advantages of safety, nondestructiveness, and online detection. This paper provides a review of ultrasonic testing for stress in remanufacturing laser cladding coating. It summarizes the recent research outcomes on ultrasonic testing for stress, and analyzes the mechanism of ultrasonic testing for stress. Remanufacturing laser cladding coating shows typical anisotropic behaviors. The ultrasonic testing signal in laser cladding coating is influenced by many complex factors, such as microstructure, defect, temperature, and surface roughness, among others. At present, ultrasonic testing for stress in laser cladding coating can only be done roughly. This paper discusses the active mechanism of micro/macro factors in the reliability of stress measurement, as well as the impact of stress measurement on the quality and safety of remanufacturing components. Based on the discussion, this paper proposes strategies to nondestructively, rapidly, and accurately measure stress in remanufacturing laser cladding coating.

Ultrasonic accelerates asparagine-glucose non-enzymatic browning reaction without acrylamide formation.

PubMed

Gao, Zhiqiang; Zheng, Junfeng; Chen, Lian

2017-01-01

Ultrasonic accelerated the asparagine-glucose non-enzymatic browning reaction with significant decrease of glucose and asparagine concentrations, and marked increase of intermediate products (UV-absorbance value at 294nm, Abs 294 ), melanoidins (UV-absorbance value at 420nm, Abs 420 ) and in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH free radical scavenging activity). As the ultrasonic intensity was 17.83W/cm 2 , the asparagine-glucose solution's Abs 294 , Abs 420 and antioxidant activity increased from 0 to 1.26, 0.88 and 21.56%, respectively, and the glucose and asparagine concentrations of the asparagine-glucose solution reduced 58.97 and 12.57%, respectively. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-Diode Array Detector (DAD) analyses showed that no acrylamide was detected after 50-min ultrasonic reaction. This study suggested that ultrasonic at higher intensity was a potential method to accelerate the non-enzymatic browning reaction in the asparagine-glucose solution without acrylamide production. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultrasonic liquid-in-line detector for tubes

DOEpatents

Piper, Thomas C.

1991-01-01

An apparatus and method for detecting the presence of liquid in pipes or tubes using ultrasonic techniques A first piezoelectric crystal is coupled to the outside of the pipe or tube at the location where liquid in the tube is to be detected. A second piezoelectric crystal is coupled to the outside of the pipe or tube at the same location along the tube but circumferentially displaced from the first crystal by an angle around the pipe or tube of less than 180.degree.. Liquid in the pipe or tube is detected by measuring the attenuation of an ultrasonic signal sent by the first piezoelectric crystal and received by the second piezoelectric crystal.

Decoupling of Getting Up Detection Device Using Ultrasonic Radar by Changing Duty Ratio of Transmission Wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, Yo; Tanaka, Kanya; Haruyama, Kazuo; Wakasa, Yuji; Akashi, Takuya

The decline in the quality of patient's safety control is a problem, because the number of caretakers is reduced by the acceleration of demographic aging in an elder care facility. Especially, the detection of getting up from the bed is very important for preventing patients from falling and wandering unbreakable. In our previous study, we have developed the getting up detection device with an ultrasonic radar, which is safe, cheap, and break-proof. However, if there are many patients in a ward, it is difficult to use some ultrasonic radars. The reason is that if some ultrasonic radars, which have the same frequency, are used in same ward, the ultrasonic signals are coherent with each other. To solve this problem, we propose a novel incoherent method. This method is achieved by improving the software in the device at a low cost.

Estimation of in vivo cortical bone thickness using ultrasonic waves.

PubMed

Mano, Isao; Horii, Kaoru; Hagino, Hiroshi; Miki, Takami; Matsukawa, Mami; Otani, Takahiko

2015-07-01

To verify the measurement of cortical bone thickness at the distal radius in vivo using an ultrasonic method. The method for estimating cortical bone thickness was derived from experiments with in vitro bovine specimens. Propagation time of echo waves and propagation time of slow waves were used for the estimation. The outside diameter of cortical bone and the cortical bone thickness at the distal 5.5 % site of radius were measured with the new ultrasonic bone measurement system, and the results were compared with X-ray pQCT clinical measurements. There was a high positive correlation (r: 0.76) between the cortical bone thickness measured by the new ultrasonic system and the X-ray pQCT results. We will be able to measure not only cancellous bone density but also cortical bone thickness in vivo using ultrasonic waves (without X-ray) safely and repeatedly.

Highly sensitive simple homodyne phase detector for ultrasonic pulse-echo measurements

DOE PAGES

Grossman, John; Suslov, Alexey V.; Yong, Grace; ...

2016-04-07

Progress in microelectronic technology has allowed us to design and develop a simple but, professional quality instrument for ultrasonic pulse-echo probing of the elastic properties of materials. The heart of this interfer- ometer lies in the AD8302 microchip, a gain and phase detector from Analog Devices, Inc. The interferometer was tested by measuring the temperature dependences of the ultrasound speed and attenuation in a ferro- electric KTa 0.92 Nb 0.08O 3 (KTN) crystal at a frequency of about 40 MHz. These tests demonstrated that our instrument is capable of detecting the relative changes in the sound speed v on themore » level of Δv/v ~ 10 –7. In addition, the ultrasound attenuation revealed new features in the development of the low-temperature structure of the ferroelectric KTN crystal.« less

Ultrasonic Determination of Combinations of Third-Order Elastic Constants of Small Cubic Single Crystals

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-05-01

crystals Cesium cadmium fluoride Ultrasonic wave propagation Potassium zinc fluoride Nonlinear acoustics 20. A’?S1 RACT (Continue on reverse side If...is the stray capacitance of the detector, L is the inductance of the wire leading from the banana jack to the BNC connector (shown in Figure 111-2). Z...The samples on which measurements were made included [lO0] and [1111 copper samples, a sample of potassium zinc fluoride (KZnF 3 ) and a sample of

High precision, fast ultrasonic thermometer based on measurement of the speed of sound in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, K. N.; Huang, C. F.; Li, Y. C.; Young, M. S.

2002-11-01

This study presents a microcomputer-based ultrasonic system which measures air temperature by detecting variations in the speed of sound in the air. Changes in the speed of sound are detected by phase shift variations of a 40 kHz continuous ultrasonic wave. In a test embodiment, two 40 kHz ultrasonic transducers are set face to face at a constant distance. Phase angle differences between transmitted and received signals are determined by a FPGA digital phase detector and then analyzed in an 89C51 single-chip microcomputer. Temperature is calculated and then sent to a LCD display and, optionally, to a PC. Accuracy of measurement is within 0.05 degC at an inter-transducer distance of 10 cm. Temperature variations are displayed within 10 ms. The main advantages of the proposed system are high resolution, rapid temperature measurement, noncontact measurement and easy implementation.

(abstract) Oblique Insonification Ultrasonic NDE of Composite Materials for Space Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bar-Cohen, Y.; Lih, S. S.; Mal, A. K.

1997-01-01

In recent years, a great deal of research has been exerted to developing NDE methods for the characterization of the material properties of composites as well as other space structural materials. The need for information about such parameters as the elastic properties, density, and thickness are critical to the safe design and operation of such structural materials. Ultrasonics using immersion methods has played an important role in these efforts due to its capability, cost effectiveness, and ease of use. The authors designed a series of ultrasonic oblique insonification experiments in order to develop a practical field applicable NDE method for space structures.

Application of CdZnTe Gamma-Ray Detector for Imaging Corrosion under Insulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdullah, J.; Yahya, R.

2007-05-01

Corrosion under insulation (CUI) on the external wall of steel pipes is a common problem in many types of industrial plants. This is mainly due to the presence of moisture or water in the insulation materials. This type of corrosion can cause failures in areas that are not normally of a primary concern to an inspection program. The failures are often the result of localised corrosion and not general wasting over a large area. These failures can tee catastrophic in nature or at least have an adverse economic effect in terms of downtime and repairs. There are a number of techniques used today for CUI investigations. The main ones are profile radiography, pulse eddy current, ultrasonic spot readings and insulation removal. A new system now available is portable Pipe-CUI-Profiler. The nucleonic system is based on dual-beam gamma-ray absorption technique using Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CdZnTe) semiconductor detectors. The Pipe-CUI-Profiler is designed to inspect pipes of internal diameter 50, 65, 80, 90, 100, 125 and 150 mm. Pipeline of these sizes with aluminium or thin steel sheathing, containing fibreglass or calcium silicate insulation to thickness of 25, 40 and 50 mm can be inspected. The system has proven to be a safe, fast and effective method of inspecting pipe in industrial plant operations. This paper describes the application of gamma-ray techniques and CdZnTe semiconductor detectors in the development of Pipe-CUI-Profiler for non-destructive imaging of corrosion under insulation of steel pipes. Some results of actual pipe testing in large-scale industrial plant will be presented.

Ultrasonic infrared thermal wave nondestructive evaluation for crack detection of several aerospace materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Weichao; Shen, Jingling; Zhang, Cunlin; Tao, Ning; Feng, Lichun

2008-03-01

The applications of ultrasonic infrared thermal wave nondestructive evaluation for crack detection of several materials, which often used in aviation alloy. For instance, steel and carbon fiber. It is difficult to test cracks interfacial or vertical with structure's surface by the traditional nondestructive testing methods. Ultrasonic infrared thermal wave nondestructive testing technology uses high-power and low-frequency ultrasonic as heat source to excite the sample and an infrared video camera as a detector to detect the surface temperature. The ultrasonic emitter launch pulses of ultrasonic into the skin of the sample, which causes the crack interfaces to rub and dissipate energy as heat, and then caused local increase in temperature at one of the specimen surfaces. The infrared camera images the returning thermal wave reflections from subsurface cracks. A computer collects and processes the thermal images according to different properties of samples to get the satisfied effect. In this paper, a steel plate with fatigue crack we designed and a juncture of carbon fiber composite that has been used in a space probe were tested and get satisfying results. The ultrasonic infrared thermal wave nondestructive detection is fast, sensitive for cracks, especially cracks that vertical with structure's surface. It is significative for nondestructive testing in manufacture produce and application of aviation, cosmography and optoelectronics.

Electronic system for floor surface type detection in robotics applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarapata, Grzegorz; Paczesny, Daniel; Tarasiuk, Łukasz

2016-11-01

The paper reports a recognizing method base on ultrasonic transducers utilized for the surface types detection. Ultra-sonic signal is transmitted toward the examined substrate, then reflected and scattered signal goes back to another ultra-sonic receiver. Thee measuring signal is generated by a piezo-electric transducer located at specified distance from the tested substrate. The detector is a second piezo-electric transducer located next to the transmitter. Depending on thee type of substrate which is exposed by an ultrasonic wave, the signal is partially absorbed inn the material, diffused and reflected towards the receiver. To measure the level of received signal, the dedicated electronic circuit was design and implemented in the presented systems. Such system was designed too recognize two types of floor surface: solid (like concrete, ceramic stiles, wood) and soft (carpets, floor coverings). The method will be applied in electronic detection system dedicated to autonomous cleaning robots due to selection of appropriate cleaning method. This work presents the concept of ultrasonic signals utilization, the design of both the measurement system and the measuring stand and as well number of wide tests results which validates correctness of applied ultrasonic method.

The Design of Artificial Intelligence Robot Based on Fuzzy Logic Controller Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuhrie, M. S.; Munoto; Hariadi, E.; Muslim, S.

2018-04-01

Artificial Intelligence Robot is a wheeled robot driven by a DC motor that moves along the wall using an ultrasonic sensor as a detector of obstacles. This study uses ultrasonic sensors HC-SR04 to measure the distance between the robot with the wall based ultrasonic wave. This robot uses Fuzzy Logic Controller to adjust the speed of DC motor. When the ultrasonic sensor detects a certain distance, sensor data is processed on ATmega8 then the data goes to ATmega16. From ATmega16, sensor data is calculated based on Fuzzy rules to drive DC motor speed. The program used to adjust the speed of a DC motor is CVAVR program (Code Vision AVR). The readable distance of ultrasonic sensor is 3 cm to 250 cm with response time 0.5 s. Testing of robots on walls with a setpoint value of 9 cm to 10 cm produce an average error value of -12% on the wall of L, -8% on T walls, -8% on U wall, and -1% in square wall.

All-fiber upconversion high spectral resolution wind lidar using a Fabry-Perot interferometer.

PubMed

Shangguan, Mingjia; Xia, Haiyun; Wang, Chong; Qiu, Jiawei; Shentu, Guoliang; Zhang, Qiang; Dou, Xiankang; Pan, Jian-Wei

2016-08-22

An all-fiber, micro-pulse and eye-safe high spectral resolution wind lidar (HSRWL) at 1.5 μm is proposed and demonstrated by using a pair of upconversion single-photon detectors and a fiber Fabry-Perot scanning interferometer (FFP-SI). In order to improve the optical detection efficiency, both the transmission spectrum and the reflection spectrum of the FFP-SI are used for spectral analyses of the aerosol backscatter and the reference laser pulse. Taking advantages of high signal-to-noise ratio of the detectors and high spectral resolution of the FFP-SI, the center frequencies and the bandwidths of spectra of the aerosol backscatter are obtained simultaneously. Continuous LOS wind observations are carried out on two days at Hefei (31.843 °N, 117.265 °E), China. The horizontal detection range of 4 km is realized with temporal resolution of 1 minute. The spatial resolution is switched from 30 m to 60 m at distance of 1.8 km. In a comparison experiment, LOS wind measurements from the HSRWL show good agreement with the results from an ultrasonic wind sensor (Vaisala windcap WMT52). An empirical method is adopted to evaluate the precision of the measurements. The standard deviation of the wind speed is 0.76 m/s at 1.8 km. The standard deviation of bandwidth variation is 2.07 MHz at 1.8 km.

The Road to Successful ITS Software Acquisition. Executive Summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-08-01

This report analyzes the merits and limits of active sensing technologies such as radar, LIDAR, and ultrasonic detectors and how the market for these technologies is evolving and being applied to vehicles and highway infrastructure to improve...

Automatic mouse ultrasound detector (A-MUD): A new tool for processing rodent vocalizations.

PubMed

Zala, Sarah M; Reitschmidt, Doris; Noll, Anton; Balazs, Peter; Penn, Dustin J

2017-01-01

House mice (Mus musculus) emit complex ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) during social and sexual interactions, which have features similar to bird song (i.e., they are composed of several different types of syllables, uttered in succession over time to form a pattern of sequences). Manually processing complex vocalization data is time-consuming and potentially subjective, and therefore, we developed an algorithm that automatically detects mouse ultrasonic vocalizations (Automatic Mouse Ultrasound Detector or A-MUD). A-MUD is a script that runs on STx acoustic software (S_TOOLS-STx version 4.2.2), which is free for scientific use. This algorithm improved the efficiency of processing USV files, as it was 4-12 times faster than manual segmentation, depending upon the size of the file. We evaluated A-MUD error rates using manually segmented sound files as a 'gold standard' reference, and compared them to a commercially available program. A-MUD had lower error rates than the commercial software, as it detected significantly more correct positives, and fewer false positives and false negatives. The errors generated by A-MUD were mainly false negatives, rather than false positives. This study is the first to systematically compare error rates for automatic ultrasonic vocalization detection methods, and A-MUD and subsequent versions will be made available for the scientific community.

Ultrasound-aided high-resolution biophotonic imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lihong V.

2003-10-01

We develop novel biophotonic imaging for early-cancer detection, a grand challenge in cancer research, using nonionizing electromagnetic and ultrasonic waves. Unlike ionizing x-ray radiation, nonionizing electromagnetic waves such as optical waves are safe for biomedical applications and reveal new contrast mechanisms and functional information. For example, our spectroscopic oblique-incidence reflectometry can detect skin cancers based on functional hemoglobin parameters and cell nuclear size with 95% accuracy. Unfortunately, electromagnetic waves in the nonionizing spectral region do not penetrate biological tissue in straight paths as do x-rays. Consequently, high-resolution tomography based on nonionizing electromagnetic waves alone, as demonstrated by our Mueller optical coherence tomography, is limited to superficial tissue imaging. Ultrasonic imaging, on the contrary, furnishes good imaging resolution but has poor contrast in early-stage tumors and has strong speckle artifacts as well. We developed ultrasound-mediated imaging modalities by combining electromagnetic and ultrasonic waves synergistically. The hybrid modalities yield speckle-free electromagnetic-contrast at ultrasonic resolution in relatively large biological tissue. In ultrasound-modulated (acousto)-optical tomography, a focused ultrasonic wave encodes diffuse laser light in scattering biological tissue. In photo-acoustic (thermo-acoustic) tomography, a low-energy laser (RF) pulse induces ultrasonic waves in biological tissue due to thermoelastic expansion.

Noncontact Determination of Antisymmetric Plate Wave Velocity in Ceramic Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kautz, Harold E.

1998-01-01

High-temperature materials are of increasing importance in the development of more efficient engines and components for the aeronautics industry. In particular, ceramic matrix composite (CMC) and metal matrix composite (MMC) structures are under active development for these applications. The acousto-ultrasonic (AU) method has been shown to be useful for assessing mechanical properties in composite structures. In particular, plate wave analysis can characterize composites in terms of their stiffness moduli. It is desirable to monitor changes in mechanical properties that occur during thermomechanical testing and to monitor the health of components whose geometry or position make them hard to reach with conventional ultrasonic probes. In such applications, it would be useful to apply AU without coupling directly to the test surface. For a number of years, lasers have been under investigation as remote ultrasonic input sources and ultrasound detectors. The use of an ultrasonic transducer coupled through an air gap has also been under study. So far at the NASA Lewis Research Center, we have been more successful in using lasers as ultrasonic sources than as output devices. On the other hand, we have been more successful in using an air-coupled piezoelectric transducer as an output device than as an input device. For this reason, we studied the laser in/air-coupled-transducer out combination-using a pulsed NdYAG laser as the ultrasonic source and an air-coupled-transducer as the detector. The present work is focused on one of the AU parameters of interest, the ultrasonic velocity of the antisymmetric plate-wave mode. This easily identified antisymmetric pulse can be used to determine shear and flexure modulus. It was chosen for this initial work because the pulse arrival times are likely to be the most precise. The following schematic illustrates our experimental arrangement for using laser in/air-transducer out on SiC/SiC composite tensile specimens. The NdYAG pulse was directed downward by a 90 infrared prism to the top of the specimen, but at the edge of one end. An energy sensor measured a single pulse at 13 millijoules (mJ) before it passed through the prism, which attenuated 15 percent of its energy. It also provided an output trigger for the waveform time-delay synthesizer.

Quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe sample preparation approach for pesticide residue analysis using traditional detectors in chromatography: A review.

PubMed

Rahman, Md Musfiqur; Abd El-Aty, A M; Kim, Sung-Woo; Shin, Sung Chul; Shin, Ho-Chul; Shim, Jae-Han

2017-01-01

In pesticide residue analysis, relatively low-sensitivity traditional detectors, such as UV, diode array, electron-capture, flame photometric, and nitrogen-phosphorus detectors, have been used following classical sample preparation (liquid-liquid extraction and open glass column cleanup); however, the extraction method is laborious, time-consuming, and requires large volumes of toxic organic solvents. A quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method was introduced in 2003 and coupled with selective and sensitive mass detectors to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. Compared to traditional detectors, mass spectrometers are still far more expensive and not available in most modestly equipped laboratories, owing to maintenance and cost-related issues. Even available, traditional detectors are still being used for analysis of residues in agricultural commodities. It is widely known that the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method is incompatible with conventional detectors owing to matrix complexity and low sensitivity. Therefore, modifications using column/cartridge-based solid-phase extraction instead of dispersive solid-phase extraction for cleanup have been applied in most cases to compensate and enable the adaptation of the extraction method to conventional detectors. In gas chromatography, the matrix enhancement effect of some analytes has been observed, which lowers the limit of detection and, therefore, enables gas chromatography to be compatible with the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction method. For liquid chromatography with a UV detector, a combination of column/cartridge-based solid-phase extraction and dispersive solid-phase extraction was found to reduce the matrix interference and increase the sensitivity. A suitable double-layer column/cartridge-based solid-phase extraction might be the perfect solution, instead of a time-consuming combination of column/cartridge-based solid-phase extraction and dispersive solid-phase extraction. Therefore, replacing dispersive solid-phase extraction with column/cartridge-based solid-phase extraction in the cleanup step can make the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction method compatible with traditional detectors for more sensitive, effective, and green analysis. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Custom ultrasonic instrumentation for flow measurement and real-time binary gas analysis in the CERN ATLAS experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alhroob, M.; Battistin, M.; Berry, S.; Bitadze, A.; Bonneau, P.; Boyd, G.; Crespo-Lopez, O.; Degeorge, C.; Deterre, C.; Di Girolamo, B.; Doubek, M.; Favre, G.; Hallewell, G.; Katunin, S.; Lombard, D.; Madsen, A.; McMahon, S.; Nagai, K.; O'Rourke, A.; Pearson, B.; Robinson, D.; Rossi, C.; Rozanov, A.; Stanecka, E.; Strauss, M.; Vacek, V.; Vaglio, R.; Young, J.; Zwalinski, L.

2017-01-01

The development of custom ultrasonic instrumentation was motivated by the need for continuous real-time monitoring of possible leaks and mass flow measurement in the evaporative cooling systems of the ATLAS silicon trackers. The instruments use pairs of ultrasonic transducers transmitting sound bursts and measuring transit times in opposite directions. The gas flow rate is calculated from the difference in transit times, while the sound velocity is deduced from their average. The gas composition is then evaluated by comparison with a molar composition vs. sound velocity database, based on the direct dependence between sound velocity and component molar concentration in a gas mixture at a known temperature and pressure. The instrumentation has been developed in several geometries, with five instruments now integrated and in continuous operation within the ATLAS Detector Control System (DCS) and its finite state machine. One instrument monitors C3F8 coolant leaks into the Pixel detector N2 envelope with a molar resolution better than 2ṡ 10-5, and has indicated a level of 0.14 % when all the cooling loops of the recently re-installed Pixel detector are operational. Another instrument monitors air ingress into the C3F8 condenser of the new C3F8 thermosiphon coolant recirculator, with sub-percent precision. The recent effect of the introduction of a small quantity of N2 volume into the 9.5 m3 total volume of the thermosiphon system was clearly seen with this instrument. Custom microcontroller-based readout has been developed for the instruments, allowing readout into the ATLAS DCS via Modbus TCP/IP on Ethernet. The instrumentation has many potential applications where continuous binary gas composition is required, including in hydrocarbon and anaesthetic gas mixtures.

Experiments in ultrasonic flaw detection using a MEMS transducer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, Akash; Greve, David W.; Oppenheim, Irving J.

2003-08-01

In earlier work we developed a MEMS phased array transducer, fabricated in the MUMPs process, and we reported on initial experimental studies in which the device was affixed into contact with solids. We demonstrated the successful detection of signals from a conventional ultrasonic source, and the successful localization of the source in an off-axis geometry using phased array signal processing. We now describe the predicted transmission and coupling characteristics for such devices in contact with solids, demonstrating reasonable agreement with experimental behavior. We then describe the results of flaw detection experiments, as well as results for fluid-coupled detectors.

Safety assessment of the use of ultrasonic energy in the proximity of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in a porcine model.

PubMed

Chávez, Karla V; Barajas, Elpidio M; Soroa, Francisco; Gamboa-Dominguez, Armando; Ordóñez, Samuel; Pantoja, Juan P; Sierra, Mauricio; Velázquez-Fernández, David; Herrera, Miguel F

2018-01-01

Advanced bipolar and ultrasonic energy have demonstrated reduction of operating time and blood loss in thyroidectomy. However, these devices generate heat and thermal dispersion that may damage adjacent structures such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). This study was designed to evaluate the safety profile of the Harmonic Focus+ ® (HF+) device through the evaluation of thermal injury to the RLN using different algorithms of distance and time with state of the art technology. 25 Vietnamese pigs underwent activation of HF+ in the proximity of their RLN. They were divided into 4 groups according to activation distance (3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm and on the RLN). Time of activation, time between tones of the ultrasonic generator, changes in the electromyographic signal using continuous nerve neuromonitoring, vocal fold mobility assessed by direct laryngoscopy and histological thermal damaged were evaluated. None of the pigs had loss of signal in the electromyography during the procedure; only one pig had isolated transient decrease in amplitude and one increase in latency. One pig had transient vocal fold paresis in the group with activation on the nerve. Evaluation of the nerves by histology and immunohistochemistry did not show significant changes attributed to thermal injury. The use of ultrasonic energy close to the RLN is safe, provided that activation time does not exceed the necessary time to safely transect the tissue. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neuronal encoding of ultrasonic sound by a fish.

PubMed

Plachta, Dennis T T; Song, Jiakun; Halvorsen, Michele B; Popper, Arthur N

2004-06-01

Many species of odontocete cetaceans (toothed whales) use high-frequency clicks (60-170 kHz) to identify objects in their environment, including potential prey. Behavioral studies have shown that American shad, Alosa sapidissima, can detect ultrasonic signals similar to those of odontocetes that are potentially their predators. American shad also show strong escape behavior in response to ultrasonic pulses between 70 and 110 kHz and can determine the location of the sound source at least in the horizontal plane. The present study examines physiological aspects of ultrasound detection by American shad and provides the first insights into the neural encoding of ultrasound signals in any nonmammalian vertebrate. The recordings were obtained by penetration through the cerebellar surface. All but two units responded exclusively to ultrasound. Ultrasound-sensitive units did not phase-couple to any stimulus frequency. Some units resembled the response of constant latency neurons found in the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus of bats. We suggest that ultrasonic and sonic signals are processed along different pathways in Alosa. The ultrasonic pathway in Alosa appears to be a feature detector that is likely to be adapted (e.g., frequency, intensity) to odontocete echolocation signals.

Development of glucose measurement system based on pulsed laser-induced ultrasonic method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Zhong; Wan, Bin; Liu, Guodong; Xiong, Zhihua

2016-09-01

In this study, a kind of glucose measurement system based on pulsed-induced ultrasonic technique was established. In this system, the lateral detection mode was used, the Nd: YAG pumped optical parametric oscillator (OPO) pulsed laser was used as the excitation source, the high sensitivity ultrasonic transducer was used as the signal detector to capture the photoacoustic signals of the glucose. In the experiments, the real-time photoacoustic signals of glucose aqueous solutions with different concentrations were captured by ultrasonic transducer and digital oscilloscope. Moreover, the photoacoustic peak-to-peak values were gotten in the wavelength range from 1300nm to 2300nm. The characteristic absorption wavelengths of glucose were determined via the difference spectral method and second derivative method. In addition, the prediction models of predicting glucose concentrations were established via the multivariable linear regression algorithm and the optimal prediction model of corresponding optimal wavelengths. Results showed that the performance of the glucose system based on the pulsed-induced ultrasonic detection method was feasible. Therefore, the measurement scheme and prediction model have some potential value in the fields of non-invasive monitoring the concentration of the glucose gradient, especially in the food safety and biomedical fields.

Early Warning System of Flood Disaster Based on Ultrasonic Sensors and Wireless Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Indrasari, W.; Iswanto, B. H.; Andayani, M.

2018-04-01

A flood disaster provides considerable losses to the people who live around the river. To mitigate losses of material due to flood disaster required an early warning system of flood disaster. For that reason, it necessary to design a system that provide alert to the people prior the flood disaster. And this paper describes development of a device for early detection system of flood disasters. This device consists of two ultrasonic sensors as a water level detector, and a water flow sensor as a water flow velocity sensor. The wireless technology and GSM is used as an information medium. The system is designed based on water level conditions in the Katulampa Dam, Bogor. Characterization of water level detector showed that the device effectively works in a range of water level of 14-250 cm, with a maximum relative error of 4.3%. Meanwhile the wireless works properly as far as 75 m, and the SMS transmission time is 8.20 second.

Graphene-based ultrasonic detector for photoacoustic imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Fan; Song, Wei; Zhang, Chonglei; Fang, Hui; Min, Changjun; Yuan, Xiaocong

2018-03-01

Taking advantage of optical absorption imaging contrast, photoacoustic imaging technology is able to map the volumetric distribution of the optical absorption properties within biological tissues. Unfortunately, traditional piezoceramics-based transducers used in most photoacoustic imaging setups have inadequate frequency response, resulting in both poor depth resolution and inaccurate quantification of the optical absorption information. Instead of the piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer, we develop a graphene-based optical sensor for detecting photoacoustic pressure. The refractive index in the coupling medium is modulated due to photoacoustic pressure perturbation, which creates the variation of the polarization-sensitive optical absorption property of the graphene. As a result, the photoacoustic detection is realized through recording the reflectance intensity difference of polarization light. The graphene-based detector process an estimated noise-equivalentpressure (NEP) sensitivity of 550 Pa over 20-MHz bandwidth with a nearby linear pressure response from 11.0 kPa to 53.0 kPa. Further, a graphene-based photoacoustic microscopy is built, and non-invasively reveals the microvascular anatomy in mouse ears label-freely.

Ultrasonic guided waves in eccentric annular pipes

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

Pattanayak, Roson Kumar; Balasubramaniam, Krishnan; Rajagopal, Prabhu

2014-02-18

This paper studies the feasibility of using ultrasonic guided waves to rapidly inspect tubes and pipes for possible eccentricity. While guided waves are well established in the long range inspection of structures such as pipes and plates, studies for more complex cross sections are limited and analytical solutions are often difficult to obtain. Recent developments have made the Semi Analytical Finite Element (SAFE) method widely accessible for researchers to study guided wave properties in complex structures. Here the SAFE method is used to study the effect of eccentricity on the modal structures and velocities of lower order guided wave modesmore » in thin pipes of diameters typically of interest to the industry. Results are validated using experiments. The paper demonstrates that even a small eccentricity in the pipe can strongly affect guided wave mode structures and velocities and hence shows potential for pipe eccentricity inspection.« less

Automatic mouse ultrasound detector (A-MUD): A new tool for processing rodent vocalizations

PubMed Central

Reitschmidt, Doris; Noll, Anton; Balazs, Peter; Penn, Dustin J.

2017-01-01

House mice (Mus musculus) emit complex ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) during social and sexual interactions, which have features similar to bird song (i.e., they are composed of several different types of syllables, uttered in succession over time to form a pattern of sequences). Manually processing complex vocalization data is time-consuming and potentially subjective, and therefore, we developed an algorithm that automatically detects mouse ultrasonic vocalizations (Automatic Mouse Ultrasound Detector or A-MUD). A-MUD is a script that runs on STx acoustic software (S_TOOLS-STx version 4.2.2), which is free for scientific use. This algorithm improved the efficiency of processing USV files, as it was 4–12 times faster than manual segmentation, depending upon the size of the file. We evaluated A-MUD error rates using manually segmented sound files as a ‘gold standard’ reference, and compared them to a commercially available program. A-MUD had lower error rates than the commercial software, as it detected significantly more correct positives, and fewer false positives and false negatives. The errors generated by A-MUD were mainly false negatives, rather than false positives. This study is the first to systematically compare error rates for automatic ultrasonic vocalization detection methods, and A-MUD and subsequent versions will be made available for the scientific community. PMID:28727808

Multiple-frequency continuous wave ultrasonic system for accurate distance measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, C. F.; Young, M. S.; Li, Y. C.

1999-02-01

A highly accurate multiple-frequency continuous wave ultrasonic range-measuring system for use in air is described. The proposed system uses a method heretofore applied to radio frequency distance measurement but not to air-based ultrasonic systems. The method presented here is based upon the comparative phase shifts generated by three continuous ultrasonic waves of different but closely spaced frequencies. In the test embodiment to confirm concept feasibility, two low cost 40 kHz ultrasonic transducers are set face to face and used to transmit and receive ultrasound. Individual frequencies are transmitted serially, each generating its own phase shift. For any given frequency, the transmitter/receiver distance modulates the phase shift between the transmitted and received signals. Comparison of the phase shifts allows a highly accurate evaluation of target distance. A single-chip microcomputer-based multiple-frequency continuous wave generator and phase detector was designed to record and compute the phase shift information and the resulting distance, which is then sent to either a LCD or a PC. The PC is necessary only for calibration of the system, which can be run independently after calibration. Experiments were conducted to test the performance of the whole system. Experimentally, ranging accuracy was found to be within ±0.05 mm, with a range of over 1.5 m. The main advantages of this ultrasonic range measurement system are high resolution, low cost, narrow bandwidth requirements, and ease of implementation.

Development of limb volume measuring system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhagat, P. K.; Kadaba, P. K.

1983-01-01

The mechanisms underlying the reductions in orthostatic tolerance associated with weightlessness are not well established. Contradictory results from measurements of leg volume changes suggest that altered venomotor tone and reduced blood flow may not be the only contributors to orthostatic intolerance. It is felt that a more accurate limb volume system which is insensitive to environmental factors will aid in better quantification of the hemodynamics of the leg. Of the varous limb volume techniques presently available, the ultrasonic limb volume system has proven to be the best choice. The system as described herein is free from environmental effects, safe, simple to operate and causes negligible radio frequency interference problems. The segmental ultrasonic ultrasonic plethysmograph is expected to provide a better measurement of limb volume change since it is based on cross-sectional area measurements.

Ultrasonic dental scaler: associated hazards.

PubMed

Trenter, S C; Walmsley, A D

2003-02-01

The ultrasonic dental scaler is a valuable tool in the prevention of periodontal disease; however, this equipment has a number of hazards with which it is associated. These include heating of the tooth during scaling, vibrational hazards causing cell disruption, possible platelet damage by cavitation, associated electromagnetic fields that can interrupt pacemakers, auditory damage to patient and clinician and the release of aerosols containing dangerous bacteria. To collate the research reported on the various hazards associated with the ultrasonic dental scaler and discuss possible future research areas. The scientific literature was searched using Web of Science, EMBASE and Medline, and the results of these were then hand-searched to eliminate nonrelevant papers. This review outlines some of the research conducted into these areas of associated hazard in order to assess their significance in the clinical situation, and discusses ideas for future research. Suggestions of recommendations are given, which have been previously investigated for their aid in reducing possible hazards, to ensure the safe working of ultrasonic scalers in the dental practice.

A high precision ultrasonic system for vibration measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, M. S.; Li, Y. C.

1992-11-01

A microcomputer-aided ultrasonic system that can be used to measure the vibratory displacements of an object is presented. A pair of low cost 40-kHz ultrasonic transducers is used to transmit ultrasound toward an object and receive the ultrasound reflected from the object. The relative motion of the object modulates the phase angle difference between the transmitted and received ultrasound signals. A single-chip microcomputer-based phase detector was designed to record and analyze the phase shift information which is then sent to a PC-AT microcomputer for processing. We have developed an ingenious method to reconstruct the relative motion of an object from the acquired data of the phase difference changes. A digital plotter based experiment was also designed for testing the performance of the whole system. The measured accuracy of the system in the reported experiments is within +/- 0.4 mm and the theoretical maximal measurable speed of the object is 89.6 cm/s. The main advantages of this ultrasonic vibration measurement system are high resolution, low cost, noncontact measurement, and easy installation.

Development of Ultrasonic and Fabry-Perot Interferometer for Non-Destruction Inspection of Aging Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Alphonso C.

1998-01-01

Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FPI) sensor detection system was continued and refined modifications were made in the data acquisition and evaluation process during the last year. The ultrasonic and FPI detection system was improved from one to multiple sensor detectors. Physical models were developed to understand the physical phenomenon of this work. Multilayered flawed samples were fabricated for inspection by a prototype ultrasonic and FPI detection. Experimental data was verified with simulated results. Undergraduate students that were associated with this research gained valuable knowledge from this experience. This was a learning process helping students to understand the importance of research and its application to solve important technological problems. As a result of our students exposure to this research two and planning to continue this type of research work in graduate school. A prototype instrument package was laboratory tested an actual airframe structure for documentation purposes.

Ultrasonic scanning system for in-place inspection of brazed tube joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haynes, J. L.; Wages, C. G.; Haralson, H. S. (Inventor)

1973-01-01

A miniaturized ultrasonic scanning system for nondestructive in-place, non-immersion testing of brazed joints in stainless-steel tubing is described. The system is capable of scanning brazed tube joints, with limited clearance access, in 1/4 through 5/8 inch union, tee, elbow and cross configurations. The system has the capability to detect defective conditions now associated with material density changes in addition to those which are depended upon density variations. The system includes a miniaturized scanning head assembly that fits around a tube joint and rotates the transducer around and down the joint in a continuous spiral motion. The C-scan recorder is similar in principle to conventional models except that it was specially designed to track the continuous spiral scan of the tube joint. The scanner and recorder can be operated with most commercially available ultrasonic flaw detectors.

A Combined Limited Energy Study of Electrical Energy Demand and Use and Heating Systems at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas. Volume 2. Appendices

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-09-01

CC ^•’CO CM CO «P» ol eoUritojco o» f o •* o Ol 01 T-l CX •— OC O r^ioil tb OJlCMiT^! tc c Ul o 2 S ail < NIC Ullp- c^ T- CO tc I-- to l...to 127 readings in internal memory. Net weight: 5 lb. t-co-cz -c Leak Detectors Biddle Biddle 569001 Leak and Corona Detector Ultrasonic leak

Stochastic simulation for the propagation of high-frequency acoustic waves through a random velocity field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, B.; Darmon, M.; Leymarie, N.; Chatillon, S.; Potel, C.

2012-05-01

In-service inspection of Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactors (SFR) requires the development of non-destructive techniques adapted to the harsh environment conditions and the examination complexity. From past experiences, ultrasonic techniques are considered as suitable candidates. The ultrasonic telemetry is a technique used to constantly insure the safe functioning of reactor inner components by determining their exact position: it consists in measuring the time of flight of the ultrasonic response obtained after propagation of a pulse emitted by a transducer and its interaction with the targets. While in-service the sodium flow creates turbulences that lead to temperature inhomogeneities, which translates into ultrasonic velocity inhomogeneities. These velocity variations could directly impact the accuracy of the target locating by introducing time of flight variations. A stochastic simulation model has been developed to calculate the propagation of ultrasonic waves in such an inhomogeneous medium. Using this approach, the travel time is randomly generated by a stochastic process whose inputs are the statistical moments of travel times known analytically. The stochastic model predicts beam deviations due to velocity inhomogeneities, which are similar to those provided by a determinist method, such as the ray method.

Cybersonics: Tapping into Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

With the assistance of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Cybersonics, Inc., developed an ultrasonic drill with applications ranging from the medical industry to space exploration. The drill, which has the ability to take a core sample of the hardest granite or perform the most delicate diagnostic medical procedure, is a lightweight, ultrasonic device made to fit in the palm of the hand. Piezoelectric actuators, which have only two moving parts and no gears or motors, drive the components of the device, enabling it to operate in a wide range of temperatures. The most remarkable aspect of the drill is its ability to penetrate even the hardest rock with minimal force application. The ultrasonic device requires 20 to 30 times less force than standard rotating drills, allowing it to be safely guided by hand during operation. Also, the drill is operable at a level as low as three watts of power, where conventional drills require more than three times this level. Potential future applications for the ultrasonic drill include rock and soil sampling, medical procedures that involve core sampling or probing, landmine detection, building and construction, and space exploration. Cybersonics, Inc. developed an ultrasonic drill with applications ranging from the medical industry to space exploration.

Development of a custom on-line ultrasonic vapour analyzer and flow meter for the ATLAS inner detector, with application to Cherenkov and gaseous charged particle detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alhroob, M.; Bates, R.; Battistin, M.; Berry, S.; Bitadze, A.; Bonneau, P.; Bousson, N.; Boyd, G.; Bozza, G.; Crespo-Lopez, O.; Degeorge, C.; Deterre, C.; DiGirolamo, B.; Doubek, M.; Favre, G.; Godlewski, J.; Hallewell, G.; Hasib, A.; Katunin, S.; Langevin, N.; Lombard, D.; Mathieu, M.; McMahon, S.; Nagai, K.; O'Rourke, A.; Pearson, B.; Robinson, D.; Rossi, C.; Rozanov, A.; Strauss, M.; Vacek, V.; Zwalinski, L.

2015-03-01

Precision sound velocity measurements can simultaneously determine binary gas composition and flow. We have developed an analyzer with custom microcontroller-based electronics, currently used in the ATLAS Detector Control System, with numerous potential applications. Three instruments monitor C3F8 and CO2 coolant leak rates into the nitrogen envelopes of the ATLAS silicon microstrip and Pixel detectors. Two further instruments will aid operation of the new thermosiphon coolant recirculator: one of these will monitor air leaks into the low pressure condenser while the other will measure return vapour flow along with C3F8/C2F6 blend composition, should blend operation be necessary to protect the ATLAS silicon tracker under increasing LHC luminosity. We describe these instruments and their electronics.

Beyond Metal Detectors: Creating Safe School Environments. The Editor Reflects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Erb, Tom

2000-01-01

Discusses a model for the interactions between the elements of a safe school environment. Elements are curriculum, climate, and instruction leading to a safe setting, resulting in positive student outcomes. (JPB)

30 CFR 22.1 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... PRODUCTS PORTABLE METHANE DETECTORS § 22.1 Purpose. (a) The purpose of investigations under this part is to provide portable methane detectors that may be safely used in mines. Lists of such detectors will be... permissible methane detectors. This part supersedes Schedule 8B, issued under date of November 17, 1926, and...

30 CFR 22.1 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... PRODUCTS PORTABLE METHANE DETECTORS § 22.1 Purpose. (a) The purpose of investigations under this part is to provide portable methane detectors that may be safely used in mines. Lists of such detectors will be... permissible methane detectors. This part supersedes Schedule 8B, issued under date of November 17, 1926, and...

30 CFR 22.1 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... PRODUCTS PORTABLE METHANE DETECTORS § 22.1 Purpose. (a) The purpose of investigations under this part is to provide portable methane detectors that may be safely used in mines. Lists of such detectors will be... permissible methane detectors. This part supersedes Schedule 8B, issued under date of November 17, 1926, and...

30 CFR 22.1 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... PRODUCTS PORTABLE METHANE DETECTORS § 22.1 Purpose. (a) The purpose of investigations under this part is to provide portable methane detectors that may be safely used in mines. Lists of such detectors will be... permissible methane detectors. This part supersedes Schedule 8B, issued under date of November 17, 1926, and...

30 CFR 22.1 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... PRODUCTS PORTABLE METHANE DETECTORS § 22.1 Purpose. (a) The purpose of investigations under this part is to provide portable methane detectors that may be safely used in mines. Lists of such detectors will be... permissible methane detectors. This part supersedes Schedule 8B, issued under date of November 17, 1926, and...

Simultaneous in vivo imaging of diffuse optical reflectance, optoacoustic pressure and ultrasonic scattering (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subochev, Pavel V.; Orlova, Anna G.; Turchin, Ilya V.

2017-03-01

We will present reflection-mode bioimaging system providing complementary optical, photoacsoutic and acoustic measurements by acoustic detector after each laser pulse with 2kHz repetition rate. The photons absorbed within the biological tissue provide optoacoustic (OA) signals, the photons absorbed by the external electrode of a detector provide the measurable diffuse reflectance (DR) from the sample and the probing ultrasonic (US) pulse. To demonstrate the in vivo capabilities of the system we performed complementary DR/OA/US imaging of small laboratory animals and human palm with 3.5mm/50μm/35μm lateral resolution at up to 3 mm diagnostic depth. Functional OA and DR imaging demonstrated the levels of tissue vascularization and blood supply. Structural US imaging was essential for understanding the position of vessels and zones with different perfusion. Before BiOS-2017 we plan to accomplish more in vivo experiments validating the developed triple-modality system as diagnostic tool to detect vascularization as well as mechanisms of vascular changes when monitoring response to therapy.

Phased Array Ultrasonic Examination of Reactor Coolant System (Carbon Steel-to-CASS) Dissimilar Metal Weld Mockup Specimen

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

Crawford, S. L.; Cinson, A. D.; Diaz, A. A.

2015-11-23

In the summer of 2009, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) staff traveled to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) NDE Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, to conduct phased-array ultrasonic testing on a large bore, reactor coolant pump nozzle-to-safe-end mockup. This mockup was fabricated by FlawTech, Inc. and the configuration originated from the Port St. Lucie nuclear power plant. These plants are Combustion Engineering-designed reactors. This mockup consists of a carbon steel elbow with stainless steel cladding joined to a cast austenitic stainless steel (CASS) safe-end with a dissimilar metal weld and is owned by Florida Power & Light. The objectivemore » of this study, and the data acquisition exercise held at the EPRI NDE Center, were focused on evaluating the capabilities of advanced, low-frequency phased-array ultrasonic testing (PA-UT) examination techniques for detection and characterization of implanted circumferential flaws and machined reflectors in a thick-section CASS dissimilar metal weld component. This work was limited to PA-UT assessments using 500 kHz and 800 kHz probes on circumferential flaws only, and evaluated detection and characterization of these flaws and machined reflectors from the CASS safe-end side only. All data were obtained using spatially encoded, manual scanning techniques. The effects of such factors as line-scan versus raster-scan examination approaches were evaluated, and PA-UT detection and characterization performance as a function of inspection frequency/wavelength, were also assessed. A comparative assessment of the data is provided, using length-sizing root-mean-square-error and position/localization results (flaw start/stop information) as the key criteria for flaw characterization performance. In addition, flaw signal-to-noise ratio was identified as the key criterion for detection performance.« less

Polarization-dependent optical reflection ultrasonic detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Xiaoyi; Huang, Zhiyu; Wang, Guohe; Li, Wenzhao; Li, Changhui

2017-03-01

Although ultrasound transducers based on commercial piezoelectric-material have been widely used, they generally have limited bandwidth centered at the resonant frequency. Currently, several pure-optical ultrasonic detection methods have gained increasing interest due to their wide bandwidth and high sensitivity. However, most of them require customized components (such as micro-ring, SPR, Fabry-Perot film, etc), which limit their broad implementations. In this study, we presented a simple pure-optical ultrasound detection method, called "Polarization-dependent Reflection Ultrasonic Detection" (PRUD). It detects the intensity difference between two polarization components of the probe beam that is modulated by ultrasound waves. PRUD detect the two components by using a balanced detector, which effectively suppressed much of the unwanted noise. We have achieved the sensitivity (noise equivalent pressure) to be 1.7kPa, and this can be further improved. In addition, like many other pure-optical ultrasonic detection methods, PRUD also has a flat and broad bandwidth from almost zero to over 100MHz. Besides theoretical analysis, we did a phantom study by imaging a tungsten filament to demonstrate the performance of PRUD. We believe this simple and economic method will attract both researchers and engineers in optical and ultrasound fields.

A new ultrasonic temperature measurement system for air conditioners in automobiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Teh-Lu; Tsai, Wen-Yuan; Huang, Chih-Feng

2004-02-01

This paper presents a microcomputer-based ultrasonic temperature sensor system to measure the temperature of an air conditioner (AC) in an automobile. It uses the ultrasonic measurement of the changes in the speed of sound in the air to determine the temperature of the environmental air. The changes in the speed of sound are calculated by combining time-of-flight (TOF) and phase shift techniques. This method can work in a wider range than using phase shift alone and is more accurate than the TOF scheme. In the proposed system, we use 40 ± 2 kHz ultrasonic transducers and adopt a single-pass operation. An 89c51 single-chip microcomputer-based binary frequency shift-keyed (BFSK) signal generator and phase detector are designed to record and calculate the TOF, phase shift of the two frequencies and temperature. These data are then sent to either an LCD display or to a PC for calibration and examination. Experimental results show that the proposed measurement system has a high accuracy of ± 0.4 °C from 0 to 80 °C and can reflect the temperature change within 100 ms.

Use of ultrasonic array method for positioning multiple partial discharge sources in transformer oil.

PubMed

Xie, Qing; Tao, Junhan; Wang, Yongqiang; Geng, Jianghai; Cheng, Shuyi; Lü, Fangcheng

2014-08-01

Fast and accurate positioning of partial discharge (PD) sources in transformer oil is very important for the safe, stable operation of power systems because it allows timely elimination of insulation faults. There is usually more than one PD source once an insulation fault occurs in the transformer oil. This study, which has both theoretical and practical significance, proposes a method of identifying multiple PD sources in the transformer oil. The method combines the two-sided correlation transformation algorithm in the broadband signal focusing and the modified Gerschgorin disk estimator. The method of classification of multiple signals is used to determine the directions of arrival of signals from multiple PD sources. The ultrasonic array positioning method is based on the multi-platform direction finding and the global optimization searching. Both the 4 × 4 square planar ultrasonic sensor array and the ultrasonic array detection platform are built to test the method of identifying and positioning multiple PD sources. The obtained results verify the validity and the engineering practicability of this method.

Investigation on the ability of an ultrasound bubble detector to deliver size measurements of gaseous bubbles in fluid lines by using a glass bead model.

PubMed

Eitschberger, S; Henseler, A; Krasenbrink, B; Oedekoven, B; Mottaghy, K

2001-01-01

Detectors based on ultrasonic principles are today's state of the art devices to detect gaseous bubbles that may be present in extracorporeal circuits (ECC) for various reasons. Referring to theoretical considerations and other studies, it also seems possible to use this technology to measure the size of detected bubbles, thus offering the chance to evaluate their potential hazardous effect if introduced into a patient's circulation. Based on these considerations, a commercially available ultrasound bubble detector has been developed by Hatteland Instrumentering, Norway, to deliver bubble size measurements by means of supplementary software. This device consists of an ultrasound sensor that can be clamped onto the ECC tubing, and the necessary electronic equipment to amplify and rectify the received signals. It is supplemented by software that processes these signals and presents them as specific data. On the basis of our knowledge and experience with bubble detection by ultrasound technology, we believe it is particularly difficult to meet all the requirements for size measurements, especially if these are to be achieved by using a mathematical procedure rather than exact devices. Therefore, we tried to evaluate the quality of the offered bubble detector in measuring bubble sizes. After establishing a standardized test stand, including a roller pump and a temperature sensor, we performed several sets of experiments using the manufacturers software and a program specifically designed at our department for this purpose. The first set revealed that the manufacturer's recommended calibration material did not meet essential requirements as established by other authors. Having solved that problem, we could actually demonstrate that the ultrasonic field, as generated by the bubble detector, has been correctly calculated by the manufacturer. Simply, it is a field having the strongest reflecting region in the center, subsequently losing strength toward the ECC tubing's edge. The following set of experiments revealed that the supplementary software not only does not compensate for the ultrasonic field's inhomogeneity, but, furthermore, delivers results that are inappropriate to the applied calibration material. In the last set of experiments, we were able to demonstrate that the signals as recorded by the bubble detector heavily depend upon the circulating fluid's temperature, a fact that the manufacturer does not address. Therefore, it seems impossible to resolve all these sensor related problems by ever-increasing mathematical intervention. We believe it is more appropriate to develop a new kind of ultrasound device, free of these shortcomings. This seems to be particularly useful, because the problem of determining the size of gaseous bubbles in ECC is not yet solved.

A blind climber: The first evidence of ultrasonic echolocation in arboreal mammals.

PubMed

Panyutina, Aleksandra A; Kuznetsov, Alexander N; Volodin, Ilya A; Abramov, Alexei V; Soldatova, Irina B

2017-03-01

The means of orientation is studied in the Vietnamese pygmy dormouse Typhlomys chapensis, a poorly known enigmatic semi-fossorial semi-arboreal rodent. Data on eye structure are presented, which prove that Typhlomys (translated as "the blind mouse") is incapable of object vision: the retina is folded and retains no more than 2500 ganglion cells in the focal plane, and the optic nerve is subject to gliosis. Hence, Typhlomys has no other means for rapid long-range orientation among tree branches other than echolocation. Ultrasonic vocalization recordings at the frequency range of 50-100 kHz support this hypothesis. The vocalizations are represented by bouts of up to 7 more or less evenly-spaced and uniform frequency-modulated sweep-like pulses in rapid succession. Structurally, these sweeps are similar to frequency-modulated ultrasonic echolocation calls of some bat species, but they are too faint to be revealed with a common bat detector. When recording video simultaneously with the ultrasonic audio, a significantly greater pulse rate during locomotion compared to that of resting animals has been demonstrated. Our findings of locomotion-associated ultrasonic vocalization in a fast-climbing but weakly-sighted small mammal ecotype add support to the "echolocation-first theory" of pre-flight origin of echolocation in bats. © 2016 International Society of Zoological Sciences, Institute of Zoology/Chinese Academy of Sciences and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Micro-pulse upconversion Doppler lidar for wind and visibility detection in the atmospheric boundary layer.

PubMed

Xia, Haiyun; Shangguan, Mingjia; Wang, Chong; Shentu, Guoliang; Qiu, Jiawei; Zhang, Qiang; Dou, Xiankang; Pan, Jianwei

2016-11-15

For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, a compact, eye-safe, and versatile direct detection Doppler lidar is developed using an upconversion single-photon detection method at 1.5 μm. An all-fiber and polarization maintaining architecture is realized to guarantee the high optical coupling efficiency and the robust stability. Using integrated-optic components, the conservation of etendue of the optical receiver is achieved by manufacturing a fiber-coupled periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide and an all-fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI). The double-edge technique is implemented by using a convert single-channel FPI and a single upconversion detector, incorporating a time-division multiplexing method. The backscatter photons at 1548.1 nm are converted into 863 nm via mixing with a pump laser at 1950 nm. The relative error of the system is less than 0.1% over nine weeks. In experiments, atmospheric wind and visibility over 48 h are detected in the boundary layer. The lidar shows good agreement with the ultrasonic wind sensor, with a standard deviation of 1.04 m/s in speed and 12.3° in direction.

Monopolar electrocautery versus ultrasonic dissection of the gallbladder from the gallbladder bed in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

Mahabaleshwar, Varun; Kaman, Lileswar; Iqbal, Javid; Singh, Rajinder

2012-01-01

Background Ultrasonic dissection has been suggested as an alternative to monopolar electrocautery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy because it generates less tissue damage and may have a lower incidence of gallbladder perforation. We compared the 2 methods to determine the incidence of gallbladder perforation and its intraoperative consequences. Methods We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial between July 2008 and December 2009 involving adult patients with symptomatic gall stone disease who were eligible for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were randomly assigned before administration of anesthesia to electrocautery or ultrasonic dissection. Both groups were compared for incidence of gallbladder perforation during dissection, bile leak, stones spillage, lens cleaning, duration of surgery and estimation of risk of gall-bladder in the presence of complicating factors. Results We included 60 adult patients in our study. The groups were comparable with respect to demographic characteristics, symptomatology, comorbidities, previous abdominal surgeries, preoperative ultrasonography findings and intraoperative complications. The overall incidence of gallbladder perforation was 28.3% (40.0% in the electrocautery v. 16.7% in the ultrasonic dissection group, p = 0.045). Bile leak occurred in 40.0% of patients in the electrocautery group and 16.7% of patients in ultrasonic group (p = 0.045). Lens cleaning time (p = 0.015) and duration of surgery (p = 0.001) were longer in the electrocautery than the ultrasonic dissection group. There was no statistical difference in stone spillage between the groups (p = 0.62). Conclusion Ultrasonic dissection is safe and effective, and it improves the operative course of laparoscopic cholecystectomy by reducing the incidence of gallbladder perforation. PMID:22854110

Monopolar electrocautery versus ultrasonic dissection of the gallbladder from the gallbladder bed in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Mahabaleshwar, Varun; Kaman, Lileswar; Iqbal, Javid; Singh, Rajinder

2012-10-01

Ultrasonic dissection has been suggested as an alternative to monopolar electrocautery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy because it generates less tissue damage and may have a lower incidence of gallbladder perforation. We compared the 2 methods to determine the incidence of gallbladder perforation and its intraoperative consequences. We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial between July 2008 and December 2009 involving adult patients with symptomatic gall stone disease who were eligible for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were randomly assigned before administration of anesthesia to electrocautery or ultrasonic dissection. Both groups were compared for incidence of gallbladder perforation during dissection, bile leak, stones spillage, lens cleaning, duration of surgery and estimation of risk of gallbladder in the presence of complicating factors. We included 60 adult patients in our study. The groups were comparable with respect to demographic characteristics, symptomatology, comorbidities, previous abdominal surgeries, preoperative ultrasonography findings and intraoperative complications. The overall incidence of gallbladder perforation was 28.3% (40.0% in the electrocautery v. 16.7% in the ultrasonic dissection group, p = 0.045). Bile leak occurred in 40.0% of patients in the electrocautery group and 16.7% of patients in ultrasonic group (p = 0.045). Lens cleaning time (p = 0.015) and duration of surgery (p = 0.001) were longer in the electrocautery than the ultrasonic dissection group. There was no statistical difference in stone spillage between the groups (p = 0.62). Ultrasonic dissection is safe and effective, and it improves the operative course of laparoscopic cholecystectomy by reducing the incidence of gallbladder perforation.

Inspecting Composites with Airborne Ultrasound: Through Thick and Thin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, David K.; Barnard, Daniel J.

2006-03-01

The inspection of composite materials and structures with air-coupled ultrasound has the obvious advantage that it is non-contact, non-contaminating, and free from couplants. However, the transmission efficiency from air to solid is extremely low due to the enormous difference in acoustic impedance. The development of more efficient airborne ultrasonic transducers over the years has made it possible, and even practical, to inspect composites with airborne ultrasound. It is now possible to drive newer, more efficient transducers with a portable ultrasonic flaw detector to inspect 2-inch thick solid CFRP in air. In this paper we describe our experience in applying air-coupled ultrasound to the inspection of a variety of composite structures, from honeycomb with thin composite facesheet to very thick solid laminates. General considerations for making airborne ultrasonic measurement in composite are given, and mechanism of transmission through honeycomb core, and resonance effects in transmitting through thick laminates will be described. NDE results of defects and damage in various composite structures will be presented.

Destruction of giant cluster-like vesicles by an ultrasonically activated device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yahagi, Ryosuke; Yoshida, Kenji; Zhang, Yiting; Ebata, Masahiko; Toyota, Taro; Yamaguchi, Tadashi; Hayashi, Hideki

2016-07-01

In this paper, we propose a technically simple method of destroying a tissue marker composed of giant cluster-like vesicles (GCVs) to facilitate laparoscopic surgeries; the method releases various biological tracers contained in GCVs. An ultrasonically activated device (USAD) emitting 55.5 kHz ultrasound was employed for this purpose. Optical microscopy and fluorospectrophotometry revealed the destruction of GCVs after ultrasound irradiation when the blade tip was set 1.0 mm or closer to, but not directly in contact with, a GCV-containing cell. This means that USAD could be safely used for destroying this GCV tissue marker in clinical settings.

Ultrasonically controlled particle size distribution of explosives: a safe method.

PubMed

Patil, Mohan Narayan; Gore, G M; Pandit, Aniruddha B

2008-03-01

Size reduction of the high energy materials (HEM's) by conventional methods (mechanical means) is not safe as they are very sensitive to friction and impact. Modified crystallization techniques can be used for the same purpose. The solute is dissolved in the solvent and crystallized via cooling or is precipitated out using an antisolvent. The various crystallization parameters such as temperature, antisolvent addition rate and agitation are adjusted to get the required final crystal size and morphology. The solvent-antisolvent ratio, time of crystallization and yield of the product are the key factors for controlling antisolvent based precipitation process. The advantages of cavitationally induced nucleation can be coupled with the conventional crystallization process. This study includes the effect of the ultrasonically generated acoustic cavitation phenomenon on the solvent antisolvent based precipitation process. CL20, a high-energy explosive compound, is a polyazapolycyclic caged polynitramine. CL-20 has greater energy output than existing (in-use) energetic ingredients while having an acceptable level of insensitivity to shock and other external stimuli. The size control and size distribution manipulation of the high energy material (CL20) has been successfully carried out safely and quickly along with an increase in the final mass yield, compared to the conventional antisolvent based precipitation process.

Spacecraft Leak Location Using Structure-Borne Noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reusser, R. S.; Chimenti, D. E.; Holland, S. D.; Roberts, R. A.

2010-02-01

Guided ultrasonic waves, generated by air escaping through a small hole, have been measured with an 8×8 piezoelectric phased-array detector. Rapid location of air leaks in a spacecraft skin, caused by high-speed collisions with small objects, is essential for astronaut survival. Cross correlation of all 64 elements, one pair at a time, on a diced PZT disc combined with synthetic aperture analysis determines the dominant direction of wave propagation. The leak location is triangulated by combining data from two or more detector. To optimize the frequency band selection for the most robust direction finding, noise-field measurements of a plate with integral stiffeners have been performed using laser Doppler velocimetry. We compare optical and acoustic measurements to analyze the influence of the PZT array detector and its mechanical coupling to the plate.

Insights Gained from Ultrasonic Testing of Piping Welds Subjected to the Mechanical Stress Improvement Process

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

Anderson, Michael T.; Cinson, Anthony D.; Crawford, Susan L.

2010-12-01

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is assisting the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in developing a position on the management of primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) in leak-before-break piping systems. Part of this involves determining whether inspections alone, or inspections plus mitigation, are needed. This work addresses the reliability of ultrasonic testing (UT) of cracks that have been mitigated by the mechanical stress improvement process (MSIP). The MSIP has been approved by the NRC (NUREG-0313) since 1986 and modifies residual stresses remaining after welding with compressive, or neutral, stresses near the inner diameter surface of the pipe. Thismore » compressive stress is thought to arrest existing cracks and inhibit new crack formation. To evaluate the effectiveness of the MSIP and the reliability of ultrasonic inspections, flaws were evaluated both before and after MSIP application. An initial investigation was based on data acquired from cracked areas in 325-mm-diameter piping at the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP) in Lithuania. In a follow-on exercise, PNNL acquired and evaluated similar UT data from a dissimilar metal weld (DMW) specimen containing implanted thermal fatigue cracks. The DMW specimen is a carbon steel nozzle-to-safe end-to-stainless steel pipe section that simulates a pressurizer surge nozzle. The flaws were implanted in the nozzle-to-safe end Alloy 82/182 butter region. Results are presented on the effects of MSIP on specimen surfaces, and on UT flaw responses.« less

In-vitro analysis of forces in conventional and ultrasonically assisted drilling of bone.

PubMed

Alam, K; Hassan, Edris; Imran, Syed Husain; Khan, Mushtaq

2016-05-12

Drilling of bone is widely performed in orthopaedics for repair and reconstruction of bone. Current paper is focused on the efforts to minimize force generation during the drilling process. Ultrasonically Assisted Drilling (UAD) is a possible option to replace Conventional Drilling (CD) in bone surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to investigate and analyze the effect of drilling parameters and ultrasonic parameters on the level of drilling thrust force in the presence of water irrigation. Drilling tests were performed on young bovine femoral bone using different parameters such as spindle speeds, feed rates, coolant flow rates, frequency and amplitudes of vibrations. The drilling force was significantly dropped with increase in drill rotation speed in both types of drilling. Increase in feed rate was more influential in raising the drilling force in CD compared to UAD. The force was significantly dropped when ultrasonic vibrations up to 10 kHz were imposed on the drill. The drill force was found to be unaffected by the range of amplitudes and the amount of water supplied to the drilling region in UAD. Low frequency vibrations with irrigation can be successfully used for safe and efficient drilling in bone.

Recycling of indium from waste LCD: A promising non-crushing leaching with the aid of ultrasonic wave.

PubMed

Zhang, Kaihua; Li, Bin; Wu, Yufeng; Wang, Wei; Li, Rubing; Zhang, Yi-Nan; Zuo, Tieyong

2017-06-01

The tremendous amount of end-of-life liquid crystal displays (LCDs) has become one of the prominent sources of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in recent years. Despite the necessity of safe treatment, recycling indium is also a focus of waste LCD treatment because of the scarcity of indium. Based on the analyses of the structure of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) glass, crushing is demonstrated to be not required. In the present research, a complete non-crushing leaching method was firstly adopted to recycle indium from waste LCDs, and the ultrasonic waves was applied in the leaching process. The results demonstrated that indium can be leached efficiently with even a low concentration of chloride acid (HCl) without extra heating. About 96.80% can be recovered in 60mins, when the ITO glass was leached by 0.8MHCl with an enhancement of 300W ultrasonic waves. The indium leaching process is abridged free from crushing, and proves to be of higher efficiency. In addition, the ultrasonic wave influence on leaching process was also explained combing with micron-scale structure of ITO glass. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Metal Detectors and Feeling Safe at School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gastic, Billie

2011-01-01

This article argues that metal detectors bestow an organizational stigma to schools. One symptom of this is students' heightened level of fear at school. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) and a matched-pair design, this study finds that metal detectors are negatively correlated with students' sense…

Optimal design of a piezoelectric transducer for exciting guided wave ultrasound in rails

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramatlo, Dineo A.; Wilke, Daniel N.; Loveday, Philip W.

2017-02-01

An existing Ultrasonic Broken Rail Detection System installed in South Africa on a heavy duty railway line is currently being upgraded to include defect detection and location. To accomplish this, an ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer to strongly excite a guided wave mode with energy concentrated in the web (web mode) of a rail is required. A previous study demonstrated that the recently developed SAFE-3D (Semi-Analytical Finite Element - 3 Dimensional) method can effectively predict the guided waves excited by a resonant piezoelectric transducer. In this study, the SAFE-3D model is used in the design optimization of a rail web transducer. A bound-constrained optimization problem was formulated to maximize the energy transmitted by the transducer in the web mode when driven by a pre-defined excitation signal. Dimensions of the transducer components were selected as the three design variables. A Latin hypercube sampled design of experiments that required a total of 500 SAFE-3D analyses in the design space was employed in a response surface-based optimization approach. The Nelder-Mead optimization algorithm was then used to find an optimal transducer design on the constructed response surface. The radial basis function response surface was first verified by comparing a number of predicted responses against the computed SAFE-3D responses. The performance of the optimal transducer predicted by the optimization algorithm on the response surface was also verified to be sufficiently accurate using SAFE-3D. The computational advantages of SAFE-3D in optimal transducer design are noteworthy as more than 500 analyses were performed. The optimal design was then manufactured and experimental measurements were used to validate the predicted performance. The adopted design method has demonstrated the capability to automate the design of transducers for a particular rail cross-section and frequency range.

Studies on thermo-elastic heating of horns used in ultrasonic plastic welding.

PubMed

Roopa Rani, M; Prakasan, K; Rudramoorthy, R

2015-01-01

Ultrasonic welding horn is half wavelength section or tool used to focus the ultrasonic vibrations to the components being welded. The horn is designed in such a way that it maximizes the amplitude of the sound wave passing through it. The ends of the horn represent the displacement anti-nodes and the center the 'node' of the wave. As the horns perform 20,000 cycles of expansion and contraction per second, they are highly stressed at the nodes and are heated owing to thermo-elastic effects. Considerable temperature rise may be observed in the horn, at the nodal region when working at high amplitudes indicating high stress levels leading to failure of horns due to cyclic loading. The limits for amplitude must therefore be evaluated for the safe working of the horn. Horns made of different materials have different thermo-elastic behaviors and hence different temperatures at the nodes and antinodes. This temperature field can be used as a control mechanism for setting the amplitude/weld parameters. Safe stress levels can be predicted using modal and harmonic analyses followed by a stress analysis to study the effect of cyclic loads. These are achieved using 'Ansys'. The maximum amplitude level obtained from the stress analysis is used as input for 'Comsol' to predict the temperature field. The actual temperature developed in the horn during operation is measured using infrared camera and compared with the simulated temperature. From experiments, it is observed that horn made of titanium had the lowest temperature rise at the critical region and can be expected to operate at amplitudes up to 77 μm without suffering failure due to cyclic loading. The method of predicting thermo-elastic stresses and temperature may be adopted by the industry for operating the horn within the safe stress limits thereby extending the life of the horn. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Design of embedded endoscopic ultrasonic imaging system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ming; Zhou, Hao; Wen, Shijie; Chen, Xiodong; Yu, Daoyin

2008-12-01

Endoscopic ultrasonic imaging system is an important component in the endoscopic ultrasonography system (EUS). Through the ultrasonic probe, the characteristics of the fault histology features of digestive organs is detected by EUS, and then received by the reception circuit which making up of amplifying, gain compensation, filtering and A/D converter circuit, in the form of ultrasonic echo. Endoscopic ultrasonic imaging system is the back-end processing system of the EUS, with the function of receiving digital ultrasonic echo modulated by the digestive tract wall from the reception circuit, acquiring and showing the fault histology features in the form of image and characteristic data after digital signal processing, such as demodulation, etc. Traditional endoscopic ultrasonic imaging systems are mainly based on image acquisition and processing chips, which connecting to personal computer with USB2.0 circuit, with the faults of expensive, complicated structure, poor portability, and difficult to popularize. To against the shortcomings above, this paper presents the methods of digital signal acquisition and processing specially based on embedded technology with the core hardware structure of ARM and FPGA for substituting the traditional design with USB2.0 and personal computer. With built-in FIFO and dual-buffer, FPGA implement the ping-pong operation of data storage, simultaneously transferring the image data into ARM through the EBI bus by DMA function, which is controlled by ARM to carry out the purpose of high-speed transmission. The ARM system is being chosen to implement the responsibility of image display every time DMA transmission over and actualizing system control with the drivers and applications running on the embedded operating system Windows CE, which could provide a stable, safe and reliable running platform for the embedded device software. Profiting from the excellent graphical user interface (GUI) and good performance of Windows CE, we can not only clearly show 511×511 pixels ultrasonic echo images through application program, but also provide a simple and friendly operating interface with mouse and touch screen which is more convenient than the traditional endoscopic ultrasonic imaging system. Including core and peripheral circuits of FPGA and ARM, power network circuit and LCD display circuit, we designed the whole embedded system, achieving the desired purpose by implementing ultrasonic image display properly after the experimental verification, solving the problem of hugeness and complexity of the traditional endoscopic ultrasonic imaging system.

Advanced Instrumentation for Molten Salt Flow Measurements at NEXT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuyishimire, Olive

2017-09-01

The Nuclear Energy eXperiment Testing (NEXT) Lab at Abilene Christian University is building a Molten Salt Loop to help advance the technology of molten salt reactors (MSR). NEXT Lab's aim is to be part of the solution for the world's top challenges by providing safe, clean, and inexpensive energy, clean water and medical Isotopes. Measuring the flow rate of the molten salt in the loop is essential to the operation of a MSR. Unfortunately, there is no flow meter that can operate in the high temperature and corrosive environment of a molten salt. The ultrasonic transit time method is proposed as one way to measure the flow rate of high temperature fluids. Ultrasonic flow meter uses transducers that send and receive acoustic waves and convert them into electrical signals. Initial work presented here focuses on the setup of ultrasonic transducers. This presentation is the characterization of the pipe-fluid system with water as a baseline for future work.

Using ultrasound to detect defects in trees: current knowledge and future needs

Treesearch

Theodor D. Leininger; Daniel L. Schmoldt; F.H. Tainter

2001-01-01

Ultrasonic decay detectors (UDDs) have been available commercially for several years and can be used successfully to detect decay in live hardwood and conifer trees. Recently, a UDD has shown promise in detecting bacterial wetwood in red oaks in the southern United States and in a Chilean hardwood species. Two improvements to the UDD tested would make it more useful...

Development of an Advanced, Automatic, Ultrasonic NDE Imaging System via Adaptive Learning Network Signal Processing Techniques

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-13

UNCLASSIFIED SECURITY CLAS,:FtfC ’i OF TH*!’ AGC W~ct P- A* 7~9r1) 0. ABSTRACT (continued) onuing in concert with a sophisticated detector has...and New York, 1969. Whalen, M.F., L.J. O’Brien, and A.N. Mucciardi, "Application of Adaptive Learning Netowrks for the Characterization of Two

An ultrasonic analysis of the comparative efficiency of various cardiotomy reservoirs and micropore blood filters.

PubMed Central

Pearson, D T; Watson, B G; Waterhouse, P S

1978-01-01

The ability of 12 commercially available cardiotomy reservoirs to remove bubbles from aspirated blood was investigated by means of a simulated cardiopulmonary bypass circuit and an ultrasonic microbubble detector. Performance varied considerably. The number of gaseous microemboli remaining after passage of blood through the reservoir was reduced by (a) holding the blood in the reservoir, (b) reducing the volume of air mixed with the aspirated blood, and (c) using a reservoir that did not induce turbulence and that contained integral micropore filtration material. Further micropore filtration of the blood after passage through the cardiotomy reservoir was beneficial, and significantly more bubbles were extracted when the microfilter was sited below the reservoir than when it was placed in the arterial line. PMID:684672

Design and Realization of Controllable Ultrasonic Fault Detector Automatic Verification System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Jing-Feng; Liu, Hui-Ying; Guo, Hui-Juan; Shu, Rong; Wei, Kai-Li

The ultrasonic flaw detection equipment with remote control interface is researched and the automatic verification system is developed. According to use extensible markup language, the building of agreement instruction set and data analysis method database in the system software realizes the controllable designing and solves the diversification of unreleased device interfaces and agreements. By using the signal generator and a fixed attenuator cascading together, a dynamic error compensation method is proposed, completes what the fixed attenuator does in traditional verification and improves the accuracy of verification results. The automatic verification system operating results confirms that the feasibility of the system hardware and software architecture design and the correctness of the analysis method, while changes the status of traditional verification process cumbersome operations, and reduces labor intensity test personnel.

The wave-field from an array of periodic emitters driven simultaneously by a broadband pulse.

PubMed

Dixon, Steve; Hill, Samuel; Fan, Yichao; Rowlands, George

2013-06-01

The use of phased array methods are commonplace in ultrasonic applications, where controlling the variation of the phase between the narrowband emitters in an array facilitates beam steering and focusing of ultrasonic waves. An approach is presented here whereby emitters of alternating polarity arranged in a one-dimensional array are pulsed simultaneously, and have sufficiently wide, controlled bandwidth to emit a two-dimensional wave. This pulsed approach provides a rapid means of simultaneously covering a region of space with a wave-front, whereby any wave that scatters or reflects off a body to a detector will have a distinct arrival time and frequency. This is a general wave phenomenon with a potential application in radar, sonar, and ultrasound. The key result is that one can obtain a smooth, continuous wave-front emitted from the array, over a large solid angle, whose frequency varies as a function of angle to the array. Analytic and finite element models created to describe this phenomenon have been validated with experimental results using ultrasonic waves in metal samples.

Isometric multimodal photoacoustic microscopy based on optically transparent micro-ring ultrasonic detection.

PubMed

Dong, Biqin; Li, Hao; Zhang, Zhen; Zhang, Kevin; Chen, Siyu; Sun, Cheng; Zhang, Hao F

2015-01-01

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is an attractive imaging tool complementary to established optical microscopic modalities by providing additional molecular specificities through imaging optical absorption contrast. While the development of optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy (ORPAM) offers high lateral resolution, the acoustically-determined axial resolution is limited due to the constraint in ultrasonic detection bandwidth. ORPAM with isometric spatial resolution along both axial and lateral direction is yet to be developed. Although recently developed sophisticated optical illumination and reconstruction methods offer improved axial resolution in ORPAM, the image acquisition procedures are rather complicated, limiting their capabilities for high-speed imaging and being easily integrated with established optical microscopic modalities. Here we report an isometric ORPAM based on an optically transparent micro-ring resonator ultrasonic detector and a commercial inverted microscope platform. Owing to the superior spatial resolution and the ease of integrating our ORPAM with established microscopic modalities, single cell imaging with extrinsic fluorescence staining, intrinsic autofluorescence, and optical absorption can be achieved simultaneously. This technique holds promise to greatly improve the accessibility of PAM to the broader biomedical researchers.

Spinoff 2012

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2013-01-01

Topics covered include: Water Treatment Technologies Inspire Healthy Beverages; Dietary Formulas Fortify Antioxidant Supplements; Rovers Pave the Way for Hospital Robots; Dry Electrodes Facilitate Remote Health Monitoring; Telescope Innovations Improve Speed, Accuracy of Eye Surgery; Superconductors Enable Lower Cost MRI Systems; Anti-Icing Formulas Prevent Train Delays; Shuttle Repair Tools Automate Vehicle Maintenance; Pressure-Sensitive Paints Advance Rotorcraft Design Testing; Speech Recognition Interfaces Improve Flight Safety; Polymers Advance Heat Management Materials for Vehicles; Wireless Sensors Pinpoint Rotorcraft Troubles; Ultrasonic Detectors Safely Identify Dangerous, Costly Leaks; Detectors Ensure Function, Safety of Aircraft Wiring; Emergency Systems Save Tens of Thousands of Lives; Oxygen Assessments Ensure Safer Medical Devices; Collaborative Platforms Aid Emergency Decision Making; Space-Inspired Trailers Encourage Exploration on Earth; Ultra-Thin Coatings Beautify Art; Spacesuit Materials Add Comfort to Undergarments; Gigapixel Images Connect Sports Teams with Fans; Satellite Maps Deliver More Realistic Gaming; Elemental Scanning Devices Authenticate Works of Art; Microradiometers Reveal Ocean Health, Climate Change; Sensors Enable Plants to Text Message Farmers; Efficient Cells Cut the Cost of Solar Power; Shuttle Topography Data Inform Solar Power Analysis; Photocatalytic Solutions Create Self-Cleaning Surfaces; Concentrators Enhance Solar Power Systems; Innovative Coatings Potentially Lower Facility Maintenance Costs; Simulation Packages Expand Aircraft Design Options; Web Solutions Inspire Cloud Computing Software; Behavior Prediction Tools Strengthen Nanoelectronics; Power Converters Secure Electronics in Harsh Environments; Diagnostics Tools Identify Faults Prior to Failure; Archiving Innovations Preserve Essential Historical Records; Meter Designs Reduce Operation Costs for Industry; Commercial Platforms Allow Affordable Space Research; Fiber Optics Deliver Real-Time Structural Monitoring; Camera Systems Rapidly Scan Large Structures; Terahertz Lasers Reveal Information for 3D Images; Thin Films Protect Electronics from Heat and Radiation; Interferometers Sharpen Measurements for Better Telescopes; and Vision Systems Illuminate Industrial Processes.

Use of an ultrasonic osteotome device in spine surgery: experience from the first 128 patients.

PubMed

Hu, Xiaobang; Ohnmeiss, Donna D; Lieberman, Isador H

2013-12-01

The ultrasonic BoneScalpel is a tissue-specific device that allows the surgeon to make precise osteotomies while protecting collateral or adjacent soft tissue structures. The device is comprised of a blunt ultrasonic blade that oscillates at over 22,500 cycles/s with an imperceptible microscopic amplitude. The recurring impacts pulverize the noncompliant crystalline structure resulting in a precise cut. The more compliant adjacent soft tissue is not affected by the ultrasonic oscillation. The purpose of this study is to report the experience and safety of using this ultrasonic osteotome device in a variety of spine surgeries. Data were retrospectively collected from medical charts and surgical reports for each surgery in which the ultrasonic scalpel was used to perform any type of osteotomy (facetectomy, laminotomy, laminectomy, en bloc resection, Smith Petersen osteotomy, pedicle subtraction osteotomy, etc.). The majority of patients had spinal stenosis, degenerative or adolescent scoliosis, pseudoarthrosis, adjacent segment degeneration, and spondylolisthesis et al. Intra-operative complications were also recorded. A total of 128 consecutive patients (73 female, 55 male) beginning with our first case experience were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 58 years (range 12-85 years). Eighty patients (62.5 %) had previous spine surgery and/or spinal deformity. The ultrasonic scalpel was used at all levels of the spine and the average levels operated on each patient were 5. The mean operation time (skin to skin) was 4.3 h and the mean blood loss was 425.4 ml. In all cases, the ultrasonic scalpel was used to create the needed osteotomies to facilitate the surgical procedure without any percussion on the spinal column or injury to the underlying nerves. There was a noticeable absence of bleeding from the cut end of the bone consistent with the ultrasonic application. There were 11 instances of dural injuries (8.6 %) and two of which were directly associated with the use of ultrasonic device. In no procedure was the use of the ultrasonic scalpel abandoned for use of another instrument due to difficulty in using the device or failure to achieve the desired osteotomy. Overall, the ultrasonic scalpel was safe and performed as desired when used as a bone cutting device to facilitate osteotomies in a variety of spine surgeries. However, caution should be taken to avoid potential thermal injury and dural tear. If used properly, this device may decrease the risk of soft tissue injury associated with the use of high speed burrs and oscillating saws during spine surgery.

Void/particulate detector

DOEpatents

Claytor, Thomas N.; Karplus, Henry B.

1985-01-01

Voids and particulates are detected in a flowing stream of fluid contained in a pipe by a detector which includes three transducers spaced about the pipe. A first transducer at a first location on the pipe transmits an ultrasonic signal into the stream. A second transducer detects the through-transmission of the signal at a second location and a third transducer at a third location upstream from the first location detects the back-scattering of the signal from any voids or particulates. To differentiate between voids and particulates a fourth transducer is positioned at a fourth location which is also upstream from the first location. The back-scattered signals are normalized with the through-transmission signal to minimize temperature fluctuations.

Simultaneous photoacoustic and optically mediated ultrasound microscopy: an in vivo study

PubMed Central

Orlova, Anna; Shirmanova, Marina; Postnikova, Anna; Turchin, Ilya

2015-01-01

We propose the use of thermoelastic (TE) excitation of an ultrasonic (US) detector by backscattered laser radiation as a means of upgrading a single-modality photoacoustic (PA) microscope to dual-modality PA/US imaging at minimal cost. The upgraded scanning head of our dual-modality microscope consists of a fiber bundle with 14 output arms and a 32MHz polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) detector with a 34 MHz bandwidth (−6 dB level), 12.7 mm focal length, and a 0.25 numerical aperture. A single optical pulse delivered through the fiber bundle to the biotissue being investigated, in combination with a metalized surface on the PVDF detector allows us to obtain both PA and US A-scans. To demonstrate the in vivo capabilities of the proposed method we present the results of bimodal imaging of the brain of a newborn rat, a mouse tail and a mouse tumor. PMID:25780752

Analysis of the transfer function for layered piezoelectric ultrasonic sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gutiérrrez-Reyes, E.; García-Segundo, C.; García-Valenzuela, A.; Reyes-Ramírez, B.; Gutiérrez-Juárez, G.; Guadarrama-Santana, A.

2017-06-01

We model theoretically the voltage response to an acoustic pulse of a multilayer system forming a low noise capacitive sensor including a Polyvinylidene Fluoride piezoelectric film. First we model a generic piezoelectric detector consisting of a piezoelectric film between two metallic electrodes that are the responsible to convert the acoustic signal into a voltage signal. Then we calculate the pressure-to-voltage transfer function for a N-layer piezo-electric capacitor detector, allowing to study the effects of the electrode and protective layers thickness in typical layered piezoelectric sensors. The derived transfer function, when multiplied by the Fourier transform of the incident acoustic pulse, gives the voltage electric response in the frequency domain. An important concern regarding the transfer function is that it may have zeros at specific frequencies, and thus inverting the voltage Fourier transform of the pulse to recover the pressure signal in the time domain is not always, in principle, possible. Our formulas can be used to predict the existence and locations of such zeroes. We illustrate the use of the transfer function by predicting the electric signal generated at a multilayer piezoelectric sensor to an ultrasonic pulse generated photoacoustically by a laser pulse at a three media system with impedance mismatch. This theoretical calculations are compared with our own experimental measurements.

Percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy for chronic elbow tendinosis: a prospective study.

PubMed

Barnes, Darryl E; Beckley, James M; Smith, Jay

2015-01-01

Elbow tendinopathy is the most common cause of elbow pain affecting active populations. Surgical excision is reserved for patients with refractory symptoms. Percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy performed under local anesthesia also removes degenerated tissue and therefore provides an alternative treatment option to surgical excision. This investigation prospectively documented the safety and 1-year efficacy of ultrasonic percutaneous tenotomy performed by a single operator. Nineteen patients, aged 38 to 67 years, in whom >6 months of conservative management for medial (7) or lateral (12) elbow tendinopathy had failed were prospectively studied. All patients were treated with percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy of the elbow by a single operator. Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the 11-item version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) index, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were assessed by an independent observer before treatment and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment. No procedural complications occurred. Total treatment time was <15 minutes, and ultrasonic energy time averaged 38.6 ± 8.8 seconds per procedure. Average VAS scores were significantly improved from 6.4 to 2.6 at 6 weeks and were 0.7 at 12 months (P < .0001). Similar improvement occurred with the Quick DASH (pretreatment, 44.1; 12 months, 8.6, P < .0001) and MEPS (pretreatment, 59.1; 12 months, 83.4; P < .0001). Percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy performed under local anesthesia appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for chronic, refractory lateral or medial elbow tendinopathy up to 1 year after the procedure. Copyright © 2015 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

On Limitations of the Ultrasonic Characterization of Pieces Manufactured with Highly Attenuating Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramos, A.; Moreno, E.; Rubio, B.; Calas, H.; Galarza, N.; Rubio, J.; Diez, L.; Castellanos, L.; Gómez, T.

Some technical aspects of two Spanish cooperation projects, funded by DPI and Innpacto Programs of the R&D National Plan, are discussed. The objective is to analyze the common belief about than the ultrasonic testing in MHz range is not a tool utilizable to detect internal flaws in highly attenuating pieces made of coarse-grained steel. In fact high-strength steels, used in some safe industrial infrastructures of energy & transport sectors, are difficult to be inspected using the conventional "state of the art" in ultrasonic technology, due to their internal microstructures are very attenuating and coarse-grained. It is studied if this inspection difficulty could be overcome by finding intense interrogating pulses and advanced signal processing of the acquired echoes. A possible solution would depend on drastically improving signal-to-noise-ratios, by applying new advances on: ultrasonic transduction, HV electronics for intense pulsed driving of the testing probes, and an "ad-hoc" digital processing or focusing of the received noisy signals, in function of each material to be inspected. To attain this challenging aim on robust steel pieces would open the possibility of obtaining improvements in inspecting critical industrial components made of highly attenuating & dispersive materials, as new composites in aeronautic and motorway bridges, or new metallic alloys in nuclear area, where additional testing limitations often appear.

Ultrasonic method for inspection of the propellant grain in the space shuttle solid rocket booster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doyle, T. E.; Degtyar, A. D.; Sorensen, K. P.; Kelso, M. J.; Berger, T. A.

2000-05-01

Defects in solid rocket propellant may affect the safe operation of a space launch vehicle. The Space Shuttle reusable solid rocket motor (RSRM) is therefore routinely inspected with radiography for voids, cracks, and inclusions. Ultrasonic methods can be used to supplement radiography when an indication is difficult to interpret due to the projection geometry or low contrast. Such a method was developed to inspect a local region of propellant in an RSRM forward segment for a suspect inclusion. The method used a through-transmission approach, with a stationary transmitter on the propellant grain inside the segment and a receiving transducer scanned over the case surface. Low frequency (⩽250 kHz) pulses were propagated through 10-12 inches of propellant, 0.5 inches of NBR insulation, and 0.5 inches of steel case. Through-transmission images were constructed using time-of-flight analysis of the waveforms. The ultrasonic inspections supported results from extended radiographic studies, showing that the indication was not an inclusion but an artifact resulting from liner thickness variations and a low X-ray projection angle in the segment's dome region. This work demonstrated the feasibility of using ultrasonics for inspection of propellant grain in steel-cased rocket motors.

X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography of concrete infrastructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Shanshan; Ramseyer, Chris; Samant, Pratik; Xiang, Liangzhong

2018-02-01

X-ray-induced Acoustic Computed Tomography (XACT) takes advantage of both X-ray absorption contrast and high ultrasonic resolution in a single imaging modality by making use of the thermoacoustic effect. In XACT, X-ray absorption by defects and other structures in concrete create thermally induced pressure jumps that launch ultrasonic waves, which are then received by acoustic detectors to form images. In this research, XACT imaging was used to non-destructively test and identify defects in concrete. For concrete structures, we conclude that XACT imaging allows multiscale imaging at depths ranging from centimeters to meters, with spatial resolutions from sub-millimeter to centimeters. XACT imaging also holds promise for single-side testing of concrete infrastructure and provides an optimal solution for nondestructive inspection of existing bridges, pavement, nuclear power plants, and other concrete infrastructure.

High density pixel array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McFall, James Earl (Inventor); Wiener-Avnear, Eliezer (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A pixel array device is fabricated by a laser micro-milling method under strict process control conditions. The device has an array of pixels bonded together with an adhesive filling the grooves between adjacent pixels. The array is fabricated by moving a substrate relative to a laser beam of predetermined intensity at a controlled, constant velocity along a predetermined path defining a set of grooves between adjacent pixels so that a predetermined laser flux per unit area is applied to the material, and repeating the movement for a plurality of passes of the laser beam until the grooves are ablated to a desired depth. The substrate is of an ultrasonic transducer material in one example for fabrication of a 2D ultrasonic phase array transducer. A substrate of phosphor material is used to fabricate an X-ray focal plane array detector.

Mooring Analysis of the Ocean Sentinel through Field Observation and Numerical Simulation

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-22

DAS controls the Ocean Sentinel’s three power systems: a diesel generator, a wind turbine , and two solar panels. The DAS monitors sensors that detect...or floating wind turbines . A summary of different mooring configurations and their characteristics is shown in Table 2. 10 Figure 10...Table 3. Secondary wind speed and direction are measured with a Gill Windsonic Wind Sensor , which uses ultrasonic transmissions to calculate wind

Ultrasonically-enhanced preparation, characterization of CaFe-layered double hydroxides with various interlayer halide, azide and oxo anions (CO32-, NO3-, ClO4-).

PubMed

Szabados, Márton; Varga, Gábor; Kónya, Zoltán; Kukovecz, Ákos; Carlson, Stefan; Sipos, Pál; Pálinkó, István

2018-01-01

An ultrasonically-enhanced mechanochemical method was developed to synthesize CaFe-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with various interlayer anions (CO 3 2- , NO 3 - , ClO 4 - , N 3 - , F - , Cl - , Br - and I - ). The duration of pre-milling and ultrasonic irradiation and the variation of synthesis temperature in the wet chemical step were investigated to obtain the optimal parameters of preparation. The main method to characterize the products was X-ray diffractometry, but infrared and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopies as well as thermogravimetric measurements were also used to learn about fine structural details. The synthesis method afforded successful intercalation of the anions, among others the azide anion, a rarely used counter ion providing a system, which enables safe handling the otherwise highly reactive anion. The X-ray absorption spectroscopic measurements revealed that the quality of the interlayered anions could modulate the spatial arrangement of the calcium ions around the iron(III) ions, but only in the second coordination sphere. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Noncontacting device to indicate deflection of turbopump internal rotating parts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamilton, D. B.; Grieser, D. R.; Plummer, A. M.; Ensminger, D.; Saccacio, E. J.

1972-01-01

Phase 2 (development) which was concluded for the ultrasonic Doppler device and the light-pipe-reflectance device is reported. An ultrasonic Doppler breadboard system was assembled which accurately measured runout in the J-2 LOX pump impeller during operation. The transducer was mounted on the outside of the pump volute using a C-clamp. Vibration was measured by conducting the ultrasonic wave through the volute housing and through the fluid in the volute to the impeller surface. The impeller vibration was also measured accurately using the light-pipe probe mounted in an elastomeric-gland fitting in the pump case. A special epoxy resin developed for cryogenic applications was forced into the end of the fiber-optic probe to retain the fibers. Subsequently, the probe suffered no damage after simultaneous exposure to 2150 psi and 77 F. Preliminary flash X-radiographs were taken of the turbine wheel and the shaft-bearing-seal assembly, using a 2-megavolt X-ray unit. Reasonable resolution and contrast was obtained. A fast-neutron detector was fabricated and sensitivity was measured. The results demonstrated that the technique is feasible for integrated-time measurements requiring, perhaps, 240 revolutions to obtain sufficient exposure at 35,000 rpm. The experimental verification plans are included.

MEMS ultrasonic transducer for monitoring of steel structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, Akash; Greve, David W.; Oppenheim, Irving J.

2002-06-01

Ultrasonic methods can be used to monitor crack propagation, weld failure, or section loss at critical locations in steel structures. However, ultrasonic inspection requires a skilled technician, and most commonly the signal obtained at any inspection is not preserved for later use. A preferred technology would use a MEMS device permanently installed at a critical location, polled remotely, and capable of on-chip signal processing using a signal history. We review questions related to wave geometry, signal levels, flaw localization, and electromechanical design issues for microscale transducers, and then describe the design, characterization, and initial testing of a MEMS transducer to function as a detector array. The device is approximately 1-cm square and was fabricated by the MUMPS process. The chip has 23 sensor elements to function in a phased array geometry, each element containing 180 hexagonal polysilicon diaphragms with a typical leg length of 49 microns and an unloaded natural frequency near 3.5 MHz. We first report characterization studies including capacitance-voltage measurements and admittance measurements, and then report initial experiments using a conventional piezoelectric transducer for excitation, with successful detection of signals in an on-axis transmission experiment and successful source localization from phased array performance in an off-axis transmission experiment.

A computerized self-compensating system for ultrasonic inspection of airplane structures

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

Komsky, I.N.; Achenbach, J.D.; Hagemaier, D.

1993-12-31

Application of a self-compensating technique for ultrasonic inspection of airplane structures makes it possible not only to detect cracks in the different layers of joints but also to obtain information on crack sizes. A prototype computerized ultrasonic system, which utilizes the self-compensating method, has been developed for non-destructive inspection of multilayered airplane structures with in-between sealants, such as bolted joints in tail connections. Industrial applications of the system would require deployment of commercially available portable modules for data acquisition and processing. A portable ultrasonic flaw detector EPOCH II manual scanners and HandiScan, and SQL and FCS software modules form themore » PC-based TestPro system have been selected for initial tests. A pair of contact angle-beam transducers were used to generate shear waves in the material. Both hardware and software components of the system have been modified for the application in conjunction with the self-compensating technique. The system has bene tested on two calibration specimens with artificial flaws of different sizes in internal layers of multilayered structures. Ultrasonic signals transmitted through and reflected from the artificial flaws have bene discriminated and characterized using multiple time domain amplitude gates. Then the ratios of the reflection and transmission coefficients, R/T, were calculated for several positions of the transducers. Inspection of measured R/T curves shows it is difficult to visually associate curve shapes with corresponding flaw sizes and orientation. Hence for online classification of these curve shapes, application of an adaptive signal classifier was considered. Several different types and configurations of the classifiers, including a neural network, have been tested. Test results showed that improved performance of the classifier can be achieved by combination of a back-propagation neural network with a signal pre-processing module.« less

Delamination Defect Detection Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves in Advanced Hybrid Structural Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Fei; Qi, Kevin ``Xue''; Rose, Joseph L.; Weiland, Hasso

2010-02-01

Nondestructive testing for multilayered structures is challenging because of increased numbers of layers and plate thicknesses. In this paper, ultrasonic guided waves are applied to detect delamination defects inside a 23-layer Alcoa Advanced Hybrid Structural plate. A semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) method generates dispersion curves and wave structures in order to select appropriate wave structures to detect certain defects. One guided wave mode and frequency is chosen to achieve large in-plane displacements at regions of interest. The interactions of the selected mode with defects are simulated using finite element models. Experiments are conducted and compared with bulk wave measurements. It is shown that guided waves can detect deeply embedded damages inside thick multilayer fiber-metal laminates with suitable mode and frequency selection.

Characterizing phantom arteries with multi-channel laser ultrasonics and photo-acoustics.

PubMed

Johnson, Jami L; van Wijk, Kasper; Sabick, Michelle

2014-03-01

Multi-channel photo-acoustic and laser ultrasonic waves are used to sense the characteristics of proxies for healthy and diseased vessels. The acquisition system is non-contacting and non-invasive with a pulsed laser source and a laser vibrometer detector. As the wave signatures of our targets are typically low in amplitude, we exploit multi-channel acquisition and processing techniques. These are commonly used in seismology to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of data. We identify vessel proxies with a diameter on the order of 1 mm, at a depth of 18 mm. Variations in scattered and photo-acoustic signatures are related to differences in vessel wall properties and content. The methods described have the potential to improve imaging and better inform interventions for atherosclerotic vessels, such as the carotid artery. Copyright © 2014 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High density pixel array and laser micro-milling method for fabricating array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McFall, James Earl (Inventor); Wiener-Avnear, Eliezer (Inventor)

2003-01-01

A pixel array device is fabricated by a laser micro-milling method under strict process control conditions. The device has an array of pixels bonded together with an adhesive filling the grooves between adjacent pixels. The array is fabricated by moving a substrate relative to a laser beam of predetermined intensity at a controlled, constant velocity along a predetermined path defining a set of grooves between adjacent pixels so that a predetermined laser flux per unit area is applied to the material, and repeating the movement for a plurality of passes of the laser beam until the grooves are ablated to a desired depth. The substrate is of an ultrasonic transducer material in one example for fabrication of a 2D ultrasonic phase array transducer. A substrate of phosphor material is used to fabricate an X-ray focal plane array detector.

Ultrasound-assisted analyte extraction for the determination of sulfate and elemental sulfur in zinc sulfide by different liquid chromatography techniques.

PubMed

Dash, K; Thangavel, S; Krishnamurthy, N V; Rao, S V; Karunasagar, D; Arunachalam, J

2005-04-01

The speciation and determination of sulfate (SO4(2-)) and elemental sulfur (S degree) in zinc sulfide (ZnS) using ion-chromatography (IC) and reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) respectively is described. Three sample pretreatment approaches were employed with the aim of determining sulfate: (i) conventional water extraction of the analyte; (ii) solid-liquid aqueous extraction with an ultrasonic probe; and (iii) elimination of the zinc sulfide matrix via ion-exchange dissolution (IED). The separation of sulfate was carried out by an anion-exchange column (IonPac AS17), followed by suppressed conductivity detection. Elemental sulfur was extracted ultrasonically from the acid treated sample solution into chloroform and separated on a reversed phase HPLC column equipped with a diode array detector (DAD) at 264 nm. The achievable solid detection limits for sulfate and sulfur were 35 and 10 microg g(-1) respectively.

Clinical evaluation of split-crest technique with ultrasonic bone surgery for narrow ridge expansion: status of soft and hard tissues and implant success.

PubMed

Anitua, Eduardo; Begoña, Leire; Orive, Gorka

2013-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the split-crest technique with ultrasonic bone surgery for implant placement in patients with narrow ridges, focusing on the status of soft and hard tissues and on implant success rate, at least 6 months after implant loading. During September 2007 and November 2008, 15 patients received 37 implants (BTI implants) with split-crest surgical procedure using ultrasonic bone surgery. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF®) was applied during split crest procedure to promote tissue regeneration. Implant surfaces were humidified with PRGF to accelerate osseointegration. Patients were recalled for a final clinical evaluation at least 6 months after implant loading. Clinical assessment included the status of soft and hard tissues around implants, and implants' success rate. Thirty-seven implants in 15 patients were evaluated between July 2009 and January 2010. The status of soft tissues was very good, showing adequate plaque index, bleeding index, and probing depth values. Success rate of implants at the end of follow-up (between 11 and 28 months after insertion) was 100%. Bone ridge was measured and compared at final examination showing a mean ridge expansion of 3.35 mm (SD: 0.34). Split-crest with ultrasonic bone surgery can be considered an effective and safe procedure for narrow ridge expansion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Physics and Histologic Evaluation of Rotary, Ultrasonic, and Sonic Instruments.

PubMed

Ruga, Emanuele; Amerio, Ettore; Carbone, Vincenzo; Volante, Marco; Gandolfo, Sergio

2017-10-01

Rotary instruments (RIs) are the most commonly used to perform osteotomies in many fields of medicine. Owing to a new interest in performing a minimally invasive surgery, over last fifteen years new devices have been used in oral surgery such as ultrasonic instruments (UIs) and, lately, sonic instruments (SIs). Nowadays, bone preservation and regeneration are paramount in many clinical situations and, consequently, it is crucial to rely upon instruments, which cause the least tissue damage during the surgery. Concerning SIs, there is still few information about workload to be applied and related temperature increases; furthermore, there are no comparative in-vivo studies, which analyze the thermal and mechanical effects on bone. Thus, SIs have been compared with UIs and RIs in terms of heat generation, operating time, accuracy, and tissue damage. Decalcification and sectioning procedure resulted in no significant differences between the applied instruments in terms of bone damage. RIs resulted more efficient than UIs (P < 0.001), but demonstrated low accuracy (NRS 4.9), whereas SIs (P = 0.005) required more time to perform the osteotomy. The maximum temperature increase occurred in the ultrasonic group. Even though SI were the slowest, they have proved to be the most accurate (NRS 8.4) in comparison with UI (NRS 7.6) and RI (NRS 4.9). Within the limit of this study, sonic instruments could be considered a safe alternative to ultrasonic instruments.

Ultrasonic diagnostic in porous media and suspensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bacri, J.-C.; Hoyos, M.; Rakotomalala, N.; Salin, D.; Bourlion, M.; Daccord, G.; Lenormand, R.; Soucemarianadin, S.

1991-08-01

An apparatus has been constructed to characterize transient fluid displacements in porous media, and probe sedimenting suspensions. The technique used is to propagate an ultrasonic wave in the sample. Both ultrasonic attenuation and velocity are related to the static and hydrodynamic properties of the medium. The system was built so as to perform array imaging (mapping) and tested with different fluids and suspensions. It is suggested that the ultrasonic technique can be suitable whenever transient, low cost and safe saturation and concentration measurements are to be performed. Nous avons réalisé un appareil pour étudier l'évolution temporelle des écoulements en milieux poreux et au cours de la sédimentation des suspensions. La technique employée utilise la propagation d'une onde ultrasonore dans l'échantillon. L'atténuation et la vitesse ultrasonores sont toutes deux reliées aux propriétés statique et dynamique du mileu. Le système d'imagerie acoustique permet une cartographie à deux dimensions de l'échantillon , ce système a été testé avec différents fluides et suspensions. Notre étude montre que la technique ultrasonore est bien adaptée à la détermination de la dépendance temporelle de la concentration et de la saturation dans des conditions de sécurité et de coût optimales.

A detector for monitoring the onset of cavitation during therapy-level measurements of ultrasonic power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hodnett, M.; Zeqiri, B.

2004-01-01

Acoustic cavitation occurring in the water path between a transducer and the target of a radiation force balance can provide a significant source of error during measurements of ultrasonic power. These problems can be particularly acute at physiotherapy levels (>1 W), and low frequencies (leq 1 MHz). The cavitating bubbles can absorb and scatter incident ultrasound, leading to an underestimate in the measured power. For these reasons, International Specification standards demand the use of degassed water. This imposes requirements that may actually be difficult to meet, for example, in the case of hospitals. Also, initially degassed water will rapidly re-gas, increasing the likelihood of cavitation occurring. For these reasons, NPL has developed a device that monitors acoustic emissions generated by bubble activity, for detecting the onset of cavitation during power measurements. A commercially available needle hydrophone is used to detect these emissions. The acoustic signals are then monitored using a Cavitation Detector (CD) unit, comprising an analogue electrical filter that may be tuned to detect frequency components generated by cavitating bubbles, and which provides an indication of when the measured level exceeds a pre-defined threshold. This paper describes studies to establish a suitable detection scheme, the principles of operation of the CD unit, and the performance tests carried out with a range of propagation media.

Thin-film resistance temperature detector array for the measurement of temperature distribution inside a phantom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sim, Jai Kyoung; Hyun, Jaeyub; Doh, Il; Ahn, Bongyoung; Kim, Yong Tae

2018-02-01

A thin-film resistance temperature detector (RTD) array is proposed to measure the temperature distribution inside a phantom. HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) is a non-invasive treatment method using focused ultrasound to heat up a localized region, so it is important to measure the temperature distribution without affecting the ultrasonic field and heat conduction. The present 25 µm thick PI (polyimide) film is transparent not only to an ultrasonic field, because its thickness is much smaller than the wavelength of ultrasound, but also to heat conduction, owing to its negligible thermal mass compared to the phantom. A total of 33 RTDs consisting of Pt resistors and interconnection lines were patterned on a PI substrate using MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology, and a polymer phantom was fabricated with the film at the center. The expanded uncertainty of the RTDs was 0.8 K. In the experimental study using a 1 MHz HIFU transducer, the maximum temperature inside the phantom was measured as 70.1 °C just after a HIFU excitation of 6.4 W for 180 s. The time responses of the RTDs at different positions also showed the residual heat transfer inside the phantom after HIFU excitation. HIFU results with the phantom showed that a thin-film RTD array can measure the temperature distribution inside a phantom.

Two examples of intelligent systems based on smart materials

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

Unsworth, J.

1994-12-31

Two intelligent systems are described which are based on smart materials. The operation of the systems also rely on conventional well known technologies such as electronics, signal conditioning, signal processing, microprocessors and engineering design. However without the smart materials the development and integration into the intelligent systems would not have been possible. System 1 is a partial discharge monitor for on-line continuous checking of the condition of electrical power transformers. The ultrasonic and radio frequency detectors in this system rely on special piezoelectric composite integrated with a compact annular metal ring. Partial discharges set up ultrasonic and radio frequency signalsmore » which are received by the integrated detectors. The signals are amplified, conditioned, signal processed, the time interval between the two signals measured and the level of partial discharge activity averaged and assessed for numerous pairs and alarms triggered on remote control panels if the level is dangerous. The system has the capability of initiating automatic shutdown of the transformer once it is linked into the control computers of the electrical power authority. System 2 is called a Security Cradle and is an intelligent 3D shield designed to use the properties of electro active polymers to prevent hardware hackers from stealing valuable of sensitive information from memory devices (e.g., EPROMS) housed in computer or microprocessor installations.« less

High Sensitivity Detection of Broadband Acoustic Vibration Using Optical Demodulation Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhen

Measuring the high frequency acoustic vibrations represents the fundamental interest in revealing the intrinsic dynamic characteristic of board range of systems, such as the growth of the fetus, blood flow in human palms, and vibrations of carbon nanotube. However, the acoustic wave detection capability is limited by the detection bandwidth and sensitivity of the commonly used piezoelectric based ultrasound detectors. To overcome these limitations, this thesis focuses on exploring the optical demodulation method for highly sensitive detection of broadband acoustic vibration. First, a transparent optical ultrasonic detector has been developed using micro-ring resonator (MRR) made of soft polymeric materials. It outperforms the traditional piezoelectric detectors with broader detection bandwidth, miniaturized size and wide angular sensitivity. Its ease of integration into photoacoustic microscopy system has resulted in the great improvement of the imaging resolution. A theoretic framework has been developed to establish the quantitative understanding of its unique distance and angular dependent detection characteristics and was subsequently validated experimentally. The developed theoretic framework provides a guideline to fully accounts for the trade-offs between axial and lateral resolution, working distance, and the field of view in developing optimal imaging performance for a wide range of biological and clinical applications. MRR-based ultrasonic detector is further integrated into confocal fluorescence microscopy to realize the simultaneous imaging of fluorescence and optical absorption of retinal pigment epithelium, achieving multi-contrast imaging at sub-cellular level. The needs to resolve the fine details of the biological specimen with the resolution beyond the diffraction limit further motivate the development of optical demodulated ultrasonic detection method based on near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM). The nano-focusing probe was developed for adiabatic focusing of surface plasmon polaritons to the probe apex with high energy efficiency and the suppression of the background noise was accomplished through the implementation of the harmonic demodulation technique. Collectively, this system is capable of delivering intense near-field illumination source while effectively suppressing the background signal due to the far-field scattering and thus, allows for quantitative mapping of local evanescent field with enhanced contrast and improved resolutions. The performance of the developed NSOM system has been validated through the experimental measurements of the surface plasmon polariton mode. This new NSOM system enables optical demodulated ultrasound detection at nanoscale spatial resolution. Using it to detect the ultrasound signal within the acoustic near-field has led to the successful experimental demonstration of the sub-surface photoacoustic imaging of buried objects with sub-diffraction-limited resolution and high sensitivity. Such a new ultrasound detection method holds promising potential for super-resolution ultrasound imaging.

Advanced instrumentation for next-generation aerospace propulsion control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barkhoudarian, S.; Cross, G. S.; Lorenzo, Carl F.

1993-01-01

New control concepts for the next generation of advanced air-breathing and rocket engines and hypersonic combined-cycle propulsion systems are analyzed. The analysis provides a database on the instrumentation technologies for advanced control systems and cross matches the available technologies for each type of engine to the control needs and applications of the other two types of engines. Measurement technologies that are considered to be ready for implementation include optical surface temperature sensors, an isotope wear detector, a brushless torquemeter, a fiberoptic deflectometer, an optical absorption leak detector, the nonintrusive speed sensor, and an ultrasonic triducer. It is concluded that all 30 advanced instrumentation technologies considered can be recommended for further development to meet need of the next generation of jet-, rocket-, and hypersonic-engine control systems.

Methods of measurement for semiconductor materials, process control, and devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bullis, W. M. (Editor)

1972-01-01

Significant accomplishments include development of a procedure to correct for the substantial differences of transistor delay time as measured with different instruments or with the same instrument at different frequencies; association of infrared response spectra of poor quality germanium gamma ray detectors with spectra of detectors fabricated from portions of a good crystal that had been degraded in known ways; and confirmation of the excellent quality and cosmetic appearance of ultrasonic bonds made with aluminum ribbon wire. Work is continuing on measurement of resistivity of semiconductor crystals; study of gold-doped silicon, development of the infrared response technique; evaluation of wire bonds and die attachment; and measurement of thermal properties of semiconductor devices, delay time and related carrier transport properties in junction devices, and noise properties of microwave diodes.

21 CFR 882.1935 - Near Infrared (NIR) Brain Hematoma Detector.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Near Infrared (NIR) Brain Hematoma Detector. 882.1935 Section 882.1935 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN... and the clinical training needed for the safe use of this device; (3) Appropriate analysis/testing...

Right hemihepatectomy.

PubMed

Haglund, Ulf H; Norén, Agneta; Urdzik, Jozef; Duraj, Frans F

2008-07-01

A right hemihepatectomy is frequently required for surgical removal of colorectal liver metastases. Today, this procedure can be performed quite safely provided the remaining liver is free from significant disease including steatohepatitis due to prolonged cytostatic treatment. Standard surgical techniques for liver resection are described in surgical textbooks. However, each center has developed its own modifications of important details. In this paper, we describe our technique to resect the right liver lobe using conventional surgical techniques as well as a vascular stapler and an ultrasonic dissector. This technique has proven to be quite safe, and blood loss is most often not significant despite we do not routinely apply the Pringle's manoeuvre during the division of the liver parenchyma.

Detector Control System for the AFP detector in ATLAS experiment at CERN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banaś, E.; Caforio, D.; Czekierda, S.; Hajduk, Z.; Olszowska, J.; Seabra, L.; Šícho, P.

2017-10-01

The ATLAS Forward Proton (AFP) detector consists of two forward detectors located at 205 m and 217 m on either side of the ATLAS experiment. The aim is to measure the momenta and angles of diffractively scattered protons. In 2016, two detector stations on one side of the ATLAS interaction point were installed and commissioned. The detector infrastructure and necessary services were installed and are supervised by the Detector Control System (DCS), which is responsible for the coherent and safe operation of the detector. A large variety of used equipment represents a considerable challenge for the AFP DCS design. Industrial Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) product Siemens WinCCOA, together with the CERN Joint Control Project (JCOP) framework and standard industrial and custom developed server applications and protocols are used for reading, processing, monitoring and archiving of the detector parameters. Graphical user interfaces allow for overall detector operation and visualization of the detector status. Parameters, important for the detector safety, are used for alert generation and interlock mechanisms.

Determination of toughness and embrittlement for reactor pressure vessel steels using ultrasonic measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hiser, Allen Lee, Jr.

Neutron irradiation embrittlement of nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels results in a loss of fracture toughness (e.g., reduction in load carrying capacity of the steel). For the setting of operational limits and assuring the continued safe operation of the plant, current procedures estimate the effects of neutron embrittlement using empirical relations or the results of small samples irradiated in the plant. These procedures account for uncertainties in the estimates through the use of margin terms to ensure the conservatism of the resultant estimate vis-a-vis the "real" material toughness. Therefore, the ability to develop non destructive measurements that can estimate the actual RPV steel fracture toughness in situ would provide more accurate evaluations of operating limits for plants. This study was undertaken to evaluate the suitability of ultrasonic attenuation measurements for estimating the fracture toughness of RPV steels. Ultrasonic measurements were made on samples in three distinct phases: (1) a heat treated RPV steel to induce changes in its fracture toughness; (2) several irradiated RPV steels to assess actual neutron embrittlement changes in fracture toughness; and (3) a matrix of unirradiated RPV steels with a range of as fabricated toughness levels. The results indicate that ultrasonic attenuation is generally able to identify differences in responses for samples with different toughness levels, although in some cases the differences in ultrasonic responses are small. The results from the three phases are not consistent, as in some cases reduced toughness results in higher attenuation and in other cases lower attenuation. This trend is not surprising given the different types of microstructural changes that result in the toughness changes for each phase of this work. In addition, different trends were identified for plate and weld materials.

Design of the flame detector based on pyroelectric infrared sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yang; Yu, Benhua; Dong, Lei; Li, Kai

2017-10-01

As a fire detection device, flame detector has the advantages of short reaction time and long distance. Based on pyroelectric infrared sensor working principle, the passive pyroelectric infrared alarm system is designed, which is mainly used for safety of tunnel to detect whether fire occurred or not. Modelling and Simulation of the pyroelectric Detector Using Labview. An attempt was made to obtain a simple test platform of a pyroelectric detector which would make an excellent basis for the analysis of its dynamic behaviour. After many experiments, This system has sensitive response, high anti-interference ability and safe and reliable performance.

Nondestructive Evaluation of Adhesive Bonds via Ultrasonic Phase Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haldren, Harold A.; Perey, Daniel F.; Yost, William T.; Cramer, K. Elliott; Gupta, Mool C.

2016-01-01

The use of advanced composites utilizing adhesively bonded structures offers advantages in weight and cost for both the aerospace and automotive industries. Conventional nondestructive evaluation (NDE) has proved unable to reliably detect weak bonds or bond deterioration during service life conditions. A new nondestructive technique for quantitatively measuring adhesive bond strength is demonstrated. In this paper, an ultrasonic technique employing constant frequency pulsed phased-locked loop (CFPPLL) circuitry to monitor the phase response of a bonded structure from change in thermal stress is discussed. Theoretical research suggests that the thermal response of a bonded interface relates well with the quality of the adhesive bond. In particular, the effective stiffness of the adhesive-adherent interface may be extracted from the thermal phase response of the structure. The sensitivity of the CFPPLL instrument allows detection of bond pathologies that have been previously difficult-to-detect. Theoretical results with this ultrasonic technique on single epoxy lap joint (SLJ) specimens are presented and discussed. This technique has the potential to advance the use of adhesive bonds - and by association, advanced composite structures - by providing a reliable method to measure adhesive bond strength, thus permitting more complex, lightweight, and safe designs.

NDE of copper canisters for long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel from the Swedish nuclear power plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stepinski, Tadeusz

2003-07-01

Sweden has been intensively developing methods for long term storage of spent fuel from the nuclear power plants for twenty-five years. A dedicated research program has been initiated and conducted by the Swedish company SKB (Swedish Nuclear Fuels and Waste Management Co.). After the interim storage SKB plans to encapsulate spent nuclear fuel in copper canisters that will be placed at a deep repository located in bedrock. The canisters filled with fuel rods will be sealed by an electron beam weld. This paper presents three complementary NDE techniques used for assessing the sealing weld in copper canisters, radiography, ultrasound, and eddy current. A powerful X-ray source and a digital detector are used for the radiography. An ultrasonic array system consisting of a phased ultrasonic array and a multi-channel electronics is used for the ultrasonic examination. The array system enables electronic focusing and rapid electronic scanning eliminating the use of a complicated mechanical scanner. A specially designed eddy current probe capable of detecting small voids at the depth up to 4 mm in copper is used for the eddy current inspection. Presently, all the NDE techniques are verified in SKB's Canister Laboratory where full scale canisters are welded and examined.

In vivo microwave-based thermoacoustic tomography of rats (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Li; Zhou, Yong; Wang, Lihong V.

2016-03-01

Microwave-based thermoacoustic tomography (TAT), based on the measurement of ultrasonic waves induced by microwave pulses, can reveal tissue dielectric properties that may be closely related to the physiological and pathological status of the tissues. Using microwaves as the excitation source improved imaging depth because of their deep penetration into biological tissues. We demonstrate, for the first time, in vivo microwave-based thermoacoustic imaging in rats. The transducer is rotated around the rat in a full circle, providing a full two-dimensional view. Instead of a flat ultrasonic transducer, we used a virtual line detector based on a cylindrically focused transducer. A 3 GHz microwave source with 0.6 µs pulse width and an electromagnetically shielded transducer with 2.25 MHz central frequency provided clear cross-sectional images of the rat's body. The high imaging contrast, based on the tissue's rate of absorption, and the ultrasonically defined spatial resolution combine to reveal the spine, kidney, muscle, and other deeply seated anatomical features in the rat's abdominal cavity. This non-invasive and non-ionizing imaging modality achieved an imaging depth beyond 6 cm in the rat's tissue. Cancer diagnosis based on information about tissue properties from microwave band TAT can potentially be more accurate than has previously been achievable.

Simultaneous functional photoacoustic and ultrasonic endoscopy of internal organs in vivo.

PubMed

Yang, Joon-Mo; Favazza, Christopher; Chen, Ruimin; Yao, Junjie; Cai, Xin; Maslov, Konstantin; Zhou, Qifa; Shung, K Kirk; Wang, Lihong V

2012-08-01

At present, clinicians routinely apply ultrasound endoscopy in a variety of interventional procedures that provide treatment solutions for diseased organs. Ultrasound endoscopy not only produces high-resolution images, but also is safe for clinical use and broadly applicable. However, for soft tissue imaging, its mechanical wave-based image contrast fundamentally limits its ability to provide physiologically specific functional information. By contrast, photoacoustic endoscopy possesses a unique combination of functional optical contrast and high spatial resolution at clinically relevant depths, ideal for imaging soft tissues. With these attributes, photoacoustic endoscopy can overcome the current limitations of ultrasound endoscopy. Moreover, the benefits of photoacoustic imaging do not come at the expense of existing ultrasound functions; photoacoustic endoscopy systems are inherently compatible with ultrasound imaging, thereby enabling multimodality imaging with complementary contrast. Here we present simultaneous photoacoustic and ultrasonic dual-mode endoscopy and show its ability to image internal organs in vivo, thus illustrating its potential clinical application.

Simultaneous functional photoacoustic and ultrasonic endoscopy of internal organs in vivo

PubMed Central

Yang, Joon-Mo; Favazza, Christopher; Chen, Ruimin; Yao, Junjie; Cai, Xin; Maslov, Konstantin; Zhou, Qifa; Shung, K. Kirk; Wang, Lihong V.

2013-01-01

Presently, clinicians routinely apply ultrasound endoscopy in a variety of interventional procedures which provide treatment solutions for diseased organs. Ultrasound endoscopy not only produces high resolution images, it is also safe for clinical use and broadly applicable. However, for soft tissue imaging, its mechanical wave-based image contrast fundamentally limits its ability to provide physiologically-specific functional information. By contrast, photoacoustic endoscopy possesses a unique combination of functional optical contrast and high spatial resolution at clinically-relevant depths, ideal for soft tissue imaging. With these attributes, photoacoustic endoscopy can overcome the current limitations of ultrasound endoscopy. Moreover, the benefits of photoacoustic imaging do not come at the expense of existing ultrasound functions; photoacoustic endoscopy systems are inherently compatible with ultrasound imaging, enabling multi-modality imaging with complementary contrast. Here, we present simultaneous photoacoustic and ultrasonic dual-mode endoscopy and demonstrate its ability to image internal organs in vivo, illustrating its potential clinical application. PMID:22797808

Focusing on Mental Health, Not Metal Detectors: Three Building Blocks of Safe and Effective Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simpson, Richard; Kline, Sue Ann; Barnhill, Gena; Griswold, Deborah

2000-01-01

Many measures schools are implementing in response to recent violence will protect students but do little to address the complex social interactions that support violence. This article describes an approach that includes five research-based steps for creating safe and effective schools. This approach contains ways to help the learning environment,…

Metamaterials-based sensor to detect and locate nonlinear elastic sources

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

Gliozzi, Antonio S.; Scalerandi, Marco; Miniaci, Marco

2015-10-19

In recent years, acoustic metamaterials have attracted increasing scientific interest for very diverse technological applications ranging from sound abatement to ultrasonic imaging, mainly due to their ability to act as band-stop filters. At the same time, the concept of chaotic cavities has been recently proposed as an efficient tool to enhance the quality of nonlinear signal analysis, particularly in the ultrasonic/acoustic case. The goal of the present paper is to merge the two concepts in order to propose a metamaterial-based device that can be used as a natural and selective linear filter for the detection of signals resulting from themore » propagation of elastic waves in nonlinear materials, e.g., in the presence of damage, and as a detector for the damage itself in time reversal experiments. Numerical simulations demonstrate the feasibility of the approach and the potential of the device in providing improved signal-to-noise ratios and enhanced focusing on the defect locations.« less

Micromachined silicon parallel acoustic delay lines as time-delayed ultrasound detector array for real-time photoacoustic tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Y.; Chang, C.-C.; Wang, L. V.; Zou, J.

2016-02-01

This paper reports the development of a new 16-channel parallel acoustic delay line (PADL) array for real-time photoacoustic tomography (PAT). The PADLs were directly fabricated from single-crystalline silicon substrates using deep reactive ion etching. Compared with other acoustic delay lines (e.g., optical fibers), the micromachined silicon PADLs offer higher acoustic transmission efficiency, smaller form factor, easier assembly, and mass production capability. To demonstrate its real-time photoacoustic imaging capability, the silicon PADL array was interfaced with one single-element ultrasonic transducer followed by one channel of data acquisition electronics to receive 16 channels of photoacoustic signals simultaneously. A PAT image of an optically-absorbing target embedded in an optically-scattering phantom was reconstructed, which matched well with the actual size of the imaged target. Because the silicon PADL array allows a signal-to-channel reduction ratio of 16:1, it could significantly simplify the design and construction of ultrasonic receivers for real-time PAT.

Measurement of ultrasonic fields in transparent media using a scanning differential interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dockery, G. D.; Claus, R. O.

1983-01-01

An experimental system for the detection of three dimensional acoustic fields in optically transparent media using a dual beam differential interferometer is described. In this system, two coherent, parallel, focused laser beams are passed through the specimen and the interference fringe pattern which results when these beams are combined shifts linearly by an amount which is related to the optical pathlength difference between the two beams. It is shown that for small signals, the detector output is directly proportional to the amplitude of the acoustic field integrated along the optical beam path through the specimen. A water tank and motorized optical platform were constructed to allow these dual beams to be scanned through an ultrasonic field generated by a piezoelectric transducer at various distances from the transducer. Scan data for the near, Fresnel, and far zones of a uniform, circular transducer are presented and an algorithm for constructing the radial field profile from this integrated optical data, assuming cylindrical symmetry, is described.

SiPM application for a detector for UHE neutrinos tested at Sphinx station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iori, M.; Atakisi, I. O.; Chiodi, G.; Denizli, H.; Ferrarotto, F.; Kaya, M.; Yilmaz, A.; Recchia, L.; Russ, J.

2014-04-01

We present the preliminary test results of the prototype detector, working at Sphinx Observatory Center, Jungfraujoch (~3800 m a.s.l.) HFSJG - Switzerland. This prototype detector is designed to measure large zenith angle showers produced by high energy neutrino interactions in the Earth crust. This station provides us an opportunity to understand if the prototype detector works safely (or not) under hard environmental conditions (the air temperature changes between -25 °C and -5 °C). The detector prototype is using silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) produced by SensL and DRS4 chip as read-out part. Measurements at different temperature at fixed bias voltage (~29.5 V) were performed to reconstruct tracks by Time Of Flight.

Design and performance of optimal detectors for guided wave structural health monitoring

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

Dib, G.; Udpa, L.

2016-01-01

Ultrasonic guided wave measurements in a long term structural health monitoring system are affected by measurement noise, environmental conditions, transducer aging and malfunction. This results in measurement variability which affects detection performance, especially in complex structures where baseline data comparison is required. This paper derives the optimal detector structure, within the framework of detection theory, where a guided wave signal at the sensor is represented by a single feature value that can be used for comparison with a threshold. Three different types of detectors are derived depending on the underlying structure’s complexity: (i) Simple structures where defect reflections can bemore » identified without the need for baseline data; (ii) Simple structures that require baseline data due to overlap of defect scatter with scatter from structural features; (iii) Complex structure with dense structural features that require baseline data. The detectors are derived by modeling the effects of variabilities and uncertainties as random processes. Analytical solutions for the performance of detectors in terms of the probability of detection and false alarm are derived. A finite element model is used to generate guided wave signals and the performance results of a Monte-Carlo simulation are compared with the theoretical performance. initial results demonstrate that the problems of signal complexity and environmental variability can in fact be exploited to improve detection performance.« less

Investigation of an expert health monitoring system for aeronautical structures based on pattern recognition and acousto-ultrasonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tibaduiza-Burgos, Diego Alexander; Torres-Arredondo, Miguel Angel

2015-08-01

Aeronautical structures are subjected to damage during their service raising the necessity for periodic inspection and maintenance of their components so that structural integrity and safe operation can be guaranteed. Cost reduction related to minimizing the out-of-service time of the aircraft, together with the advantages offered by real-time and safe-life service monitoring, have led to a boom in the design of inexpensive and structurally integrated transducer networks comprising actuators, sensors, signal processing units and controllers. These kinds of automated systems are normally referred to as smart structures and offer a multitude of new solutions to engineering problems and multi-functional capabilities. It is thus expected that structural health monitoring (SHM) systems will become one of the leading technologies for assessing and assuring the structural integrity of future aircraft. This study is devoted to the development and experimental investigation of an SHM methodology for the detection of damage in real scale complex aeronautical structures. The work focuses on each aspect of the SHM system and highlights the potentialities of the health monitoring technique based on acousto-ultrasonics and data-driven modelling within the concepts of sensor data fusion, feature extraction and pattern recognition. The methodology is experimentally demonstrated on an aircraft skin panel and fuselage panel for which several damage scenarios are analysed. The detection performance in both structures is quantified and presented.

Note: Application of CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors for quality assurance of mixed oxide fuel pellets

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

Kodaira, S., E-mail: koda@nirs.go.jp; Kurano, M.; Hosogane, T.

A CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector was used for quality assurance of mixed oxide fuel pellets for next-generation nuclear power plants. Plutonium (Pu) spot sizes and concentrations in the pellets are significant parameters for safe use in the plants. We developed an automatic Pu detection system based on dense α-radiation tracks in the CR-39 detectors. This system would greatly improve image processing time and measurement accuracy, and will be a powerful tool for rapid pellet quality assurance screening.

Modeling of ultrasonic and terahertz radiations in defective tiles for condition monitoring of thermal protection systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabiri Rahani, Ehsan

Condition based monitoring of Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) is necessary for safe operations of space shuttles when quick turn-around time is desired. In the current research Terahertz radiation (T-ray) has been used to detect mechanical and heat induced damages in TPS tiles. Voids and cracks inside the foam tile are denoted as mechanical damage while property changes due to long and short term exposures of tiles to high heat are denoted as heat induced damage. Ultrasonic waves cannot detect cracks and voids inside the tile because the tile material (silica foam) has high attenuation for ultrasonic energy. Instead, electromagnetic terahertz radiation can easily penetrate into the foam material and detect the internal voids although this electromagnetic radiation finds it difficult to detect delaminations between the foam tile and the substrate plate. Thus these two technologies are complementary to each other for TPS inspection. Ultrasonic and T-ray field modeling in free and mounted tiles with different types of mechanical and thermal damages has been the focus of this research. Shortcomings and limitations of FEM method in modeling 3D problems especially at high-frequencies has been discussed and a newly developed semi-analytical technique called Distributed Point Source Method (DPSM) has been used for this purpose. A FORTRAN code called DPSM3D has been developed to model both ultrasonic and electromagnetic problems using the conventional DPSM method. This code is designed in a general form capable of modeling a variety of geometries. DPSM has been extended from ultrasonic applications to electromagnetic to model THz Gaussian beams, multilayered dielectrics and Gaussian beam-scatterer interaction problems. Since the conventional DPSM has some drawbacks, to overcome it two modification methods called G-DPSM and ESM have been proposed. The conventional DPSM in the past was only capable of solving time harmonic (frequency domain) problems. Time history was obtained by FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) algorithm. In this research DPSM has been extended to model DPSM transient problems without using FFT. This modified technique has been denoted as t-DPSM. Using DPSM, scattering of focused ultrasonic fields by single and multiple cavities in fluid & solid media is studied. It is investigated when two cavities in close proximity can be distinguished and when it is not possible. A comparison between the radiation forces generated by the ultrasonic energies reflected from two small cavities versus a single big cavity is also carried out.

Rotational fluid flow experiment: WPI/MITRE advanced space design GASCAN 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daly, Walter F.; Harr, Lee; Paduano, Rocco; Yee, Tony; Eubbani, Eddy; Delprado, Jaime; Khanna, Ajay

1991-01-01

The design and implementation is examined of an electro-mechanical system for studying vortex behavior in a microgravity environment. Most of the existing equipment was revised and redesigned as necessary. Emphasis was placed on the documentation and integration of the mechanical and electrical subsystems. Project results include the reconfiguration and thorough testing of all the hardware subsystems, the implementation of an infrared gas entrainment detector, new signal processing circuitry for the ultrasonic fluid circulation device, improved prototype interface circuits, and software for overall control of experiment design operation.

In vitro validation of a new respiratory ultrasonic plethysmograph.

PubMed

Schramel, Johannes; van den Hoven, René; Moens, Yves

2012-07-01

The in-vitro validation of a novel Respiratory Ultrasonic Plethysmography (RUP) system designed to detect circumference changes of rib cage and abdominal compartments in large and small animals. Experimental in vitro study. The experimental system includes two compliant fluid-filled rubber tubes functioning as ultrasonic waveguides. Each has an ultrasonic transmitter and a detector at the opposing ends. Sensor length can be individually adapted in the range of 0.15-2 m. Data are downloaded to a computer at a sampling rate of 10 or 100 Hz. Measurements have a resolution of 0.3 mm. Baseline stability, linearity and repeatability were investigated with dedicated experiments. The base line drift was tested measuring a fixed distance for 2 hours continuously and then 18 hours later. A hand-operated horse thorax dummy (elliptically shaped, circumference 1.73 m) was used to compare waveforms of RUP with a respiratory inductive plethysmograph (RIP). The electromagnetic interference was tested by approaching metallic objects. Baseline drift and repeatability (10 repeated steps of 1.6% and 6.6% elongations and contractions) were within ± 0.3 mm. The response of the system for tube stretching up to 11% of total length was linear with a coefficient of determination for linearity of 0.998. In contrast to RIP, electromagnetic interference could not be observed with RUP. The low baseline drift and the lack of electromagnetic interference favours the use of RUP compared to an RIP device when studying the breathing pattern and end expiratory lung volume changes in conscious and anaesthetized animals. © 2012 The Authors. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia. © 2012 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists.

Ultrasonic constraint of the microfracture anisotropy of flysch rocks from the Podhale Synclinorium (Poland)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kłopotowska, Agnieszka

2018-01-01

This paper attempts to show the relationship between joints observed in flysch formations in the field and microfracture fabrics invisible to the naked eye in hand specimens. Ultrasonic measurements demonstrate that the intensity and orientations of domains "memorised" by rock specimens are associated with the historical stresses within the rock mass rather than the rock lamination. The spatial orientations of these microfractures have been measured, and their dynamic-elastic properties have been found to correlate with the orientation of macroscopic joint sets measured in the field. The elastic properties measured vary because of sedimentary diagenetic processes that occured during the tectonic deformations of these flysch rocks in the Podhale Synclinorium of Poland. The structural discontinuities detected by ultrasonic measurements can be perceived as an incipient phase of the macroscopic joints already visible in the field and are attributed to the in situ residual tectonic stresses. Such historical stresses impart a hidden mechanical anisotropy to the entire flysch sequence. The microfractures will develop into macroscopic joints during future relaxation of the exposed rock mass. Understanding the nature and orientation of the invisible microfracture anisotropy that will become macroscopic in the future is vital for the safe and efficient engineering of any rock mass.

Technical Aspects on the Use of Ultrasonic Bone Shaver in Spine Surgery: Experience in 307 Patients

PubMed Central

Hazer, Derya Burcu; Yaşar, Barış; Rosberg, Hans-Eric; Akbaş, Aytaç

2016-01-01

Aim. We discuss technical points, the safety, and efficacy of ultrasonic bone shaver in various spinal surgeries within our own series. Methods. Between June 2010 and January 2014, 307 patients with various spinal diseases were operated on with the use of an ultrasonic bone curette with microhook shaver (UBShaver). Patients' data were recorded and analyzed retrospectively. The technique for the use of the device is described for each spine surgery procedure. Results. Among the 307 patients, 33 (10.7%) cases had cervical disorder, 17 (5.5%) thoracic disorder, 3 (0.9%) foramen magnum disorder, and 254 (82.7%) lumbar disorders. Various surgical techniques were performed either assisted or alone by UBShaver. The duration of the operations and the need for blood replacement were relatively low. The one-year follow-up with Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were improved. We had 5 cases of dural tears (1.6%) in patients with lumbar spinal disease. No neurological deficit was found in any patients. Conclusion. We recommend this device as an assistant tool in various spine surgeries and as a primary tool in foraminotomies. It is a safe device in spine surgery with very low complication rate. PMID:27195299

[Ultrasonic monitoring foam sclerotherapy for serious varicosis of lower extremity].

PubMed

Yin, Heng-hui; Pan, Fu-shun; Huang, Xue-ling; Chang, Guang-qi; Wang, Shen-ming

2013-11-19

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of foam sclerotherapy for lower extremity varicosis in C4 to C6 patients. A total of 32 patients (32 limbs) with serious lower extremity varicosis classified as C4 to C6 were enrolled. Ultrasonic monitoring of foam sclerotherapy was performed after subfascial endoscopic perforator suture and saphenous vein ligation. They were followed up monthly at outpatient department. Duplex Doppler scan was performed during each interview. All patients were treated successfully. An average of 3.2 perforators were ligated per leg (1-5 perforators). The average volume of foam sclerosing agent was 27.5 ml per leg. Mild chest tightness was observed in one patient but computed tomography (CT) scan excluded pulmonary embolism. Obvious local inflammatory reaction was observed in 4 patients. Residual vein mass without blood signal was seen in 3 patients. No such serious complication as cerebral ischemia was observed. The average follow-up period was 4.8 (1-10) months. Obvious varicose veins and clinical symptoms disappeared at 1 month. And venous ulcers in patients classified as C5 healed within 3 months. Ultrasonic monitoring of foam sclerotherapy, incorporation with saphenous vein ligation and subfascial endoscopic perforator suture, is both safe and effective in the treatment of serious lower extremity varicosis classified as C4 to C6.

Guide for in-service ultrasonic inspection of boreless turbine rotors and other solid shafts. Final report

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

Nottingham, L.D.; Sabourin, P.F.

1992-12-01

This report discusses nondestructive examination which is generally considered less essential for solid (unbored) turbine rotors than for bored rotors because the stresses are normally lower without a bore. Occasionally, however, situations do arise in which examination may not only be advisable, but essential to maintain confidence in a rotor`s capacity for continued safe operation. Even though a bore is undesirable from a stress standpoint, it is valuable as a surface from which to conduct periodic nondestructive examination of the rotor center material, the region in which the majority of forging and ingot solidification flaws are found and also wheremore » the highest bulk rotation stresses occur. Without a bore, ultrasonic examination of this material must be conducted from the outer periphery, a task that is made difficult by the periphery geometry and lack of a continuous, uniform surface from which to conduct the examination. The material beneath the blade attachment areas, in fact, is the most difficult to inspect because of limited access and the most likely for flaw growth due to the higher stresses developed by the wheel and blade loads. Ultrasonic inspection techniques for the examination of difficult-to-inspect areas of a solid rotor are presented, with recommended procedures and reference standards to verify inspection adequacy.« less

Guide for in-service ultrasonic inspection of boreless turbine rotors and other solid shafts

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

Nottingham, L.D.; Sabourin, P.F.

1992-12-01

This report discusses nondestructive examination which is generally considered less essential for solid (unbored) turbine rotors than for bored rotors because the stresses are normally lower without a bore. Occasionally, however, situations do arise in which examination may not only be advisable, but essential to maintain confidence in a rotor's capacity for continued safe operation. Even though a bore is undesirable from a stress standpoint, it is valuable as a surface from which to conduct periodic nondestructive examination of the rotor center material, the region in which the majority of forging and ingot solidification flaws are found and also wheremore » the highest bulk rotation stresses occur. Without a bore, ultrasonic examination of this material must be conducted from the outer periphery, a task that is made difficult by the periphery geometry and lack of a continuous, uniform surface from which to conduct the examination. The material beneath the blade attachment areas, in fact, is the most difficult to inspect because of limited access and the most likely for flaw growth due to the higher stresses developed by the wheel and blade loads. Ultrasonic inspection techniques for the examination of difficult-to-inspect areas of a solid rotor are presented, with recommended procedures and reference standards to verify inspection adequacy.« less

Three-dimensional ghost imaging using acoustic transducer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chi; Guo, Shuxu; Guan, Jian; Cao, Junsheng; Gao, Fengli

2016-06-01

We propose a novel three-dimensional (3D) ghost imaging method using unfocused ultrasonic transducer, where the transducer is used as the bucket detector to collect the total photoacoustic signal intensity from spherical surfaces with different radius circling the transducer. This collected signal is a time sequence corresponding to the optic absorption information on the spherical surfaces, and the values at the same moments in all the sequences are used as the bucket signals to restore the corresponding spherical images, which are assembled as the object 3D reconstruction. Numerical experiments show this method can effectively accomplish the 3D reconstruction and by adding up each sequence on time domain as a bucket signal it can also realize two dimensional (2D) ghost imaging. The influence of the measurement times on the 3D and 2D reconstruction is analyzed with Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) as the yardstick, and the transducer as a bucket detector is also discussed.

Metallurgical evaluation of a feedwater nozzle to safe-end weld

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

Bowerman, B.S.; Czajkowski, C.J.; Roberts, T.C.

1999-11-01

Weld cracks in safety class systems are a serious concern, because these systems are part of the primary barrier providing containment of radioactive coolant. Loss of weld integrity yields leaks, or, under catastrophic failure, can be the basis for a severe loss of coolant accident. A circumferential indication was found by ultrasonic examination (UT) in the N4A-2 inlet feedwater nozzle to safe-end weld during the second refueling outage of River Bend Station Unit 1 in March 1989. The indication, approximately 15cm (6in) long with a reported maximum depth of 0.5cm (0.1in), was located in the Alloy 182 weld butter onmore » the safe-end side of the weld. (The safe-end base metal was ASME SA 508 Class 1 carbon steel.) The reported characteristics of the UT indication were indicative of intergranular stress corrosion cracking. This indication was reexamined during the second and third fuel cycles in March 1990 and September 1991, respectively, and during the third refuel outage in November 1990. Crack growth was reported during each examination. The safe-end was replaced during the fourth refueling outage in the summer of 1992. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) subsequently contracted with Brookhaven National laboratory (BNL) to conduct a confirmatory investigation to establish the failure mode and determine the root causes of cracking in the safe-end weld.« less

Consensus Conference Findings on Supragingival and Subgingival Air Polishing.

PubMed

Cobb, Charles M; Daubert, Diane M; Davis, Karen; Deming, Jodi; Flemmig, Thomas F; Pattison, Anna; Roulet, Jean-François; Stambaugh, Roger V

2017-02-01

A consensus conference was convened to evaluate and address issues of safety and efficacy when using glycine powder in an air-powder jet device for supra- and subgingival applications during dental prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance. The conference reported the following conclusions: 1) Supra- and subgingival air polishing using glycine powder is safe and effective for removal of biofilms from natural tooth structure and restorative materials; 2) there is no evidence of soft-tissue abrasion when using glycine powder in an air-polishing device; 3) in periodontal probing depths of 1 mm to 4 mm, glycine-powder air polishing, using a standard air-polishing nozzle, is more effective at removing subgingival biofilm than manual or ultrasonic instruments; and 4) at probing depths of 5 mm to 9 mm, using a subgingival nozzle, glycine powder air polishing is more effective at removing subgingival biofilm than manual or ultrasonic instrumentation. This conference statement, supported by an industry grant, was drafted by a panel of distinguished dental professionals.

Validation of QuEChERS based method for determination of fenitrothion residues in tomatoes by gas chromatography-flame photometric detector: Decline pattern and risk assessment.

PubMed

Malhat, Farag; Boulangé, Julien; Abdelraheem, Ehab; Abd Allah, Osama; Abd El-Hamid, Rania; Abd El-Salam, Shokr

2017-08-15

A simple and rapid gas chromatography with flame photometric detector (GC-FPD) determination method was developed to detect residue levels and investigate the dissipation pattern and safe use of fenitrothion in tomatoes. A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) using an ethyl acetate-based extraction, followed by a dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) with primary-secondary amine (PSA) and graphite carbon black (GCB) for clean up, was applied prior to GC-FPD analysis. The method showed satisfactory linearity, recovery and precision. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.005 and 0.01mg/kg, respectively. The residue levels of fenitrothion were best described by first order kinetics with a half-life of 2.2days in tomatoes. The potential health risks posed by fenitrothion were not significant, based on supervised residue trial data. The current findings could provide guidance for safe and reasonable use of fenitrothion in tomatoes and prevent health problems to consumers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Minimal invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy with ultrasonic scalpel.

PubMed

Gyr, T; Ghezzi, F; Arslanagic, S; Leidi, L; Pastorelli, G; Franchi, M

2001-06-01

The purpose of the study was to assess whether total laparoscopic hysterectomy with the ultrasonic scalpel offers advantages in term of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes over the conventional abdominal hysterectomy. A case-control study to compare patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy and women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy for benign conditions was designed. Matching criteria were the menopausal status, the need of adnexectomy, and the uterus weight. The laparoscopic procedure was carried out using an ultrasonically activated scalpel and the amputated uterus was removed transvaginally. Every part of the operation was carried out via laparoscopy, from the adnexal phase to the colpotomy. Abdominal hysterectomy was performed using a conventional laparotomic technique. Intraoperative and postoperative characteristics were analyzed. One hundred forty-four patients were enrolled, of whom 48 underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy and 98 abdominal hysterectomy. No difference was found between groups in terms of operating time or intraoperative and postoperative infectious and noninfectious complications. The median (range) total consumption of morphine (0 mg [0 to 16] versus 15 mg [0 to 100], P <0.01) during the first 3 postoperative days was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group than in the laparotomic group. The median (range) time to regular diet (1[0 to 4] versus 2 [0 to 5], P <0.05) and the time to passage of stool (1[1 to 2] versus 2 [1 to 5], P <0.05) was shorter in the laparoscopic than in the laparotomic group. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy with the ultrasonic scalpel is feasible and safe, and offers not only cosmetic benefits but also reduces the need of analgesia and the time to return to a normal gastrointestinal function in comparison with the conventional abdominal hysterectomy.

Rotational fluid flow experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

This project which began in 1986 as part of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Advanced Space Design Program focuses on the design and implementation of an electromechanical system for studying vortex behavior in a microgravity environment. Most of the existing equipment was revised and redesigned by this project team, as necessary. Emphasis was placed on documentation and integration of the electrical and mechanical subsystems. Project results include reconfiguration and thorough testing of all hardware subsystems, implementation of an infrared gas entrainment detector, new signal processing circuitry for the ultrasonic fluid circulation device, improved prototype interface circuits, and software for overall control of experiment operation.

U. S. Army Land Warfare Laboratory. Volume II Appendix B. Task Sheets

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-06-01

Free-Drop Water Container B-256 *06-S-64 Riot Shield 01-S-65 Cl Mob Control Equipment Studies 3-257 02-S-65 Compass - Fog and Fungus Proof B-258 03-S-65...Combustion Engine B-360 05-C-69 Mini-Grenade Munitions 3-36. 06-C-69 Explosive Detector - Plasma Chromatography -chnique B1-362 07-C-69 Grenade, Smoke...Mechanical Earth Waves B-406 05-P-63 Non-Electric Projector B-407 06-P-63 Communication by Earth Currents B-408 07-P-63 Ultrasonics B-409 08-P-63 Acoustic

A high accuracy ultrasonic distance measurement system using binary frequency shift-keyed signal and phase detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, S. S.; Huang, C. F.; Huang, K. N.; Young, M. S.

2002-10-01

A highly accurate binary frequency shift-keyed (BFSK) ultrasonic distance measurement system (UDMS) for use in isothermal air is described. This article presents an efficient algorithm which combines both the time-of-flight (TOF) method and the phase-shift method. The proposed method can obtain larger range measurement than the phase-shift method and also get higher accuracy compared with the TOF method. A single-chip microcomputer-based BFSK signal generator and phase detector was designed to record and compute the TOF, two phase shifts, and the resulting distance, which were then sent to either an LCD to display or a PC to calibrate. Experiments were done in air using BFSK with the frequencies of 40 and 41 kHz. Distance resolution of 0.05% of the wavelength corresponding to the frequency of 40 kHz was obtained. The range accuracy was found to be within ±0.05 mm at a range of over 6000 mm. The main advantages of this UDMS system are high resolution, low cost, narrow bandwidth requirement, and ease of implementation.

Toward practical 3D radiography of pipeline girth welds

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

Wassink, Casper, E-mail: casper.wassink@applusrtd.com; Hol, Martijn, E-mail: martijn.hol@applusrtd.com; Flikweert, Arjan, E-mail: martijn.hol@applusrtd.com

2015-03-31

Digital radiography has made its way into in-the-field girth weld testing. With recent generations of detectors and x-ray tubes it is possible to reach the image quality desired in standards as well as the speed of inspection desired to be competitive with film radiography and automated ultrasonic testing. This paper will show the application of these technologies in the RTD Rayscan system. The method for achieving an image quality that complies with or even exceeds prevailing industrial standards will be presented, as well as the application on pipeline girth welds with CRA layers. A next step in development will bemore » to also achieve a measurement of weld flaw height to allow for performing an Engineering Critical Assessment on the weld. This will allow for similar acceptance limits as currently used with Automated Ultrasonic Testing of pipeline girth welds. Although a sufficient sizing accuracy was already demonstrated and qualified in the TomoCAR system, testing in some applications is restricted to time limits. The paper will present some experiments that were performed to achieve flaw height approximation within these time limits.« less

Ultrasonic acoustic levitation for fast frame rate X-ray protein crystallography at room temperature.

PubMed

Tsujino, Soichiro; Tomizaki, Takashi

2016-05-06

Increasing the data acquisition rate of X-ray diffraction images for macromolecular crystals at room temperature at synchrotrons has the potential to significantly accelerate both structural analysis of biomolecules and structure-based drug developments. Using lysozyme model crystals, we demonstrated the rapid acquisition of X-ray diffraction datasets by combining a high frame rate pixel array detector with ultrasonic acoustic levitation of protein crystals in liquid droplets. The rapid spinning of the crystal within a levitating droplet ensured an efficient sampling of the reciprocal space. The datasets were processed with a program suite developed for serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX). The structure, which was solved by molecular replacement, was found to be identical to the structure obtained by the conventional oscillation method for up to a 1.8-Å resolution limit. In particular, the absence of protein crystal damage resulting from the acoustic levitation was carefully established. These results represent a key step towards a fully automated sample handling and measurement pipeline, which has promising prospects for a high acquisition rate and high sample efficiency for room temperature X-ray crystallography.

Ultrasonic acoustic levitation for fast frame rate X-ray protein crystallography at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsujino, Soichiro; Tomizaki, Takashi

2016-05-01

Increasing the data acquisition rate of X-ray diffraction images for macromolecular crystals at room temperature at synchrotrons has the potential to significantly accelerate both structural analysis of biomolecules and structure-based drug developments. Using lysozyme model crystals, we demonstrated the rapid acquisition of X-ray diffraction datasets by combining a high frame rate pixel array detector with ultrasonic acoustic levitation of protein crystals in liquid droplets. The rapid spinning of the crystal within a levitating droplet ensured an efficient sampling of the reciprocal space. The datasets were processed with a program suite developed for serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX). The structure, which was solved by molecular replacement, was found to be identical to the structure obtained by the conventional oscillation method for up to a 1.8-Å resolution limit. In particular, the absence of protein crystal damage resulting from the acoustic levitation was carefully established. These results represent a key step towards a fully automated sample handling and measurement pipeline, which has promising prospects for a high acquisition rate and high sample efficiency for room temperature X-ray crystallography.

Ultrasonic acoustic levitation for fast frame rate X-ray protein crystallography at room temperature

PubMed Central

Tsujino, Soichiro; Tomizaki, Takashi

2016-01-01

Increasing the data acquisition rate of X-ray diffraction images for macromolecular crystals at room temperature at synchrotrons has the potential to significantly accelerate both structural analysis of biomolecules and structure-based drug developments. Using lysozyme model crystals, we demonstrated the rapid acquisition of X-ray diffraction datasets by combining a high frame rate pixel array detector with ultrasonic acoustic levitation of protein crystals in liquid droplets. The rapid spinning of the crystal within a levitating droplet ensured an efficient sampling of the reciprocal space. The datasets were processed with a program suite developed for serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX). The structure, which was solved by molecular replacement, was found to be identical to the structure obtained by the conventional oscillation method for up to a 1.8-Å resolution limit. In particular, the absence of protein crystal damage resulting from the acoustic levitation was carefully established. These results represent a key step towards a fully automated sample handling and measurement pipeline, which has promising prospects for a high acquisition rate and high sample efficiency for room temperature X-ray crystallography. PMID:27150272

Measurements of the Young's modulus of hydroxide catalysis bonds, and the effect on thermal noise in ground-based gravitational wave detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phelps, Margot; van Veggel, Anna-Maria; Hough, James; Messenger, Chris; Hughes, David; Cunningham, William; Haughian, Karen; Rowan, Sheila

2018-05-01

With the outstanding results from the detection and observation of gravitational waves from coalescing black holes and neutron star inspirals, it is essential that pathways to further improve the sensitivities of the LIGO and VIRGO detectors are explored. There are a number of factors that potentially limit the sensitivities of the detectors. One such factor is thermal noise, a component of which results from the mechanical loss in the bond material between the silica fibre suspensions and the test mass mirrors. To calculate its magnitude, the Young's modulus of the bond material has to be known with reasonable accuracy. In this paper we present a new combination of ultrasonic technology and Bayesian analysis to measure the Young's modulus of hydroxide catalysis bonds between fused silica substrates. Using this novel technique, we measure the bond Young's modulus to be 18.5 ±2.32.0 GPa . We show that by applying this value to thermal noise models of bonded test masses with suitable attachment geometries, a reduction in suspension thermal noise consistent with an overall design sensitivity improvement allows a factor of 5 increase in event rate to be achieved.

Temperature rise during removal of fractured components out of the implant body: an in vitro study comparing two ultrasonic devices and five implant types.

PubMed

Meisberger, Eric W; Bakker, Sjoerd J G; Cune, Marco S

2015-12-01

Ultrasonic instrumentation under magnification may facilitate mobilization of screw remnants but may induce heat trauma to surrounding bone. An increase of 5°C is considered detrimental to osseointegration. The objective of this investigation was to examine the rise in temperature of the outer implant body after 30 s of ultrasonic instrumentation to the inner part, in relation to implant type, type of ultrasonic equipment, and the use of coolants in vitro. Two ultrasonic devices (Satelec Suprasson T Max and Electro Medical Systems (EMS) miniMaster) were used on five different implant types that were provided with a thermo couple (Astra 3.5 mm, bone level Regular CrossFit (RC) 4.1 mm, bone level Narrow CrossFit (NC) 3.3 mm, Straumann tissue level regular body regular neck 3.3 mm, and Straumann tissue level wide body regular neck 4.8 mm), either with or without cooling during 30 s. Temperature rise at this point in time is the primary outcome measure. In addition, the mean maximum rise in temperature (all implants combined) was assessed and statistically compared among devices, implant systems, and cooling mode (independent t-tests, ANOVA, and post hoc analysis). The Satelec device without cooling induces the highest temperature change of up to 13°C, particularly in both bone level implants (p < 0.05) but appears safe for approximately 10 s of continuous instrumentation, after which a cooling down period is rational. Cooling is effective for both devices. However, when the Satelec device is used with coolant for a longer period of time, a rise in temperature must be anticipated after cessation of instrumentation, and post-operational cooling is advised. The in vitro setup used in this experiment implies that care should be taken when translating the observations to clinical recommendations, but it is carefully suggested that the EMS device causes limited rise in temperature, even without coolant.

Escalating role of piezosurgery in dental therapeutics.

PubMed

Agarwal, Esha; Masamatti, Sujata Surendra; Kumar, Ashish

2014-10-01

Dentistry, an art in science and tranquilizer in medicine, has seen a lot of changing concepts over a decade and one such novel innovation is piezosurgery. Piezosurgery is a true revolution in bone surgery as it fulfils both biological and technical criteria. It has a variety of applications ranging from minor surgical procedures to complex implantology, plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Piezosurgery uses a low frequency modulated ultrasonic insert which produces microvibrations in the range of 60-200micro meter/sec and leads to safe and precise bony incision without damaging underlying vital structures like nerves, mucosa and vessels. It overcomes technical difficulties such as visibility by producing bloodless field during surgery and removes debris simultaneously through internal irrigation mechanism. The soft tissues remain safe and biological factors like release of certain cytokines promote bone healing and enhance patients recovery. This critical review outweighs piezosurgery over traditional tools and emphasizes on its clinical and biological aspects contributing to beneficial dental health.

Experimental evaluation of three leak detection and location concepts for space stations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scherb, M. V.; Kazokas, G. P.; Zelik, J. A.; Mastandrea, J. R.; Mackallor, D. C.

1972-01-01

Three leak (or precursor damage modes) detection and location concepts for space station overboard leakage were evaluated experimentally. The techniques are: (1) static and dynamic seal leak detector sensing of moisture or all gases in space cabin atmosphere, (2) active ultrasonic Lamb-wave detection of flaws or cracks in cabin wall, and (3) impact gage detection of stress waves induced in cabin pressure wall by meteoroid or orbital impact. The experimental results obtained in the program demonstrated that all three leak detection and location concepts are feasible. With further development, the methods can be integrated into an effective damage control system for advanced manned earth-orbital systems.

Integrated ultrasonic particle positioning and low excitation light fluorescence imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernassau, A. L.; Al-Rawhani, M.; Beeley, J.; Cumming, D. R. S.

2013-12-01

A compact hybrid system has been developed to position and detect fluorescent micro-particles by combining a Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) imager with an acoustic manipulator. The detector comprises a SPAD array, light-emitting diode (LED), lenses, and optical filters. The acoustic device is formed of multiple transducers surrounding an octagonal cavity. By stimulating pairs of transducers simultaneously, an acoustic landscape is created causing fluorescent micro-particles to agglomerate into lines. The fluorescent pattern is excited by a low power LED and detected by the SPAD imager. Our technique combines particle manipulation and visualization in a compact, low power, portable setup.

Ultrasound indoor positioning system based on a low-power wireless sensor network providing sub-centimeter accuracy.

PubMed

Medina, Carlos; Segura, José Carlos; De la Torre, Ángel

2013-03-13

This paper describes the TELIAMADE system, a new indoor positioning system based on time-of-flight (TOF) of ultrasonic signal to estimate the distance between a receiver node and a transmitter node. TELIAMADE system consists of a set of wireless nodes equipped with a radio module for communication and a module for the transmission and reception of ultrasound. The access to the ultrasonic channel is managed by applying a synchronization algorithm based on a time-division multiplexing (TDMA) scheme. The ultrasonic signal is transmitted using a carrier frequency of 40 kHz and the TOF measurement is estimated by applying a quadrature detector to the signal obtained at the A/D converter output. Low sampling frequencies of 17.78 kHz or even 12.31 kHz are possible using quadrature sampling in order to optimize memory requirements and to reduce the computational cost in signal processing. The distance is calculated from the TOF taking into account the speed of sound. An excellent accuracy in the estimation of the TOF is achieved using parabolic interpolation to detect of maximum of the signal envelope at the matched filter output. The signal phase information is also used for enhancing the TOF measurement accuracy. Experimental results show a root mean square error (rmse) less than 2 mm and a standard deviation less than 0.3 mm for pseudorange measurements in the range of distances between 2 and 6 m. The system location accuracy is also evaluated by applying multilateration. A sub-centimeter location accuracy is achieved with an average rmse of 9.6 mm.

Ultrasonically assisted anchoring of biodegradable implants for chevron osteotomies - clinical evaluation of a novel fixation method.

PubMed

Olms, Kai; Randt, Thorsten; Reimers, Nils; Zander, Nils; Schulz, Arndt P

2014-01-01

Reconstructive osteotomies for the treatment of Hallux valgus are among the most prevalent procedures in foot and ankle surgery. The combination of biodegradable materials with an innovative method for fixation by application of ultrasonic energy facilitates a new bonding method for fractures or osteotomies. As clinical experience is still limited, the aim of this study was to assess the safety and performance of the SonicPin system for fixation of Austin/Chevron osteotomies. Chevron osteotomy was performed on 30 patients for the treatment of Hallux valgus. The used SonicPins were made from polylactide and are selectively melted into the cancellous bone structure during insertion by ultrasonic energy. Patients were followed for one year, which included X-ray and MRI examinations as well as evaluation of life quality by EQ-5D (EuroQol). The MRI after three months showed adequate bone healing in all cases and no signs of foreign body reactions, which was again confirmed by MRI 12 months postoperatively. The bony healing after 12 months was uneventful without any signs of foreign body reactions. In summary, based on the low complication rate and the significant improvement in health related quality of life (EQ-5D) reported in this study, fixation of an Austin/Chevron osteotomy with a SonicPin for treatment of Hallux valgus can be considered to be safe and efficient over the short term. Therapeutic Level III.

Ultrasonically Assisted Anchoring of Biodegradable Implants for Chevron Osteotomies – Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Fixation Method

PubMed Central

Olms, Kai; Randt, Thorsten; Reimers, Nils; Zander, Nils; Schulz, Arndt P.

2014-01-01

Reconstructive osteotomies for the treatment of Hallux valgus are among the most prevalent procedures in foot and ankle surgery. The combination of biodegradable materials with an innovative method for fixation by application of ultrasonic energy facilitates a new bonding method for fractures or osteotomies. As clinical experience is still limited, the aim of this study was to assess the safety and performance of the SonicPin system for fixation of Austin/Chevron osteotomies. Chevron osteotomy was performed on 30 patients for the treatment of Hallux valgus. The used SonicPins were made from polylactide and are selectively melted into the cancellous bone structure during insertion by ultrasonic energy. Patients were followed for one year, which included X-ray and MRI examinations as well as evaluation of life quality by EQ-5D (EuroQol). The MRI after three months showed adequate bone healing in all cases and no signs of foreign body reactions, which was again confirmed by MRI 12 months postoperatively. The bony healing after 12 months was uneventful without any signs of foreign body reactions. In summary, based on the low complication rate and the significant improvement in health related quality of life (EQ-5D) reported in this study, fixation of an Austin/Chevron osteotomy with a SonicPin for treatment of Hallux valgus can be considered to be safe and efficient over the short term. Level of Clinical Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. PMID:24851140

Scolicidal effect of Allium sativum flowers on hydatid cyst protoscolices.

PubMed

Rahimi-Esboei, B; Ebrahimzadeh, M A; Fathi, H; Rezaei Anzahaei, F

2016-01-01

he s Because there is no effective and safe drug therapy for hydatid cyst, finding of some new agents especially from herbal origin with a desired scolicidal effect attracts great attention for treatment and pre-surgical use to prevent the hydatid cyst recurrence. In this study, the scolicidal effect of ultrasonic methanol extract of Garlic (Allium sativum) flower is investigated. Protoscolices were collected aseptically from sheep livers containing hydatid cyst and were exposed to different concentrations of extract for various exposure times. The viability of protoscolices was confirmed by 0.1% Eosin staining. The scolicidal activity of extract at a concentration of 50 mg ml-1 was 59, 76, 81 and 86% after 10, 30, 60, and 180 min of exposure respectively. The scolicidal effect at 100 mg ml-1 was 67, 78, 85 and 98% after various exposure times, respectively. The results of this study showed that the ultrasonic extract has high scolicidal activity and might be used as a natural scolicidal agent. Garlic flower extracts is a potent protoscolicid and might be used in hydatid cyst treatment and pre-surgery to prevent secondary cyst recurrence.

Electromagnetic interference of dental equipment with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

PubMed

Dadalti, Manoela Teixeira de Sant'Anna; da Cunha, Antônio José Ledo Alves; Araújo, Marcos César Pimenta de; Moraes, Luis Gustavo Belo de; Risso, Patrícia de Andrade

2017-11-01

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are subject to electromagnetic interference (EMI). The aim of this study was to assess both the EMI of dental equipments with ICDs and related factors. High- and low-speed handpieces, an electric toothbrush, an implant motor and two types of ultrasonic devices were tested next to an ICD with different sensitivity settings. The ICD was immersed in a saline solution with electrical resistance of 400-800 ohms to simulate the resistance of the human body. The dental equipments were tested in both horizontal (0°) and vertical (90°) positions in relation to the components of the ICD. The tests were performed with a container containing saline solution, which was placed on a dental chair in order to assess the cumulative effect of electromagnetic fields. The dental chair, high- and low-speed handpieces, electric toothbrush, implant motor and ultrasonic devices caused no EMI with the ICD, irrespective of the program set-up or positioning. No cumulative effect of electromagnetic fields was verified. The results of this study suggest that the devices tested are safe for use in patients with an ICD.

Improving Dose Determination Accuracy in Nonstandard Fields of the Varian TrueBeam Accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hyun, Megan A.

In recent years, the use of flattening-filter-free (FFF) linear accelerators in radiation-based cancer therapy has gained popularity, especially for hypofractionated treatments (high doses of radiation given in few sessions). However, significant challenges to accurate radiation dose determination remain. If physicists cannot accurately determine radiation dose in a clinical setting, cancer patients treated with these new machines will not receive safe, accurate and effective treatment. In this study, an extensive characterization of two commonly used clinical radiation detectors (ionization chambers and diodes) and several potential reference detectors (thermoluminescent dosimeters, plastic scintillation detectors, and alanine pellets) has been performed to investigate their use in these challenging, nonstandard fields. From this characterization, reference detectors were identified for multiple beam sizes, and correction factors were determined to improve dosimetric accuracy for ionization chambers and diodes. A validated computational (Monte Carlo) model of the TrueBeam(TM) accelerator, including FFF beam modes, was also used to calculate these correction factors, which compared favorably to measured results. Small-field corrections of up to 18 % were shown to be necessary for clinical detectors such as microionization chambers. Because the impact of these large effects on treatment delivery is not well known, a treatment planning study was completed using actual hypofractionated brain, spine, and lung treatments that were delivered at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. This study demonstrated that improperly applying these detector correction factors can have a substantial impact on patient treatments. This thesis work has taken important steps toward improving the accuracy of FFF dosimetry through rigorous experimentally and Monte-Carlo-determined correction factors, the validation of an important published protocol (TG-51) for use with FFF reference fields, and a demonstration of the clinical significance of small-field correction factors. These results will facilitate the safe, accurate and effective use of this treatment modality in the clinic.

Hand-held optoacoustic probe for three-dimensional imaging of human morphology and function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deán-Ben, X. Luís.; Razansky, Daniel

2014-03-01

We report on a hand-held imaging probe for real-time optoacoustic visualization of deep tissues in three dimensions. The proposed solution incorporates a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic sensors densely distributed on a spherical surface, whereas illumination is performed coaxially through a cylindrical cavity in the array. Visualization of three-dimensional tomographic data at a frame rate of 10 images per second is enabled by parallel recording of 256 time-resolved signals for each individual laser pulse along with a highly efficient GPUbased real-time reconstruction. A liquid coupling medium (water), enclosed in a transparent membrane, is used to guarantee transmission of the optoacoustically generated waves to the ultrasonic detectors. Excitation at multiple wavelengths further allows imaging spectrally distinctive tissue chromophores such as oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin. The performance is showcased by video-rate tracking of deep tissue vasculature and three-dimensional measurements of blood oxygenenation in a healthy human volunteer. The flexibility provided by the hand-held hardware design, combined with the real-time operation, makes the developed platform highly usable for both small animal research and clinical imaging in multiple indications, including cancer, inflammation, skin and cardiovascular diseases, diagnostics of lymphatic system and breast

Development of a novel ultrasonic temperature probe for long-term monitoring of dry cask storage systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakhtiari, S.; Wang, K.; Elmer, T. W.; Koehl, E.; Raptis, A. C.

2013-01-01

With the recent cancellation of the Yucca Mountain repository and the limited availability of wet storage utilities for spent nuclear fuel (SNF), more attention has been directed toward dry cask storage systems (DCSSs) for long-term storage of SNF. Consequently, more stringent guidelines have been issued for the aging management of dry storage facilities that necessitate monitoring of the conditions of DCSSs. Continuous health monitoring of DCSSs based on temperature variations is one viable method for assessing the integrity of the system. In the present work, a novel ultrasonic temperature probe (UTP) is being tested for long-term online temperature monitoring of DCSSs. Its performance was evaluated and compared with type N thermocouple (NTC) and resistance temperature detector (RTD) using a small-scale dry storage canister mockup. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the UTP system developed at Argonne is able to achieve better than 0.8 °C accuracy, tested at temperatures of up to 400 °C. The temperature resolution is limited only by the sampling rate of the current system. The flexibility of the probe allows conforming to complex geometries thus making the sensor particularly suited to measurement scenarios where access is limited.

Rapid ultrasonic and microwave-assisted micellar extraction of zingiberone, shogaol and gingerols from gingers using biosurfactants.

PubMed

Peng, Li-Qing; Cao, Jun; Du, Li-Jing; Zhang, Qi-Dong; Xu, Jing-Jing; Chen, Yu-Bo; Shi, Yu-Ting; Li, Rong-Rong

2017-09-15

Two kinds of extraction methods ultrasonic-assisted micellar extraction (UAME) and microwave-assisted micellar extraction (MAME) coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector (UHPLC-UV) were developed and evaluated for extraction and determination of zingerone, 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 6-shogaol and 10-gingerol in Rhizoma Zingiberis and Rhizoma Zingiberis Preparata. A biosurfactant, hyodeoxycholic acid sodium salt, was used in micellar extraction. Several experimental parameters were studied separately by a univariate method. The result indicated that the MAME was more efficient than UAME. The optimal conditions of MAME were as follows: 100mM of hyodeoxycholic acid sodium salt was used as surfactant, the irradiation time was set at 10s and the extraction temperature was set at 60°C. The validation results indicated that the limits of detection were in the range of 3.80-8.11ng/mL. The average recoveries were in the range of 87.32-103.12% for the two samples at two spiking levels. Compared with other reported methods, the proposed MAME-UHPLC-UV method was more effective, quicker (10s) and more eco-friendly. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Use of an Ultrasonic/Sonic Driller/Corer to Obtain Sample Powder for CHEMIN, a Combined XRD/XRF Instrument

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chipera, S. J.; Bish, D. L.; Vaniman, D. T.; Sherrit, S.; Bar-Cohen, Y.; Sarrazin, P.; Blake, D. F.

2003-01-01

A miniature CHEMIN XRD/XRF (X-Ray Diffraction/X-Ray Fluourescence) instrument is currently being developed for definitive mineralogic analysis of soils and rocks on Mars. One of the technical issues that must be addressed in order to enable XRD analysis on an extraterrestrial body is how best to obtain a representative sample powder for analysis. For XRD powder diffraction analyses, it is beneficial to have a fine-grained sample to reduce preferred orientation effects and to provide a statistically significant number of crystallites to the X-ray beam. Although a 2-dimensional detector as used in the CHEMIN instrument will produce good results with poorly prepared powders, the quality of the data will improve if the sample is fine-grained and randomly oriented. An Ultrasonic/Sonic Driller/Corer (USDC) currently being developed at JPL is an effective mechanism of sampling rock to produce cores and powdered cuttings. It requires low axial load (< 5N) and thus offers significant advantages for operation from lightweight platforms and in low gravity environments. The USDC is lightweight (<0.5kg), and can be driven at low power (<5W) using duty cycling. It consists of an actuator with a piezoelectric stack, ultrasonic horn, free-mass, and drill bit. The stack is driven with a 20 kHz AC voltage at resonance. The strain generated by the piezoelectric is amplified by the horn by a factor of up to 10 times the displacement amplitude. The tip impacts the free-mass and drives it into the drill bit in a hammering action. The free-mass rebounds to interact with the horn tip leading to a cyclic rebound at frequencies in the range of 60-1000 Hz. It does not require lubricants, drilling fluid or bit sharpening and it has the potential to operate at high and low temperatures using a suitable choice of piezoelectric material. To assess whether the powder from an ultrasonic drill would be adequate for analyses by an XRD/XRF spectrometer such as CHEMIN, powders obtained from the JPL ultrasonic drill were analyzed and the results were compared to carefully prepared powders obtained using a laboratory bench scale Retsch mill.

Ultrasonic Blood Flow Measurement in Haemodialysis

PubMed Central

Sampson, D.; Papadimitriou, M.; Kulatilake, A. E.

1970-01-01

A 5-megacycle Doppler flow meter, calibrated in-vitro, was found to give a linear response to blood flow in the ranges commonly encountered in haemodialysis. With this, blood flow through artificial kidneys could be measured simply and with a clinically acceptable error. The method is safe, as blood lines do not have to be punctured or disconnected and hence there is no risk of introducing infection. Besides its value as a research tool the flow meter is useful in evaluating new artificial kidneys. Suitably modified it could form the basis of an arterial flow alarm system. PMID:5416812

Automated software configuration in the MONSOON system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daly, Philip N.; Buchholz, Nick C.; Moore, Peter C.

2004-09-01

MONSOON is the next generation OUV-IR controller project being developed at NOAO. The design is flexible, emphasizing code re-use, maintainability and scalability as key factors. The software needs to support widely divergent detector systems ranging from multi-chip mosaics (for LSST, QUOTA, ODI and NEWFIRM) down to large single or multi-detector laboratory development systems. In order for this flexibility to be effective and safe, the software must be able to configure itself to the requirements of the attached detector system at startup. The basic building block of all MONSOON systems is the PAN-DHE pair which make up a single data acquisition node. In this paper we discuss the software solutions used in the automatic PAN configuration system.

Using an Ultrasonic Instrument to Size Extravascular Bubbles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Magari, Patrick J.; Kline-Schroder, J.; Kenton, Marc A.

2004-01-01

In an ongoing development project, microscopic bubbles in extravascular tissue in a human body will be detected by use of an enhanced version of the apparatus described in Ultrasonic Bubble- Sizing Instrument (MSC-22980), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 24, No. 10 (October 2000), page 62. To recapitulate: The physical basis of the instrument is the use of ultrasound to excite and measure the resonant behavior (oscillatory expansion and contraction) of bubbles. The resonant behavior is a function of the bubble diameter; the instrument exploits the diameter dependence of the resonance frequency and the general nonlinearity of the ultrasonic response of bubbles to detect bubbles and potentially measure their diameters. In the cited prior article, the application given most prominent mention was the measurement of gaseous emboli (essentially, gas bubbles in blood vessels) that cause decompression sickness and complications associated with cardiopulmonary surgery. According to the present proposal, the instrument capabilities would be extended to measure extravascular bubbles with diameters in the approximate range of 1 to 30 m. The proposed use of the instrument could contribute further to the understanding and prevention of decompression sickness: There is evidence that suggests that prebreathing oxygen greatly reduces the risk of decompression sickness by reducing the number of microscopic extravascular bubbles. By using the ultrasonic bubble-sizing instrument to detect and/or measure the sizes of such bubbles, it might be possible to predict the risk of decompression sickness. The instrument also has potential as a tool to guide the oxygen-prebreathing schedules of astronauts; high-altitude aviators; individuals who undertake high-altitude, low-opening (HALO) parachute jumps; and others at risk of decompression sickness. For example, an individual at serious risk of decompression sickness because of high concentrations of extravascular microscopic bubbles could be given a warning to continue to prebreathe oxygen until it was safe to decompress.

Proactive Thoughts on Creating Safe Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perry, Constance M.

1999-01-01

Reactive measures such as metal detectors, I.D. badges, and zero-tolerance policies can reduce violence, but cultivating order is more effective than imposing it. Building a respectful, caring learning environment by enhancing students' sense of belonging, implementing a comprehensive character-education program, and teaching conflict-resolution…

Nuclear Structure Studies in the 132Sn Region: Safe Coulex with Carbon Targets

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

Allmond, James M; Stuchbery, Andrew E; Galindo-Uribarri, Alfredo

2015-01-01

The collective and single-particle structure of nuclei in the 132Sn region was recently studied by Coulomb excitation and heavy-ion induced transfer reactions using carbon, beryllium, and titanium targets. In particular, Coulomb excitation was used determine a complete set of electromagnetic moments for the first 2 + states and one-neutron transfer was used to probe the purity and evolution of single-neutron states. These recent experiments were conducted at the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility at ORNL using a CsI-HPGe detector array (BareBall- CLARION) to detect scattered particles and emitted gamma rays from the in-beam reactions. A Bragg-curve detector was used tomore » measure the energy loss of the various beams through the targets and to measure the radioactive beam compositions. A sample of the Coulomb excitation results is presented here with an emphasis placed on 116Sn. In particular, the safe Coulex criterion for carbon targets will be analyzed and discussed.« less

SPECIAL ISSUE ON OPTICAL PROCESSING OF INFORMATION: Multistability in an acousto-optical system with a frequency feedback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balakshiĭ, V. I.; Kazar'yan, A. Y.; Lee, A. A.

1995-10-01

An investigation was made of an acousto-optical system with hybrid feedback used to control the frequency of ultrasonic waves excited in an acousto-optical cell. An amplitude transparency, placed in front of a photodetector, ensured a nonlinear dependence of the intensity of the diffracted radiation reaching the detector on the ultrasound frequency. Conditions were found under which this nonlinearity gave rise to multistable states differing in respect of the amplitude, frequency, and direction of propagation of the diffracted beam. An analysis was made of various uses of such a system as an optical channel switch and in stabilisation of the direction of propagation of a light beam.

AMTV headway sensor and safety design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, A. R.; Nelson, M.; Cassell, P.; Herridge, J. T.

1980-01-01

A headway sensing system for an automated mixed traffic vehicle (AMTV) employing an array of optical proximity sensor elements is described, and its performance is presented in terms of object detection profiles. The problem of sensing in turns is explored experimentally and requirements for future turn sensors are discussed. A recommended headway sensor configuration, employing multiple source elements in the focal plane of one lens operating together with a similar detector unit, is described. Alternative concepts including laser radar, ultrasonic sensing, imaging techniques, and radar are compared to the present proximity sensor approach. Design concepts for an AMTV body which will minimize the probability of injury to pedestrians or passengers in the event of a collision are presented.

Void/particulate detector

DOEpatents

Claytor, T.N.; Karplus, H.B.

1983-09-26

Apparatus for detecting voids and particulates in a flowing stream of fluid contained in a pipe may comprise: (a) a transducer for transmitting an ultrasonic signal into the stream, coupled to the pipe at a first location; (b) a second transducer for detecting the through-transmission of said signal, coupled to the pipe at a second location; (c) a third transducer for detecting the back-scattering of said signal, coupled to the pipe at a third location, said third location being upstream from said first location; (d) circuit means for normalizing the back-scattered signal from said third transducer to the through-transmitted signal from said second transducer; which normalized signal provides a measure of the voids and particulates flowing past said first location.

A simple method for the sonochemical synthesis of PVA/ZrO2-vitamin B1 nanocomposites: Morphology, mechanical, thermal and wettability investigations.

PubMed

Mallakpour, Shadpour; Shafiee, Elaheh

2018-01-01

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based nanocomposites (NCs) filled by various weight percent of modified ZrO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) with vitamin B 1 (VB 1 ) up to 7wt% were fabricated via ultrasonication method then was cast to thin films. The ultrasonication was applied for the preparation and modification process asan easy, safe and fast method. Ultrasonic was responsible for great homogeneities of NPs into PVA matrix, which could not be achieved by mechanical or magnetically stirring. The creation of polymer NCs and changes in the structural properties were examined by X-ray diffraction. FT-IR spectroscopy indicated the possible interactions of the ZrO 2 -VB 1 NPs with the PVA backbones and also, existence of absorption bands related to PVA and ZrO 2 NPs in the NC structures. The distribution of nano-fillers and uniform morphology of the NCs showed that the ZrO 2 -VB 1 NPs were homogeneously dispersed in the polymer matrix in the nanosized scale. UV-Vis analysis shown that the the optical absorption were improved by evolution of ZrO 2 -VB 1 NPs content. The tensile strength of PVA film was increased significantly with increasing the ZrO 2 -VB 1 NPs content. Thermal gravimetric analysis confirmed that NCs displayed higher thermal stability than the pristine PVA. Also, water contact angle analysis indicated that the hydrophilicity of NC films was enhanced with increasing the concentration of ZrO 2 NPs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Surgical Efficacy Among Laparoscopic Ultrasonic Dissectors: Are We Advancing Safely? A Review of Literature.

PubMed

Devassy, Rajesh; Gopalakrishnan, Sreelatha; De Wilde, Rudy Leon

2015-10-01

The specialty of laparoscopy has evolved with the advent of new technologies over the last few years. Energy-based devices and Ultrasonic dissectors are used with a lot of factors in play-including ergonomics and economics during surgery. Here an attempt is based to review the surgical efficacy and safety of these dissectors with importance to plume production and lateral thermal damage. The factors contributing to adversities to the dissectors are also to be noted. The strategy adopted was aimed at finding relevant studies from PubMed from 1995 to 2014. The basic principle of plume production and thermal damage are studied in this review. Factors contributing to the same that can lead to adversities during laparoscopic surgeries are identified. Summarizing key points that increase lateral thermal damage and plume production amongst different ultrasonic shears and suggesting a technique to identify the right balance between the existing dissectors was possible. The RF Device and USS are both useful and widely used and are more safer than monopolar devices. RF Device is considerably slower than USS, as it cannot achieve coagulation and cutting at the same time. Although USS definitely improvises dissection and has less thermal injury than RF Device, the clinical implications in balancing dissection efficacy with hemostasis need to be investigated further. The ideal haemostatic energy-based shear device would be one with excellent hemostatic results and visual acuity while allowing none or minimal thermal energy escape at the point of application. In our current setting, a combined use of both RF and USS device usage as applied in the particular situations has potential.

How To Keep Your Schools Safe and Secure.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilbert, Christopher B.

1996-01-01

Discusses unforeseen costs (including potential litigation expenses), benefits, and consequences of adopting security measures (such as metal detectors, drug dogs, security cameras, campus police, dress codes, crime watch programs, and communication devices) to counter on-campus violence and gang activity. High-tech gadgetry alone is insufficient.…

A clinical and SEM evaluation of the efficiency of sofscale gel and hand scaling and hand scaling alone.

PubMed

Thomas, K; Vandana, K L; Reddy, V Ramesh

2002-01-01

The purpose of this study is to compose between hand scaling with abd without the calculus solvent gel (sofscale) and ultrasonic instrumentation at clinical and SEM level. 30 patients belonging to the age group of 17-50 year were selected. Patients selected were subjected to three different scaling modalities namely hand scaling (control), hand scaling using sofscale (Experimental quadrant A) and ultrasonic scaling (Experimental quadrant B), in three different quadrants. Case report forms were used to document the tooth sensitivity, soft tissue pain after scaling, patient preference of instrumentation, ease of calculus removal, patient comfort, soft tissue irritation, time taken for scaling, Bleeding while scaling, pre and post operative sulcus bleeding index. In addition to the clinical criteria, the teeth treated were extracted and evaluated using the scanning electron microscope to show potential effects on cemntal surfaces. No difference in tooth sensitivity was appreciated between control and experimental quadrant A. There was a higher degree of tooth sensitivity when treated with ultrasonic. Patients in control group appreciated a higher degree of soft tissue pain. Hand scaling using softscale produced a lesser amount of pain and treatment with ultrasoincs was the least painful. Most of the patients preferred ultrasonic scaling (70%) Calculus removal was easier. Hand scaling using sofscale gel results in more patient comfort when compared to hand scaling alone. There was no significant difference in patient comfort between handscaling using sofscale and ultrasonic scaling. The percentage of reduction of sulcus bleeding index showed no difference between the 3 scaling modalities SEM evaluation revealed that there was no significant difference the 3 scaling modalities in relation to residual calculus, cleaning efficiency and damage to the root surface. This study concluded that treatment with sofscale gel appears to be safe and effective method for removal calculus as this did not damage cemental surfaces, nor did it cause any damage to soft tissue. "Your tratar is your calcified hate. Not only the microflora in your oral cavity but also your muddled thoughts, your obstinate squinting backward, the way you regree when you mean to progress, in other words, the tendency of your diseased gums to form germ catching pockets, all that, the sum of dental picture and psyche, betrays you, it is stored up violence, full of murdero us designs" Gunter Grass.

GEM detector development for tokamak plasma radiation diagnostics: SXR poloidal tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chernyshova, Maryna; Malinowski, Karol; Ziółkowski, Adam; Kowalska-Strzeciwilk, Ewa; Czarski, Tomasz; Poźniak, Krzysztof T.; Kasprowicz, Grzegorz; Zabołotny, Wojciech; Wojeński, Andrzej; Kolasiński, Piotr; Krawczyk, Rafał D.

2015-09-01

An increased attention to tungsten material is related to a fact that it became a main candidate for the plasma facing material in ITER and future fusion reactor. The proposed work refers to the studies of W influence on the plasma performances by developing new detectors based on Gas Electron Multiplier GEM) technology for tomographic studies of tungsten transport in ITER-oriented tokamaks, e.g. WEST project. It presents current stage of design and developing of cylindrically bent SXR GEM detector construction for horizontal port implementation. Concept to overcome an influence of constraints on vertical port has been also presented. It is expected that the detecting unit under development, when implemented, will add to the safe operation of tokamak bringing creation of sustainable nuclear fusion reactors a step closer.

Speed control for a mobile robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolli, Kaylan C.; Mallikarjun, Sreeram; Kola, Krishnamohan; Hall, Ernest L.

1997-09-01

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) have many potential applications in manufacturing, medicine, space and defense. The purpose of this paper is to describe exploratory research on the design of a speed control for a modular autonomous mobile robot controller. The speed control of the traction motor is essential for safe operation of a mobile robot. The challenges of autonomous operation of a vehicle require safe, runaway and collision free operation. A mobile robot test-bed has been constructed using a golf cart base. The computer controlled speed control has been implemented and works with guidance provided by vision system and obstacle avoidance using ultrasonic sensors systems. A 486 computer through a 3- axis motion controller supervises the speed control. The traction motor is controlled via the computer by an EV-1 speed control. Testing of the system was done both in the lab and on an outside course with positive results. This design is a prototype and suggestions for improvements are also given. The autonomous speed controller is applicable for any computer controlled electric drive mobile vehicle.

Escalating Role of Piezosurgery in Dental Therapeutics

PubMed Central

Masamatti, Sujata Surendra; Kumar, Ashish

2014-01-01

Dentistry, an art in science and tranquilizer in medicine, has seen a lot of changing concepts over a decade and one such novel innovation is piezosurgery. Piezosurgery is a true revolution in bone surgery as it fulfils both biological and technical criteria. It has a variety of applications ranging from minor surgical procedures to complex implantology, plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Piezosurgery uses a low frequency modulated ultrasonic insert which produces microvibrations in the range of 60-200micro meter/sec and leads to safe and precise bony incision without damaging underlying vital structures like nerves, mucosa and vessels. It overcomes technical difficulties such as visibility by producing bloodless field during surgery and removes debris simultaneously through internal irrigation mechanism. The soft tissues remain safe and biological factors like release of certain cytokines promote bone healing and enhance patients recovery. This critical review outweighs piezosurgery over traditional tools and emphasizes on its clinical and biological aspects contributing to beneficial dental health. PMID:25478473

The next detectors for gravitational wave astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blair, David; Ju, Li; Zhao, ChunNong; Wen, LinQing; Miao, HaiXing; Cai, RongGen; Gao, JiangRui; Lin, XueChun; Liu, Dong; Wu, Ling-An; Zhu, ZongHong; Hammond, Giles; Paik, Ho Jung; Fafone, Viviana; Rocchi, Alessio; Blair, Carl; Ma, YiQiu; Qin, JiaYi; Page, Michael

2015-12-01

This paper focuses on the next detectors for gravitational wave astronomy which will be required after the current ground based detectors have completed their initial observations, and probably achieved the first direct detection of gravitational waves. The next detectors will need to have greater sensitivity, while also enabling the world array of detectors to have improved angular resolution to allow localisation of signal sources. Sect. 1 of this paper begins by reviewing proposals for the next ground based detectors, and presents an analysis of the sensitivity of an 8 km armlength detector, which is proposed as a safe and cost-effective means to attain a 4-fold improvement in sensitivity. The scientific benefits of creating a pair of such detectors in China and Australia is emphasised. Sect. 2 of this paper discusses the high performance suspension systems for test masses that will be an essential component for future detectors, while sect. 3 discusses solutions to the problem of Newtonian noise which arise from fluctuations in gravity gradient forces acting on test masses. Such gravitational perturbations cannot be shielded, and set limits to low frequency sensitivity unless measured and suppressed. Sects. 4 and 5 address critical operational technologies that will be ongoing issues in future detectors. Sect. 4 addresses the design of thermal compensation systems needed in all high optical power interferometers operating at room temperature. Parametric instability control is addressed in sect. 5. Only recently proven to occur in Advanced LIGO, parametric instability phenomenon brings both risks and opportunities for future detectors. The path to future enhancements of detectors will come from quantum measurement technologies. Sect. 6 focuses on the use of optomechanical devices for obtaining enhanced sensitivity, while sect. 7 reviews a range of quantum measurement options.

Student Perceptions of High-Security School Environments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bracy, Nicole L.

2011-01-01

Public schools have transformed significantly over the past several decades in response to concerns about rising school violence. Today, most public schools are high-security environments employing police officers, security cameras, and metal detectors, as well as strict discipline policies to keep students in line and maintain safe campuses.…

Introduction: Are the Public Schools "Detectably" Safe?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zirkel, Perry A.

2000-01-01

In the April 1999 issue of this journal, Michael Ferraraccio argues that the justifications advanced for using metal detectors in schools are not sufficiently compelling to outweigh students' Fourth Amendment privacy rights. In the accompanying Counterpoint, Robert Johnson cites lower court cases to support the constitutionality of their used on a…

Transcranial Propagation with an Ultrasonic Mono-element Focused Transducer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iglesias, P. C.; Jiménez, N.; Konofagou, E.; Camarena, F.; Redondo, J.

Focused Ultrasound is the only truly transient, local and non-invasive technique able to induce safe Blood-Brain Barrier Opening (BBBO), technique used in Parkinson or Alzheimer diseases research. However, the presence of the skull in the path usually affects the focus characteristics (gain, beam width, shape and maxima location). In this work, transcranial acoustic wave propagation generated by a mono-element focused transducer has been modeled using 2D and 3D FDTD methods. Skull structure of the non-human primate under test can be compared in terms of density and sound speed with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) films. Then, focus aberration and the phenomena that cause it are characterized, providing a better control of the beam focus using the BBBO technique. Results throw that focal axial displacements are constant with the angle of incidence for PMMA flat films. In normal incidence, a shift of 6 mm is given for axial displacement in the 2D transcranial propagation. Moreover, if the skull geometry under the action of the ultrasonic beam can be compared with the curvature radius of the transducer, displacements should be constant with angle independency, like those seeing in the homogenous flat films with the same thickness.

Safety and cost-effectiveness analysis of laparoscopic splenectomy by secondary pedicle division using monopolar electrocautery.

PubMed

Zhou, Jianyin; Liu, Pingguo; Yin, Zhenyu; Zhao, Yilin; Wang, Xiaomin

2013-09-01

The expense of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has limited its use in developing countries, while medical costs are increasing worldwide. In this study, we performed LS by secondary pedicle division using monopolar electrocautery to achieve cost savings. Over seven years, we performed 45 consecutive LSs by secondary pedicle division using monopolar electrocautery (n=17) or ultrasonic shears (n=28) at a single center. These were reviewed to assess outcome and cost. Mean operating time was 179.7min, 7 conversions to open operation (15.6%) were necessary. There were four postoperative complications (8.9%) and no deaths. Twenty-three of 28 (82.1%) patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura developed a long-term positive response; and mean operative cost was RMB6,577 (US$1,034), which was much lower than that of Endo-GIATM in published reports. Between the monopolar electrocautery and ultrasonic shears groups, there were no significant differences in demographic characteristics or intraoperative and postoperative details, but operative cost was significantly lower in the former (RMB4,416, US$696 vs. RMB7,889, US$1,243; p<0.01). LS by secondary pedicle division using monopolar electrocautery is safe, efficacious and economical.

Ultrasonic nonlinear guided wave inspection of microscopic damage in a composite structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Li; Borigo, Cody; Owens, Steven; Lissenden, Clifford; Rose, Joseph; Hakoda, Chris

2017-02-01

Sudden structural failure is a severe safety threat to many types of military and industrial composite structures. Because sudden structural failure may occur in a composite structure shortly after macroscale damage initiates, reliable early diagnosis of microdamage formation in the composite structure is critical to ensure safe operation and to reduce maintenance costs. Ultrasonic guided waves have been widely used for long-range defect detection in various structures. When guided waves are generated under certain excitation conditions, in addition to the traditional linear wave mode (known as the fundamental harmonic wave mode), a number of nonlinear higher-order harmonic wave modes are also be generated. Research shows that the nonlinear parameters of a higher-order harmonic wave mode could have excellent sensitivity to microstructural changes in a material. In this work, we successfully employed a nonlinear guided wave structural health monitoring (SHM) method to detect microscopic impact damage in a 32-layer carbon/epoxy fiber-reinforced composite plate. Our effort has demonstrated that, utilizing appropriate transducer design, equipment, excitation signals, and signal processing techniques, nonlinear guided wave parameter measurements can be reliably used to monitor microdamage initiation and growth in composite structures.

Design and field test equipment of river water level detection based on ultrasonic sensor and SMS gateway as flood early warning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulistyowati, Riny; Sujono, Hari Agus; Musthofa, Ahmad Khamdi

2017-06-01

Due to the high rainfall, flood often occurs in some regions, especially in the area adjacent to the river banks that led to the idea to make the river water level detection system as a flood early warning. Several researches have produced flood detection equipment based on ultrasonic sensors and android as flood early warning system. This paper reported the results of a field test detection equipment to measure the river water level of the Bengawansolo River that was conducted in three villages in the district of Bungah, Dukun, and Manyar in Gresik regency. Tests were conducted simultaneously for 21 hours during heavy rainfall. The test results demonstrated the accuracy of the equipment of 97.28% for all categories of observation. The application of AFD (Android Flood Detection) via android smartphone demonstrated its precision in conveying the information of water level as represented by the status of SAFE, STAND, WARNING, and DANGER. Some charts presented from the analysis of data was derived from the data acquisition time of testing that can be used as an evaluation of flooding at some points prone to flood.

Renormalization Analysis of a Composite Ultrasonic Transducer with a Fractal Architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Algehyne, Ebrahem A.; Mulholland, Anthony J.

To ensure the safe operation of many safety critical structures such as nuclear plants, aircraft and oil pipelines, non-destructive imaging is employed using piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers. These sensors typically operate at a single frequency due to the restrictions imposed on their resonant behavior by the use of a single length scale in the design. To allow these transducers to transmit and receive more complex signals it would seem logical to use a range of length scales in the design so that a wide range of resonating frequencies will result. In this paper, we derive a mathematical model to predict the dynamics of an ultrasound transducer that achieves this range of length scales by adopting a fractal architecture. In fact, the device is modeled as a graph where the nodes represent segments of the piezoelectric and polymer materials. The electrical and mechanical fields that are contained within this graph are then expressed in terms of a finite element basis. The structure of the resulting discretized equations yields to a renormalization methodology which is used to derive expressions for the non-dimensionalized electrical impedance and the transmission and reception sensitivities. A comparison with a standard design shows some benefits of these fractal designs.

Trapping and patterning of large particles and cells in a 1D ultrasonic standing wave.

PubMed

Habibi, Ruhollah; Devendran, Citsabehsan; Neild, Adrian

2017-09-26

The use of ultrasound for trapping and patterning particles or cells in microfluidic systems is usually confined to particles which are considerably smaller than the acoustic wavelength. In this regime, the primary forces result in particle clustering at certain locations in the sound field, whilst secondary forces, those arising due to particle-particle interaction forces, assist this clustering process. Using a wavelength closer to the size of the particles allows one particle to be held at each primary force minimum. However, to achieve this, the influence of secondary forces needs to be carefully studied, as inter-particle attraction is highly undesirable. Here, we study the effect of particle size and material properties on both the primary and secondary acoustic forces as the particle diameter is increased towards the wavelength of the 1-dimensional axisymmetric ultrasonic field. We show that the resonance frequencies of the solid sphere have an important role in the resulting secondary forces which leads to a narrow band of frequencies that allow the patterning of large particles in a 1-D array. Knowledge regarding the naturally existent secondary forces would allow for system designs enabling single cell studies to be conducted in a biologically safe manner.

Study of ultrasonic thermometry based on ultrasonic time-of-flight measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Ruixi; Xiong, Qingyu; Wang, Lijie; Wang, Kai; Shen, Xuehua; Liang, Shan; Shi, Xin

2016-03-01

Ultrasonic thermometry is a kind of acoustic pyrometry and it has been evolving as a new temperature measurement technology for various environment. However, the accurate measurement of the ultrasonic time-of-flight is the key for ultrasonic thermometry. In this paper, we study the ultrasonic thermometry technique based on ultrasonic time-of-flight measurement with a pair of ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving signal. The ultrasonic transducers are installed in a single path which ultrasonic travels. In order to validate the performance of ultrasonic thermometry, we make a contrast about the absolute error between the measured temperature value and the practical one. With and without heater source, the experimental results indicate ultrasonic thermometry has high precision of temperature measurement.

Photoacoustic experiments of glucose aqueous solution based on pulsed laser induced ultrasonic technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Zhong; Liu, Guodong; Huang, Zheng; Ding, Yu

2017-10-01

In this work, to further find the characteristic wavelengths of glucose, the photoacoustic experiments of glucose aqueous solutions were performed by using the photoacoustic technique. The photoacoustic detection system was established by the Q switched Nd: YAG OPO pulsed laser and ultrasonic detector with central frequency of 20MHz. The photoacoustic signals of samples were averaged with 512 times. Baed on the established photoacoustic detection system, the time-resolved photoacoustic signals of glucose with different concentrations at the different wavelengths were captured by the digital oscilloscope, and compared with that of the pure water. In order to get the characteristic wavelengths of glucose, the photoacoustic peak-to-peak values of glucose with different concentrations at the wavelength from 1350nm to 2100nm were obtained, and the difference spectral was gotten by using the difference method between the glucose solutions and pure water. Moreover, the first order derivation method was also used. The wavelength of 1650nm and 1850nm was chosen as the characteristic wavelengths of glucose. The linear fitting equation was established to verify the availability of two characteristic wavelengths. The average prediction error results showed that the choosing of the characteristic wavelength of 1650nm and 1850nm is available.

Assurance Technology Challenges of Advanced Space Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chern, E. James

2004-01-01

The initiative to explore space and extend a human presence across our solar system to revisit the moon and Mars post enormous technological challenges to the nation's space agency and aerospace industry. Key areas of technology development needs to enable the endeavor include advanced materials, structures and mechanisms; micro/nano sensors and detectors; power generation, storage and management; advanced thermal and cryogenic control; guidance, navigation and control; command and data handling; advanced propulsion; advanced communication; on-board processing; advanced information technology systems; modular and reconfigurable systems; precision formation flying; solar sails; distributed observing systems; space robotics; and etc. Quality assurance concerns such as functional performance, structural integrity, radiation tolerance, health monitoring, diagnosis, maintenance, calibration, and initialization can affect the performance of systems and subsystems. It is thus imperative to employ innovative nondestructive evaluation methodologies to ensure quality and integrity of advanced space systems. Advancements in integrated multi-functional sensor systems, autonomous inspection approaches, distributed embedded sensors, roaming inspectors, and shape adaptive sensors are sought. Concepts in computational models for signal processing and data interpretation to establish quantitative characterization and event determination are also of interest. Prospective evaluation technologies include ultrasonics, laser ultrasonics, optics and fiber optics, shearography, video optics and metrology, thermography, electromagnetics, acoustic emission, x-ray, data management, biomimetics, and nano-scale sensing approaches for structural health monitoring.

Ultrasonic speech translator and communications system

DOEpatents

Akerman, M.A.; Ayers, C.W.; Haynes, H.D.

1996-07-23

A wireless communication system undetectable by radio frequency methods for converting audio signals, including human voice, to electronic signals in the ultrasonic frequency range, transmitting the ultrasonic signal by way of acoustical pressure waves across a carrier medium, including gases, liquids, or solids, and reconverting the ultrasonic acoustical pressure waves back to the original audio signal. The ultrasonic speech translator and communication system includes an ultrasonic transmitting device and an ultrasonic receiving device. The ultrasonic transmitting device accepts as input an audio signal such as human voice input from a microphone or tape deck. The ultrasonic transmitting device frequency modulates an ultrasonic carrier signal with the audio signal producing a frequency modulated ultrasonic carrier signal, which is transmitted via acoustical pressure waves across a carrier medium such as gases, liquids or solids. The ultrasonic receiving device converts the frequency modulated ultrasonic acoustical pressure waves to a frequency modulated electronic signal, demodulates the audio signal from the ultrasonic carrier signal, and conditions the demodulated audio signal to reproduce the original audio signal at its output. 7 figs.

Can active proton interrogation find shielded nuclear threats at human-safe radiation levels?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liew, Seth Van

2017-05-01

A new method of low-dose proton radiography is presented. The system is composed of an 800 MeV proton source, bending magnets, and compact detectors, and is designed for drive-through cargo scanning. The system has been simulated using GEANT4. Material identification algorithms and pixel sorting methods are presented that allow the system to perform imaging at doses low enough to scan passenger vehicles and people. Results are presented on imaging efficacy of various materials and cluttered cargoes. The identification of shielded nuclear materials at human-safe doses has been demonstrated.

Operating range of a gas electron multiplier for portal imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wallmark, M.; Brahme, A.; Danielsson, M.; Fonte, P.; Iacobaeus, C.; Peskov, V.; Östling, J.

2001-09-01

At the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden a new detector for portal imaging is under development, which could greatly improve the alignment of the radiation beam with respect to the tumor during radiation treatment. The detector is based on solid converters combined with gas electron multipliers (GEMs) as an amplification structure. The detector has a large area and will be operated in a very high rate environment in the presence of heavy ionizing particles. As was discovered recently high rates and alpha particles could cause discharges in GEM and discharge propagation from GEM to GEM and to the readout electronics. Since reliability is one of the main requirements for the portal imaging device, we performed systematic studies to find a safe operating range of the device, free from typical high rate problems, such as discharges.

Diffusion Behaviour in Superconducting Ti/Au bilayers for SAFARI TES Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Heijden, N. J.; Khosropanah, P.; van der Kuur, J.; Ridder, M. L.

2014-08-01

Controlling the critical temperature () of Ti/Au bilayers is vital in the development of practical TES detectors. Previously empirical studies have been done on aging effects in Ti/Au and other superconducting bilayers but no link with theory has been made. Here we attempt to explain the change in with a diffusion mechanism. The change in has been measured for a set of Ti/Au bilayer samples that have been given a variety of bake-out treatments, where we found a trend that can be partly explained by an inter-diffusion mechanism. With an empirical model based on diffusion a safe zone can be defined as a region of bake-out treatments, where the is not affected beyond the requirements. This will shine light on the bake-out and the storage condition boundaries of these detectors.

Ultrasonic speech translator and communications system

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

Akerman, M.A.; Ayers, C.W.; Haynes, H.D.

1996-07-23

A wireless communication system undetectable by radio frequency methods for converting audio signals, including human voice, to electronic signals in the ultrasonic frequency range, transmitting the ultrasonic signal by way of acoustical pressure waves across a carrier medium, including gases, liquids, or solids, and reconverting the ultrasonic acoustical pressure waves back to the original audio signal. The ultrasonic speech translator and communication system includes an ultrasonic transmitting device and an ultrasonic receiving device. The ultrasonic transmitting device accepts as input an audio signal such as human voice input from a microphone or tape deck. The ultrasonic transmitting device frequency modulatesmore » an ultrasonic carrier signal with the audio signal producing a frequency modulated ultrasonic carrier signal, which is transmitted via acoustical pressure waves across a carrier medium such as gases, liquids or solids. The ultrasonic receiving device converts the frequency modulated ultrasonic acoustical pressure waves to a frequency modulated electronic signal, demodulates the audio signal from the ultrasonic carrier signal, and conditions the demodulated audio signal to reproduce the original audio signal at its output. 7 figs.« less

Ultrasonic speech translator and communications system

DOEpatents

Akerman, M. Alfred; Ayers, Curtis W.; Haynes, Howard D.

1996-01-01

A wireless communication system undetectable by radio frequency methods for converting audio signals, including human voice, to electronic signals in the ultrasonic frequency range, transmitting the ultrasonic signal by way of acoustical pressure waves across a carrier medium, including gases, liquids, or solids, and reconverting the ultrasonic acoustical pressure waves back to the original audio signal. The ultrasonic speech translator and communication system (20) includes an ultrasonic transmitting device (100) and an ultrasonic receiving device (200). The ultrasonic transmitting device (100) accepts as input (115) an audio signal such as human voice input from a microphone (114) or tape deck. The ultrasonic transmitting device (100) frequency modulates an ultrasonic carrier signal with the audio signal producing a frequency modulated ultrasonic carrier signal, which is transmitted via acoustical pressure waves across a carrier medium such as gases, liquids or solids. The ultrasonic receiving device (200) converts the frequency modulated ultrasonic acoustical pressure waves to a frequency modulated electronic signal, demodulates the audio signal from the ultrasonic carrier signal, and conditions the demodulated audio signal to reproduce the original audio signal at its output (250).

Extraction and identification of flavonoids from parsley extracts by HPLC analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stan, M.; Soran, M. L.; Varodi, C.; Lung, I.

2012-02-01

Flavonoids are phenolic compounds isolated from a wide variety of plants, and are valuable for their multiple properties, including antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In the present work, parsley (Petroselinum crispum L.) extracts were obtained by three different extraction techniques: maceration, ultrasonic-assisted and microwave-assisted solvent extractions. The extractions were performed with ethanol-water mixtures in various ratios. From these extracts, flavonoids like the flavones apigenin and luteolin, and the flavonols quercetin and kaempferol were identified using an HPLC Shimadzu apparatus equipped with PDA and MS detectors. The separation method involved a gradient step. The mobile phase consisted of two solvents: acetonitrile and distilled water with 0.1% formic acid. The separation was performed on a RP-C18 column.

Ultra-wideband three-dimensional optoacoustic tomography.

PubMed

Gateau, Jérôme; Chekkoury, Andrei; Ntziachristos, Vasilis

2013-11-15

Broadband optoacoustic waves generated by biological tissues excited with nanosecond laser pulses carry information corresponding to a wide range of geometrical scales. Typically, the frequency content present in the signals generated during optoacoustic imaging is much larger compared to the frequency band captured by common ultrasonic detectors, the latter typically acting as bandpass filters. To image optical absorption within structures ranging from entire organs to microvasculature in three dimensions, we implemented optoacoustic tomography with two ultrasound linear arrays featuring a center frequency of 6 and 24 MHz, respectively. In the present work, we show that complementary information on anatomical features could be retrieved and provide a better understanding on the localization of structures in the general anatomy by analyzing multi-bandwidth datasets acquired on a freshly excised kidney.

Classical experiments revisited: smartphones and tablet PCs as experimental tools in acoustics and optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klein, P.; Hirth, M.; Gröber, S.; Kuhn, J.; Müller, A.

2014-07-01

Smartphones and tablets are used as experimental tools and for quantitative measurements in two traditional laboratory experiments for undergraduate physics courses. The Doppler effect is analyzed and the speed of sound is determined with an accuracy of about 5% using ultrasonic frequency and two smartphones, which serve as rotating sound emitter and stationary sound detector. Emphasis is put on the investigation of measurement errors in order to judge experimentally derived results and to sensitize undergraduate students to the methods of error estimates. The distance dependence of the illuminance of a light bulb is investigated using an ambient light sensor of a mobile device. Satisfactory results indicate that the spectrum of possible smartphone experiments goes well beyond those already published for mechanics.

Liquid scintillator composition optimization for use in ultra-high energy cosmic ray detector systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beznosko, Dmitriy; Batyrkhanov, Ayan; Iakovlev, Alexander; Yelshibekov, Khalykbek

2017-06-01

The Horizon-T (HT) detector system and the currently under R&D HT-KZ detector system are designed for the detection of Extensive Air Showers (EAS) with energies above ˜1016 eV (˜1017 eV for HT-KZ). The main challenges in both detector systems are the fast time resolutions needed for studying the temporary structure of EAS, and the extremely wide dynamic range needed to study the spatial distribution of charged particles in EAS disks. In order to detect the low-density of charged particles far from the EAS axis, a large-area detector is needed. Liquid scintillator with low cost would be a possible solution for such a detector, including the recently developed safe and low-cost water-based liquid scintillators. Liquid organic scintillators give a fast and high light yield (LY) for charged particle detection. It is similar to plastic scintillator in properties but is cost effective for large volumes. With liquid scintillator, one can create detection volumes that are symmetric and yet retain high LY detection. Different wavelength shifters affect the scintillation light by changing the output spectrum into the best detection region. Results of the latest studies of the components optimization in the liquid scintillator formulae are presented.

Visible School Security Measures and Student Academic Performance, Attendance, and Postsecondary Aspirations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tanner-Smith, Emily E.; Fisher, Benjamin W.

2015-01-01

Many U.S. schools use visible security measures (security cameras, metal detectors, security personnel) in an effort to keep schools safe and promote adolescents' academic success. This study examined how different patterns of visible security utilization were associated with U.S. middle and high school students' academic performance, attendance,…

46 CFR 154.1345 - Gas detection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... sulfur dioxide must have a fixed gas detection system that is not located in a gas-safe space. (d) A... space and interbarrier space with: (i) The number of tubes specially approved by the Commandant (CG-522... detector; (iii) If the vessel carries cargo that is heavier than the atmosphere of the space, each tube's...

46 CFR 154.1345 - Gas detection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... sulfur dioxide must have a fixed gas detection system that is not located in a gas-safe space. (d) A... space and interbarrier space with: (i) The number of tubes specially approved by the Commandant (CG-522... detector; (iii) If the vessel carries cargo that is heavier than the atmosphere of the space, each tube's...

Scripting "Safe" Schools: Mapping Urban Education and Zero Tolerance during the Long War

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nguyen, Nicole

2013-01-01

Taking a cue from U.S. military operations, surveillance cameras, police officers, metal detectors, hall sweeps, expulsion, zero tolerance policing, and biometrics contour young people's everyday life in public schools. Given this influx in policing and surveillance in schools, recent critical scholarship broadly attends to the increase in and…

Focused ultrasound to expel calculi from the kidney: safety and efficacy of a clinical prototype device.

PubMed

Harper, Jonathan D; Sorensen, Mathew D; Cunitz, Bryan W; Wang, Yak-Nam; Simon, Julianna C; Starr, Frank; Paun, Marla; Dunmire, Barbrina; Liggitt, H Denny; Evan, Andrew P; McAteer, James A; Hsi, Ryan S; Bailey, Michael R

2013-09-01

Focused ultrasound has the potential to expel small stones or residual stone fragments from the kidney, or move obstructing stones to a nonobstructing location. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ultrasonic propulsion in a live porcine model. Calcium oxalate monohydrate kidney stones and laboratory model stones (2 to 8 mm) were ureteroscopically implanted in the renal pelvicalyceal system of 12 kidneys in a total of 8 domestic swine. Transcutaneous ultrasonic propulsion was performed using an HDI C5-2 imaging transducer (ATL/Philips, Bothell, Washington) and the Verasonics® diagnostic ultrasound platform. Successful stone relocation was defined as stone movement from the calyx to the renal pelvis, ureteropelvic junction or proximal ureter. Efficacy and procedure time was determined. Three blinded experts evaluated histological injury to the kidney in the control, sham treatment and treatment arms. All 26 stones were observed to move during treatment and 17 (65%) were relocated successfully to the renal pelvis (3), ureteropelvic junction (2) or ureter (12). Average ± SD successful procedure time was 14 ± 8 minutes and a mean of 23 ± 16 ultrasound bursts, each about 1 second in duration, were required. There was no evidence of gross or histological injury to the renal parenchyma in kidneys exposed to 20 bursts (1 second in duration at 33-second intervals) at the same output (2,400 W/cm(2)) used to push stones. Noninvasive transcutaneous ultrasonic propulsion is a safe, effective and time efficient means to relocate calyceal stones to the renal pelvis, ureteropelvic junction or ureter. This technology holds promise as a useful adjunct to surgical management for renal calculi. Copyright © 2013 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Focused Ultrasound to Expel Calculi from the Kidney: Safety and Efficacy of a Clinical Prototype Device

PubMed Central

Harper, Jonathan D.; Sorensen, Mathew D.; Cunitz, Bryan W.; Wang, Yak-Nam; Simon, Julianna C.; Starr, Frank; Paun, Marla; Dunmire, Barbrina; Liggitt, H. Denny; Evan, Andrew P.; McAteer, James A.; Hsi, Ryan S.; Bailey, Michael R.

2015-01-01

Purpose Focused ultrasound has the potential to expel small stones or residual stone fragments from the kidney, or move obstructing stones to a nonobstructing location. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ultrasonic propulsion in a live porcine model. Materials and Methods Calcium oxalate monohydrate kidney stones and laboratory model stones (2 to 8 mm) were ureteroscopically implanted in the renal pelvicalyceal system of 12 kidneys in a total of 8 domestic swine. Transcutaneous ultrasonic propulsion was performed using an HDI C5-2 imaging transducer (ATL/Philips, Bothell, Washington) and the Verasonics® diagnostic ultrasound platform. Successful stone relocation was defined as stone movement from the calyx to the renal pelvis, ureteropelvic junction or proximal ureter. Efficacy and procedure time was determined. Three blinded experts evaluated histological injury to the kidney in the control, sham treatment and treatment arms. Results All 26 stones were observed to move during treatment and 17 (65%) were relocated successfully to the renal pelvis (3), ureteropelvic junction (2) or ureter (12). Average ± SD successful procedure time was 14 ± 8 minutes and a mean of 23 ± 16 ultrasound bursts, each about 1 second in duration, were required. There was no evidence of gross or histological injury to the renal parenchyma in kidneys exposed to 20 bursts (1 second in duration at 33-second intervals) at the same output (2,400 W/cm2) used to push stones. Conclusions Noninvasive transcutaneous ultrasonic propulsion is a safe, effective and time efficient means to relocate calyceal stones to the renal pelvis, ureteropelvic junction or ureter. This technology holds promise as a useful adjunct to surgical management for renal calculi. PMID:23583535

Ultrasonically activated scalpel versus monopolar electrocautery shovel in laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer.

PubMed

Zhou, Bao-Jun; Song, Wei-Qing; Yan, Qing-Hui; Cai, Jian-Hui; Wang, Feng-An; Liu, Jin; Zhang, Guo-Jian; Duan, Guo-Qiang; Zhang, Zhan-Xue

2008-07-07

To investigate the feasibility and safety of monopolar electrocautery shovel (ES) in laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) with anal sphincter preservation for rectal cancer in order to reduce the cost of the laparoscopic operation, and to compare ES with the ultrasonically activated scalpel (US). Forty patients with rectal cancer, who underwent laparoscopic TME with anal sphincter preservation from June 2005 to June 2007, were randomly divided into ultrasonic scalpel group and monopolar ES group, prospectively. White blood cells (WBC) were measured before and after operation, operative time, blood loss, pelvic volume of drainage, time of anal exhaust, visual analogue scales (VAS) and surgery-related complications were recorded. All the operations were successful; no one was converted to open procedure. No significant differences were observed in terms of preoperative and postoperative d 1 and d 3 WBC counts (P=0.493, P=0.375, P=0.559), operation time (P=0.235), blood loss (P=0.296), anal exhaust time (P=0.431), pelvic drainage volume and VAS in postoperative d 1 (P=0.431, P=0.426) and d 3 (P=0.844, P=0.617) between ES group and US group. The occurrence of surgery-related complications such as anastomotic leakage and wound infection was the same in the two groups. ES is a safe and feasible tool as same as US used in laparoscopic TME with anal sphincter preservation for rectal cancer on the basis of the skillful laparoscopic technique and the complete understanding of laparoscopic pelvic anatomy. Application of ES can not only reduce the operation costs but also benefit the popularization of laparoscopic operation for rectal cancer patients.

Ultrasonically activated scalpel versus monopolar electrocautery shovel in laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer

PubMed Central

Zhou, Bao-Jun; Song, Wei-Qing; Yan, Qing-Hui; Cai, Jian-Hui; Wang, Feng-An; Liu, Jin; Zhang, Guo-Jian; Duan, Guo-Qiang; Zhang, Zhan-Xue

2008-01-01

AIM: To investigate the feasibility and safety of monopolar electrocautery shovel (ES) in laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) with anal sphincter preservation for rectal cancer in order to reduce the cost of the laparoscopic operation, and to compare ES with the ultrasonically activated scalpel (US). METHODS: Forty patients with rectal cancer, who underwent laparoscopic TME with anal sphincter preservation from June 2005 to June 2007, were randomly divided into ultrasonic scalpel group and monopolar ES group, prospectively. White blood cells (WBC) were measured before and after operation, operative time, blood loss, pelvic volume of drainage, time of anal exhaust, visual analogue scales (VAS) and surgery-related complications were recorded. RESULTS: All the operations were successful; no one was converted to open procedure. No significant differences were observed in terms of preoperative and postoperative d 1 and d 3 WBC counts (P = 0.493, P = 0.375, P = 0.559), operation time (P = 0.235), blood loss (P = 0.296), anal exhaust time (P = 0.431), pelvic drainage volume and VAS in postoperative d 1 (P = 0.431, P = 0.426) and d 3 (P = 0.844, P = 0.617) between ES group and US group. The occurrence of surgery-related complications such as anastomotic leakage and wound infection was the same in the two groups. CONCLUSION: ES is a safe and feasible tool as same as US used in laparoscopic TME with anal sphincter preservation for rectal cancer on the basis of the skillful laparoscopic technique and the complete understanding of laparoscopic pelvic anatomy. Application of ES can not only reduce the operation costs but also benefit the popularization of laparoscopic operation for rectal cancer patients. PMID:18609692

Comparison of ultrasonic shears and traditional suture ligature for vaginal hysterectomy: randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Fitz-Gerald, Alison Louise; Tan, Jason; Chan, Kok-Weng; Polyakov, Alex; Edwards, Geoff N; Najjar, Haider; Tsaltas, Jim; Vollenhoven, Beverley

2013-01-01

To compare operating time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative analgesia, and length of hospital stay using ultrasonic shears vs traditional suture ligature in vaginal hysterectomy. Randomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). Gynecology units within a single health network, university hospital. Forty women requiring vaginal hysterectomy because of benign disease. Vaginal hysterectomy performed using either ultrasonically activated shears (USS) or traditional suture ligatures. Twenty-one patients were randomized to the USS arm, and 19 patients to the traditional suture ligature arm. Patient characteristics were comparable. Mean (SD) hysterectomy time and was similar in both the USS and traditional arms, 28.66 (4.0) minutes vs 32.37 (3.18) minutes (p = .47), as was total operating time, 97.38 (8.9) minutes vs 91.63 (7.69) minutes (p = .63). Operative blood loss was significantly decreased in the USS group: 62.63 (12.46) mL vs 136.05 (21.54) mL (p = .006). There was, however, no significant change in hemoglobin concentration between the 2 groups: 19.53 (1.79) g/L vs -16.72 (2.5) g/L. There was no significant difference in mean oxycodone use: 9.29 (2.66) mg vs 8.06 (3.19) mg (p = .77). Length of hospital stay was similar in both groups: 58.98 (3.27) hours vs 60.05 (6.48) hours (p = .88). There was no significant difference in overall complication rates between the groups. Although the Harmonic scalpel system, compared with the traditional suture ligation method, seems to be a safe alternative for securing the pedicles in vaginal hysterectomy, it offers no benefit insofar as operative time, reduction in clinically significant blood loss, and analgesic requirements. Copyright © 2013 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

ELENA MCP detector: absolute detection efficiency for low-energy neutral atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rispoli, R.; De Angelis, E.; Colasanti, L.; Vertolli, N.; Orsini, S.; Scheer, J. A.; Mura, A.; Milillo, A.; Wurz, P.; Selci, S.; Di Lellis, A. M.; Leoni, R.; D'Alessandro, M.; Mattioli, F.; Cibella, S.

2012-09-01

Microchannel Plates (MCP) detectors are frequently used in space instrumentation for detecting a wide range of radiation and particles. In particular, the capability to detect non-thermal low energy neutral species is crucial for the sensor ELENA (Emitted Low-Energy Neutral Atoms), part of the package SERENA (Search for Exospheric Refilling and Emitted Natural Abundances) on board the BepiColombo mission of ESA to Mercury to be launched in 2015. ELENA is a Time of Flight (TOF) sensor, based on a novel concept using an ultra-sonic oscillating shutter (Start section), which is operated at frequencies up to 50 kHz; a MCP detector is used as a Stop detector. The scientific objective of ELENA is to detect energetic neutral atoms in the range 10 eV - 5 keV, within 76° FOV, perpendicular to the S/C orbital plane. ELENA will monitor the emission of neutral atoms from the whole surface of Mercury thanks to the spacecraft motion. The major scientific objectives are the interaction between the plasma environment and the planet’s surface, the global particle loss-rate and the remote sensing of the surface properties. In particular, surface release processes are investigated by identifying particles released from the surface, via solar wind-induced ion sputtering (< 1eV - < 100 eV) as well as Hydrogen back-scattered at hundreds eV. MCP absolute detection efficiency for very low energy neutral atoms (E < 30 eV) is a crucial point for this investigation. At the MEFISTO facility of the Physical Institute of the University of Bern (CH), measurements on three different types of MCP (with and without coating) have been performed providing the detection efficiencies in the energy range 10eV - 1keV. Outcomes from such measurements are discussed here.

Ultrasonic cleaning: Fundamental theory and application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fuchs, F. John

1995-01-01

This presentation describes: the theory of ultrasonics, cavitation and implosion; the importance and application of ultrasonics in precision cleaning; explanations of ultrasonic cleaning equipment options and their application; process parameters for ultrasonic cleaning; and proper operation of ultrasonic cleaning equipment to achieve maximum results.

Comparison of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Octenidine Dihydrochloride and Chlorhexidine with and Without Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation - An Invitro Study.

PubMed

Cherian, Bastin; Gehlot, Paras Mull; Manjunath, Mysore Krishnaswamy

2016-06-01

Elimination of microorganisms from infected root canals is a complicated task. Numerous measures have been described to reduce the microbial load in the root canal system, including the use of various instrumentation techniques, irrigation regimens and intracanal medicaments. The drawbacks of few commonly used irrigants include toxic and harmful side effects, microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents and staining. Hence there is a need for alternative agents which are nontoxic, effective and safe. To compare and evaluate antimicrobial effects of 2% Chlorhexidine (CHX) versus 0.1% Octenidine Dihydrochloride (OCT) as root canal irrigant with and without passive ultrasonic irrigation against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) in vitro and to evaluate the depth of penetration of irrigant solution into the dentinal tubules at the junction of middle and apical third. Forty eight freshly extracted, single rooted human mandibular premolars were decoronated and root specimen standardized to 14mm. Biofilm of E. faecalis (strain ATCC 29212) was grown for seven days and the specimens were divided into four groups (n=12) based on irrigation protocol : Group I- Conventional Syringe Irrigation (CSI) with 2% CHX, Group II- CSI + 0.1% OCT, Group III-Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI) + 2% CHX and Group IV- PUI+ 0.1% OCT. Dentin shavings were collected at two depths (200μm and 400μm) and total number of colony forming units were determined. The data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA, Scheffes multiple comparison of means and paired t-test (p<0.05). Group III and IV (PUI) showed significant difference compared to Group I and II (CSI) both at 200μm and 400μm (p=0.000). For Group III and Group IV no significant differences were found at 200μm and 400μm (p=1.000 and 0.363 respectively), however significant difference was found between data at 200μm and 400μm for all the four groups (p=0.000). Octenidine (0.1%) was more effective than 2% Chlorhexidine against E. faecalis both at 200μm and 400μm. Passive ultrasonic irrigation proved to enhance the antimicrobial action of the irrigants.

Floating Ultrasonic Transducer Inspection System and Method for Nondestructive Evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, Patrick H. (Inventor); Zalameda, Joseph N. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A method for inspecting a structural sample using ultrasonic energy includes positioning an ultrasonic transducer adjacent to a surface of the sample, and then transmitting ultrasonic energy into the sample. Force pulses are applied to the transducer concurrently with transmission of the ultrasonic energy. A host machine processes ultrasonic return pulses from an ultrasonic pulser/receiver to quantify attenuation of the ultrasonic energy within the sample. The host machine detects a defect in the sample using the quantified level of attenuation. The method may include positioning a dry couplant between an ultrasonic transducer and the surface. A system includes an actuator, an ultrasonic transducer, a dry couplant between the transducer the sample, a scanning device that moves the actuator and transducer, and a measurement system having a pulsed actuator power supply, an ultrasonic pulser/receiver, and a host machine that executes the above method.

[Ultrasonic sludge treatment and its application on aerobic digestion].

PubMed

Li, Huan; Jin, Yi-ying; Nie, Yong-feng; Li, Lei; Yang, Hai-ying

2007-07-01

In order to enhance the degradation efficiency of waste activated sludge (WAS) in conventional aerobic digestion, various ultrasonic assisted treatment methods were investigated including ultrasonic disintegration of influent sludge, ultrasonic improvement of influent sludge activity and ultrasonic disintegration of return sludge. Firstly the effects of ultrasonic sludge treatment were studied to choose appropriate ultrasonic parameters, and then the experiments of aerobic digestion with different ultrasonic treatments were carried out. The results show that 1.0 W/mL, 10 minutes ultrasonic treatment can increase soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) in the supernatant phase of sludge sample by 5.4 times and decrease total suspended solid (TSS) by 16%; 0.05 W/mL, 10 min ultrasonic treatment can increase the specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) of sludge sample by 29%. The two kinds of ultrasonic influent sludge pretreatment can't improve aerobic digestion effectively. Ultrasonic return sludge disintegration can enhance the volatile suspended solid (VSS) degradation ratio by 15%. Furthermore, the settlement performance of digested sludge is still good and the pollutant concentrations of supernatant phase increase slightly. So ultrasonic return sludge disintegration is considered as the most appropriate assisted treatment mode for aerobic digestion.

Optical pH detector based on LTCC and sol-gel technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tadaszak, R. J.; Łukowiak, A.; Golonka, L. J.

2013-01-01

This paper presents an investigation on using sol-gel thin film as a material for sensors application in LTCC (Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics) technology. This material gives the opportunity to make new, low-cost highly integrated optoelectronic devices. Sensors with optical detection are a significant part of these applications. They can be used for quick and safe diagnostics of some parameters. Authors present a pH detector with the optical detection system made of the LTCC material. The main part of the device is a flow channel with the chamber and sol-gel active material. The silica sol-gel with bromocresol green indicator was used. As the absorbance of sol-gel layer changes with the pH value of a measured medium, the transmitted light power was measured. The pH detector was integrated with the electronic components on the LTCC substrate.

Quantum key distribution without detector vulnerabilities using optically seeded lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Comandar, L. C.; Lucamarini, M.; Fröhlich, B.; Dynes, J. F.; Sharpe, A. W.; Tam, S. W.-B.; Yuan, Z. L.; Penty, R. V.; Shields, A. J.

2016-05-01

Security in quantum cryptography is continuously challenged by inventive attacks targeting the real components of a cryptographic set-up, and duly restored by new countermeasures to foil them. Owing to their high sensitivity and complex design, detectors are the most frequently attacked components. It was recently shown that two-photon interference from independent light sources can be used to remove any vulnerability from detectors. This new form of detection-safe quantum key distribution (QKD), termed measurement-device-independent (MDI), has been experimentally demonstrated but with modest key rates. Here, we introduce a new pulsed laser seeding technique to obtain high-visibility interference from gain-switched lasers and thereby perform MDI-QKD with unprecedented key rates in excess of 1 megabit per second in the finite-size regime. This represents a two to six orders of magnitude improvement over existing implementations and supports the new scheme as a practical resource for secure quantum communications.

Attitudes about carbon monoxide safety in the United States: results from the 2005 and 2006 HealthStyles Survey.

PubMed

King, Michael E; Damon, Scott A

2011-01-01

We sought to identify attitudes and behaviors related to carbon monoxide (CO) safety that can be targeted with public health prevention strategies in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added questions about (1) proper placement of gas-powered generators, (2) maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, and (3) use of CO detectors to the 2005 and 2006 HealthStyles national health marketing surveys. In 2005, 63.3% of HealthStyles respondents agreed with or were uncertain about the incorrect statement, "It is safe to run a generator in a garage as long as the door is open," while 43.1% agreed with or were uncertain about the incorrect statement, "It is safe to run a generator in the basement." Most of the 2006 respondents (63.5%) agreed that it is important to have their furnace inspected annually. However, fewer than half of the 2006 respondents (42.0%)-most of whom were homeowners-reported owning a CO detector. A large proportion of adults in the U.S. reported attitudes and behaviors that may place them at increased risk for unintentional, non-fire-related CO poisoning, suggesting that current safety messages may not be reaching much of the public. Prevention messages should continue to promote proper generator placement, maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, and use of CO detectors. Development of a comprehensive national strategy for CO surveillance and communication may help identify populations at increased risk and prevent future poisonings.

Ultrasonic-electrodeposition of PtPd alloy nanoparticles on ionic liquid-functionalized graphene paper: towards a flexible and versatile nanohybrid electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yimin; Zheng, Huaming; Wang, Chenxu; Yang, Mengmeng; Zhou, Aijun; Duan, Hongwei

2016-01-01

Here we fabricate a new type of flexible and versatile nanohybrid paper electrode by ultrasonic-electrodeposition of PtPd alloy nanoparticles on freestanding ionic liquid (IL)-functionalized graphene paper, and explore its multifunctional applications in electrochemical catalysis and sensing systems. The graphene-based paper materials demonstrate intrinsic flexibility, exceptional mechanical strength and high electrical conductivity, and therefore can serve as an ideal freestanding flexible electrode for electrochemical devices. Furthermore, the functionalization of graphene with IL (i.e., 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) not only increases the electroactive surface area of a graphene-based nanohybrid paper electrode, but also improves the adhesion and dispersion of metal nanoparticles on the paper surface. These unique attributes, combined with the merits of an ultrasonic-electrodeposition method, lead to the formation of PtPd alloy nanoparticles on IL-graphene paper with high loading, uniform distribution, controlled morphology and favourable size. Consequently, the resultant nanohybrid paper electrode exhibits remarkable catalytic activity as well as excellent cycle stability and improved anti-poisoning ability towards electrooxidation of fuel molecules such as methanol and ethanol. Furthermore, for nonenzymatic electrochemical sensing of some specific biomarkers such as glucose and reactive oxygen species, the nanohybrid paper electrode shows high selectivity, sensitivity and biocompatibility in these bio-catalytic processes, and can be used for real-time tracking hydrogen peroxide secretion by living human cells. All these features demonstrate its promising application as a versatile nanohybrid electrode material in flexible and lightweight electrochemical energy conversion and biosensing systems such as bendable on-chip power sources, wearable/implantable detectors and in vivo micro-biosensors.Here we fabricate a new type of flexible and versatile nanohybrid paper electrode by ultrasonic-electrodeposition of PtPd alloy nanoparticles on freestanding ionic liquid (IL)-functionalized graphene paper, and explore its multifunctional applications in electrochemical catalysis and sensing systems. The graphene-based paper materials demonstrate intrinsic flexibility, exceptional mechanical strength and high electrical conductivity, and therefore can serve as an ideal freestanding flexible electrode for electrochemical devices. Furthermore, the functionalization of graphene with IL (i.e., 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) not only increases the electroactive surface area of a graphene-based nanohybrid paper electrode, but also improves the adhesion and dispersion of metal nanoparticles on the paper surface. These unique attributes, combined with the merits of an ultrasonic-electrodeposition method, lead to the formation of PtPd alloy nanoparticles on IL-graphene paper with high loading, uniform distribution, controlled morphology and favourable size. Consequently, the resultant nanohybrid paper electrode exhibits remarkable catalytic activity as well as excellent cycle stability and improved anti-poisoning ability towards electrooxidation of fuel molecules such as methanol and ethanol. Furthermore, for nonenzymatic electrochemical sensing of some specific biomarkers such as glucose and reactive oxygen species, the nanohybrid paper electrode shows high selectivity, sensitivity and biocompatibility in these bio-catalytic processes, and can be used for real-time tracking hydrogen peroxide secretion by living human cells. All these features demonstrate its promising application as a versatile nanohybrid electrode material in flexible and lightweight electrochemical energy conversion and biosensing systems such as bendable on-chip power sources, wearable/implantable detectors and in vivo micro-biosensors. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: The stress-strain curve of the IL-rGOP, EDX spectrum of PtPd/IL-rGOP, the particle size and size distribution of Pt, PtPd and Pd nanoparticles electrodeposited on IL-rGOP derived from SEM, and the structural parameters of Pt, PtPd and Pd nanoparticles electrodeposited on IL-rGOP derived from XRD, influence of the potential interfering species towards glucose detection. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06912b

Maximum Security. The Culture of Violence in Inner-City Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Devine, John

In an ethnographic reflection on 10 years experience working in the high schools of inner-city New York, issues of school safety, discipline, and violence are explored. The central proposition is that the mentality that relies on paramilitary security measures and technological devices, such as metal detectors, to achieve safe schools is only an…

[Destruction of synovial pannus of antigen-induced arthritis by ultrasonic cavitation in rabbits].

PubMed

Zhang, Ling-yan; Qiu, Li; Wang, Lei; Lin, Ling; Wen, Xiao-rong

2011-11-01

To optimize the conditions of ultrasonic irradiation and microbubble of ultrasound cavitation on destruction of synovial pannus of antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) in rabbits. Antigen-induced arthritis was successfully induced on bilateral knee joints of 85 rabbits. Each 10 AIA rabbits were divided into two groups to compare various peak negative pressures, different ultrasonic pulse durations, various pulse repetition frequencies, different irradiance duration, different dosages of microbubble contrast agents, different ultrasonic irradiance times. With intravenous infusion of Sonovue to the rabbits, ultrasonic irradiance was performed on the right knee joint using the above condition of ultrasound cavitation. At the day 1 after ultrasonic irradiance, MRI and pathological examination were employed to evaluate the optimal conditions. The optimal parameters and conditions for ultrasonic irradiance included intermittent ultrasonic application (in 6 s intervals), 0.6 mL/kg of microbubble contrast agent, 4.6 MPa of ultrasonic peak negative pressure, 100 cycles of pulse duration, 50 Hz of pulse repetition frequency, 5 min of ultrasonic duration, 0.6 mL/kg of dosages of microbubble contrast agents and multi-sessional ultrasonic irradiance. After the ultrasonic irradiance, the thickness of right knee synovium measured by MRI was thinner than that of left knee and synovial necrosis was confirmed by the pathological finding. Under optimal ultrasonic irradiation and microbubble conditions, ultrasonic cavitation could destroy synovial pannus of AIA in rabbits.

Ultrasonic pulser-receiver

DOEpatents

Taylor, Steven C.

2006-09-12

Ultrasonic pulser-receiver circuitry, for use with an ultrasonic transducer, the circuitry comprising a circuit board; ultrasonic pulser circuitry supported by the circuit board and configured to be coupled to an ultrasonic transducer and to cause the ultrasonic transducer to emit an ultrasonic output pulse; receiver circuitry supported by the circuit board, coupled to the pulser circuitry, including protection circuitry configured to protect against the ultrasonic pulse and including amplifier circuitry configured to amplify an echo, received back by the transducer, of the output pulse; and a connector configured to couple the ultrasonic transducer directly to the circuit board, to the pulser circuitry and receiver circuitry, wherein impedance mismatches that would result if the transducer was coupled to the circuit board via a cable can be avoided.

Rate and Gain Limitations of MSGC's and MGC's Combined with GEM and other Preamplification Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fonte, P.; Peskov, V.; Ramsey, B. D.

1998-01-01

We have studied the rate and gain limits of diamond-coated Microstrip Gas Counters (MSGC's) and Micro-Gap Counters (MGC's) when combined with various preamplification structures: Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM), Parallel-Plate Avalanche Chamber (PPAC) or a MICROMEGAS-type structure. Measurements were done both with X rays and alpha particles with various detector geometries and in different gas mixtures at pressures from 0.05 to 10 atm. The results obtained varied significantly with detector design, gas mixture and pressure, but some general features can be identified. We found that in all cases, bare MSGC'S, MGC'S, PPAC's and MICROMEGAS, the maximum achievable gain drops with rate. The addition of preamplification structures significantly increases the gain of MSGC's and MGC'S, but this gain is still rate dependent. There would seem to be a general rate-dependent effect governing the usable gain of all these detectors. We speculate on possible mechanisms for this effect, and identify a safe, spark-free, operation zone for each system (detector + preamplification structure) in the rate-gain coordinate plane.

In situ radiation test of silicon and diamond detectors operating in superfluid helium and developed for beam loss monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurfürst, C.; Dehning, B.; Sapinski, M.; Bartosik, M. R.; Eisel, T.; Fabjan, C.; Rementeria, C. A.; Griesmayer, E.; Eremin, V.; Verbitskaya, E.; Zabrodskii, A.; Fadeeva, N.; Tuboltsev, Y.; Eremin, I.; Egorov, N.; Härkönen, J.; Luukka, P.; Tuominen, E.

2015-05-01

As a result of the foreseen increase in the luminosity of the Large Hadron Collider, the discrimination between the collision products and possible magnet quench-provoking beam losses of the primary proton beams is becoming more critical for safe accelerator operation. We report the results of ongoing research efforts targeting the upgrading of the monitoring system by exploiting Beam Loss Monitor detectors based on semiconductors located as close as possible to the superconducting coils of the triplet magnets. In practice, this means that the detectors will have to be immersed in superfluid helium inside the cold mass and operate at 1.9 K. Additionally, the monitoring system is expected to survive 20 years of LHC operation, resulting in an estimated radiation fluence of 1×1016 proton/cm2, which corresponds to a dose of about 2 MGy. In this study, we monitored the signal degradation during the in situ irradiation when silicon and single-crystal diamond detectors were situated in the liquid/superfluid helium and the dependences of the collected charge on fluence and bias voltage were obtained. It is shown that diamond and silicon detectors can operate at 1.9 K after 1×1016 p/cm2 irradiation required for application as BLMs, while the rate of the signal degradation was larger in silicon detectors than in the diamond ones. For Si detectors this rate was controlled mainly by the operational mode, being larger at forward bias voltage.

A risk-based approach to flammable gas detector spacing.

PubMed

Defriend, Stephen; Dejmek, Mark; Porter, Leisa; Deshotels, Bob; Natvig, Bernt

2008-11-15

Flammable gas detectors allow an operating company to address leaks before they become serious, by automatically alarming and by initiating isolation and safe venting. Without effective gas detection, there is very limited defense against a flammable gas leak developing into a fire or explosion that could cause loss of life or escalate to cascading failures of nearby vessels, piping, and equipment. While it is commonly recognized that some gas detectors are needed in a process plant containing flammable gas or volatile liquids, there is usually a question of how many are needed. The areas that need protection can be determined by dispersion modeling from potential leak sites. Within the areas that must be protected, the spacing of detectors (or alternatively, number of detectors) should be based on risk. Detector design can be characterized by spacing criteria, which is convenient for design - or alternatively by number of detectors, which is convenient for cost reporting. The factors that influence the risk are site-specific, including process conditions, chemical composition, number of potential leak sites, piping design standards, arrangement of plant equipment and structures, design of isolation and depressurization systems, and frequency of detector testing. Site-specific factors such as those just mentioned affect the size of flammable gas cloud that must be detected (within a specified probability) by the gas detection system. A probability of detection must be specified that gives a design with a tolerable risk of fires and explosions. To determine the optimum spacing of detectors, it is important to consider the probability that a detector will fail at some time and be inoperative until replaced or repaired. A cost-effective approach is based on the combined risk from a representative selection of leakage scenarios, rather than a worst-case evaluation. This means that probability and severity of leak consequences must be evaluated together. In marine and offshore facilities, it is conventional to use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to determine the size of a flammable cloud that would result from a specific leak scenario. Simpler modeling methods can be used, but the results are not very accurate in the region near the release, especially where flow obstructions are present. The results from CFD analyses on several leak scenarios can be plotted to determine the size of a flammable cloud that could result in an explosion that would generate overpressure exceeding the strength of the mechanical design of the plant. A cloud of this size has the potential to produce a blast pressure or flying debris capable of causing a fatality or subsequent damage to vessels or piping containing hazardous material. In cases where the leak results in a fire, rather than explosion, CFD or other modeling methods can estimate the size of a leak that would cause a fire resulting in subsequent damage to the facility, or would prevent the safe escape of personnel. The gas detector system must be capable of detecting a gas release or vapor cloud, and initiating action to prevent the leak from reaching a size that could cause injury or severe damage upon ignition.

Skin permeation of D-limonene-based nanoemulsions as a transdermal carrier prepared by ultrasonic emulsification.

PubMed

Lu, Wen-Chien; Chiang, Been-Huang; Huang, Da-Wei; Li, Po-Hsien

2014-03-01

Nanoemulsions can be used for transporting pharmaceutical phytochemicals in skin-care products because of their stability and rapid permeation properties. However, droplet size may be a critical factor aiding permeation through skin and transdermal delivery efficiency. We prepared D-limonene nanoemulsions with various droplet sizes by ultrasonic emulsification using mixed surfactants of sorbitane trioleate and polyoxyethylene (20) oleyl ether under different hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values. Droplet size decreased with increasing HLB value. With HLB 12, the droplet size was 23 nm, and the encapsulated ratio peaked at 92.3%. Transmission electron microscopy revealed spherical droplets and the gray parts were D-limonene precipitation incorporated in spherical droplets of the emulsion system. Franz diffusion cell was used to evaluate the permeation of D-limonene nanoemulsion through rat abdominal skin; the permeation rate depended on droplet size. The emulsion with the lowest droplet size (54 nm) achieved the maximum permeation rate. The concentration of D-limonene in the skin was 40.11 μL/cm(2) at the end of 360 min. Histopathology revealed no distinct voids or empty spaces in the epidermal region of permeated rat skin, so the D-limonene nanoemulsion may be a safe carrier for transdermal drug delivery. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Direct and sustained intracellular delivery of exogenous molecules using acoustic-transfection with high frequency ultrasound

PubMed Central

Yoon, Sangpil; Kim, Min Gon; Chiu, Chi Tat; Hwang, Jae Youn; Kim, Hyung Ham; Wang, Yingxiao; Shung, K. Kirk

2016-01-01

Controlling cell functions for research and therapeutic purposes may open new strategies for the treatment of many diseases. An efficient and safe introduction of membrane impermeable molecules into target cells will provide versatile means to modulate cell fate. We introduce a new transfection technique that utilizes high frequency ultrasound without any contrast agents such as microbubbles, bringing a single-cell level targeting and size-dependent intracellular delivery of macromolecules. The transfection apparatus consists of an ultrasonic transducer with the center frequency of over 150 MHz and an epi-fluorescence microscope, entitled acoustic-transfection system. Acoustic pulses, emitted from an ultrasonic transducer, perturb the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane of a targeted single-cell to induce intracellular delivery of exogenous molecules. Simultaneous live cell imaging using HeLa cells to investigate the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ and propidium iodide (PI) and the delivery of 3 kDa dextran labeled with Alexa 488 were demonstrated. Cytosolic delivery of 3 kDa dextran induced via acoustic-transfection was manifested by diffused fluorescence throughout whole cells. Short-term (6 hr) cell viability test and long-term (40 hr) cell tracking confirmed that the proposed approach has low cell cytotoxicity. PMID:26843283

Skin Antiageing and Systemic Redox Effects of Supplementation with Marine Collagen Peptides and Plant-Derived Antioxidants: A Single-Blind Case-Control Clinical Study

PubMed Central

De Luca, Chiara; Mikhal'chik, Elena V.; Suprun, Maxim V.; Papacharalambous, Michael; Truhanov, Arseniy I.; Korkina, Liudmila G.

2016-01-01

Recently, development and research of nutraceuticals based on marine collagen peptides (MCPs) have been growing due to their high homology with human collagens, safety, bioavailability through gut, and numerous bioactivities. The major concern regarding safety of MCPs intake relates to increased risk of oxidative stress connected with collagen synthesis (likewise in fibrosis) and to ROS production by MCPs-stimulated phagocytes. In this clinical-laboratory study, fish skin MCPs combined with plant-derived skin-targeting antioxidants (AO) (coenzyme Q10 + grape-skin extract + luteolin + selenium) were administered to volunteers (n = 41). Skin properties (moisture, elasticity, sebum production, and biological age) and ultrasonic markers (epidermal/dermal thickness and acoustic density) were measured thrice (2 months before treatment and before and after cessation of 2-month oral intake). The supplementation remarkably improved skin elasticity, sebum production, and dermal ultrasonic markers. Metabolic data showed significant increase of plasma hydroxyproline and ATP storage in erythrocytes. Redox parameters, GSH/coenzyme Q10 content, and GPx/GST activities were unchanged, while NO and MDA were moderately increased within, however, normal range of values. Conclusions. A combination of MCPs with skin-targeting AOs could be effective and safe supplement to improve skin properties without risk of oxidative damage. PMID:26904164

Povidone-iodine's effects and role in the management of periodontal diseases: a review.

PubMed

Greenstein, G

1999-11-01

This review article addresses the effects of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) and its utility in the treatment of periodontal diseases. There are data to support the following statements: PVP-I is a potent antiseptic and, when used as a component in a rinse with H202, the rinse can decrease the level of gingivitis. With regards to patients with adult periodontitis, there is some evidence to indicate that PVP-I delivered via an ultrasonic device achieves better results in deep pockets than ultrasonic debridement when water is the irrigant. The benefits of PVP-I in the treatment of refractory periodontitis are unclear. Subgingival irrigation with PVP-I may reduce the incidence of bacteremia if it is employed as a pre-procedural intrasulcular irrigant; however, this technique is not recommended for high-risk patients. PVP-I is a safe antiseptic and does not appear to impede wound healing or induce resistant bacteria. It is an approved drug whose intraoral use is an unlabeled indication. In conclusion, the literature suggests that utilization of PVP-I is potentially beneficial in the management of some periodontal diseases. However, additional clinical trials are needed to verify this assessment, since it is based upon a limited number of studies.

Direct and sustained intracellular delivery of exogenous molecules using acoustic-transfection with high frequency ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Sangpil; Kim, Min Gon; Chiu, Chi Tat; Hwang, Jae Youn; Kim, Hyung Ham; Wang, Yingxiao; Shung, K. Kirk

2016-02-01

Controlling cell functions for research and therapeutic purposes may open new strategies for the treatment of many diseases. An efficient and safe introduction of membrane impermeable molecules into target cells will provide versatile means to modulate cell fate. We introduce a new transfection technique that utilizes high frequency ultrasound without any contrast agents such as microbubbles, bringing a single-cell level targeting and size-dependent intracellular delivery of macromolecules. The transfection apparatus consists of an ultrasonic transducer with the center frequency of over 150 MHz and an epi-fluorescence microscope, entitled acoustic-transfection system. Acoustic pulses, emitted from an ultrasonic transducer, perturb the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane of a targeted single-cell to induce intracellular delivery of exogenous molecules. Simultaneous live cell imaging using HeLa cells to investigate the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ and propidium iodide (PI) and the delivery of 3 kDa dextran labeled with Alexa 488 were demonstrated. Cytosolic delivery of 3 kDa dextran induced via acoustic-transfection was manifested by diffused fluorescence throughout whole cells. Short-term (6 hr) cell viability test and long-term (40 hr) cell tracking confirmed that the proposed approach has low cell cytotoxicity.

Use of ultrasonic dissection in the early surgical management of periorbital haemangiomas.

PubMed

Claude, O; Picard, A; O'Sullivan, N; Baccache, S; Momtchilova, M; Enjolras, O; Vazquez, M P; Diner, P A

2008-12-01

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the early surgical excision of periorbital haemangiomas with an ultrasonic scalpel in infants at risk of visual impairment. A retrospective analysis of 67 infants diagnosed to be at risk of amblyopia from periorbital haemangiomas, treated consecutively with the Dissectron between 1994 and 2005. Ophthalmic outcome parameters included the pre- and postoperative measurement of visual axis occlusion, strabismus, astigmatism, and degree of amblyopia. Visual performance showed an overall improvement of 30% following treatment. Seventy-six patients were found to have abnormal ophthalmic examinations preoperatively, compared to 46 following surgery. After surgery, visual axis occlusion decreased from 73 to 6%; amblyopia decreased from 67 to 22%, strabismus decreased from 26 to 18% and astigmatism (>onedioptre) decreased from 66 to 31%. Mean astigmatism values decreased from 3.5 to 1.9 dioptres. No new cases of astigmatism, strabismus or amblyopia were diagnosed postoperatively. Three minor complications resolved with conservative treatment. All patients were satisfied with the outcome of their surgery. Early surgical excision of periorbital haemangiomas using the Dissectron in infants with an established risk of visual impairment is a safe and effective alternative to pharmacological therapy. The use of the Dissectron is associated with reduced operative times and a shorter hospital stay.

Ultrasound-guided drainages and sclerotherapy.

PubMed

Lohela, P

2002-02-01

Ultrasonically guided fluid collection and abscess drainage have become routine procedures in various parts of the body. In most cases ultrasound is the only imaging and guidance modality needed; however, it is of the utmost importance to remember that CT and fluoroscopy with contrast often give invaluable information when the true extent of the process has to be determined and when assessing the safest route for the catheter in anatomically complicated areas. The importance of irrigation of the abscess cavity with fluids and the ready use of urokinase should be emphasized. Ethanol sclerotherapy is a simple and safe procedure to treat symptomatic hepatic or renal cysts. Parathyroid adenomas and cysts, as well as thyroid cysts, can also be treated with ethanol sclerotherapy in selected cases. Purified mineral talc has been used in pleurodesis and hydrocele sclerotherapy, whereas doxycycline or ethanol is used for postoperative lymphoceles. Both abscess drainages and sclerotherapy procedures are minimally invasive, simple, safe, inexpensive and reasonably efficacious treatment in many clinical instances and may be at least an alternative to surgical treatment, often offering significant advantages over surgery.

Common uses and cited complications of energy in surgery.

PubMed

Sankaranarayanan, Ganesh; Resapu, Rajeswara R; Jones, Daniel B; Schwaitzberg, Steven; De, Suvranu

2013-09-01

Instruments that apply energy to cut, coagulate, and dissect tissue with minimal bleeding facilitate surgery. The improper use of energy devices may increase patient morbidity and mortality. The current article reviews various energy sources in terms of their common uses and safe practices. For the purpose of this review, a general search was conducted through NCBI, SpringerLink, and Google. Articles describing laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgeries using single or multiple energy sources are considered, as are articles comparing various commercial energy devices in laboratory settings. Keywords, such as laparoscopy, energy, laser, electrosurgery, monopolar, bipolar, harmonic, ultrasonic, cryosurgery, argon beam, laser, complications, and death were used in the search. A review of the literature shows that the performance of the energy devices depends upon the type of procedure. There is no consensus as to which device is optimal for a given procedure. The technical skill level of the surgeon and the knowledge about the devices are both important factors in deciding safe outcomes. As new energy devices enter the market increases, surgeons should be aware of their indicated use in laparoscopic, endoscopic, and open surgery.

Quadrature demodulation based circuit implementation of pulse stream for ultrasonic signal FRI sparse sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shoupeng, Song; Zhou, Jiang

2017-03-01

Converting ultrasonic signal to ultrasonic pulse stream is the key step of finite rate of innovation (FRI) sparse sampling. At present, ultrasonic pulse-stream-forming techniques are mainly based on digital algorithms. No hardware circuit that can achieve it has been reported. This paper proposes a new quadrature demodulation (QD) based circuit implementation method for forming an ultrasonic pulse stream. Elaborating on FRI sparse sampling theory, the process of ultrasonic signal is explained, followed by a discussion and analysis of ultrasonic pulse-stream-forming methods. In contrast to ultrasonic signal envelope extracting techniques, a quadrature demodulation method (QDM) is proposed. Simulation experiments were performed to determine its performance at various signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). The circuit was then designed, with mixing module, oscillator, low pass filter (LPF), and root of square sum module. Finally, application experiments were carried out on pipeline sample ultrasonic flaw testing. The experimental results indicate that the QDM can accurately convert ultrasonic signal to ultrasonic pulse stream, and reverse the original signal information, such as pulse width, amplitude, and time of arrival. This technique lays the foundation for ultrasonic signal FRI sparse sampling directly with hardware circuitry.

Apparatus for the concurrent ultrasonic inspection of partially completed welds

DOEpatents

Johnson, John A.

2000-01-01

An apparatus for the concurrent nondestructive evaluation of partially completed welds is described and which is used in combination with an automated welder and which includes an ultrasonic signal generator mounted on the welder and which generates an ultrasonic signal which is directed toward one side of the partially completed welds; an ultrasonic signal receiver mounted on the automated welder for detecting ultrasonic signals which are transmitted by the ultrasonic signal generator and which are reflected or diffracted from one side of the partially completed weld or which passes through a given region of the partially completed weld; and an analysis assembly coupled with the ultrasonic signal receiver and which processes the ultrasonic signals received by the ultrasonic signal receiver to identify welding flaws in the partially completed weld.

Method and apparatus to characterize ultrasonically reflective contrast agents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pretlow, Robert A., III (Inventor)

1993-01-01

A method and apparatus for characterizing the time and frequency response of an ultrasonically reflective contrast agent is disclosed. An ultrasonically reflective contrast agent is injected, under constant pressure, into a fluid flowing through a pump flow circuit. The fluid and the ultrasonically reflective contrast agent are uniformly mixed in a mixing chamber, and the uniform mixture is passed through a contrast agent chamber. The contrast agent chamber is acoustically and axially interposed between an ultrasonic transducer chamber and an acoustic isolation chamber. A pulse of ultrasonic energy is transmitted into the contrast agent chamber from the ultrasonic transducer chamber. An echo waveform is received from the ultrasonically reflective contrast agent, and it is analyzed to determine the time and frequency response of the ultrasonically reflective contrast agent.

Determination of Four Major Saponins in Skin and Endosperm of Seeds of Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum L.) Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Positive Confirmation by Thin Layer Chromatography.

PubMed

Abudayeh, Zead Helmi Mahmoud; Al Azzam, Khaldun Mohammad; Naddaf, Ahmad; Karpiuk, Uliana Vladimirovna; Kislichenko, Viktoria Sergeevna

2015-11-01

To separate and quantify four major saponins in the extracts of the skin and the endosperm of seeds of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) using ultrasonic solvent extraction followed by a high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) with positive confirmation by thin layer chromatography (TLC). The saponins: escin Ia, escin Ib, isoescin Ia and isoescin Ib were extracted using ultrasonic extraction method. The optimized extraction conditions were: 70% methanol as extraction solvent, 80 °C as extraction temperature, and the extraction time was achieved in 4 hours. The HPLC conditions used: Zorbax SB-ODS-(150 mm × 2.1 mm, 3 μm) column, acetonitrile and 0.10% phosphoric acid solution (39:61 v/v) as mobile phase, flow rate was 0.5 mL min(-1) at 210 nm and 230 nm detection. The injection volume was 10 μL, and the separation was carried out isothermally at 30 °C in a heated chamber. The results indicated that the developed HPLC method is simple, sensitive and reliable. Moreover, the content of escins in seeds decreased by more than 30% in endosperm and by more than 40% in skin upon storage for two years. This assay can be readily utilized as a quality control method for horse chestnut and other related medicinal plants.

Rejection of crosstalk and noise by a quasi balanced CFPI for remote ultrasound detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reitinger, B.; Berer, T.; Hornhuber, C.; Burgholzer, P.

2011-01-01

In this paper we show the benefits of a quasi balanced fringe hopping CFPI (confocal Fabry-Pérot interferometer) with broadband CMRR (common mode rejection ratio) for remote ultrasound detection. Ultrasonic information in general lies in the phase modulation of laser light which in this case is demodulated by using the CFPI at a certain working point on a fringe. By hopping from the positive to the negative slope on the same fringe the detected ultrasonic signals are inverted. In contrary interference signals like crosstalk from the generation, ghosts, or noise correlated to pulse laser excitation are not influenced and hence get rejected by subtracting the signals from both slopes. Hence, a minimum of two measurements is needed for common mode rejection. The fringe hopping from the positive to the negative slope is done by changing the distance of the CFPI mirrors with a precise piezoelectric-stack and a fast high resolution digital controller. As only one photo-detector with a transimpedance-amplifier is needed a high CMRR can be accomplished which is not affected by the symmetry of the fringe but only by pulse to pulse energy fluctuations of the generation laser. We show that with fringe hopping and averaging the signal to noise ratio increases much faster than with averaging without fringe hopping. This is due to the correlation of the quasi-noise with the generation cycle.

Sex-dependent modulation of ultrasonic vocalizations in house mice (Mus musculus musculus)

PubMed Central

Reitschmidt, Doris; Noll, Anton; Balazs, Peter; Penn, Dustin J.

2017-01-01

House mice (Mus musculus) emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), which are surprisingly complex and have features of bird song, but their functions are not well understood. Previous studies have reported mixed evidence on whether there are sex differences in USV emission, though vocalization rate or other features may depend upon whether potential receivers are of the same or opposite sex. We recorded the USVs of wild-derived adult house mice (F1 of wild-caught Mus musculus musculus), and we compared the vocalizations of males and females in response to a stimulus mouse of the same- or opposite-sex. To detect and quantify vocalizations, we used an algorithm that automatically detects USVs (Automatic Mouse Ultrasound Detector or A-MUD). We found high individual variation in USV emission rates (4 to 2083 elements/10 min trial) and a skewed distribution, with most mice (60%) emitting few (≤50) elements. We found no differences in the rates of calling between the sexes overall, but mice of both sexes emitted vocalizations at a higher rate and higher frequencies during opposite- compared to same-sex interactions. We also observed a trend toward higher amplitudes by males when presented with a male compared to a female stimulus. Our results suggest that mice modulate the rate and frequency of vocalizations depending upon the sex of potential receivers. PMID:29236704

Ultrasonic pipe assessment

DOEpatents

Thomas, Graham H.; Morrow, Valerie L.; Levie, Harold; Kane, Ronald J.; Brown, Albert E.

2003-12-23

An ultrasonic pipe or other structure assessment system includes an ultrasonic transducer positioned proximate the pipe or other structure. A fluid connection between the ultrasonic transducer and the pipe or other structure is produced. The ultrasonic transducer is moved relative to the pipe or other structure.

Renal Sympathetic Denervation System via Intraluminal Ultrasonic Ablation: Therapeutic Intravascular Ultrasound Design and Preclinical Evaluation.

PubMed

Chernin, Gil; Szwarcfiter, Iris; Bausback, Yvonne; Jonas, Michael

2017-05-01

To assess the safety and performance of a nonfocused and nonballooned ultrasonic (US) catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) system in normotensive swine. RDN with the therapeutic intravascular US catheter was evaluated in 3 experiments: (i) therapeutic intravascular US RDN vs a control group of untreated animals with follow-up of 30, 45, and 90 days (n = 6; n = 12 renal arteries for each group); (ii) therapeutic intravascular US RDN vs radiofrequency (RF) RDN in the contralateral artery in the same animal (n = 2; n = 4 renal arteries); and (iii) therapeutic intravascular US RDN in a recently stent-implanted renal artery (n = 2; n = 4 renal arteries). In the first experiment, therapeutic intravascular US RDN was safe, without angiographic evidence of dissection or renal artery stenosis. Neuronal tissue vacuolization, nuclei pyknosis, and perineuronal inflammation were evident after RDN, without renal artery wall damage. Norepinephrine levels were significantly lower after therapeutic intravascular US RDN after 30, 45, and 90 days compared with the control group (200.17 pg/mg ± 63.35, 184.75 pg/mg ± 44.51, and 203.43 pg/mg ± 58.54, respectively, vs 342.42 pg/mg ± 79.97). In the second experiment, deeper neuronal ablation penetrance was found with therapeutic intravascular US RDN vs RF RDN (maximal penetrance from endothelium of 7.0 mm vs 3.5 mm, respectively). There was less damage to the artery wall after therapeutic intravascular US RDN than with RF RDN, after which edema and injured endothelium were seen. In the third experiment, denervation inside the stent-implanted segments was feasible without damage to the renal artery wall or stent. The therapeutic intravascular US system performed safely and reduced norepinephrine levels. Deeper penetrance and better preservation of vessel wall were observed with therapeutic intravascular US RDN vs RF RDN. Neuronal ablations were observed in stent-implanted renal arteries. Copyright © 2017 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Photoacoustic imaging to detect rat brain activation after cocaine hydrochloride injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jo, Janggun; Yang, Xinmai

2011-03-01

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) was employed to detect small animal brain activation after the administration of cocaine hydrochloride. Sprague Dawley rats were injected with different concentrations (2.5, 3.0, and 5.0 mg per kg body) of cocaine hydrochloride in saline solution through tail veins. The brain functional response to the injection was monitored by photoacoustic tomography (PAT) system with horizontal scanning of cerebral cortex of rat brain. Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) was also used for coronal view images. The modified PAT system used multiple ultrasonic detectors to reduce the scanning time and maintain a good signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The measured photoacoustic signal changes confirmed that cocaine hydrochloride injection excited high blood volume in brain. This result shows PAI can be used to monitor drug abuse-induced brain activation.

Study on optimized algorithm for mileage wheel of magnetic flux leakage detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Y Sun, L.; Li, Y. B.; Wu, Y. T.; Y Xu, Q.; Cai, Y.

2017-07-01

Pipeline integrity is significant to safe operation of long-range pipeline. To avoid critical failure of the pipeline, which may lead to great loss of property and life, MFL_PIG is often used to detect the corrosion and leakage of the pipeline. To accurately locate the defects, mileage pulses emitted by the mileage wheel are used to and emit signal to single-chip microcomputer for position. This paper investigates the factors that may affect the precision of mileage wheel, an important part of pipeline corrosion and leakage detector (MFL_PIG), investigate its working principle and present an optimized algorithm for mileage wheel to increase the precision of detection.

SU-D-210-03: Limited-View Multi-Source Quantitative Photoacoustic Tomography

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

Feng, J; Gao, H

2015-06-15

Purpose: This work is to investigate a novel limited-view multi-source acquisition scheme for the direct and simultaneous reconstruction of optical coefficients in quantitative photoacoustic tomography (QPAT), which has potentially improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced data acquisition time. Methods: Conventional QPAT is often considered in two steps: first to reconstruct the initial acoustic pressure from the full-view ultrasonic data after each optical illumination, and then to quantitatively reconstruct optical coefficients (e.g., absorption and scattering coefficients) from the initial acoustic pressure, using multi-source or multi-wavelength scheme.Based on a novel limited-view multi-source scheme here, We have to consider the direct reconstruction of opticalmore » coefficients from the ultrasonic data, since the initial acoustic pressure can no longer be reconstructed as an intermediate variable due to the incomplete acoustic data in the proposed limited-view scheme. In this work, based on a coupled photo-acoustic forward model combining diffusion approximation and wave equation, we develop a limited-memory Quasi-Newton method (LBFGS) for image reconstruction that utilizes the adjoint forward problem for fast computation of gradients. Furthermore, the tensor framelet sparsity is utilized to improve the image reconstruction which is solved by Alternative Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM). Results: The simulation was performed on a modified Shepp-Logan phantom to validate the feasibility of the proposed limited-view scheme and its corresponding image reconstruction algorithms. Conclusion: A limited-view multi-source QPAT scheme is proposed, i.e., the partial-view acoustic data acquisition accompanying each optical illumination, and then the simultaneous rotations of both optical sources and ultrasonic detectors for next optical illumination. Moreover, LBFGS and ADMM algorithms are developed for the direct reconstruction of optical coefficients from the acoustic data. Jing Feng and Hao Gao were partially supported by the NSFC (#11405105), the 973 Program (#2015CB856000) and the Shanghai Pujiang Talent Program (#14PJ1404500)« less

Effect of Heat Generation of Ultrasound Transducer on Ultrasonic Power Measured by Calorimetric Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchida, Takeyoshi; Kikuchi, Tsuneo

2013-07-01

Ultrasonic power is one of the key quantities closely related to the safety of medical ultrasonic equipment. An ultrasonic power standard is required for establishment of safety. Generally, an ultrasonic power standard below approximately 20 W is established by the radiation force balance (RFB) method as the most accurate measurement method. However, RFB is not suitable for high ultrasonic power because of thermal damage to the absorbing target. Consequently, an alternative method to RFB is required. We have been developing a measurement technique for high ultrasonic power by the calorimetric method. In this study, we examined the effect of heat generation of an ultrasound transducer on ultrasonic power measured by the calorimetric method. As a result, an excessively high ultrasonic power was measured owing to the effect of heat generation from internal loss in the transducer. A reference ultrasound transducer with low heat generation is required for a high ultrasonic power standard established by the calorimetric method.

High quantum yield ZnO quantum dots synthesizing via an ultrasonication microreactor method.

PubMed

Yang, Weimin; Yang, Huafang; Ding, Wenhao; Zhang, Bing; Zhang, Le; Wang, Lixi; Yu, Mingxun; Zhang, Qitu

2016-11-01

Green emission ZnO quantum dots were synthesized by an ultrasonic microreactor. Ultrasonic radiation brought bubbles through ultrasonic cavitation. These bubbles built microreactor inside the microreactor. The photoluminescence properties of ZnO quantum dots synthesized with different flow rate, ultrasonic power and temperature were discussed. Flow rate, ultrasonic power and temperature would influence the type and quantity of defects in ZnO quantum dots. The sizes of ZnO quantum dots would be controlled by those conditions as well. Flow rate affected the reaction time. With the increasing of flow rate, the sizes of ZnO quantum dots decreased and the quantum yields first increased then decreased. Ultrasonic power changed the ultrasonic cavitation intensity, which affected the reaction energy and the separation of the solution. With the increasing of ultrasonic power, sizes of ZnO quantum dots first decreased then increased, while the quantum yields kept increasing. The effect of ultrasonic temperature on the photoluminescence properties of ZnO quantum dots was influenced by the flow rate. Different flow rate related to opposite changing trend. Moreover, the quantum yields of ZnO QDs synthesized by ultrasonic microreactor could reach 64.7%, which is higher than those synthesized only under ultrasonic radiation or only by microreactor. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Risk assessment, dissipation behavior and persistence of quinalphos in/on green pea by gas chromatography with electron capture detector.

PubMed

Dar, Alamgir A; Jan, Ishrat; Wani, Ashraf A; Mubashir, Sofi; Sofi, Khurshid A; Sofi, Javid A; Dar, Irshad H

2018-06-01

Chemical investigation was carried out to examine the risk assessment, dissipation behavior, persistence, and half-life period of quinalphos in/on green pea fruit by spraying quinalphos at fruiting stage followed by another application after 10-day interval. The samples were extracted by using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method, and the residues of quinalphos were analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detector. Herein, we report a novel, accurate, and cost-effective gas chromatography method for the determination of average deposits of quinalphos in/on green pea. The initial deposits and half-life of quinalphos were found to be 1.20 mg/kg and 2.77 days, respectively, following the application of insecticide. Residues of quinalphos reached below detection limit of 0.05 mg/kg after 10 days at recommended dosage. For risk assessment studies, the tenth day will be safe for consumers for consumption of green pea. The developed method is simple, selective, and repeatable, and it can be extended for quinalphos-based standardization of herbal formulations containing green pea and its use in pesticide industries. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

21 CFR 882.1925 - Ultrasonic scanner calibration test block.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Ultrasonic scanner calibration test block. 882... Ultrasonic scanner calibration test block. (a) Identification. An ultrasonic scanner calibration test block is a block of material with known properties used to calibrate ultrasonic scanning devices (e.g., the...

21 CFR 884.2660 - Fetal ultrasonic monitor and accessories.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Fetal ultrasonic monitor and accessories. 884.2660... Devices § 884.2660 Fetal ultrasonic monitor and accessories. (a) Identification. A fetal ultrasonic monitor is a device designed to transmit and receive ultrasonic energy into and from the pregnant woman...

The ultrasonic characteristics of high frequency modulated arc and its application in material processing.

PubMed

He, Longbiao; Yang, Ping; Li, Luming; Wu, Minsheng

2014-12-01

To solve the difficulty of introducing traditional ultrasonic transducers to welding molten pool, high frequency current is used to modulate plasma arc and ultrasonic wave is excited successfully. The characteristics of the excited ultrasonic field are studied. The results show that the amplitude-frequency response of the ultrasonic emission is flat. The modulating current is the main factor influencing the ultrasonic power and the sound pressure depends on the variation of arc plasma stream force. Experimental study of the welding structure indicates grain refinement by the ultrasonic emission of the modulated arc and the test results showed there should be an energy region for the arc ultrasonic to get best welding joints. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultrasonic velocity testing of steel pipeline welded joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carreón, Hector

2017-04-01

In general the ultrasonic techniques have been used to determine the mechanical properties of materials on based of their relationship with metallurgical characteristics. In this research work, the relationship between ultrasonic velocity and phased array and the microstructure of steel pipeline welded joints is investigated. Measurements of ultrasonic wave velocity were made as a function of the location across the weld. Hardness measurements were performated in an attempt to correlate with ultrasonic response. In addition, the coarse and dendritic grain structure of the weld material is extreme and unpredictably anisotropic. Thus, due to the acoustic anisotropy of the crystal itself weld material of studied joints is anisotropic, too. Such structure is no longer direction-independent to the ultrasonic wave propagation; therefore, the ultrasonic beam deflects and redirects and the wave front becomes distorted. Thus, the use of conventional ultrasonic testing techniques using fixed beam angles is very limited and the application of conventional ultrasonic phased array techniques becomes desirable.

Review of ultrasonic irrigation in endodontics: increasing action of irrigating solutions

PubMed Central

Mozo, Sandra; Llena, Carmen

2012-01-01

Introduction: Effective irrigant delivery and agitation are prerequisites for successful endodontic treatment. Ultrasonic irrigation can be performed with or without simultaneous ultrasonic instrumentation. Existing literature reveals that ultrasonic irrigation may have a very positive effect on chemical, biological and physical debridement of the root canal system as investigated in many in vitro studies. Objective: The purpose of this review article was to summarize and discuss the available information concerning ultrasonic irrigation in endodontics. Methods: This article presents an overview of ultrasonic irrigation methods and their debridement efficacy. In this paper the relevant literature on passive ultrasonic irrigation is reviewed. Information from original scientific papers or reviews listed in MEDLINE and Cochrane were included in the review. Results: The use of ultrasound in the irrigation procedure results in improved canal cleanliness, better irrigant transfer to the canal system, soft tissue debridement, and removal of smear layer and bacteria. There are many in vitro studies, but there is a need to standardize protocols, and correlate the clinical efficacy of ultrasonic devices with improved treatment outcomes. Understanding the basis of ultrasonic irrigation is fundamental for clinicians and researchers to improve the design and use of ultrasonic irrigation. Key words:Ultrasonic irrigation, ultrasound, smear layer, endodontics. PMID:22143738

Interactive Network Analytical Tool for Instantaneous Bespoke Interrogation of Food Safety Notifications

PubMed Central

Nepusz, Tamás; Petróczi, Andrea; Naughton, Declan P.

2012-01-01

Background The globalization of food supply necessitates continued advances in regulatory control measures to ensure that citizens enjoy safe and adequate nutrition. The aim of this study was to extend previous reports on network analysis relating to food notifications by including an optional filter by type of notification and in cases of contamination, by type of contaminant in the notified foodstuff. Methodology/Principal Findings A filter function has been applied to enable processing of selected notifications by contaminant or type of notification to i) capture complexity, ii) analyze trends, and iii) identify patterns of reporting activities between countries. The program rapidly assesses nations' roles as transgressor and/or detector for each category of contaminant and for the key class of border rejection. In the open access demonstration version, the majority of notifications in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed were categorized by contaminant type as mycotoxin (50.4%), heavy metals (10.9%) or bacteria (20.3%). Examples are given demonstrating how network analytical approaches complement, and in some cases supersede, descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, which may give limited or potentially misleading information. One key feature is that network analysis takes the relationship between transgressor and detector countries, along with number of reports and impact simultaneously into consideration. Furhermore, the indices that compliment the network maps and reflect each country's transgressor and detector activities allow comparisons to be made between (transgressing vs. detecting) as well as within (e.g. transgressing) activities. Conclusions/significance This further development of the network analysis approach to food safety contributes to a better understanding of the complexity of the effort ensuring food is safe for consumption in the European Union. The unique patterns of the interplay between detectors and transgressors, instantly revealed by our approach, could supplement the intelligence gathered by regulatory authorities and inform risk based sampling protocols. PMID:22530063

Interactive network analytical tool for instantaneous bespoke interrogation of food safety notifications.

PubMed

Nepusz, Tamás; Petróczi, Andrea; Naughton, Declan P

2012-01-01

The globalization of food supply necessitates continued advances in regulatory control measures to ensure that citizens enjoy safe and adequate nutrition. The aim of this study was to extend previous reports on network analysis relating to food notifications by including an optional filter by type of notification and in cases of contamination, by type of contaminant in the notified foodstuff. A filter function has been applied to enable processing of selected notifications by contaminant or type of notification to i) capture complexity, ii) analyze trends, and iii) identify patterns of reporting activities between countries. The program rapidly assesses nations' roles as transgressor and/or detector for each category of contaminant and for the key class of border rejection. In the open access demonstration version, the majority of notifications in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed were categorized by contaminant type as mycotoxin (50.4%), heavy metals (10.9%) or bacteria (20.3%). Examples are given demonstrating how network analytical approaches complement, and in some cases supersede, descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, which may give limited or potentially misleading information. One key feature is that network analysis takes the relationship between transgressor and detector countries, along with number of reports and impact simultaneously into consideration. Furhermore, the indices that compliment the network maps and reflect each country's transgressor and detector activities allow comparisons to be made between (transgressing vs. detecting) as well as within (e.g. transgressing) activities. This further development of the network analysis approach to food safety contributes to a better understanding of the complexity of the effort ensuring food is safe for consumption in the European Union. The unique patterns of the interplay between detectors and transgressors, instantly revealed by our approach, could supplement the intelligence gathered by regulatory authorities and inform risk based sampling protocols.

Debris flow impact estimation on a rigid barrier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vagnon, Federico; Segalini, Andrea

2016-07-01

The aim of this paper is to analyse debris flow impact against rigid and undrained barrier in order to propose a new formulation for the estimation of acting force after the flow impact to safe design protection structures. For this reason, this work concentrates on the flow impact, by performing a series of small scale tests in a specifically created flume. Flow characteristics (flow height and velocity) and applied loads (dynamic and static) on barrier were measured using four ultrasonic devices, four load cells and a contact surface pressure gauge. The results obtained were compared with main existing models and a new equation is proposed. Furthermore, a brief review of the small scale theory was provided to analyse the scale effects that can affect the results.

Using Self-Reliance Factors to Decide How to Share Control Between Human Powered Wheelchair Drivers and Ultrasonic Sensors.

PubMed

Sanders, David A

2017-08-01

A shared-control scheme for a powered wheelchair is presented. The wheelchair can be operated by a wheelchair driver using a joystick, or directed by a sensor system, or control can be combined between them. The wheelchair system can modify direction depending on the local environment. Sharing the control allows a disabled wheelchair driver to drive safely and efficiently. The controller automatically establishes the control gains for the sensor system and the human driver by calculating a self-reliance factor for the wheelchair driver. The sensor system can influence the motion of the wheelchair to compensate for some deficiency in a disabled driver. Practical tests validate the proposed techniques and designs.

Recent advances in neural dust: towards a neural interface platform.

PubMed

Neely, Ryan M; Piech, David K; Santacruz, Samantha R; Maharbiz, Michel M; Carmena, Jose M

2018-06-01

The neural dust platform uses ultrasonic power and communication to enable a scalable, wireless, and batteryless system for interfacing with the nervous system. Ultrasound offers several advantages over alternative wireless approaches, including a safe method for powering and communicating with sub mm-sized devices implanted deep in tissue. Early studies demonstrated that neural dust motes could wirelessly transmit high-fidelity electrophysiological data in vivo, and that theoretically, this system could be miniaturized well below the mm-scale. Future developments are focused on further minimization of the platform, better encapsulation methods as a path towards truly chronic neural interfaces, improved delivery mechanisms, stimulation capabilities, and finally refinements to enable deployment of neural dust in the central nervous system. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Acousto-ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation of materials using laser beam generation and detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huber, Robert D.; Green, Robert E., Jr.; Vary, Alex; Kautz, Harold

1990-01-01

Presented in viewgraph format, the possibility of using laser generation and detection of ultrasound to replace piezoelectric transducers for the acousto-ultrasonic technique is advanced. The advantages and disadvantages of laser acousto-ultrasonics are outlined. Laser acousto-ultrasonics complements standard piezoelectric acousto-ultrasonics and offers non-contact nondestructive evaluation.

Handheld Metal Detector for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Pediatric Emergency.

PubMed

Hamzah, Hazwani Binte; James, Vigil; Manickam, Suraj; Ganapathy, Sashikumar

2018-01-04

Foreign body ingestion is a common problem for which children present to the emergency department. The most common ingested foreign bodies among children are coins. Metal detector is an equipment, which measures a change in inductance of a coil when an electroconductive material is placed near it and produces an audio-visual signal. The present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of HMD in the local Pediatric population. This was a prospective study conducted in the pediatric emergency department among children presenting with history of foreign body ingestion. The outcome measured was presence or absence of metallic foreign body detected on handheld metal detector examination. During the study period, 36 patients with history of foreign body ingestion presented to the emergency department. Among these, 28 were metallic foreign body ingestions. Coins were the most common type of foreign body ingested. Among the metallic foreign bodies ingested, all the coins were accurately identified by the handheld metal detector. Non-coin metallic foreign bodies like metallic screw, needle and stapler pin were not identified by the handheld metal detector. The study demonstrates that handheld metal detector can be safely and reliably used as a screening tool in the process of detecting ingested coins. The plain radiograph still appears to be superior as it accurately localizes sharp metallic objects as well as cell batteries (button batteries) which need to be detected early and removed in order to prevent complications. Handheld metal detector is an effective tool that can be used in the follow up of patients to confirm whether the coin like metallic foreign body has been expelled. Handheld metal detector examination is more sensitive than traditional X-ray examination to detect radiolucent metallic foreign bodies like aluminium.

Range imaging pulsed laser sensor with two-dimensional scanning of transmitted beam and scanless receiver using high-aspect avalanche photodiode array for eye-safe wavelength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuji, Hidenobu; Imaki, Masaharu; Kotake, Nobuki; Hirai, Akihito; Nakaji, Masaharu; Kameyama, Shumpei

2017-03-01

We demonstrate a range imaging pulsed laser sensor with two-dimensional scanning of a transmitted beam and a scanless receiver using a high-aspect avalanche photodiode (APD) array for the eye-safe wavelength. The system achieves a high frame rate and long-range imaging with a relatively simple sensor configuration. We developed a high-aspect APD array for the wavelength of 1.5 μm, a receiver integrated circuit, and a range and intensity detector. By combining these devices, we realized 160×120 pixels range imaging with a frame rate of 8 Hz at a distance of about 50 m.

The locator system for wandering individuals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davidson, Shayla

1992-01-01

Configurations and operation strategies are described for a wanderer locator system based on wireless radio frequency communication designed to monitor elderly patients who may wander beyond safe perimeters in the home or in an institutional setting. The modular components of this wandering notification system are (1) portable transmitter/receivers to be worn or carried by the patient and the caretaker, (2) detectors to be mounted in doorways or other perimeters of a safe area, (3) programmable central processing units to control, communicate with, and/or trace the portable and remote devices, and (4) a cathode ray tube that can display information on patient location or system status. Photographs of all system components and illustrations of operations concepts are included.

Review on the characteristics of radiation detectors for dosimetry and imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seco, Joao; Clasie, Ben; Partridge, Mike

2014-10-01

The enormous advances in the understanding of human anatomy, physiology and pathology in recent decades have led to ever-improving methods of disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Many of these achievements have been enabled, at least in part, by advances in ionizing radiation detectors. Radiology has been transformed by the implementation of multi-slice CT and digital x-ray imaging systems, with silver halide films now largely obsolete for many applications. Nuclear medicine has benefited from more sensitive, faster and higher-resolution detectors delivering ever-higher SPECT and PET image quality. PET/MR systems have been enabled by the development of gamma ray detectors that can operate in high magnetic fields. These huge advances in imaging have enabled equally impressive steps forward in radiotherapy delivery accuracy, with 4DCT, PET and MRI routinely used in treatment planning and online image guidance provided by cone-beam CT. The challenge of ensuring safe, accurate and precise delivery of highly complex radiation fields has also both driven and benefited from advances in radiation detectors. Detector systems have been developed for the measurement of electron, intensity-modulated and modulated arc x-ray, proton and ion beams, and around brachytherapy sources based on a very wide range of technologies. The types of measurement performed are equally wide, encompassing commissioning and quality assurance, reference dosimetry, in vivo dosimetry and personal and environmental monitoring. In this article, we briefly introduce the general physical characteristics and properties that are commonly used to describe the behaviour and performance of both discrete and imaging detectors. The physical principles of operation of calorimeters; ionization and charge detectors; semiconductor, luminescent, scintillating and chemical detectors; and radiochromic and radiographic films are then reviewed and their principle applications discussed. Finally, a general discussion of the application of detectors for x-ray nuclear medicine and ion beam imaging and dosimetry is presented.

Effect of Ultrasonic Frequency on Lactic Acid Fermentation Promotion by Ultrasonic Irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimada, Tadayuki; Ohdaira, Etsuzo; Masuzawa, Nobuyoshi

2004-05-01

The authors have been researching the promotion of lactic acid fermentation by ultrasonic irradiation. In the past research, it was proven that ultrasonic irradiation is effective in the process of fermentation, and the production of yoghurt and kefir was promoted. In this study, the effect of the ultrasonic frequency in this fermentation process was examined. In the frequency range of this study, it was found that the action of fermentation promotion was exponentially proportionate to the irradiated ultrasonic frequency.

[Effects of ultrasonic pretreatment on drying characteristics of sewage sludge].

PubMed

Li, Run-Dong; Yang, Yu-Ting; Li, Yan-Long; Niu, Hui-Chang; Wei, Li-Hong; Sun, Yang; Ke, Xin

2009-11-01

The high water content of sewage sludge has engendered many inconveniences to its treatment and disposal. While ultrasonic takes on unique advantages on the sludge drying because of its high ultrasonic power, mighty penetrating capability and the ability of causing cavitations. Thus this research studies the characteristics influences of ultrasonic bring to the sludge drying and effects of the exposure time, ultrasonic generator power, temperatures of ultrasonic and drying temperature on the drying characteristics of dewatered sludge. Results indicate that ultrasonic pretreatment could speed up evaporation of the free water in sludge surface and help to end the drying stage with constant speed. In addition, ultrasonic treatment can effectively improve the sludge drying efficiency which could be more evident with the rise of the ultrasonic power (100-250 W), ultrasonic temperature and drying temperature. If dried under low temperature such as 105 degrees C, sludge will have premium drying characteristics when radiated under ultrasound for a shorter time such as 3 min. In the end, the ultrasonic treatment is expected to be an effective way to the low-cost sludge drying and also be an important reference to the optimization of the sludge drying process because of its effects on the increase of sludge drying efficiency.

The ultrasonic-enhanced factor of mass-transfer coefficient in the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Benyi; Lu, Yigang

2008-10-01

Based on several hypotheses about the process of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, the onflow around the solute granule is figured out by the Navier-Stocks equation. In combination with the Higbie’s solute infiltration model, the link between the mass-transfer coefficient and the velocity of flow is found. The mass-transfer coefficient with the ultrasonical effect is compared with that without the ultrasonical effect, and then a new parameter named the ultrasonic-enhanced factor of mass-transfer coefficient is brought forward, which describes the mathematical model of the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction process enhanced by ultrasonic. The model gives out the relationships among the ultrasonical power, the ultrasonical frequency, the radius of solute granule and the ultrasonic-enhanced factor of mass-transfer coefficient. The results calculated by this model fit well with the experimental data, including the extraction of Coix Lacryma-jobi Seed Oil (CLSO) and Coix Lacryma-jobi Seed Ester (CLSE) from coix seeds and the extraction of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) from the alga by means of the ultrasonic-enhanced supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (USFE) and the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SFE) respectively. This proves the rationality of the ultrasonic-enhanced factor model. The model provides a theoretical basis for the application of ultrasonic-enhanced supercritical fluid extraction technique.

The development of recent high-power ultrasonic transducers for Near-well ultrasonic processing technology.

PubMed

Wang, Zhenjun; Xu, Yuanming

2017-07-01

With the reduction of crude oil throughout the world, enhance oil recovery technology has become a major oil research topics, which can greatly increase the recovery ratio of the crude oil before the dawning of renewable energy era. Near-well ultrasonic processing technology, as one new method, has attracted more attention for Enhanced Oil Recovery due to its low cost, good applicability and no environmental pollution in recent rears. There are two important relevant aspects about Near-well ultrasonic processing technology: (a) how to enhance the oil flow through the rocks into the pumping pool and (b) how to reduce the oil viscosity so that it can be easier to pump. Therefore, how to design a high-power ultrasonic equipment with excellent performance is crucial for Near-well ultrasonic processing technology. In this paper, recent new high-power ultrasonic transducers for Near-well ultrasonic processing technology are summarized. Each field application of them are also given. The purpose of this paper is to provide reference for the further development of Near-well ultrasonic processing technology. With the reduction of crude oil throughout the world, enhance oil recovery technology has become a major oil research topics, which can greatly increase the recovery ratio of the crude oil before the dawning of renewable energy era. Near-well ultrasonic processing technology, as one new method, has attracted more attention for Enhanced Oil Recovery due to its low cost, good applicability and no environmental pollution in recent rears. There are two important relevant aspects about Near-well ultrasonic processing technology: (a) how to enhance the oil flow through the rocks into the pumping pool and (b) how to reduce the oil viscosity so that it can be easier to pump. Therefore, how to design a high-power ultrasonic equipment with excellent performance is crucial for Near-well ultrasonic processing technology. In this paper, recent new high-power ultrasonic transducers for Near-well ultrasonic processing technology are summarized. Each field application of them are also given. The purpose of this paper is to provide reference for the further development of Near-well ultrasonic processing technology. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Technology And Pregnant Pigs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

One of the interesting things about aerospace spinoff is the way it keeps cropping up in uncommon applications unimaginably remote from the original technology. For example, the pig pregnancy detector. The pig pregnancy detector? City folk may be surprised to learn that there is such a thing-and wonder why. The why is because it is a sow's job to produce piglets and farmers can't afford to keep those who don't; it costs about a half-dollar a day in feed, labor and facilities, and even in small herds that's intolerable. So the barren sow must go. Until recently, the best method of determining pig pregnancy was "eyeballing," daily visual examination over a period of time. The problem with eyeballing is that pregnancy is not evident until well advanced; when there is no pregnancy, the farmer learns too late that he has been feeding a sow that won't give him a litter. Advancing technology provided an answer: the quick, easy-to-use, accurate automatic detector for early evaluation of pregnancy status. Among the most popular of these devices are Scanopreg and Scanoprobe, to whose development NASA technology contributed. Scanopreg is an ultrasonic system which detects pregnancy about 30 days after breeding, long before eyeballing can provide an answer. The companion Scanoprobe is a dual-function unit which not only determines pregnancy but also gives farmers an analysis of a hog's meat-fat ratio, an important factor in breeding. Only a short time on the market, Scanopreg and Scanoprobe have already found wide acceptance among meat producers because they rapidly repay their cost.

Method and means of transmitting and receiving broad-band unipolar, ultrasonic pulses for ultrasonic inspection

DOEpatents

Thompson, D.O.; Hsu, D.K.

1993-12-14

The invention includes a means and method for transmitting and receiving broadband, unipolar, ultrasonic pulses for ultrasonic inspection. The method comprises generating a generally unipolar ultrasonic stress pulse from a low impedance voltage pulse transmitter along a low impedance electrical pathway to an ultrasonic transducer, and receiving the reflected echo of the pulse by the transducer, converting it to a voltage signal, and passing it through a high impedance electrical pathway to an output. The means utilizes electrical components according to the method. The means and method allow a single transducer to be used in a pulse/echo mode, and facilitates alternatingly transmitting and receiving the broadband, unipolar, ultrasonic pulses. 25 figures.

Method and means of transmitting and receiving broad-band unipolar, ultrasonic pulses for ultrasonic inspection

DOEpatents

Thompson, Donald O.; Hsu, David K.

1993-12-14

The invention includes a means and method for transmitting and receiving broadband, unipolar, ultrasonic pulses for ultrasonic inspection. The method comprises generating a generally unipolar ultrasonic stress pulse from a low impedance voltage pulse transmitter along a low impedance electrical pathway to an ultrasonic transducer, and receiving the reflected echo of the pulse by the transducer, converting it to a voltage signal, and passing it through a high impedance electrical pathway to an output. The means utilizes electrical components according to the method. The means and method allow a single transducer to be used in a pulse/echo mode, and facilitates alternatingly transmitting and receiving the broadband, unipolar, ultrasonic pulses.

Method for measuring liquid viscosity and ultrasonic viscometer

DOEpatents

Sheen, Shuh-Haw; Lawrence, William P.; Chien, Hual-Te; Raptis, Apostolos C.

1994-01-01

An ultrasonic viscometer and method for measuring fluid viscosity are provided. Ultrasonic shear and longitudinal waves are generated and coupled to the fluid. Reflections from the generated ultrasonic shear and longitudinal waves are detected. Phase velocity of the fluid is determined responsive to the detected ultrasonic longitudinal waves reflections. Viscosity of the fluid is determined responsive to the detected ultrasonic shear waves reflections. Unique features of the ultrasonic viscometer include the use of a two-interface fluid and air transducer wedge to measure relative signal change and to enable self calibration and the use of a ratio of reflection coefficients for two different frequencies to compensate for environmental changes, such as temperature.

Unified Ultrasonic/Eddy-Current Data Acquisition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chern, E. James; Butler, David W.

1993-01-01

Imaging station for detecting cracks and flaws in solid materials developed combining both ultrasonic C-scan and eddy-current imaging. Incorporation of both techniques into one system eliminates duplication of computers and of mechanical scanners; unifies acquisition, processing, and storage of data; reduces setup time for repetitious ultrasonic and eddy-current scans; and increases efficiency of system. Same mechanical scanner used to maneuver either ultrasonic or eddy-current probe over specimen and acquire point-by-point data. For ultrasonic scanning, probe linked to ultrasonic pulser/receiver circuit card, while, for eddy-current imaging, probe linked to impedance-analyzer circuit card. Both ultrasonic and eddy-current imaging subsystems share same desktop-computer controller, containing dedicated plug-in circuit boards for each.

Ultrasonic Methods for Human Motion Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-01

contacts. The active method utilizes continuous wave ultrasonic Doppler sonar . Human motions have unique Doppler signatures and their combination...The present article reports results of human motion investigations with help of CW ultrasonic Doppler sonar . Low-cost, low-power ultrasonic motion...have been developed for operation in air [10]. Benefits of using ultrasonic CW Doppler sonar included the low-cost, low-electric noise, small size

Effect of acoustic softening on the thermal-mechanical process of ultrasonic welding.

PubMed

Chen, Kunkun; Zhang, Yansong; Wang, Hongze

2017-03-01

Application of ultrasonic energy can reduce the static stress necessary for plastic deformation of metallic materials to reduce forming load and energy, namely acoustic softening effect (ASE). Ultrasonic welding (USW) is a rapid joining process utilizing ultrasonic energy to form a solid state joint between two or more pieces of metals. Quantitative characterization of ASE and its influence on specimen deformation and heat generation is essential to clarify the thermal-mechanical process of ultrasonic welding. In the present work, experiments were set up to found out mechanical behavior of copper and aluminum under combined effect of compression force and ultrasonic energy. Constitutive model was proposed and numerical implemented in finite element model of ultrasonic welding. Thermal-mechanical analysis was put forward to explore the effect of ultrasonic energy on the welding process quantitatively. Conclusions can be drawn that ASE increases structural deformation significantly, which is beneficial for joint formation. Meanwhile, heat generation from both frictional work and plastic deformation is slightly influenced by ASE. Based on the proposed model, relationship between ultrasonic energy and thermal-mechanical behavior of structure during ultrasonic welding was constructed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Artificial Intelligence Assists Ultrasonic Inspection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schaefer, Lloyd A.; Willenberg, James D.

1992-01-01

Subtle indications of flaws extracted from ultrasonic waveforms. Ultrasonic-inspection system uses artificial intelligence to help in identification of hidden flaws in electron-beam-welded castings. System involves application of flaw-classification logic to analysis of ultrasonic waveforms.

Conceptual design and development of GEM based detecting system for tomographic tungsten focused transport monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chernyshova, M.; Czarski, T.; Malinowski, K.; Kowalska-Strzęciwilk, E.; Poźniak, K.; Kasprowicz, G.; Zabołotny, W.; Wojeński, A.; Kolasiński, P.; Mazon, D.; Malard, P.

2015-10-01

Implementing tungsten as a plasma facing material in ITER and future fusion reactors will require effective monitoring of not just its level in the plasma but also its distribution. That can be successfully achieved using detectors based on Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) technology. This work presents the conceptual design of the detecting unit for poloidal tomography to be tested at the WEST project tokamak. The current stage of the development is discussed covering aspects which include detector's spatial dimensions, gas mixtures, window materials and arrangements inside and outside the tokamak ports, details of detector's structure itself and details of the detecting module electronics. It is expected that the detecting unit under development, when implemented, will add to the safe operation of tokamak bringing the creation of sustainable nuclear fusion reactors a step closer. A shorter version of this contribution is due to be published in PoS at: 1st EPS conference on Plasma Diagnostics

Micro-pulse polarization lidar at 1.5  μm using a single superconducting nanowire single-photon detector.

PubMed

Qiu, Jiawei; Xia, Haiyun; Shangguan, Mingjia; Dou, Xiankang; Li, Manyi; Wang, Chong; Shang, Xiang; Lin, Shengfu; Liu, Jianjiang

2017-11-01

An all-fiber, eye-safe and micro-pulse polarization lidar is demonstrated with a polarization-maintaining structure, incorporating a single superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) at 1.5 μm. The time-division multiplexing technique is used to achieve a calibration-free optical layout. A single piece of detector is used to detect the backscatter signals at two orthogonal states in an alternative sequence. Thus, regular calibration of the two detectors in traditional polarization lidars is avoided. The signal-to-noise ratio of the lidar is guaranteed by using an SNSPD, providing high detection efficiency and low dark count noise. The linear depolarization ratio (LDR) of the urban aerosol is observed horizontally over 48 h in Hefei [N31°50'37'', E117°15'54''], when a heavy air pollution is spreading from the north to the central east of China. Phenomena of LDR bursts are detected at a location where a building is under construction. The lidar results show good agreement with the data detected from a sun photometer, a 532 nm visibility lidar, and the weather forecast information.

Innovative Technology Development for Comprehensive Air Quality Characterization from Open Burning

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-01

Burning/Open Detonation (OB/OD) has been used as a safe, effective , and economic way to demilitarize munitions for energetic material disposal. Field...target analyte i (lb/lb i in ordnance) ERDC-CERL Engineer Research Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory GC/FID gas ...chromatograph(y) - flame ionization detector GC/MS gas chromatography/mass spectrometry GPS global positioning system ISO International Organization for

Comparison of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Octenidine Dihydrochloride and Chlorhexidine with and Without Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation - An Invitro Study

PubMed Central

Cherian, Bastin; Manjunath, Mysore Krishnaswamy

2016-01-01

Introduction Elimination of microorganisms from infected root canals is a complicated task. Numerous measures have been described to reduce the microbial load in the root canal system, including the use of various instrumentation techniques, irrigation regimens and intracanal medicaments. The drawbacks of few commonly used irrigants include toxic and harmful side effects, microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents and staining. Hence there is a need for alternative agents which are nontoxic, effective and safe. Aim To compare and evaluate antimicrobial effects of 2% Chlorhexidine (CHX) versus 0.1% Octenidine Dihydrochloride (OCT) as root canal irrigant with and without passive ultrasonic irrigation against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) in vitro and to evaluate the depth of penetration of irrigant solution into the dentinal tubules at the junction of middle and apical third. Materials and Methods Forty eight freshly extracted, single rooted human mandibular premolars were decoronated and root specimen standardized to 14mm. Biofilm of E. faecalis (strain ATCC 29212) was grown for seven days and the specimens were divided into four groups (n=12) based on irrigation protocol : Group I- Conventional Syringe Irrigation (CSI) with 2% CHX, Group II- CSI + 0.1% OCT, Group III-Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI) + 2% CHX and Group IV- PUI+ 0.1% OCT. Dentin shavings were collected at two depths (200μm and 400μm) and total number of colony forming units were determined. The data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA, Scheffes multiple comparison of means and paired t-test (p<0.05). Results Group III and IV (PUI) showed significant difference compared to Group I and II (CSI) both at 200μm and 400μm (p=0.000). For Group III and Group IV no significant differences were found at 200μm and 400μm (p=1.000 and 0.363 respectively), however significant difference was found between data at 200μm and 400μm for all the four groups (p=0.000). Conclusion Octenidine (0.1%) was more effective than 2% Chlorhexidine against E. faecalis both at 200μm and 400μm. Passive ultrasonic irrigation proved to enhance the antimicrobial action of the irrigants. PMID:27504415

Measurement of hydroxyl radical production in ultrasonic aqueous solutions by a novel chemiluminescence method.

PubMed

Hu, Yufei; Zhang, Zhujun; Yang, Chunyan

2008-07-01

Measurement methods for ultrasonic fields are important for reasons of safety. The investigation of an ultrasonic field can be performed by detecting the yield of hydroxyl radicals resulting from ultrasonic cavitations. In this paper, a novel method is introduced for detecting hydroxyl radicals by a chemiluminescence (CL) reaction of luminol-hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-K5[Cu(HIO6)2](DPC). The yield of hydroxyl radicals is calculated directly by the relative CL intensity according to the corresponding concentration of H2O2. This proposed CL method makes it possible to perform an in-line and real-time assay of hydroxyl radicals in an ultrasonic aqueous solution. With flow injection (FI) technology, this novel CL reaction is sensitive enough to detect ultra trace amounts of H2O2 with a limit of detection (3sigma) of 4.1 x 10(-11) mol L(-1). The influences of ultrasonic output power and ultrasonic treatment time on the yield of hydroxyl radicals by an ultrasound generator were also studied. The results indicate that the amount of hydroxyl radicals increases with the increase of ultrasonic output power (< or = 15 W mL(-1)). There is a linear relationship between the time of ultrasonic treatment and the yield of H2O2. The ultrasonic field of an ultrasonic cleaning baths has been measured by calculating the yield of hydroxyl radicals.

Effect of dissolved oxygen level of water on ultrasonic power measured using calorimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchida, Takeyoshi; Yoshioka, Masahiro; Horiuchi, Ryuzo

2018-07-01

Ultrasonic therapeutic equipment, which exposes the human body to high-power ultrasound, is used in clinical practice to treat cancer. However, the safety of high-power ultrasound has been questioned because the equipment affects not only cancer cells but also normal cells. To evaluate the safety of ultrasound, it is necessary to accurately measure the ultrasonic power of the equipment. This is because ultrasonic power is a key quantity related to the thermal hazard of ultrasound. However, precise techniques for measuring ultrasonic power in excess of 15 W are yet to be established. We have been studying calorimetry as a precise measurement technique. In this study, we investigated the effect of the dissolved oxygen (DO) level of water on ultrasonic power by calorimetry. The results show that the measured ultrasonic power differed significantly between water samples of different DO levels. This difference in ultrasonic power arose from acoustic cavitation.

Simulation for Carbon Nanotube Dispersion and Microstructure Formation in CNTs/AZ91D Composite Fabricated by Ultrasonic Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yuansheng; Zhao, Fuze; Feng, Xiaohui

2017-10-01

The dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in AZ91D melt by ultrasonic processing and microstructure formation of CNTs/AZ91D composite were studied using numerical and physical simulations. The sound field and acoustic streaming were predicted using finite element method. Meanwhile, optimal immersion depth of the ultrasonic probe and suitable ultrasonic power were obtained. Single-bubble model was used to predict ultrasonic cavitation in AZ91D melt. The relationship between sound pressure amplitude and ultrasonic cavitation was established. Physical simulations of acoustic streaming and ultrasonic cavitation agreed well with the numerical simulations. It was confirmed that the dispersion of carbon nanotubes was remarkably improved by ultrasonic processing. Microstructure formation of CNTs/AZ91D composite was numerically simulated using cellular automation method. In addition, grain refinement was achieved and the growth of dendrites was changed due to the uniform dispersion of CNTs.

Wire Crimp Connectors Verification using Ultrasonic Inspection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cramer, K. Elliott; Perey, Daniel F.; Yost, William T.

2007-01-01

The development of a new ultrasonic measurement technique to quantitatively assess wire crimp connections is discussed. The amplitude change of a compressional ultrasonic wave propagating through the junction of a crimp connector and wire is shown to correlate with the results of a destructive pull test, which previously has been used to assess crimp wire junction quality. Various crimp junction pathologies (missing wire strands, incorrect wire gauge, incomplete wire insertion in connector) are ultrasonically tested, and their results are correlated with pull tests. Results show that the ultrasonic measurement technique consistently (as evidenced with pull-testing data) predicts good crimps when ultrasonic transmission is above a certain threshold amplitude level. A physics-based model, solved by finite element analysis, describes the compressional ultrasonic wave propagation through the junction during the crimping process. This model is in agreement within 6% of the ultrasonic measurements. A prototype instrument for applying the technique while wire crimps are installed is also presented.

Exploring Remote Rensing Through The Use Of Readily-Available Classroom Technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogers, M. A.

2013-12-01

Frontier geoscience research using remotely-sensed satellite observation routinely requires sophisticated and novel remote sensing techniques to succeed. Describing these techniques in an educational format presents significant challenges to the science educator, especially with regards to the professional development setting where a small, but competent audience has limited instructor contact time to develop the necessary understanding. In this presentation, we describe the use of simple and cheaply available technologies, including ultrasonic transducers, FLIR detectors, and even simple web cameras to provide a tangible analogue to sophisticated remote sensing platforms. We also describe methods of curriculum development that leverages the use of these simple devices to teach the fundamentals of remote sensing, resulting in a deeper and more intuitive understanding of the techniques used in modern remote sensing research. Sample workshop itineraries using these techniques are provided as well.

Methods of measurement for semiconductor materials, process control, and devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bullis, W. M. (Editor)

1972-01-01

Activities directed toward the development of methods of measurement for semiconductor materials, process control, and devices are described. Accomplishments include the determination of the reasons for differences in measurements of transistor delay time, identification of an energy level model for gold-doped silicon, and the finding of evidence that it does not appear to be necessary for an ultrasonic bonding tool to grip the wire and move it across the substrate metallization to make the bond. Work is continuing on measurement of resistivity of semiconductor crystals; study of gold-doped silicon; development of the infrared response technique; evaluation of wire bonds and die attachment; measurement of thermal properties of semiconductor devices, delay time, and related carrier transport properties in junction devices, and noise properties of microwave diodes; and characterization of silicon nuclear radiation detectors.

Labview Interface Concepts Used in NASA Scientific Investigations and Virtual Instruments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Don J.; Parker, Bradford H.; Rapchun, David A.; Jones, Hollis H.; Cao, Wei

2001-01-01

This article provides an overview of several software control applications developed for NASA using LabVIEW. The applications covered here include (1) an Ultrasonic Measurement System for nondestructive evaluation of advanced structural materials, an Xray Spectral Mapping System for characterizing the quality and uniformity of developing photon detector materials, (2) a Life Testing System for these same materials, (3) and the instrument panel for an aircraft mounted Cloud Absorption Radiometer that measures the light scattered by clouds in multiple spectral bands. Many of the software interface concepts employed are explained. Panel layout and block diagram (code) strategies for each application are described. In particular, some of the more unique features of the applications' interfaces and source code are highlighted. This article assumes that the reader has a beginner-to-intermediate understanding of LabVIEW methods.

Frequency and amplitude dependences of molding accuracy in ultrasonic nanoimprint technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mekaru, Harutaka; Takahashi, Masaharu

2009-12-01

We use neither a heater nor ultraviolet lights, and are researching and developing an ultrasonic nanoimprint as a new nano-patterning technology. In our ultrasonic nanoimprint technology, ultrasonic vibration is not used as a heat generator instead of the heater. A mold is connected with an ultrasonic generator, and mold patterns are pushed down and pulled up at a high speed into a thermoplastic. Frictional heat is generated by ultrasonic vibration between mold patterns and thermoplastic patterns formed by an initial contact force. However, because frictional heat occurs locally, the whole mold is not heated. Therefore, a molding material can be comprehensively processed at room temperature. A magnetostriction actuator was built into our ultrasonic nanoimprint system as an ultrasonic generator, and the frequency and amplitude can be changed between dc-10 kHz and 0-4 µm, respectively. First, the ultrasonic nanoimprint was experimented by using this system on polyethylene terephthalate (PET, Tg = 69 °C), whose the glass transition temperature (Tg) is comparatively low in engineering plastics, and it was ascertained that the most suitable elastic material for this technique was an ethyl urethane rubber. In addition, we used a changeable frequency of the magnetostriction actuator, and nano-patterns in an electroformed-Ni mold were transferred to a 0.5 mm thick sheet of PET, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC), which are typical engineering plastics, under variable molding conditions. The frequency and amplitude dependence of ultrasonic vibration to the molding accuracy were investigated by measuring depth and width of imprinted patterns. As a result, regardless of the molding material, the imprinted depth was changed drastically when the frequency exceeded 5 kHz. On the other hand, when the amplitude of ultrasonic vibration grew, the imprinted depth gradually deepened. Influence of the frequency and amplitude of ultrasonic vibration was not observed on the width of imprinted patterns. Moreover, the imprinted depth deepened as the Tg of the molding material lowered, and a progressive change according to conditions of ultrasonic vibration also became remarkable. Therefore, it seems that impressing ultrasonic vibration with a high frequency and large amplitude promotes thermal deformation and improves the molding accuracy in the ultrasonic nanoimprint technology.

The BepiColombo Serena/ELENA instrument: performances and testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orsini, Stefano; De Angelis, Elisabetta; Selci, Stefano; Di Lellis, Andrea; Leoni, Roberto; Rispoli, Rosanna; Colasanti, Luca; Vertolli, Nello; Mura, Alessandro; Milillo, Anna; D'Alessandro, Marco; Mattioli, Francesco; Maschietti, Daniele; Brienza, Daniele; Scheer, Juergen; Wurz, Peter

2013-04-01

The neutral sensor ELENA (Emitted Low-Energy Neutral Atoms) for the ESA cornerstone BepiColombo mission to Mercury (in the SERENA instrument package) is a new kind of low energetic neutral atoms instrument, mostly devoted to sputtering emission from planetary surfaces, from E ~20 eV up to E~5 keV, within 1-D (4.5°x76°). ELENA is a Time of Flight instrument, based on the novel concept of ultra-sonic oscillating shutter as Start section and MCP detector with 32 discrete anodes as a direct Stop section. ELENA will monitor the emission of neutral atoms from the whole surface of Mercury allowing to investigate the interaction between the environment and the planet, the global particle loss-rate and the remote sensing of the surface properties. In particular, surface release processes are investigated by identifying particles release from the surface via solar wind-induced ion sputtering (<1eV - >100 eV) as well as Hydrogen back-scattered at hundreds eV. The results of ELENA performance test, will be presented: the innovative Shutter system (Start section) operating at requested frequencies (around 43kHz), the ion rejection capability of double deflection system, the Stop detector, the electronic boards, the validation test.

Determination of benzimidazole anthelmintics in animal-derived biological matrices.

PubMed

Neri, Bruno; Bidolli, Gentilina; Felli, Marialinda; Cozzani, Roberto

2002-04-01

This paper describes an easy multiresidue procedure for the determination of 8 benzimidazole anthelmintics (Albendazole, Albendazole sulphone, Albendazole sulphoxide, Ox-bendazole, Ossibendazole, p-OH-Fenbendazole, Fenbendazole, Flubendazole) in foodstuffs of animal origin for human consumption. According to the proposed procedure, 10 g of homogenised sample were extracted with acetonitrile in ultrasonic bath, the organic layer was evaporated to dryness and the residue dissolved in HCl 0.005 M. After an initial washing with hexane to remove fats, the aqueous layer was purified on SPE C2 column and the analytes were eluted with methanol, evaporated to dryness and reconstituted with phosphate buffer/acetonitrile (50/50). The solution obtained was analysed by HPLC with diode array detector (DAD); this detector provides useful information about the peaks present in routine samples, because it gains not only retention times of analytes, as well as their UV-spectra. Benzthiazuron was used as internal standard and the method was validated in the range 10-100 ppb, as requested by the imposed limits. The mean recoveries in spiked samples ranged between 70% and 95%, for 10 and 100 ppb respectively. The developed method resulted sensitive, simple and fast. It is particularly suitable for laboratories that execute screening analysis on a great number of samples, observing the EC regulations that establish the benzimidazole Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in food.

Evaluation of Relative Sensitivity of SAW and Flexural Plate Wave Devices for Atmospheric Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, Richard M.; Black, Justin; Chen, Bryan

1998-01-01

The objective of this project is to evaluate the suitability of the ultrasonic flexural plate wave (FPW) device as the detector in a gas chromatograph (GC). Of particular interest is the detection of nitrous oxide (N2O). From experimental results we conclude analyte detection is achieved through two mechanisms: changes in gas density, and mass loading of the device membrane due to the sorption of gas molecules. Reducing the dead volume of the FPW chamber increased the FPW response. A comparison of the FPW response to that of the surface acoustic wave (SAW) detector provided with the GC (made by MSI, Microsensor Technologies, Inc.), shows that for unseparated N2O in N2, the FPW exhibits a sensitivity that is at least 550 times greater than that of the SAW device. A Porapak Q column was found to separate N2O from its carrier gas, N2 or He. With the Porapak Q column, a coated FPW detected 1 ppm N2O in N2 or He, with a response magnitude of 7 Hz. A coated SAW exhibited a response of 25 Hz to pure N2O. The minimal detectable N2O concentrations of the sensors were not evaluated.

Comparison of morphology and phase composition of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles sonochemically synthesized with dual- or single-frequency ultrasonic reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Shi-ting; Yu, Hong; Liu, Di; Bi, Yong-guang

2017-10-01

To investigate how a dual- or single-frequency ultrasonic reactor changes the morphology and phase composition of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHAPs), we designed and constructed the preparation of nHAPs using dual- or single-frequency ultrasonic devices, i.e., the single frequency ultrasonic generator with ultrasonic horn (25 kHz), the ultrasonic bath (40 kHz) and the dual-frequency sonochemical systems combined with the ultrasonic horn and the ultrasonic bath simultaneously (25 + 40 kHz). The results showed that the sonicated samples displayed a more uniform shape with less agglomeration than non-sonicated sample. The rod-shaped particles with 1.66 stoichiometry and without a second phase were synthesized successfully in the ultrasonic bath or horn systems. The nHAPs obtained from the dual-frequency ultrasonic systems exhibited a regular rod-shaped structure with better dispersion and more uniform shapes than those of obtained in either ultrasonic bath or horn systems. Additionally, the size of rod-shaped particles obtained in the dual-frequency ultrasound with a mean width of 35 nm and a mean length of 64 nm was smaller than other samples. A possible mechanism is that the dual-frequency ultrasound significantly enhances the cavitation yield over single frequency ultrasound and thus improves the dispersion of particles and reduces the size of the crystals. In addition, irregular holes can be observed in the nanoparticles obtained in the dual-frequency ultrasound. Therefore, the dual-frequency ultrasonic systems are expected to become a convenient, efficient and environmentally friendly synthetic technology to obtain well-defined nHAPs for specific biomedical applications.

Energy transfer model and its applications of ultrasonic gas flow-meter under static and dynamic flow rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Min; Xu, Ke-Jun; Zhu, Wen-Jiao; Shen, Zi-Wen

2016-01-01

Most of the ultrasonic gas flow-meters measure the gas flow rate by calculating the ultrasonic transmission time difference between the downstream and upstream. Ultrasonic energy attenuation occurs in the processes of the ultrasonic generation, conversion, transmission, and reception. Additionally, at the same time, the gas flow will also affect the ultrasonic propagation during the measurement, which results in the ultrasonic energy attenuation and the offset of ultrasonic propagation path. Thus, the ultrasonic energy received by the transducer is weaker. When the gas flow rate increases, this effect becomes more apparent. It leads to the measurement accuracy reduced, and the measurement range narrowed. An energy transfer model, where the ultrasonic gas flow-meter under without/with the gas flow, is established by adopting the statistical analysis and curve fitting based on a large amount of experimental data. The static sub model without the gas flow expresses the energy conversion efficiency of ultrasonic gas transducers, and the dynamic sub model with the gas flow reflects the energy attenuation pattern following the flow rate variations. The mathematical model can be used to determine the minimum energy of the excitation signal for meeting the requirement of specific measurement range, and predict the maximum measurable flow rate in the case of fixed energy of excitation signal. Based on the above studies, a method to enhance the excitation signal energy is proposed under the output power of the transmitting circuit being a finite value so as to extend the measurement rage of ultrasonic gas flow-meter.

Overview of the ultrasonic instrumentation research in the MYRRHA project

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

Dierckx, M.; Leysen, W.; Van Dyck, D.

The Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK.CEN is in the process of developing MYRRHA, a new generation IV fast flux research reactor to replace the aging BR2. MYRRHA is conceptualized as an accelerator driven system cooled with lead bismuth eutectic mixture (LBE). As LBE is opaque to visual light, ultrasonic measurement techniques are employed as the main technology to provide feedback where needed. This paper we will give an overview of the R and D at SCK.CEN with respect to ultrasonic instrumentation in heavy liquid metals. High temperature ultrasonic transducers are deployed into the reactor to generate and receive the requiredmore » ultrasonic signals. The ultrasonic waves are generated and sensed by means of a piezo-electric disc at the heart of the transducer. The acoustic properties of commonly used piezo-electric materials match rather well with the acoustic properties of heavy liquid metals, simplifying the design and construction of high bandwidth ultrasonic transducers for use in heavy liquid metals. The ultrasonic transducers will operate in a liquid metal environment, where radiation and high temperature limit the choice of materials for construction. Moreover, the high surface tension of the liquid metal hinders proper wetting of the transducer, required for optimal transmission and reception of the ultrasonic waves. In a first part of the paper, we will discuss the effect of these parameters on the performance of the overall ultrasonic system. In the second part of the paper, past, present and future ultrasonic experiments in LBE will be reviewed. We will show the results of an experiment where a transducer is scanned near the free surface of an LBE pool to render ultrasonic images of objects submerged in the heavy liquid metal. Additionally, the preliminary results of an ongoing experiment that measures the evolution of LBE wetting on different types of metals and various surface conditions will be reported. The evolution of wetting is an important parameter to assess the performance of ultrasonic systems that are submerged in LBE over longer time periods. In the last part we will briefly present the overall design of the two main ultrasonic systems that will be deployed in MYRRHA: the ultrasonic fuel identification system and the ultrasonic lost fuel localization system. (authors)« less

Enhancement of ultrasonic disintegration of sewage sludge by aeration.

PubMed

Zhao, He; Zhang, Panyue; Zhang, Guangming; Cheng, Rong

2016-04-01

Sonication is an effective way for sludge disintegration, which can significantly improve the efficiency of anaerobic digestion to reduce and recycle use of sludge. But high energy consumption limits the wide application of sonication. In order to improve ultrasonic sludge disintegration efficiency and reduce energy consumption, aeration was introduced. Results showed that sludge disintegration efficiency was improved significantly by combining aeration with ultrasound. The aeration flow rate, gas bubble size, ultrasonic density and aeration timing had impacts on sludge disintegration efficiency. Aeration that used in later stage of ultrasonic irradiation with low aeration flow rate, small gas bubbles significantly improved ultrasonic disintegration sludge efficiency. At the optimal conditions of 0.4 W/mL ultrasonic irradiation density, 30 mL/min of aeration flow rate, 5 min of aeration in later stage and small gas bubbles, ultrasonic sludge disintegration efficiency was increased by 45% and one third of ultrasonic energy was saved. This approach will greatly benefit the application of ultrasonic sludge disintegration and strongly promote the treatment and recycle of wastewater sludge. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Design of intelligent composites with life-cycle health management capabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosania, Colleen L.; Larrosa, Cecilia C.; Chang, Fu-Kuo

2015-03-01

Use of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) presents challenges because of their complex manufacturing processes and different damage mechanics in relation to legacy metal materials. New monitoring methods for manufacturing, quality verification, damage estimation, and prognosis are needed to use CFRPs safely and efficiently. This work evaluates the development of intelligent composite materials using integrated piezoelectric sensors to monitor the material during cure and throughout service life. These sensors are used to propagate ultrasonic waves through the structure for health monitoring. During manufacturing, data is collected at different stages during the cure cycle, detecting the changing material properties during cure and verifying quality and degree of cure. The same sensors can then be used with previously developed techniques to perform damage detection, such as impact detection and matrix crack density estimation. Real-time damage estimation can be combined with prognostic models to predict future propagation of damage in the material. In this work experimental results will be presented from composite coupons with embedded piezoelectric sensors. Cure monitoring and damage detection results derived from analysis of the ultrasonic sensor signal will be shown. Sensitive signal parameters to the different stimuli in both the time and frequency domains will be explored for this analysis. From these results, use of the same sensor networks from manufacturing throughout the life of the composite material will demonstrate the full life-cycle monitoring capability of these intelligent materials.

Reproducibility of the measurement of central corneal thickness in healthy subjects obtained with the optical low coherence reflectometry pachymeter and comparison with the ultrasonic pachymetry.

PubMed

Garza-Leon, Manuel; Plancarte-Lozano, Eduardo; Valle-Penella, Agustín Del; Guzmán-Martínez, María de Lourdes; Villarreal-González, Andrés

2018-01-01

Corneal pachymetry is widely used for refractive surgery and follow up in keratoconus, accurate measurement is essential for a safe surgery. To assess intraobserver reliability of central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements using optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR) technology and its agreement with ultrasonic pachymeter (US). Randomized and prospective comparative evaluation of diagnostic technology. One randomly healthy eye of subjects was scanned three times with both devices. Intraobserver within-subject standard deviation (Sw), coefficient of variation (CVw) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were obtained for reliability analysis; for study agreement, data were analyzed using the paired-sample t test and the Bland-Altman LoA method. The mean of three scans of each equipment was used to assess the LoA. The study enrolled 30 eyes of 30 subjects with average age of 28.70 ± 8.06 years. For repeatability, the Sw were 3.41 and 5.96 µ, the intraobserver CVw was 2 and 4% and ICC 0.991 and 0.988, for OLCR and US respectively. The mean CCT difference between OLCR and US was 8.90 ± 9.03 µ (95% confidence interval: 5.52-2.27 µ), and the LoA was 35.40 µ. OLCR technology provided reliable intraobserver CCT measurements. Both pachymetry measurements may be used interchangeably with minimum calibration adjustment. Copyright: © 2018 Permanyer.

Residual Stress Measurement and Calibration for A7N01 Aluminum Alloy Welded Joints by Using Longitudinal Critically Refracted ( LCR) Wave Transmission Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Qimeng; Chen, Jia; Gou, Guoqing; Chen, Hui; Li, Peng; Gao, W.

2016-10-01

Residual stress measurement and control are highly important for the safety of structures of high-speed trains, which is critical for the structure design. The longitudinal critically refracted wave technology is the most widely used method in measuring residual stress with ultrasonic method, but its accuracy is strongly related to the test parameters, namely the flight time at the free-stress condition ( t 0), stress coefficient ( K), and initial stress (σ0) of the measured materials. The difference of microstructure in the weld zone, heat affected zone, and base metal (BM) results in the divergence of experimental parameters. However, the majority of researchers use the BM parameters to determine the residual stress in other zones and ignore the initial stress (σ0) in calibration samples. Therefore, the measured residual stress in different zones is often high in errors and may result in the miscalculation of the safe design of important structures. A serious problem in the ultrasonic estimation of residual stresses requires separation between the microstructure and the acoustoelastic effects. In this paper, the effects of initial stress and microstructure on stress coefficient K and flight time t 0 at free-stress conditions have been studied. The residual stress with or without different corrections was investigated. The results indicated that the residual stresses obtained with correction are more accurate for structure design.

Ultrasonic Determination Of Recrystallization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Generazio, Edward R.

1988-01-01

State of recrystallization identified. Measurement of ultrasonic attenuation shows promise as means of detecting recrystallization in metal. Technique applicable to real-time acoustic monitoring of thermomechanical treatments. Starting with work-hardened material, one ultrasonically determines effect of annealing, using correlation between ultrasonic attenuation and temperature.

Modeling of Ultrasonic and Terahertz Radiations in Defective Tiles for Condition Monitoring of Thermal Protection Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-01

different ultrasonic and electromagnetic field modeling problems for NDE (nondestructive evaluation) applications [5- 14]. 2d . Use of the...transient ultrasonic wave propagation using the Distributed Point Source Method”, IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectric and Frequency Control...Cavity”, IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectric and Frequency Control, Vol. 57(6), pp. 1396-1404, 2010. [10] A. Shelke, S. Das and T. Kundu

Analytical Ultrasonics in Materials Research and Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vary, A.

1986-01-01

Research results in analytical ultrasonics for characterizing structural materials from metals and ceramics to composites are presented. General topics covered by the conference included: status and advances in analytical ultrasonics for characterizing material microstructures and mechanical properties; status and prospects for ultrasonic measurements of microdamage, degradation, and underlying morphological factors; status and problems in precision measurements of frequency-dependent velocity and attenuation for materials analysis; procedures and requirements for automated, digital signal acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation; incentives for analytical ultrasonics in materials research and materials processing, testing, and inspection; and examples of progress in ultrasonics for interrelating microstructure, mechanical properites, and dynamic response.

Effects of ultrasonic treatment on amylose-lipid complex formation and properties of sweet potato starch-based films.

PubMed

Liu, Pengfei; Wang, Rui; Kang, Xuemin; Cui, Bo; Yu, Bin

2018-06-01

To investigate the effect of ultrasonic treatment on the properties of sweet potato starch and sweet potato starch-based films, the complexing index, thermograms and diffractograms of the sweet potato starch-lauric acid composite were tested, and light transmission, microstructure, and mechanical and moisture barrier properties of the films were measured. The results indicated that the low power density ultrasound was beneficial to the formation of an inclusion complex. In thermograms, the gelatinization enthalpies of the ultrasonically treated starches were lower than those of the untreated sample. With the ultrasonic amplitude increased from 40% to 70%, the melting enthalpy (ΔH) of the inclusion complex gradually decreased. X-ray diffraction revealed that the diffraction intensity of the untreated samples was weaker than that of the ultrasonically treated samples. When the ultrasonic amplitude was above 40%, the diffraction intensity and relative crystallinity of inclusion complex gradually decreased. The scanning electronic microscope showed that the surface of the composite films became smooth after being treated by ultrasonication. Ultrasonication led to a reduction in film surface roughness under atomic force microscopy analysis. The films with ultrasonic treatment exhibited higher light transmission, lower elongation at break, higher tensile strength and better moisture barrier property than those without ultrasonic treatment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plastic Deformation Behavior of Ti Foil Under Ultrasonic Vibration in Tension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Shaosong; Jia, Yong; Zhang, Hongbin; Du, Zhihao; Lu, Zhen; Zhang, Kaifeng; He, Yushi; Wang, Ruizhuo

2017-04-01

The benefits of ultrasonic vibration auxiliary metal forming have been shown by many studies. In this study, a series of experiments were carried out to investigate the deformation behavior of Ti foils under ultrasonic vibration in tension, and the tensile properties of Ti foils with/without the application of ultrasonic vibration were investigated. Then, the microstructure of different tensile samples was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of the tensile experiments showed that the tensile strength of tensile samples was reduced when ultrasonic vibration was applied, while the elongation of these samples increased. The flow stress increased with increasing strain without applying ultrasonic vibration, while it decreased steeply when the ultrasonic vibration was applied, and this reduction of flow stress demonstrated the effect of acoustic softening on the properties of the material. Additionally, the range of flow stress reduction was inversely proportional to the time for which ultrasonic vibration was applied. The TEM images showed that there were remarkable differences in dislocation distribution and tangles with/without ultrasonic vibration. The dislocation distribution was inhomogeneous, and copious dislocation tangles were discovered without ultrasonic vibration. When it was applied, the parallel re-arrangement of dislocations could be observed and the mass of dislocation tangles was mostly absent.

Paediatric emergency department-based carbon monoxide detector intervention: a randomised trial.

PubMed

McKenzie, Lara B; Roberts, Kristin J; Kaercher, Roxanne M; Collins, Christy L; Comstock, R Dawn; Fernandez, Soledad; Abdel-Rasoul, Mahmoud; Casavant, Marcel J; Mihalov, Leslie

2017-10-01

Although non-fire-related carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is almost entirely preventable, over 400 people die and 20 000 people are injured each year in the USA from unintentional CO poisoning. Thus, there is a critical need for evidence-based interventions for preventing CO poisoning and increasing the proper use and installation of CO detectors. A randomised, controlled trial (Project CODE, a Carbon Monoxide Detector Education intervention) with 2-week and 6-month follow-up home observations was conducted in 299 parents of children aged ≤18 years recruited in the emergency department of a level 1 paediatric trauma centre. The intervention group received an educational tool, a spiral-bound, laminated booklet that resembled a CO detector containing theory-based safety messages based on the precaution adoption process model, a plug-in CO detector and 9 V battery. The control group received a one page flyer on CO poisoning prevention. Although the difference was not statistically significant, mean CO knowledge score increased at a greater rate for the intervention group than the control group. Intervention group parents were more likely to exhibit 'safe' CO detector use than control group parents at the 2-week follow-up (RR: 2.75; 95% CI 2.06 to 3.69) and 6-month follow-up (RR: 2.78; 95% CI 2.06 to 3.76), after adjusting for self-reported CO detector use behaviour at enrolment and annual per capita income. An emergency department-delivered intervention containing a theory-based educational tool paired with a CO detector can be an effective method for increasing knowledge about CO poisoning, for prevention and for appropriate use of a CO detector. NCT00959478. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Micro-Pulse Lidar Signals: Uncertainty Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Welton, Ellsworth J.; Campbell, James R.; Starr, David OC. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Micro-pulse lidar (MPL) systems are small, autonomous, eye-safe lidars used for continuous observations of the vertical distribution of cloud and aerosol layers. Since the construction of the first MPL in 1993, procedures have been developed to correct for various instrument effects present in MPL signals. The primary instrument effects include afterpulse, laser-detector cross-talk, and overlap, poor near-range (less than 6 km) focusing. The accurate correction of both afterpulse and overlap effects are required to study both clouds and aerosols. Furthermore, the outgoing energy of the laser pulses and the statistical uncertainty of the MPL detector must also be correctly determined in order to assess the accuracy of MPL observations. The uncertainties associated with the afterpulse, overlap, pulse energy, detector noise, and all remaining quantities affecting measured MPL signals, are determined in this study. The uncertainties are propagated through the entire MPL correction process to give a net uncertainty on the final corrected MPL signal. The results show that in the near range, the overlap uncertainty dominates. At altitudes above the overlap region, the dominant source of uncertainty is caused by uncertainty in the pulse energy. However, if the laser energy is low, then during mid-day, high solar background levels can significantly reduce the signal-to-noise of the detector. In such a case, the statistical uncertainty of the detector count rate becomes dominant at altitudes above the overlap region.

Determination of Four Major Saponins in Skin and Endosperm of Seeds of Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum L.) Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Positive Confirmation by Thin Layer Chromatography

PubMed Central

Abudayeh, Zead Helmi Mahmoud; Al Azzam, Khaldun Mohammad; Naddaf, Ahmad; Karpiuk, Uliana Vladimirovna; Kislichenko, Viktoria Sergeevna

2015-01-01

Purpose: To separate and quantify four major saponins in the extracts of the skin and the endosperm of seeds of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) using ultrasonic solvent extraction followed by a high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) with positive confirmation by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Methods: The saponins: escin Ia, escin Ib, isoescin Ia and isoescin Ib were extracted using ultrasonic extraction method. The optimized extraction conditions were: 70% methanol as extraction solvent, 80 °C as extraction temperature, and the extraction time was achieved in 4 hours. The HPLC conditions used: Zorbax SB-ODS-(150 mm × 2.1 mm, 3 μm) column, acetonitrile and 0.10% phosphoric acid solution (39:61 v/v) as mobile phase, flow rate was 0.5 mL min−1 at 210 nm and 230 nm detection. The injection volume was 10 μL, and the separation was carried out isothermally at 30 °C in a heated chamber. Results: The results indicated that the developed HPLC method is simple, sensitive and reliable. Moreover, the content of escins in seeds decreased by more than 30% in endosperm and by more than 40% in skin upon storage for two years. Conclusion: This assay can be readily utilized as a quality control method for horse chestnut and other related medicinal plants. PMID:26819933

Ultrasonic Device for Assessing the Quality of a Wire Crimp

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yost, William T. (Inventor); Perey, Daniel F. (Inventor); Cramer, Karl E. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A system for determining the quality of an electrical wire crimp between a wire and ferrule includes an ultrasonically equipped crimp tool (UECT) configured to transmit an ultrasonic acoustic wave through a wire and ferrule, and a signal processor in communication with the UECT. The signal processor includes a signal transmitting module configured to transmit the ultrasonic acoustic wave via an ultrasonic transducer, signal receiving module configured to receive the ultrasonic acoustic wave after it passes through the wire and ferrule, and a signal analysis module configured to identify signal differences between the ultrasonic waves. The signal analysis module is then configured to compare the signal differences attributable to the wire crimp to a baseline, and to provide an output signal if the signal differences deviate from the baseline.

Ultrasonic imaging system for in-process fabric defect detection

DOEpatents

Sheen, Shuh-Haw; Chien, Hual-Te; Lawrence, William P.; Raptis, Apostolos C.

1997-01-01

An ultrasonic method and system are provided for monitoring a fabric to identify a defect. A plurality of ultrasonic transmitters generate ultrasonic waves relative to the fabric. An ultrasonic receiver means responsive to the generated ultrasonic waves from the transmitters receives ultrasonic waves coupled through the fabric and generates a signal. An integrated peak value of the generated signal is applied to a digital signal processor and is digitized. The digitized signal is processed to identify a defect in the fabric. The digitized signal processing includes a median value filtering step to filter out high frequency noise. Then a mean value and standard deviation of the median value filtered signal is calculated. The calculated mean value and standard deviation are compared with predetermined threshold values to identify a defect in the fabric.

Calibration of ultrasonic power output in water, ethanol and sodium polytungstate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mentler, Axel; Schomakers, Jasmin; Kloss, Stefanie; Zechmeister-Boltenstern, Sophie; Schuller, Reinhard; Mayer, Herwig

2017-10-01

Ultrasonic power is the main variable that forms the basis for many soil disaggregation experiments. Thus, a procedure for the rapid determination of this variable has been developed and is described in this article. Calorimetric experiments serve to measure specific heat capacity and ultrasonic power. Ultrasonic power is determined experimentally for deionised water, 30% ethanol and sodium polytungstate with a density of 1.6 g cm-3 and 1.8 g cm-3. All experiments are performed with a pre-selected ultrasonic probe vibration amplitude. Under these conditions, it was found that the emitted ultrasonic power was comparable in the four fluids. It is suggested, however, to perform calibration experiments prior to dispersion experiments, since the used fluid, as well as the employed ultrasonic equipment, may influence the power output.

Ultrasonic and dielectric studies of polymer PDMS composites with ZnO and onion-like carbons nanoinclusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samulionis, V.; Macutkevic, J.; Banys, J.; Belovickis, J.; Shenderova, O.

2015-07-01

The ultrasonic and dielectric temperature investigations were performed in polydi- methylsiloxane (PDMS) with zinc oxide (ZnO) and onion-like carbon (OLC) nanocomposites. In the glass transition region, the ultrasonic velocity dispersion and large ultrasonic attenuation maxima were observed. The positions of ultrasonic attenuation peaks were slightly shifted to higher temperatures after doping PDMS with OLC and ZnO nanoparticles. The ultrasonic relaxation was compared to that of dielectric and such behaviour was described by Vogel- Fulcher law. The upshift of the glass transition temperature with addition of nanoparticles was confirmed by both methods. The additional increase of ultrasonic attenuation in composites doped with OLC and ZnO was observed at room temperature and such behaviour we attributed to ultrasound-nanofiller interaction in polymer matrix.

Synergistic effect of microbubble emulsion and sonic or ultrasonic agitation on endodontic biofilm in vitro.

PubMed

Halford, Andrew; Ohl, Claus-Dieter; Azarpazhooh, Amir; Basrani, Bettina; Friedman, Shimon; Kishen, Anil

2012-11-01

Irrigation dynamics and antibacterial activity determine the efficacy of root canal disinfection. Sonic or ultrasonic agitation of irrigants is expected to improve irrigation dynamics. This study examined the effects of microbubble emulsion (ME) combined with sonic or ultrasonic agitation on irrigation dynamics and reduction of biofilm bacteria within root canal models. Two experiments were conducted. First, high-speed imaging was used to characterize the bubble dynamics generated in ME by sonic or ultrasonic agitation within canals of polymer tooth models. Second, 5.25% NaOCl irrigation or ME was sonically or ultrasonically agitated in canals of extracted teeth with 7-day-grown Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. Dentinal shavings from canal walls were sampled at 1 mm and 3 mm from the apical terminus, and colony-forming units (CFUs) were enumerated. Mean log CFU/mL values were analyzed with analysis of variance and post hoc tests. High-speed imaging demonstrated strongly oscillating and vaporizing bubbles generated within ME during ultrasonic but not sonic agitation. Compared with CFU counts in controls, NaOCl-sonic and NaOCl-ultrasonic yielded significantly lower counts (P < .05) at both measurement levels. ME-sonic yielded significantly lower counts (P = .002) at 3 mm, whereas ME-ultrasonic yielded highly significantly lower counts (P = .000) at both measurement levels. At 3 mm, ME-ultrasonic yielded significantly lower CFU counts (P = .000) than ME-sonic, NaOCl-sonic, and NaOCl-ultrasonic. Enhanced bubble dynamics and reduced E. faecalis biofilm bacteria beyond the level achieved by sonic or ultrasonic agitation of NaOCl suggested a synergistic effect of ME combined with ultrasonic agitation. Copyright © 2012 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessment of a Cavity to Optimize Ultrasonic Efficiency to Remove Intraradicular Posts.

PubMed

Graça, Izabela Araujo Aguiar; Sponchiado Júnior, Emílio Carlos; Marques, André Augusto Franco; de Moura Martins, Leandro; Garrido, Ângela Delfina Bittencourt

2017-08-01

The study assessed an in vitro protocol for the removal of cast metal posts using ultrasonic vibration in multirooted teeth by drilling a cavity in the coronal portion of the post followed by ultrasound application in the cavity. Forty endodontically treated molars received intraradicular cast posts and were divided into 4 groups according to the removal protocol: the control group, no cavity and no ultrasonic vibration; the ultrasonic group, no cavity and ultrasonic vibration in the coronal portion of the core; the cavity group, a cavity in the core and no ultrasonic vibration; and the cavity ultrasonic group, a cavity in the core and ultrasonic vibration inside the cavity. The traction test was performed on all samples using a universal testing machine (EMIC DL-2000; EMIC Equipamentos e Sistemas de Ensaio LTDA, São José dos Pinhais, PR, Brazil) at a speed of 1 mm/min, obtaining values in Newtons. The data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and the Tukey-Kramer test (P < .05). The results showed statistically significant differences between the tested groups (control group = 322.74 N, ultrasonic group = 283.09 N, cavity group = 244.00 N, and cavity ultrasonic group = 237.69 N). The lowest mean strength was found in the group that received ultrasonic vibration inside the cavity. Preparing a cavity in the coronal core followed by ultrasonic vibration reduces the traction force required for removal. The removal protocol was effective for removing posts in multirooted teeth cemented with zinc phosphate. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ultrasonic stir welding process and apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ding, R. Jeffrey (Inventor)

2009-01-01

An ultrasonic stir welding device provides a method and apparatus for elevating the temperature of a work piece utilizing at least one ultrasonic heater. Instead of relying on a rotating shoulder to provide heat to a workpiece an ultrasonic heater is utilized to provide ultrasonic energy to the workpiece. A rotating pin driven by a motor assembly performs the weld on the workpiece. A handheld version can be constructed as well as a fixedly mounted embodiment.

Separation of metal ions in nitrate solution by ultrasonic atomization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Masanori; Ikeno, Masayuki; Fujii, Toshitaka

2004-11-01

In the ultrasonic atomization of metal nitrate solutions, the molar ratio of metal ions is changed between solution and mist. Small molar metal ions tend to be transferred to mist by ultrasonic wave acceleration, while large molar ions tend to remain in solution. As a result, metal ions can be separated by ultrasonic atomization. We show experimental data and propose a conceptual mechanism for the ultrasonic separation of metal ions.

Preliminary study of tin slag concrete mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashim, Mohd Jamil; Mansor, Ishak; Pauzi Ismail, Mohamad; Sani, Suhairy; Azmi, Azhar; Sayuti, Shaharudin; Zaidi Ibrahim, Mohd; Adli Anuar, Abul; Rahim, Abdul Adha Abdul

2018-01-01

The study focuses on practices to facilitate tin smelting industry to reduce radioactive waste product (Tin Slag) by diluting its radioactivity to a safe level and turning it to a safer infrastructural building product. In the process the concrete mix which include Portland cement, sand, tin slag, water and plasticizer are used to produce interlocking brick pavements, piles and other infrastructural products. The mixing method follows DOE (UK) standard method of mixing targeted at in selected compressive strength suitable for its function and durability. A batching machine is used in the mixing and six test cubes are produced for the test. The testing equipment used are a compressional machine, ultrasonic measurement and a Geiger Muller counter to evaluate of the concrete mix to find the lowest emission of radiation surface dose without compromising the strength of concrete mix. The result obtained indicated the radioactivity of tin slag in the mixing process has reduced to background level that is 0.5μSv/h while the strength and workability of the concrete has not been severely affected. In conclusion, the concrete mix with tin slag has shown the potential it can be turned into a safe beneficial infrastructural product with good strength.

21 CFR 884.2660 - Fetal ultrasonic monitor and accessories.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Fetal ultrasonic monitor and accessories. 884.2660... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES OBSTETRICAL AND GYNECOLOGICAL DEVICES Obstetrical and Gynecological Monitoring Devices § 884.2660 Fetal ultrasonic monitor and accessories. (a) Identification. A fetal ultrasonic...

21 CFR 884.2660 - Fetal ultrasonic monitor and accessories.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Fetal ultrasonic monitor and accessories. 884.2660... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES OBSTETRICAL AND GYNECOLOGICAL DEVICES Obstetrical and Gynecological Monitoring Devices § 884.2660 Fetal ultrasonic monitor and accessories. (a) Identification. A fetal ultrasonic...

21 CFR 884.2660 - Fetal ultrasonic monitor and accessories.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Fetal ultrasonic monitor and accessories. 884.2660... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES OBSTETRICAL AND GYNECOLOGICAL DEVICES Obstetrical and Gynecological Monitoring Devices § 884.2660 Fetal ultrasonic monitor and accessories. (a) Identification. A fetal ultrasonic...

21 CFR 872.4850 - Ultrasonic scaler.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Surgical Devices § 872.4850 Ultrasonic scaler. (a) Identification. An ultrasonic scaler is a device intended for use during dental cleaning and periodontal (gum) therapy to remove calculus deposits from teeth by application of an ultrasonic vibrating scaler tip to the teeth. (b...

21 CFR 892.1570 - Diagnostic ultrasonic transducer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Diagnostic ultrasonic transducer. 892.1570 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES RADIOLOGY DEVICES Diagnostic Devices § 892.1570 Diagnostic ultrasonic transducer. (a) Identification. A diagnostic ultrasonic transducer is a device made of a piezoelectric material...

21 CFR 872.4850 - Ultrasonic scaler.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Surgical Devices § 872.4850 Ultrasonic scaler. (a) Identification. An ultrasonic scaler is a device intended for use during dental cleaning and periodontal (gum) therapy to remove calculus deposits from teeth by application of an ultrasonic vibrating scaler tip to the teeth. (b...

21 CFR 872.4850 - Ultrasonic scaler.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Surgical Devices § 872.4850 Ultrasonic scaler. (a) Identification. An ultrasonic scaler is a device intended for use during dental cleaning and periodontal (gum) therapy to remove calculus deposits from teeth by application of an ultrasonic vibrating scaler tip to the teeth. (b...

21 CFR 872.4850 - Ultrasonic scaler.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Surgical Devices § 872.4850 Ultrasonic scaler. (a) Identification. An ultrasonic scaler is a device intended for use during dental cleaning and periodontal (gum) therapy to remove calculus deposits from teeth by application of an ultrasonic vibrating scaler tip to the teeth. (b...

21 CFR 872.4850 - Ultrasonic scaler.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Surgical Devices § 872.4850 Ultrasonic scaler. (a) Identification. An ultrasonic scaler is a device intended for use during dental cleaning and periodontal (gum) therapy to remove calculus deposits from teeth by application of an ultrasonic vibrating scaler tip to the teeth. (b...

Effect of Ultrasonic Melt Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 35CrMo Steel Casting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Chen; Li, Fan; Liang, Gen; Mao, Daheng

2018-01-01

Effects of different power ultrasonic on microstructure and mechanical properties of 35CrMo steel casting were investigated using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hardness testing. A self-developed experiment apparatus was used for the propagation of ultrasonic vibration into the 35CrMo steel melt to carry out ultrasonic treatment. The experimental results showed that compared to the traditional casting, ultrasonic treatment can obviously change the solidification microstructure of 35CrMo steel, which is changed from coarse dendrites to fined dendrites or equiaxed grains. With the increase of ultrasonic power, equiaxed crystal is remarkably refined and its area is broadened. The micro porosity percentage of ingot casting decreases significantly and the porosity defects can be suppressed under ultrasonic treatment. The mechanical properties of 35CrMo steel ingot after heat treatment were enhanced by ultrasonic treatment: the maximum tensile strength is improved by 8.4% and the maximum elongation increased by 1.5 times.

Lithium niobate ultrasonic transducer design for Enhanced Oil Recovery.

PubMed

Wang, Zhenjun; Xu, Yuanming; Gu, Yuting

2015-11-01

Due to the strong piezoelectric effect possessed by lithium niobate, a new idea that uses lithium niobate to design high-power ultrasonic transducer for Enhanced Oil Recovery technology is proposed. The purpose of this paper is to lay the foundation for the further research and development of high-power ultrasonic oil production technique. The main contents of this paper are as follows: firstly, structure design technique and application of a new high-power ultrasonic transducer are introduced; secondly, the experiment for reducing the viscosity of super heavy oil by this transducer is done, the optimum ultrasonic parameters for reducing the viscosity of super heavy oil are given. Experimental results show that heavy large molecules in super heavy oil can be cracked into light hydrocarbon substances under strong cavitation effect caused by high-intensity ultrasonic wave. Experiment proves that it is indeed feasible to design high-power ultrasonic transducer for ultrasonic oil production technology using lithium niobate. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Use of Ultrasonic Energy in Assessing Microbial Contamination on Surfaces

PubMed Central

Puleo, John R.; Favero, Martin S.; Petersen, Norman J.

1967-01-01

Ultrasonic tanks were evaluated for their ability to remove viable microorganisms from various surfaces for subsequent enumeration. Test surfaces were polished stainless steel, smooth glass, frosted glass, and electronic components. The position of contaminated surfaces in relation to the ultrasonic energy source, distance of the ultrasonic source from the test surfaces, and temperature of the rinse fluid were some of the factors which influenced recovery. Experimental systems included both naturally occurring microbial contamination and artificial contamination with spores of Bacillus subtilis var. niger. The results showed that ultrasonic energy was more reliable and efficient than mechanical agitation for recovering surface contaminants. Conditions which increased the number and percentage of microorganisms recovered by ultrasonic energy were: using a cold rinse fluid, placing the sample bottle on the bottom of the ultrasonic tank, and facing the contaminated surfaces toward the energy source. It was also demonstrated that ultrasonic energy could be effectively used for eluting microorganisms from cotton swabs. PMID:16349743

Ultrasonic inspection of rocket fuel model using laminated transducer and multi-channel step pulser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mihara, T.; Hamajima, T.; Tashiro, H.; Sato, A.

2013-01-01

For the ultrasonic inspection for the packing of solid fuel in a rocket booster, an industrial inspection is difficult. Because the signal to noise ratio in ultrasonic inspection of rocket fuel become worse due to the large attenuation even using lower frequency ultrasound. For the improvement of this problem, we tried to applied the two techniques in ultrasonic inspection, one was the step function pulser system with the super wideband frequency properties and the other was the laminated element transducer. By combining these two techniques, we developed the new ultrasonic measurement system and demonstrated the advantages in ultrasonic inspection of rocket fuel model specimen.

Welding apparatus and methods for using ultrasonic sensing

DOEpatents

McJunkin, Timothy R.; Johnson, John A.; Larsen, Eric D.; Smartt, Herschel B.

2006-08-22

A welding apparatus using ultrasonic sensing is described and which includes a movable welder having a selectively adjustable welding head for forming a partially completed weld in a weld seam defined between adjoining metal substrates; an ultrasonic assembly borne by the moveable welder and which is operable to generate an ultrasonic signal which is directed toward the partially completed weld, and is further reflected from same; and a controller electrically coupled with the ultrasonic assembly and controllably coupled with the welding head, and wherein the controller receives information regarding the ultrasonic signal and in response to the information optimally positions the welding head relative to the weld seam.

Finite Element Simulation of the Shear Effect of Ultrasonic on Heat Exchanger Descaling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Shaolv; Wang, Zhihua; Wang, Hehui

2018-03-01

The shear effect on the interface of metal plate and its attached scale is an important mechanism of ultrasonic descaling, which is caused by the different propagation speed of ultrasonic wave in two different mediums. The propagating of ultrasonic wave on the shell is simulated based on the ANSYS/LS-DYNA explicit dynamic analysis. The distribution of shear stress in different paths under ultrasonic vibration is obtained through the finite element analysis and it reveals the main descaling mechanism of shear effect. The simulation result is helpful and enlightening to the reasonable design and the application of the ultrasonic scaling technology on heat exchanger.

Research on ultrasonic excitation for the removal of drilling fluid plug, paraffin deposition plug, polymer plug and inorganic scale plug for near-well ultrasonic processing technology.

PubMed

Wang, Zhenjun; Zeng, Jing; Song, Hao; Li, Feng

2017-05-01

Near-well ultrasonic processing technology attracts more attention due to its simple operation, high adaptability, low cost and no pollution to the formation. Although this technology has been investigated in detail through laboratory experiments and field tests, systematic and intensive researches are absent for certain major aspects, such as whether ultrasonic excitation is better than chemical agent for any plugs removal; whether ultrasound-chemical combination plug removal technology has the best plugs removal effect. In this paper, the comparison of removing drilling fluid plug, paraffin deposition plug, polymer plug and inorganic scale plug using ultrasonic excitation, chemical agent and ultrasound-chemical combination plug removal technology is investigated. Results show that the initial core permeability and ultrasonic frequency play a significant role in plug removal. Ultrasonic excitation and chemical agent have different impact on different plugs. The comparison results show that the effect of removing any plugs using ultrasound-chemicals composite plug removal technology is obviously better than that using ultrasonic excitation or chemical agent alone. Such conclusion proves that ultrasonic excitation and chemical agent can cause synergetic effects. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Are ultrasound-guided ophthalmic blocks injurious to the eye? A comparative rabbit model study of two ultrasound devices evaluating intraorbital thermal and structural changes.

PubMed

Palte, Howard D; Gayer, Steven; Arrieta, Esdras; Scot Shaw, Eric; Nose, Izuru; Lee, Elizabete; Arheart, Kristopher L; Dubovy, Sander; Birnbach, David J; Parel, Jean-Marie

2012-07-01

Since Atkinson's original description of retrobulbar block in 1936, needle-based anesthetic techniques have become integral to ophthalmic anesthesia. These techniques are unfortunately associated with rare, grave complications such as globe perforation. Ultrasound has gained widespread acceptance for peripheral nerve blockade, but its translation to ocular anesthesia has been hampered because sonic energy, in the guise of thermal or biomechanical insult, is potentially injurious to vulnerable eye tissue. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has defined guidelines for safe use of ultrasound for ophthalmic examination, but most ultrasound devices used by anesthesiologists are not FDA-approved for ocular application because they generate excessive energy. Regulating agencies state that ultrasound examinations can be safely undertaken as long as tissue temperatures do not increase >1.5°C above physiological levels. Using a rabbit model, we investigated the thermal and mechanical ocular effects after prolonged ultrasonic exposure to single orbital- and nonorbital-rated devices. In a dual-phase study, aimed at detecting ocular injury, the eyes of 8 rabbits were exposed to continuous 10-minute ultrasound examinations from 2 devices: (1) the Sonosite Micromaxx (nonorbital rated) and (2) the Sonomed VuMax (orbital rated) machines. In phase I, temperatures were continuously monitored via thermocouples implanted within specific eye structures (n = 4). In phase II the eyes were subjected to ultrasonic exposure without surgical intervention (n = 4). All eyes underwent light microscopy examinations, followed at different intervals by histology evaluations conducted by an ophthalmic pathologist. Temperature changes were monitored in the eyes of 4 rabbits. The nonorbital-rated transducer produced increases in ocular tissue temperature that surpassed the safe limit (increases >1.5°C) in the lens of 3 rabbits (at 5.0, 5.5, and 1.5 minutes) and cornea of 2 rabbits (both at 1.5 minutes). A secondary analysis of temporal temperature differences between the orbital-rated and nonorbital transducers revealed statistically significant differences (Bonferroni-adjusted P < 0.05) in the cornea at 3.5 minutes, the lens at 2.5 minutes, and the vitreous at 4.0 minutes. Light microscopy and histology failed to elicit ocular injury in either group. The nonorbital-rated ultrasound machine (Sonosite Micromaxx) increases the ocular tissue temperature. A larger study is needed to establish safety. Until then, ophthalmic ultrasound-guided blocks should only be performed with ocular-rated devices.

Are Ultrasound-Guided Ophthalmic Blocks Injurious to the Eye? A Comparative Rabbit Model Study of Two Ultrasound Devices Evaluating Intraorbital Thermal and Structural Changes

PubMed Central

Palte, Howard D.; Gayer, Steven; Arrieta, Esdras; Shaw, Eric Scot; Nose, Izuru; Lee, Elizabete; Arheart, Kristopher L.; Dubovy, Sander; Birnbach, David J.; Parel, Jean-Marie

2012-01-01

Background Since Atkinson’s original description of retrobulbar block in 1936, needle-based anesthetic techniques have become integral to ophthalmic anesthesia. These techniques are unfortunately associated with rare, grave complications such as globe perforation. Ultrasound has gained widespread acceptance for peripheral nerve blockade but its translation to ocular anesthesia has been hampered because sonic energy, in the guise of thermal or biomechanical insult, is potentially injurious to vulnerable eye tissue. The United States Food and Drug Administration have defined guidelines for safe use of ultrasound for ophthalmic examination but most ultrasound devices used by anesthesiologists are not Food and Drug Administration-approved for ocular application because they generate excessive energy. Regulating agencies state that ultrasound examination can be safely undertaken as long as tissue temperatures do not increase >1.5°C above physiological levels. Methods Using a rabbit model, we investigated the thermal and mechanical ocular effects after prolonged ultrasonic exposure to single orbital and non-orbital-rated devices. In a dual-phase study, aimed at detecting ocular injury, the eyes of 8 rabbits were exposed to continuous 10-minute ultrasound examinations from two devices: 1) the Sonosite Micromaxx (non-orbital-rated) and 2) the Sonomed VuMax (orbital-rated) machines. In Phase I temperatures were continuously monitored via thermocouples implanted within specific eye structures (n=4). In Phase II the eyes were subjected to ultrasonic exposure without surgical intervention (n=4). All eyes underwent light microscopy examinations followed, at different intervals, by histology evaluations conducted by an ophthalmic pathologist. Results Temperature changes were monitored in the eyes of four rabbits. The non-orbital-rated transducer produced increases in ocular tissue temperature that surpassed the safe limit (increases> 1.50C ) in the lens of three rabbits (at 5.0, 5.5 and 1.5 minutes) and cornea of two rabbits (both at 1.5 minutes). A secondary analysis of temporal temperature differences between the orbital-rated and non-orbital transducers revealed statistically significant differences (Bonferroni-adjusted p < 0.05) in the cornea at 3.5 minutes, the lens at 2.5 minutes and the vitreous at 4.0 minutes. Light microscopy and histology failed to elicit ocular injury in either group. Conclusions The non-orbital-rated ultrasound machine (Sonosite Micromaxx) increases the ocular tissue temperature. A larger study is needed to establish safety. Until then, ophthalmic blocks performed with ultrasound should be performed only with ocular-rated devices. PMID:22504211

Ultrasonic evaluation of the neonatal brain.

PubMed

Johnson, M L; Rumack, C M

1980-04-01

Ultrasound examination of the infant brain has been performed in selected medical centers for many years. However, the equipment necessary for obtaining satisfactory visualization of the brain has only recently become commercially available. Currently, ultrasonography is an excellent, noninvasive, inexpensive, rapid, and safe imaging modality for the evaluation of hydrocephalus and other pathologic conditions of the neonatal brain. Ventricular size can often be evaluated in infants up to two or three years of age, but a detailed image of the brain parenchyma becomes more difficult to obtain in a term infant after the first two to three months of life. With the use of the water path and high resolution, real-time systems and with the delineation of structures by multiple projections, (axial, coronal, sagittal and occipital), complex abnormalities may be delineated.

Propogation loss with frequency of ultrasound guided waves in a composite metal-honeycomb structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saxena, Indu F.; Baid, Harsh K.; Guzman, Narciso; Kempen, Lothar U.; Mal, Ajit

2009-05-01

Non-destructive testing of critical structural components is time consuming, while necessary for maintaining safe operation. Large aerospace structures, such as the vertical stabilizers of aircraft undergo inspection at regular intervals for damage diagnostics. However, conventional techniques for damage detection and identification before repair can be scheduled are conducted off-line and therefore can take weeks. The use of guided ultrasound waves is being investigated to expedite damage detection in composites. We measure the frequency dependent loss of ultrasonic guided waves for a structure comprising a boron-nitride composite skin sandwiching an aluminum honeycomb. A wide range of ultrasound frequencies propagate as measured using PZTs, with the lowest attenuation observed about 200-250 kHz. These measurements are confirmed using optical fiber Bragg grating arrays used as ultrasound transducers.

High temperature pressure coupled ultrasonic waveguide

DOEpatents

Caines, Michael J.

1983-01-01

A pressure coupled ultrasonic waveguide is provided to which one end may be attached a transducer and at the other end a high temperature material for continuous ultrasonic testing of the material. The ultrasonic signal is coupled from the waveguide into the material through a thin, dry copper foil.

High-temperature pressure-coupled ultrasonic waveguide

DOEpatents

Caines, M.J.

1981-02-11

A pressure coupled ultrasonic waveguide is provided to which one end may be attached a transducer and at the other end a high temperature material for continuous ultrasonic testing of the material. The ultrasonic signal is coupled from the waveguide into the material through a thin, dry copper foil.

Out-of-plane ultrasonic velocity measurement

DOEpatents

Hall, M.S.; Brodeur, P.H.; Jackson, T.G.

1998-07-14

A method for improving the accuracy of measuring the velocity and time of flight of ultrasonic signals through moving web-like materials such as paper, paperboard and the like, includes a pair of ultrasonic transducers disposed on opposing sides of a moving web-like material. In order to provide acoustical coupling between the transducers and the web-like material, the transducers are disposed in fluid-filled wheels. Errors due to variances in the wheel thicknesses about their circumference which can affect time of flight measurements and ultimately the mechanical property being tested are compensated by averaging the ultrasonic signals for a predetermined number of revolutions. The invention further includes a method for compensating for errors resulting from the digitization of the ultrasonic signals. More particularly, the invention includes a method for eliminating errors known as trigger jitter inherent with digitizing oscilloscopes used to digitize the signals for manipulation by a digital computer. In particular, rather than cross-correlate ultrasonic signals taken during different sample periods as is known in the art in order to determine the time of flight of the ultrasonic signal through the moving web, a pulse echo box is provided to enable cross-correlation of predetermined transmitted ultrasonic signals with predetermined reflected ultrasonic or echo signals during the sample period. By cross-correlating ultrasonic signals in the same sample period, the error associated with trigger jitter is eliminated. 20 figs.

Out-of-plane ultrasonic velocity measurement

DOEpatents

Hall, Maclin S.; Brodeur, Pierre H.; Jackson, Theodore G.

1998-01-01

A method for improving the accuracy of measuring the velocity and time of flight of ultrasonic signals through moving web-like materials such as paper, paperboard and the like, includes a pair of ultrasonic transducers disposed on opposing sides of a moving web-like material. In order to provide acoustical coupling between the transducers and the web-like material, the transducers are disposed in fluid-filled wheels. Errors due to variances in the wheel thicknesses about their circumference which can affect time of flight measurements and ultimately the mechanical property being tested are compensated by averaging the ultrasonic signals for a predetermined number of revolutions. The invention further includes a method for compensating for errors resulting from the digitization of the ultrasonic signals. More particularly, the invention includes a method for eliminating errors known as trigger jitter inherent with digitizing oscilloscopes used to digitize the signals for manipulation by a digital computer. In particular, rather than cross-correlate ultrasonic signals taken during different sample periods as is known in the art in order to determine the time of flight of the ultrasonic signal through the moving web, a pulse echo box is provided to enable cross-correlation of predetermined transmitted ultrasonic signals with predetermined reflected ultrasonic or echo signals during the sample period. By cross-correlating ultrasonic signals in the same sample period, the error associated with trigger jitter is eliminated.

Combined alkaline and ultrasonic pretreatment of sludge before aerobic digestion.

PubMed

Jin, Yiying; Li, Huan; Mahar, Rasool Bux; Wang, Zhiyu; Nie, Yongfeng

2009-01-01

Alkaline and ultrasonic sludge disintegration can be used as the pretreatment of waste activated sludge (WAS) to promote the subsequent anaerobic or aerobic digestion. In this study, different combinations of these two methods were investigated. The evaluation was based on the quantity of soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) in the pretreated sludge as well as the degradation of organic matter in the subsequent aerobic digestion. For WAS samples with combined pretreatment, the released COD levels were higher than those with ultrasonic or alkaline pretreatment alone. When combined with the ultrasonic treatment, NaOH treatment was more efficient than Ca(OH)2 for WAS solubilization. The COD levels released in various sequential options of combined NaOH and ultrasonic treatments were in the the following descending order: simultaneous treatment > NaOH treatment followed by ultrasonic treatment > ultrasonic treatment followed by NaOH treatment. For simultaneous treatment, low NaOH dosage (100 g/kg dry solid), short duration (30 min) of NaOH treatment, and low ultrasonic specific energy (7500 kJ/kg dry solid) were suitable for sludge disintegration. Using combined NaOH and ultrasonic pretreatment with optimal parameters, the degradation efficiency of organic matter was increased from 38.0% to 50.7%, which is much higher than that with ultrasonic (42.5%) or with NaOH pretreatment (43.5%) in the subsequent aerobic digestion at the same retention time.

Local defect resonance for sensitive non-destructive testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adebahr, W.; Solodov, I.; Rahammer, M.; Gulnizkij, N.; Kreutzbruck, M.

2016-02-01

Ultrasonic wave-defect interaction is a background of ultrasound activated techniques for imaging and non-destructive testing (NDT) of materials and industrial components. The interaction, primarily, results in acoustic response of a defect which provides attenuation and scattering of ultrasound used as an indicator of defects in conventional ultrasonic NDT. The derivative ultrasonic-induced effects include e.g. nonlinear, thermal, acousto-optic, etc. responses also applied for NDT and defect imaging. These secondary effects are normally relatively inefficient so that the corresponding NDT techniques require an elevated acoustic power and stand out from conventional ultrasonic NDT counterparts for their specific instrumentation particularly adapted to high-power ultrasonic. In this paper, a consistent way to enhance ultrasonic, optical and thermal defect responses and thus to reduce an ultrasonic power required is suggested by using selective ultrasonic activation of defects based on the concept of local defect resonance (LDR). A strong increase in vibration amplitude at LDR enables to reliably detect and visualize the defect as soon as the driving ultrasonic frequency is matched to the LDR frequency. This also provides a high frequency selectivity of the LDR-based imaging, i.e. an opportunity of detecting a certain defect among a multitude of other defects in material. Some examples are shown how to use LDR in non-destructive testing techniques, like vibrometry, ultrasonic thermography and shearography in order to enhance the sensitivity of defect visualization.

Ultrasonic Linear Motor with Two Independent Vibrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muneishi, Takeshi; Tomikawa, Yoshiro

2004-09-01

We propose a new structure of an ultrasonic linear motor in order to solve the problems of high-power ultrasonic linear motors that drive the XY-stage for electron beam equipment and to expand the application fields of the motor. We pay special attention to the following three points: (1) the vibration in two directions of the ultrasonic linear motor should not influence mutually each other, (2) the vibration in two directions should be divided into the stage traveling direction and the pressing direction of the ultrasonic linear motor, and (3) the rigidity of the stage traveling direction of the ultrasonic linear motor should be increased. As a result, the supporting method of ultrasonic linear motors is simplified. The efficiency of the motor is improved and temperature rise is reduced. The stage position drift is also improved.

Relation between hardness and ultrasonic velocity on pipeline steel welded joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carreón, H.; Barrera, G.; Natividad, C.; Salazar, M.; Contreras, A.

2016-04-01

In general, the ultrasonic techniques have been used to determine the mechanical properties of materials based on their relationship with metallurgical characteristics. In this research work, the relationship between ultrasonic wave velocity, hardness and the microstructure of steel pipeline welded joints is investigated. Measurements of ultrasonic wave velocity were made as a function of the location across the weld. Hardness measurements were performed in an attempt to correlate with ultrasonic response. In addition, the coarse and dendritic grain structure of the weld material is extreme and unpredictably anisotropic. Thus, due to the acoustic anisotropy of the crystal, weld material of studied joints is anisotropic too. Such structure is no longer direction-independent to the ultrasonic wave propagation; therefore, the ultrasonic beam deflects and redirects and the wave front becomes distorted. Thus, the use of conventional ultrasonic testing techniques using fixed beam angles is very limited and the application of conventional ultrasonic phased array techniques becomes desirable. This technique is proposed to assist pipeline operators in estimating the hardness through ultrasonic measures to evaluate the susceptibility to stress sulphide cracking and hydrogen-induced cracking due to hard spots in steel pipeline welded joints in service. Sound wave velocity and hardness measurements have been carried out on a steel welded joint. For each section of the welding, weld bead, fusion zone, heat affected zone and base metal were found to correspond particular values of the ultrasound velocity. These results were correlated with electron microscopy observations of the microstructure and sectorial scan view of welded joints by ultrasonic phased array.

Full-field ultrasonic inspection for a composite sandwich plate skin-core debonding detection using laser-based ultrasonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chong, See Yenn; Victor, Jared J.; Todd, Michael D.

2017-04-01

In this paper, a full-field ultrasonic guided wave method is proposed to inspect a composite sandwich specimen made for an aircraft engine nacelle. The back skin/core interface of the specimen is built with two fabricated disbond defects (diameters of 12.7 mm and 25.4 mm) by removing areas of the adhesive used to bond the back skin to the core. A laser ultrasonic interrogation system (LUIS) incorporated with a disbond detection algorithm is developed. The system consists of a 1-kHz laser ultrasonic scanning system and a single fixed ultrasonic sensor to interrogate ultrasonic guided waves in the sandwich specimen. The interest area of 400 mm × 400 mm is scanned at a 0.5 mm scan interval. The corresponding full-field ultrasonic data is obtained and generated in the three-dimensional (3-D) space-time domain. Then, the 3-D full-field ultrasonic data is Fourier transformed and the ultrasonic frequency spectra are analyzed to determine the dominant frequency that is sensitive to the disbond defects. Continuous wavelet transform (CWT) based on fast Fourier transform (FFT) is implemented as a single-frequency bandpass filter to filter the full-field ultrasonic data in the 3-D space-time domain at the selected dominant frequency. The LUIS has shown the ability to detect the disbond with diameters of 11 mm and 23 mm which match to the pre-determined disbond sizes well. For future research, a robust signal processing algorithm and a model-based matched filter will be investigated to make the detection process autonomous and improve detectability

21 CFR 868.2025 - Ultrasonic air embolism monitor.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Ultrasonic air embolism monitor. 868.2025 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Monitoring Devices § 868.2025 Ultrasonic air embolism monitor. (a) Identification. An ultrasonic air embolism monitor is a device used to detect air bubbles in...

21 CFR 868.2025 - Ultrasonic air embolism monitor.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Ultrasonic air embolism monitor. 868.2025 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Monitoring Devices § 868.2025 Ultrasonic air embolism monitor. (a) Identification. An ultrasonic air embolism monitor is a device used to detect air bubbles in...

21 CFR 868.2025 - Ultrasonic air embolism monitor.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Ultrasonic air embolism monitor. 868.2025 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Monitoring Devices § 868.2025 Ultrasonic air embolism monitor. (a) Identification. An ultrasonic air embolism monitor is a device used to detect air bubbles in...

Ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation, microstructure, and mechanical property interrelations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vary, A.

1984-01-01

Ultrasonic techniques for mechanical property characterizations are reviewed and conceptual models are advanced for explaining and interpreting the empirically based results. At present, the technology is generally empirically based and is emerging from the research laboratory. Advancement of the technology will require establishment of theoretical foundations for the experimentally observed interrelations among ultrasonic measurements, mechanical properties, and microstructure. Conceptual models are applied to ultrasonic assessment of fracture toughness to illustrate an approach for predicting correlations found among ultrasonic measurements, microstructure, and mechanical properties.

Research on Melt Degassing Processes of High Conductivity Hard Drawn Aluminum Wire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xuexia; Feng, Yanting; Wang, Qing; Li, Wenbin; Fan, Hui; Wang, Yong; Li, Guowei; Zhang, Daoqian

2018-03-01

Degassing effects of ultrasonic and vacuum processes on high conductivity hard drawn aluminum melt were studied. Results showed that the degassing efficiency improved with the increase of ultrasonic power within certain range, stabilizing at 70% with 240W. For vacuum degassing process, hydrogen content of aluminum melt decreased with the loading time and was linear with logarithm of vacuum degree. Comparison of degassing effects of ultrasonic, vacuum, vacuum-ultrasonic degassing process showed that vacuum-ultrasonic process presented optimal effect.

Non-contact thickness measurement using UTG

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bui, Hoa T. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

A measurement structure for determining the thickness of a specimen without mechanical contact but instead employing ultrasonic waves including an ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic delay line connected to the transducer by a retainer or collar. The specimen, whose thickness is to be measured, is positioned below the delay line. On the upper surface of the specimen a medium such as a drop of water is disposed which functions to couple the ultrasonic waves from the delay line to the specimen. A receiver device, which may be an ultrasonic thickness gauge, receives reflected ultrasonic waves reflected from the upper and lower surface of the specimen and determines the thickness of the specimen based on the time spacing of the reflected waves.

Assessment and Calibration of a Crimp Tool Equipped with Ultrasonic Analysis Features

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yost, William T. (Inventor); Perey, Daniel F. (Inventor); Cramer, K. Elliott (Inventor)

2013-01-01

A method is provided for calibrating ultrasonic signals passed through a crimp formed with respect to a deformable body via an ultrasonically-equipped crimp tool (UECT). The UECT verifies a crimp quality using the ultrasonic signals. The method includes forming the crimp, transmitting a first signal, e.g., a pulse, to a first transducer of the UECT, and converting the first signal, using the first transducer, into a second signal which defines an ultrasonic pulse. This pulse is transmitted through the UECT into the crimp. A second transducer converts the second signal into a third signal, which may be further conditioned, and the ultrasonic signals are calibrated using the third signal or its conditioned variant. An apparatus for calibrating the ultrasonic signals includes a pulse module (PM) electrically connected to the first and second transducers, and an oscilloscope or display electrically connected to the PM for analyzing an electrical output signal therefrom.

Effects of high power ultrasonic vibration on the cold compaction of titanium.

PubMed

Fartashvand, Vahid; Abdullah, Amir; Ali Sadough Vanini, Seyed

2017-05-01

Titanium has widely been used in chemical and aerospace industries. In order to overcome the drawbacks of cold compaction of titanium, the process was assisted by an ultrasonic vibration system. For this purpose, a uniaxial ultrasonic assisted cold powder compaction system was designed and fabricated. The process variables were powder size, compaction pressure and initial powder compact thickness. Density, friction force, ejection force and spring back of the fabricated samples were measured and studied. The density was observed to improve under the action of ultrasonic vibration. Fine size powders showed better results of consolidation while using ultrasonic vibration. Under the ultrasonic action, it is thought that the friction forces between the die walls and the particles and those friction forces among the powder particles are reduced. Spring back and ejection force didn't considerably change when using ultrasonic vibration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Air-jet power ultrasonic field applied to electrical discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balek, Rudolf; Pekarek, Stanislav

2010-01-01

We describe a new setup of the Hartmann air-jet ultrasonic generator combined with electrical discharge in the nozzle-resonator gap. Using the schlieren visualization of air jet and ultrasonic field we investigated the shape and structure of the discharge and we determined relationship among the acoustic field in the nozzle-resonator gap, generator ultrasonic emission and discharge behavior. Apart of the fact that the discharge in the nozzle-resonator gap is stabilized and becomes more uniform, it increases its volume when the generator works in the regime of ultrasonic emission. At the same time the discharge light emission distribution is more over uniform in the gap. In the regime without the ultrasonic emission the discharge light emission is fragmented. We also found that the impedance of the discharge is decreased in case when the generator works in the regime of ultrasonic emission.

Design validation of an eye-safe scanning aerosol lidar with the Center for Lidar and Atmospheric Sciences Students (CLASS) at Hampton University

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richter, Dale A.; Higdon, N. S.; Ponsardin, Patrick L.; Sanchez, David; Chyba, Thomas H.; Temple, Doyle A.; Gong, Wei; Battle, Russell; Edmondson, Mika; Futrell, Anne; Harper, David; Haughton, Lincoln; Johnson, Demetra; Lewis, Kyle; Payne-Baggott, Renee S.

2002-01-01

ITTs Advanced Engineering and Sciences Division and the Hampton University Center for Lidar and Atmospheric Sciences Students (CLASS) team have worked closely to design, fabricate and test an eye-safe, scanning aerosol-lidar system that can be safely deployed and used by students form a variety of disciplines. CLASS is a 5-year undergraduate- research training program funded by NASA to provide hands-on atmospheric-science and lidar-technology education. The system is based on a 1.5 micron, 125 mJ, 20 Hz eye-safe optical parametric oscillator (OPO) and will be used by the HU researchers and students to evaluate the biological impact of aerosols, clouds, and pollution a variety of systems issues. The system design tasks we addressed include the development of software to calculate eye-safety levels and to model lidar performance, implementation of eye-safety features in the lidar transmitter, optimization of the receiver using optical ray tracing software, evaluation of detectors and amplifiers in the near RI, test of OPO and receiver technology, development of hardware and software for laser and scanner control and video display of the scan region.

Ultrasonic dip seal maintenance system

DOEpatents

Poindexter, Allan M.; Ricks, Herbert E.

1978-01-01

A system for removing impurities from the surfaces of liquid dip seals and or wetting the metal surfaces of liquid dip seals in nuclear components. The system comprises an ultrasonic transducer that transmits ultrasonic vibrations along an ultrasonic probe to the metal and liquid surfaces of the dip seal thereby loosening and removing those impurities.

Pitch-catch only ultrasonic fluid densitometer

DOEpatents

Greenwood, M.S.; Harris, R.V.

1999-03-23

The present invention is an ultrasonic fluid densitometer that uses a material wedge and pitch-catch only ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals internally reflected within the material wedge. Density of a fluid is determined by immersing the wedge into the fluid and measuring reflection of ultrasound at the wedge-fluid interface. 6 figs.

Pitch-catch only ultrasonic fluid densitometer

DOEpatents

Greenwood, Margaret S.; Harris, Robert V.

1999-01-01

The present invention is an ultrasonic fluid densitometer that uses a material wedge and pitch-catch only ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals internally reflected within the material wedge. Density of a fluid is determined by immersing the wedge into the fluid and measuring reflection of ultrasound at the wedge-fluid interface.

Process Stability of Ultrasonic-Wave-Assisted Gas Metal Arc Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Chenglei; Xie, Weifeng; Yang, Chunli; Lin, Sanbao; Fan, Yangyang

2017-10-01

As a newly developed arc welding method, ultrasonic-wave-assisted arc welding successfully introduced power ultrasound into the arc and weld pool, during which the ultrasonic acts on the top of the arc in the coaxial alignment direction. The advanced process for molten metals can be realized by using an additional ultrasonic field. Compared with the conventional gas metal arc welding (GMAW), the welding arc is compressed, the droplet size is decreased, and the droplet transfer frequency is increased significantly in ultrasonic-wave-assisted GMAW (U-GMAW). However, the stability of the metal transfer has deep influence on the welding quality equally, and the ultrasonic wave effect on the stability of the metal transfer is a phenomenon that is not completely understood. In this article, the stabilities of the short-circuiting transfer process and globular transfer process are studied systematically, and the effect of ultrasonic wave on the metal transfer is analyzed further. The transfer frequency and process stability of the U-GMAW process are much higher than those of the conventional GMAW. Analytical results show that the additional ultrasonic wave is helpful for improving welding stability.

Airborne ultrasonic inspection in carbon/carbon composite materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, In-Young; Kim, Young-Hun; Park, Je-Woong; Hsu, David K.; Song, Song-Jin; Cho, Hyun-Jun; Kim, Sun-Kyu; Im, Kwang-Hee

2007-07-01

In this work, a carbon/carbon (C/C) composite material was nondestructively characterized with non-contact ultrasonic methods using automated acquisition scanner as well as contact ultrasonic measurement because (C/C) composite materials have obvious high price over conventional materials. Because of permeation of coupling medium such as water, it is desirable to perform contact-less nondestructive evaluation to assess material properties and part homogeneity. Also through transmission mode was performed because of the main limitation for air-coupled transducers, which is the acoustic impedance mismatch between most materials and air. Especially ultrasonic images and velocities for C/C composite disk brake was measured and found to be consistent to some degree with the non-contact and contact ultrasonic measurement methods. Low frequency through-transmission scans based on both amplitude and time-of-flight of the ultrasonic pulse were used for mapping out the material property inhomogeneity. Measured results were compared with those obtained by the motorized system with using dry-coupling ultrasonics and through transmission method in immersion. Finally, results using a proposed peak-delay measurement method well corresponded to ultrasonic velocities of the pulse overlap method.

[Research in high frequency ultrasonic for degradation of azo dye wastewater containing MX-5B].

PubMed

Xie, Wei-Ping; Qin, Yan; Zou, Yuan; He, De-Wen; Song, Dan

2010-09-01

The degradation of azo dye wastewater, containing MX-5B, was investigated by using high frequency ultrasonic irradiation. The effect of different factors like the initial pH of solution, sonolysis parameters, air-blowing, Fe2+ concentration were studied, the synergistic action of complex frequency and the mechanism of degradation was explored primarily. The results show that MX-5B in aqueous solution can be degraded efficiently by ultrasonic irradiation, when the pH 3.5, ultrasonic frequency 418.3 kHz, ultrasonic power 69 W, color removal rate up to 100% in 180 min. Adding of Fe2+ and blowing air had some effects. The results also indicated that radical-oxidation controlled the ultrasonic decompose of MX-5B and MX-5B ultrasonic removal was observed to behave as pseudo-first-order kinetics under different experimental conditions tested in the present work. Comparison of UV-Vis absorption spectrums before and after treatment showed that all of the conjugate structure and part of aromatic structure were destroyed after being ultrasonic irradiation.

Continuous Ultrasonic Inspection of Extruded Wood-Plastic Composites

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

Tucker, Brian J.; Bender, Donald A.

Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques are needed for in-line monitoring of wood-plastic composite (WPC) quality during manufacturing for process control. Through-transmission ultrasonic inspection is useful in characterizing stiffness and detecting cracks and voids in a range of materials; however, little is documented about ultrasound propagation in WPC materials. The objectives of this research were to determine applicable ultrasonic transducer frequencies, coupling methods, configurations and placements for wave speed monitoring and web defect detection within an extrusion process; to quantify the effects of temperature on ultrasonic parameters; and to develop a prototype ultrasonic inspection system for a full-size extrusion line. An angledmore » beam, water-coupled ultrasonic inspection system using a pair of 50-kHz narrowband transducers was adequate for monitoring wave speed parallel to the extrusion direction. For locating internal web defects, water-coupled, 500-kHz broadband ultrasonic transducers were used in a through-thickness transmission setup. Temperature compensation factors were developed to adjust ultrasonic wave speed measurements. The prototype inspection system was demonstrated in a 55 mm conical twin-screw extrusion line.« less

Wire Crimp Termination Verification Using Ultrasonic Inspection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perey, Daniel F.; Cramer, K. Elliott; Yost, William T.

2007-01-01

The development of a new ultrasonic measurement technique to quantitatively assess wire crimp terminations is discussed. The amplitude change of a compressional ultrasonic wave propagating through the junction of a crimp termination and wire is shown to correlate with the results of a destructive pull test, which is a standard for assessing crimp wire junction quality. Various crimp junction pathologies such as undercrimping, missing wire strands, incomplete wire insertion, partial insulation removal, and incorrect wire gauge are ultrasonically tested, and their results are correlated with pull tests. Results show that the nondestructive ultrasonic measurement technique consistently (as evidenced with destructive testing) predicts good crimps when ultrasonic transmission is above a certain threshold amplitude level. A physics-based model, solved by finite element analysis, describes the compressional ultrasonic wave propagation through the junction during the crimping process. This model is in agreement within 6% of the ultrasonic measurements. A prototype instrument for applying this technique while wire crimps are installed is also presented. The instrument is based on a two-jaw type crimp tool suitable for butt-splice type connections. Finally, an approach for application to multipin indenter type crimps will be discussed.

Radial vibration and ultrasonic field of a long tubular ultrasonic radiator.

PubMed

Shuyu, Lin; Zhiqiang, Fu; Xiaoli, Zhang; Yong, Wang; Jing, Hu

2013-09-01

The radial vibration of a metal long circular tube is studied analytically and its electro-mechanical equivalent circuit is obtained. Based on the equivalent circuit, the radial resonance frequency equation is derived. The theoretical relationship between the radial resonance frequency and the geometrical dimensions is studied. Finite element method is used to simulate the radial vibration and the radiated ultrasonic field and the results are compared with those from the analytical method. It is concluded that the radial resonance frequency for a solid metal rod is larger than that for a metal tube with the same outer radius. The radial resonance frequencies from the analytical method are in good agreement with those from the numerical method. Based on the acoustic field analysis, it is concluded that the long metal tube with small wall thickness is superior to that with large wall thickness in producing radial vibration and ultrasonic radiation. Therefore, it is expected to be used as an effective radial ultrasonic radiator in ultrasonic sewage treatment, ultrasonic antiscale and descaling and other ultrasonic liquid handling applications. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Elastic-Plastic Behaviour of Ultrasonic Assisted Compression of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Foam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muhalim, N. A. D.; Hassan, M. Z.; Daud, Y.

2018-04-01

The present study aims to investigate the elastic-plastic behaviour of ultrasonic assisted compression of PVC closed-cell foam. A series of static and ultrasonic compression test of PVC closed-cell foam were conducted at a constant cross head speed of 30 mm/min on dry surface condition. For quasi-static test, specimen was compressed between two rigid platens using universal testing machine. In order to evaluate the specimen behavior under ultrasonic condition, specimen was placed between a specifically design double-slotted block horn and rigid platen. The horn was designed and fabricated prior to the test as a medium to transmit the ultrasonic vibration from the ultrasonic transducer to the working specimen. It was tuned to a frequency of 19.89 kHz in longitudinal mode and provided an average oscillation amplitude at 6 µm on the uppermost surface. Following, the characteristics of stress-strain curves for quasi-static and ultrasonic compression tests were analyzed. It was found that the compressive stress was significantly reduced at the onset of superimposed ultrasonic vibration during plastic deformation.

A Method For The Verification Of Wire Crimp Compression Using Ultrasonic Inspection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cramer, K. E.; Perey, Daniel F.; Yost, William t.

2010-01-01

The development of a new ultrasonic measurement technique to assess quantitatively wire crimp terminations is discussed. The amplitude change of a compressional ultrasonic wave propagating at right angles to the wire axis and through the junction of a crimp termination is shown to correlate with the results of a destructive pull test, which is a standard for assessing crimp wire junction quality. To demonstrate the technique, the case of incomplete compression of crimped connections is ultrasonically tested, and the results are correlated with pull tests. Results show that the nondestructive ultrasonic measurement technique consistently predicts good crimps when the ultrasonic transmission is above a certain threshold amplitude level. A quantitative measure of the quality of the crimped connection based on the ultrasonic energy transmitted is shown to respond accurately to crimp quality. A wave propagation model, solved by finite element analysis, describes the compressional ultrasonic wave propagation through the junction during the crimping process. This model is in agreement within 6% of the ultrasonic measurements. A prototype instrument for applying this technique while wire crimps are installed is also presented. The instrument is based on a two-jaw type crimp tool suitable for butt-splice type connections. A comparison of the results of two different instruments is presented and shows reproducibility between instruments within a 95% confidence bound.

Ultrasonic wave based pressure measurement in small diameter pipeline.

PubMed

Wang, Dan; Song, Zhengxiang; Wu, Yuan; Jiang, Yuan

2015-12-01

An effective non-intrusive method of ultrasound-based technique that allows monitoring liquid pressure in small diameter pipeline (less than 10mm) is presented in this paper. Ultrasonic wave could penetrate medium, through the acquisition of representative information from the echoes, properties of medium can be reflected. This pressure measurement is difficult due to that echoes' information is not easy to obtain in small diameter pipeline. The proposed method is a study on pipeline with Kneser liquid and is based on the principle that the transmission speed of ultrasonic wave in pipeline liquid correlates with liquid pressure and transmission speed of ultrasonic wave in pipeline liquid is reflected through ultrasonic propagation time providing that acoustic distance is fixed. Therefore, variation of ultrasonic propagation time can reflect variation of pressure in pipeline. Ultrasonic propagation time is obtained by electric processing approach and is accurately measured to nanosecond through high resolution time measurement module. We used ultrasonic propagation time difference to reflect actual pressure in this paper to reduce the environmental influences. The corresponding pressure values are finally obtained by acquiring the relationship between variation of ultrasonic propagation time difference and pressure with the use of neural network analysis method, the results show that this method is accurate and can be used in practice. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The cavitation erosion of ultrasonic sonotrode during large-scale metallic casting: Experiment and simulation.

PubMed

Tian, Yang; Liu, Zhilin; Li, Xiaoqian; Zhang, Lihua; Li, Ruiqing; Jiang, Ripeng; Dong, Fang

2018-05-01

Ultrasonic sonotrodes play an essential role in transmitting power ultrasound into the large-scale metallic casting. However, cavitation erosion considerably impairs the in-service performance of ultrasonic sonotrodes, leading to marginal microstructural refinement. In this work, the cavitation erosion behaviour of ultrasonic sonotrodes in large-scale castings was explored using the industry-level experiments of Al alloy cylindrical ingots (i.e. 630 mm in diameter and 6000 mm in length). When introducing power ultrasound, severe cavitation erosion was found to reproducibly occur at some specific positions on ultrasonic sonotrodes. However, there is no cavitation erosion present on the ultrasonic sonotrodes that were not driven by electric generator. Vibratory examination showed cavitation erosion depended on the vibration state of ultrasonic sonotrodes. Moreover, a finite element (FE) model was developed to simulate the evolution and distribution of acoustic pressure in 3-D solidification volume. FE simulation results confirmed that significant dynamic interaction between sonotrodes and melts only happened at some specific positions corresponding to severe cavitation erosion. This work will allow for developing more advanced ultrasonic sonotrodes with better cavitation erosion-resistance, in particular for large-scale castings, from the perspectives of ultrasonic physics and mechanical design. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Applications of a nanocomposite-inspired in-situ broadband ultrasonic sensor to acousto-ultrasonics-based passive and active structural health monitoring.

PubMed

Liu, Menglong; Zeng, Zhihui; Xu, Hao; Liao, Yaozhong; Zhou, Limin; Zhang, Zhong; Su, Zhongqing

2017-07-01

A novel nanocomposite-inspired in-situ broadband ultrasonic sensor previously developed, with carbon black as the nanofiller and polyvinylidene fluoride as the matrix, was networked for acousto-ultrasonic wave-based passive and active structural health monitoring (SHM). Being lightweight and small, this kind of sensor was proven to be capable of perceiving strain perturbation in virtue of the tunneling effect in the formed nanofiller conductive network when acousto-ultrasonic waves traverse the sensor. Proof-of-concept validation was implemented, to examine the sensor performance in responding to acousto-ultrasonic waves in a broad frequency regime: from acoustic emission (AE) of lower frequencies to guided ultrasonic waves (GUWs) of higher frequencies. Results have demonstrated the high fidelity, ultrafast response and high sensitivity of the sensor to acousto-ultrasonic waves up to 400kHz yet with an ultra-low magnitude (of the order of micro-strain). The sensor is proven to possess sensitivity and accuracy comparable with commercial piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers, whereas with greater flexibility in accommodating curved structural surfaces. Application paradigms of using the sensor for damage evaluation have spotlighted the capability of the sensor in compromising "sensing cost" with "sensing effectiveness" for passive AE- or active GUW-based SHM. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Research on removing reservoir core water sensitivity using the method of ultrasound-chemical agent for enhanced oil recovery.

PubMed

Wang, Zhenjun; Huang, Jiehao

2018-04-01

The phenomenon of water sensitivity often occurs in the oil reservoir core during the process of crude oil production, which seriously affects the efficiency of oil extraction. In recent years, near-well ultrasonic processing technology attaches more attention due to its safety and energy efficient. In this paper, the comparison of removing core water sensitivity by ultrasonic wave, chemical injection and ultrasound-chemical combination technique are investigated through experiments. Results show that: lower ultrasonic frequency and higher power can improve the efficiency of core water sensitivity removal; the effects of removing core water sensitivity under ultrasonic treatment get better with increase of core initial permeability; the effect of removing core water sensitivity using ultrasonic treatment won't get better over time. Ultrasonic treatment time should be controlled in a reasonable range; the effect of removing core water sensitivity using chemical agent alone is slightly better than that using ultrasonic treatment, however, chemical injection could be replaced by ultrasonic treatment for removing core water sensitivity from the viewpoint of oil reservoir protection and the sustainable development of oil field; ultrasound-chemical combination technique has the best effect for water sensitivity removal than using ultrasonic treatment or chemical injection alone. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultrasonic pretreatment in lipase-catalyzed synthesis of structured lipids with high 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol content.

PubMed

Liu, Si-lei; Dong, Xu-yan; Wei, Fang; Wang, Xiang; Lv, Xin; Zhong, Juan; Wu, Lin; Quek, Siew-young; Chen, Hong

2015-03-01

Production of structured lipid 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol (OPO), from tripalmitin (PPP) and oleic acid (OA) using lipases and ultrasonic pretreatment was conducted. Factors influencing both the ultrasonic conditions and enzymatic reaction were investigated. Optimum conditions could be attained with 6 min pretreatment time, 50% ultrasonic power, 3 s/9 s (work/pause) cycle of ultrasonic pulse, 1:8 PPP/OA molar ratio, 12% enzyme dosage and 50 °C temperature of. At the optimum conditions, the OPO yield of 51.8% could be achieved in 4h. Studies showed that the OPO content increased to 35.9% in 1h with ultrasonic pretreatment, in comparison to 4h without ultrasonic pretreatment. Reuse of Lipozyme RM IM for 10 cycles under ultrasonic irradiation did not cause essential damage to its lipase activity. Reaction kinetic model fitted well with the proposed Ping-Pong mechanism. The apparent kinetic constant (Vm'/K₂) of ultrasound pretreatment reaction was 2.52 times higher than the conventional mechanical stirring, indicating that ultrasound pretreatment enhanced the substrates affinity to the enzyme. This study confirmed that ultrasonic pretreatment was more efficient in OPO production than conventional mechanical agitation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of nuclear graphite elastic properties using laser ultrasonic methods

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

Zeng, Fan W; Han, Karen; Olasov, Lauren R

2015-01-01

Laser ultrasonic methods have been used to characterize the elastic behaviors of commercially-available and legacy nuclear graphites. Since ultrasonic techniques are sensitive to various aspects of graphite microstructure including preferred grain orientation, microcrack orientation and porosity, laser ultrasonics is a candidate technique for monitoring graphite degradation and structural integrity in environments expected in high-temperature, gas-cooled nuclear reactors. Aspects of materials texture can be assessed by studying ultrasonic wavespeeds as a function of propagation direction and polarization. Shear wave birefringence measurements, in particular, can be used to evaluate elastic anisotropy. In this work, laser ultrasonic measurements of graphite moduli have beenmore » made to provide insight into the relationship between the microstructures and the macroscopic stiffnesses of these materials. In particular, laser ultrasonic measurements have been made using laser line sources to produce shear waves with specific polarizations. By varying the line orientation relative to the sample, shear wave birefringence measurements have been recorded. Results from shear wave birefringence measurements show that an isostatically molded graphite, such as PCIB, behaves isotropically, while an extruded graphite, such as H-451, displays significant ultrasonic texture. Graphites have complicated microstructures that depend on the manufacturing processes used, and ultrasonic texture in these materials could originate from grain orientation and preferred microcrack alignment. Effects on material isotropy due to service related microstructural changes are possible and the ultimate aim of this work is to determine the degree to which these changes can be assessed nondestructively using laser ultrasonics measurements« less

ELENA MCP detector: absolute efficiency measurement for low energy neutral atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rispoli, R.; De Angelis, E.; Colasanti, L.; Vertolli, N.; Orsini, S.; Scheer, J.; Mura, A.; Milillo, A.; Wurz, P.; Selci, S.; Di Lellis, A. M.; Leoni, R.; D'Alessandro, M.; Mattioli, F.; Cibella, S.

2012-04-01

MicroChannel plates (MCP) detectors are frequently used in space instrumentation for detecting a wide range of radiation and particles. In particular, the capability to detect non-thermal low energy neutral species is crucial for the sensor ELENA (Emitted Low-Energy Neutral Atoms), part of the package SERENA (Search for Exospheric Refilling and Emitted Natural Abundances) on board the BepiColombo mission to Mercury to be launched in 2014. ELENA is a TOF sensor, based on a novel concept ultra-sonic oscillating shutter (Start section)which is operated at frequencies up to 50 kHz; a MCP detector is used as a Stop section. It is aimed to detect neutral atoms in the range 10 eV - 5 keV, within 70° FOV, perpendicular to the S/C orbital plane. ELENA will monitor the emission of neutral atoms from the whole surface of Mercury thanks to the spacecraft motion. The major scientific objectives are the interaction between the environment and the planet, the global particle loss-rate and the remote sensing of the surface properties. In particular, surface release processes are investigated by identifying particles release from the surface, via solar wind-induced ion sputtering (<1eV and >100 eV) as well as Hydrogen back-scattered at hundreds eV. MCP absolute detection efficiency for very low energy neutral atoms (E< 30eV) is a crucial point not yet investigated. At the MEFISTO facility of the Physical Institute of University of Bern (CH), measurements on three different type of MCPs coating have been performed providing the behaviors of MCP detection efficiency in the range 10eV-1keV. Outcomes from such measurements are here discussed.

Physical Principles Pertaining to Ultrasonic and Mechanical Properties of Anisotropic Media and Their Application to Nondestructive Evaluation of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handley, Scott Michael

The central theme of this thesis is to contribute to the physics underlying the mechanical properties of highly anisotropic materials. Our hypothesis is that a fundamental understanding of the physics involved in the interaction of interrogating ultrasonic waves with anisotropic media will provide useful information applicable to quantitative ultrasonic measurement techniques employed for the determination of material properties. Fiber-reinforced plastics represent a class of advanced composite materials that exhibit substantial anisotropy. The desired characteristics of practical fiber -reinforced composites depend on average mechanical properties achieved by placing fibers at specific angles relative to the external surfaces of the finished part. We examine the physics underlying the use of ultrasound as an interrogation probe for determination of ultrasonic and mechanical properties of anisotropic materials such as fiber-reinforced composites. Fundamental constituent parameters, such as elastic stiffness coefficients (c_{rm IJ}), are experimentally determined from ultrasonic time-of-flight measurements. Mechanical moduli (Poisson's ratio, Young's and shear modulus) descriptive of the anisotropic mechanical properties of unidirectional graphite/epoxy composites are obtained from the ultrasonically determined stiffness coefficients. Three-dimensional visualizations of the anisotropic ultrasonic and mechanical properties of unidirectional graphite/epoxy composites are generated. A related goal of the research is to strengthen the connection-between practical ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation methods and the physics underlying quantitative ultrasonic measurements for the assessment of manufactured fiber-reinforced composites. Production defects such as porosity have proven to be of substantial concern in the manufacturing of composites. We investigate the applicability of ultrasonic interrogation techniques for the detection and characterization of porosity in graphite/epoxy laminates. Complementary ultrasonic parameters based on the frequency dependence of ultrasonic attenuation and integrated polar backscatter are investigated. In summary, the approach taken in this thesis is to examine the physical mechanisms in terms of a continuum mechanics framework and a linear elastic description of ultrasonic wave propagation in anisotropic media with specific application to the nondestructive evaluation of advanced composite materials.

Novel eye-safe line scanning 3D laser-radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eberle, B.; Kern, Tobias; Hammer, Marcus; Schwanke, Ullrich; Nowak, Heinrich

2014-10-01

Today, the civil market provides quite a number of different 3D-Sensors covering ranges up to 1 km. Typically these sensors are based on single element detectors which suffer from the drawback of spatial resolution at larger distances. Tasks demanding reliable object classification at long ranges can be fulfilled only by sensors consisting of detector arrays. They ensure sufficient frame rates and high spatial resolution. Worldwide there are many efforts in developing 3D-detectors, based on two-dimensional arrays. This paper presents first results on the performance of a recently developed 3D imaging laser radar sensor, working in the short wave infrared (SWIR) at 1.5 μm. It consists of a novel Cadmium Mercury Telluride (CMT) linear array APD detector with 384x1 elements at a pitch of 25 μm, developed by AIM Infrarot Module GmbH. The APD elements are designed to work in the linear (non-Geiger) mode. Each pixel will provide the time of flight measurement, and, due to the linear detection mode, allowing the detection of three successive echoes. The resolution in depth is 15 cm, the maximum repetition rate is 4 kHz. We discuss various sensor concepts regarding possible applications and their dependence on system parameters like field of view, frame rate, spatial resolution and range of operation.

Optical stress generator and detector

DOEpatents

Maris, Humphrey J.; Stoner, Robert J

2001-01-01

Disclosed is a system for the characterization of thin films and interfaces between thin films through measurements of their mechanical and thermal properties. In the system light is absorbed in a thin film or in a structure made up of several thin films, and the change in optical transmission or reflection is measured and analyzed. The change in reflection or transmission is used to give information about the ultrasonic waves that are produced in the structure. The information that is obtained from the use of the measurement methods and apparatus of this invention can include: (a) a determination of the thickness of thin films with a speed and accuracy that is improved compared to earlier methods; (b) a determination of the thermal, elastic, and optical properties of thin films; (c) a determination of the stress in thin films; and (d) a characterization of the properties of interfaces, including the presence of roughness and defects.

Optical stress generator and detector

DOEpatents

Maris, Humphrey J.; Stoner, Robert J.

1998-01-01

Disclosed is a system for the characterization of thin films and interfaces between thin films through measurements of their mechanical and thermal properties. In the system light is absorbed in a thin film or in a structure made up of several thin films, and the change in optical transmission or reflection is measured and analyzed. The change in reflection or transmission is used to give information about the ultrasonic waves that are produced in the structure. The information that is obtained from the use of the measurement methods and apparatus of this invention can include: (a) a determination of the thickness of thin films with a speed and accuracy that is improved compared to earlier methods; (b) a determination of the thermal, elastic, and optical properties of thin films; (c) a determination of the stress in thin films; and (d) a characterization of the properties of interfaces, including the presence of roughness and defects.

Optical stress generator and detector

DOEpatents

Maris, H.J.; Stoner, R.J.

1998-05-05

Disclosed is a system for the characterization of thin films and interfaces between thin films through measurements of their mechanical and thermal properties. In the system light is absorbed in a thin film or in a structure made up of several thin films, and the change in optical transmission or reflection is measured and analyzed. The change in reflection or transmission is used to give information about the ultrasonic waves that are produced in the structure. The information that is obtained from the use of the measurement methods and apparatus of this invention can include: (a) a determination of the thickness of thin films with a speed and accuracy that is improved compared to earlier methods; (b) a determination of the thermal, elastic, and optical properties of thin films; (c) a determination of the stress in thin films; and (d) a characterization of the properties of interfaces, including the presence of roughness and defects. 32 figs.

Optical stress generator and detector

DOEpatents

Maris, Humphrey J.; Stoner, Robert J

2002-01-01

Disclosed is a system for the characterization of thin films and interfaces between thin films through measurements of their mechanical and thermal properties. In the system light is absorbed in a thin film or in a structure made up of several thin films, and the change in optical transmission or reflection is measured and analyzed. The change in reflection or transmission is used to give information about the ultrasonic waves that are produced in the structure. The information that is obtained from the use of the measurement methods and apparatus of this invention can include: (a) a determination of the thickness of thin films with a speed and accuracy that is improved compared to earlier methods; (b) a determination of the thermal, elastic, and optical properties of thin films; (c) a determination of the stress in thin films; and (d) a characterization of the properties of interfaces, including the presence of roughness and defects.

Optical stress generator and detector

DOEpatents

Maris, Humphrey J.; Stoner, Robert J

1999-01-01

Disclosed is a system for the characterization of thin films and interfaces between thin films through measurements of their mechanical and thermal properties. In the system light is absorbed in a thin film or in a structure made up of several thin films, and the change in optical transmission or reflection is measured and analyzed. The change in reflection or transmission is used to give information about the ultrasonic waves that are produced in the structure. The information that is obtained from the use of the measurement methods and apparatus of this invention can include: (a) a determination of the thickness of thin films with a speed and accuracy that is improved compared to earlier methods; (b) a determination of the thermal, elastic, and optical properties of thin films; (c) a determination of the stress in thin films; and (d) a characterization of the properties of interfaces, including the presence of roughness and defects.

4-D photoacoustic tomography.

PubMed

Xiang, Liangzhong; Wang, Bo; Ji, Lijun; Jiang, Huabei

2013-01-01

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) offers three-dimensional (3D) structural and functional imaging of living biological tissue with label-free, optical absorption contrast. These attributes lend PAT imaging to a wide variety of applications in clinical medicine and preclinical research. Despite advances in live animal imaging with PAT, there is still a need for 3D imaging at centimeter depths in real-time. We report the development of four dimensional (4D) PAT, which integrates time resolutions with 3D spatial resolution, obtained using spherical arrays of ultrasonic detectors. The 4D PAT technique generates motion pictures of imaged tissue, enabling real time tracking of dynamic physiological and pathological processes at hundred micrometer-millisecond resolutions. The 4D PAT technique is used here to image needle-based drug delivery and pharmacokinetics. We also use this technique to monitor 1) fast hemodynamic changes during inter-ictal epileptic seizures and 2) temperature variations during tumor thermal therapy.

New type of drift tubes for gas-discharge detectors operating in vacuum: Production technology and quality control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azorskii, N. I.; Gusakov, Yu. V.; Elsha, V. V.; Enik, T. L.; Ershov, Yu. V.; Kekelidze, V. D.; Kislov, E. M.; Kolesnikov, A. O.; Madigozhin, D. T.; Movchan, S. A.; Polenkevich, I. A.; Potrebenikov, Yu. K.; Samsonov, V. A.; Shkarovskiy, S. N.; Sotnikov, A. N.; Volkov, A. D.; Zinchenko, A. I.

2017-01-01

A device for fabricating thin-wall (straw) drift tubes using polyethylene terephthalate film 36 μm thick by ultrasonic welding is described together with the technique for controlling their quality. The joint width amounts to 0.4-1.0 mm. The joint breaking strength is 31.9 kg/mm2. The argon leakage from a tube of volume 188.6 cm3 under a pressure gradient of 1.0 atm does not exceed 0.3 × 10-3 cm3/min, which is mainly related to the absence of metallization in the joint vicinity. The high strength, the low tensile creep due to the absence of glued layers, the small value of gas leakage makes the new tubes capable of reliable and long-term operation in vacuum, which is confirmed by the operation of 7168 straw tubes for two years in the NA62 experiment.

Production and characterization of pure cryogenic inertial fusion targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyd, B. A.; Kamerman, G. W.

An experimental cryogenic inertial fusion target generator and two optical techniques for automated target inspection are described. The generator produces 100 microns diameter solid hydrogen spheres at a rate compatible with fueling requirements of conceptual inertial fusion power plants. A jet of liquified hydrogen is disrupted into droplets by an ultrasonically excited nozzle. The droplets solidify into microspheres while falling through a chamber maintained below the hydrogen triple point pressure. Stable operation of the generator has been demonstrated for up to three hours. The optical inspection techniques are computer aided photomicrography and coarse diffraction pattern analysis (CDPA). The photomicrography system uses a conventional microscope coupled to a computer by a solid state camera and digital image memory. The computer enhances the stored image and performs feature extraction to determine pellet parameters. The CDPA technique uses Fourier transform optics and a special detector array to perform optical processing of a target image.

Clutter elimination for deep clinical optoacoustic imaging using localised vibration tagging (LOVIT)☆

PubMed Central

Jaeger, Michael; Bamber, Jeffrey C.; Frenz, Martin

2013-01-01

This paper investigates a novel method which allows clutter elimination in deep optoacoustic imaging. Clutter significantly limits imaging depth in clinical optoacoustic imaging, when irradiation optics and ultrasound detector are integrated in a handheld probe for flexible imaging of the human body. Strong optoacoustic transients generated at the irradiation site obscure weak signals from deep inside the tissue, either directly by propagating towards the probe, or via acoustic scattering. In this study we demonstrate that signals of interest can be distinguished from clutter by tagging them at the place of origin with localised tissue vibration induced by the acoustic radiation force in a focused ultrasonic beam. We show phantom results where this technique allowed almost full clutter elimination and thus strongly improved contrast for deep imaging. Localised vibration tagging by means of acoustic radiation force is especially promising for integration into ultrasound systems that already have implemented radiation force elastography. PMID:25302147

Enthalpy By Energy Balance for Aerodynamic Heating Facility at NASA Ames Research Center Arc Jet Complex

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hightower, T. Mark; MacDonald, Christine L.; Martinez, Edward R.; Balboni, John A.; Anderson, Karl F.; Arnold, Jim O. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) Arc Jet Facilities' Aerodynamic Heating Facility (AHF) has been instrumented for the Enthalpy By Energy Balance (EB2) method. Diagnostic EB2 data is routinely taken for all AHF runs. This paper provides an overview of the EB2 method implemented in the AHF. The chief advantage of the AHF implementation over earlier versions is the non-intrusiveness of the instruments used. For example, to measure the change in cooling water temperature, thin film 1000 ohm Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) are used with an Anderson Current Loop (ACL) as the signal conditioner. The ACL with 1000 ohm RTDs allows for very sensitive measurement of the increase in temperature (Delta T) of the cooling water to the arc heater, which is a critical element of the EB2 method. Cooling water flow rates are measured with non-intrusive ultrasonic flow meters.

Ultrasensitive plano-concave optical microresonators for ultrasound sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guggenheim, James A.; Li, Jing; Allen, Thomas J.; Colchester, Richard J.; Noimark, Sacha; Ogunlade, Olumide; Parkin, Ivan P.; Papakonstantinou, Ioannis; Desjardins, Adrien E.; Zhang, Edward Z.; Beard, Paul C.

2017-11-01

Highly sensitive broadband ultrasound detectors are needed to expand the capabilities of biomedical ultrasound, photoacoustic imaging and industrial ultrasonic non-destructive testing techniques. Here, a generic optical ultrasound sensing concept based on a novel plano-concave polymer microresonator is described. This achieves strong optical confinement (Q-factors > 105) resulting in very high sensitivity with excellent broadband acoustic frequency response and wide directivity. The concept is highly scalable in terms of bandwidth and sensitivity. To illustrate this, a family of microresonator sensors with broadband acoustic responses up to 40 MHz and noise-equivalent pressures as low as 1.6 mPa per √Hz have been fabricated and comprehensively characterized in terms of their acoustic performance. In addition, their practical application to high-resolution photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging is demonstrated. The favourable acoustic performance and design flexibility of the technology offers new opportunities to advance biomedical and industrial ultrasound-based techniques.

One-Dimensional Nanostructures and Devices of II–V Group Semiconductors

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

The II–V group semiconductors, with narrow band gaps, are important materials with many applications in infrared detectors, lasers, solar cells, ultrasonic multipliers, and Hall generators. Since the first report on trumpet-like Zn3P2nanowires, one-dimensional (1-D) nanostructures of II–V group semiconductors have attracted great research attention recently because these special 1-D nanostructures may find applications in fabricating new electronic and optoelectronic nanoscale devices. This article covers the 1-D II–V semiconducting nanostructures that have been synthesized till now, focusing on nanotubes, nanowires, nanobelts, and special nanostructures like heterostructured nanowires. Novel electronic and optoelectronic devices built on 1-D II–V semiconducting nanostructures will also be discussed, which include metal–insulator-semiconductor field-effect transistors, metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors, andp–nheterojunction photodiode. We intent to provide the readers a brief account of these exciting research activities. PMID:20596452

Ultrasonically-Induced Cavitation In Vivo Depends on the Physiological State

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vykhodtseva, Natalia I.; Kondrashova, Maria N.

2006-05-01

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that the ultrasound-induced cavitation can be facilitated by excitation and stress. Methods: Acoustic emission was monitored from the region of the femoral artery of non-anesthetized rats using a resonant focusing detector (RFD). The RFD consists of two transducers: an inner transmitting transducer (0.87 MHz, R/D=70/28mm), an annular receiving transducer (0.43 MHz, R=70 mm, Dint/Dext=37 /58 mm). Acoustical emission was monitored: (1) during mild immobilization stress (MIS); (2) after strong immobilization stress (SIS); (3) after succinic acid administration (SUC); (4) during negative air-ion inhalation (NAI). Results: The subharmonic emission varied as a function of the physiological states. Both strong immobilization stress and SUC, which increases adrenaline release and stimulates physiological activity of cells, increased cavitation activity. Inhalation of NAI abolished stress-induced cavitation providing a sedative effect.

Liquid chromatographic determination of benzo(a)pyrene in total particulate matter of cigarette smoke

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

Tomkins, B.A.; Jenkins, R.A.; Griest, W.H.

The benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) delivery of reference and commercially available tobacco cigarettes, as well as reference and placebo marijuana cigarettes, is determined using a sequential liquid chromatographic/liquid chromatographic procedure. The total particulate matter of sample cigarette smoke is collected using a Cambridge filter pad, which is ultrasonically extracted with acetone. The resulting extract is filtered, then fractionated using semipreparative-scale normal phase liquid chromatography (LC). Quantitative determination is achieved using analytical-scale reverse phase LC equipped with a fluorescence detector. The method is precise (+/- 10-15% relative standard deviation) and yields 85% or better BaP recovery at the ng/cig. level. A single padmore » may be analyzed in 8 person-hours, while a more typical lot of 12 pads (6 pads each for 2 cigarette brands) may be analyzed in 10 person-days.« less

Ultrasonic search wheel probe

DOEpatents

Mikesell, Charles R.

1978-01-01

A device is provided for reducing internal reflections from the tire of an ultrasonic search wheel probe or from within the material being examined. The device includes a liner with an anechoic chamber within which is an ultrasonic transducer. The liner is positioned within the wheel and includes an aperture through which the ultrasonic sound from the transducer is directed.

Prediction of ultrasonic properties from grain angle

Treesearch

M.F. Kabir

2001-01-01

The ultrasonic properties of rubber wood were evaluated in three main symmetry axes – longitudinal (L), radial (R) and tangential direction and also at an angle rotating from the symmetry axes at different moisture content. The ultrasonic velocity were determined with a commercial ultrasonic tester of 45 kHz pulsed longitudinal waves. The experimental results were...

System and technique for ultrasonic determination of degree of cooking

DOEpatents

Bond, Leonard J [Richland, WA; Diaz, Aaron A [W. Richland, WA; Judd, Kayte M [Richland, WA; Pappas, Richard A [Richland, WA; Cliff, William C [Richland, WA; Pfund, David M [Richland, WA; Morgen, Gerald P [Kennewick, WA

2007-03-20

A method and apparatus are described for determining the doneness of food during a cooking process. Ultrasonic signal are passed through the food during cooking. The change in transmission characteristics of the ultrasonic signal during the cooking process is measured to determine the point at which the food has been cooked to the proper level. In one aspect, a heated fluid cooks the food, and the transmission characteristics along a fluid-only ultrasonic path provides a reference for comparison with the transmission characteristics for a food-fluid ultrasonic path.

Systems and Methods for Fabricating Structures Including Metallic Glass-Based Materials Using Ultrasonic Welding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hofmann, Douglas C. (Inventor); Roberts, Scott N. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention fabricate objects including metallic glass-based materials using ultrasonic welding. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an object that includes a metallic glass-based material includes: ultrasonically welding at least one ribbon to a surface; where at least one ribbon that is ultrasonically welded to a surface has a thickness of less than approximately 150.mu.m; and where at least one ribbon that is ultrasonically welded to a surface includes a metallic glass-based material.

Ultrasonic ranging and data telemetry system

DOEpatents

Brashear, Hugh R.; Blair, Michael S.; Phelps, James E.; Bauer, Martin L.; Nowlin, Charles H.

1990-01-01

An ultrasonic ranging and data telemetry system determines a surveyor's position and automatically links it with other simultaneously taken survey data. An ultrasonic and radio frequency (rf) transmitter are carried by the surveyor in a backpack. The surveyor's position is determined by calculations that use the measured transmission times of an airborne ultrasonic pulse transmitted from the backpack to two or more prepositioned ultrasonic transceivers. Once a second, rf communications are used both to synchronize the ultrasonic pulse transmission-time measurements and to transmit other simultaneously taken survey data. The rf communications are interpreted by a portable receiver and microcomputer which are brought to the property site. A video display attached to the computer provides real-time visual monitoring of the survey progress and site coverage.

Study of ultrasonic melt treatment on the quality of horizontal continuously cast Al-1%Si alloy.

PubMed

Li, Xin-Tao; Li, Ting-Ju; Li, Xi-Meng; Jin, Jun-Ze

2006-02-01

The fluctuation of the melt temperature in a tundish was measured during casting and experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of ultrasonic melt treatment on the surface quality and solidification structures of Al-1%Si ingots. The results show that the uniformity of melt temperature was enhanced with the application of ultrasonic melt treatment. When the ultrasonic power is 1,000W, the surface quality was evidently improved and grains of cast ingots were refined. Moreover, EPMA analysis was adopted to study the relationship between the ultrasonic power and boundary segregation of Si element. The result shows that boundary segregation is suppressed with the increase of ultrasonic power and the phenomenon was theoretically interpreted.

Apparatus and method for ultrasonic treatment of a liquid

DOEpatents

Chandler, Darrell P.; Posakony, Gerald J.; Bond, Leonard J.; Bruckner-Lea, Cynthia J.

2006-04-04

The present invention is an apparatus for ultrasonically treating a liquid to generate a product. The apparatus is capable of treating a continuously-flowing, or intermittently-flowing, liquid along a line segment coincident with the flow path of the liquid. The apparatus has one or more ultrasonic transducers positioned asymmetrically about the line segment. The ultrasonic field encompasses the line segment and the ultrasonic energy may be concentrated along the line segment. Lysing treatments have been successfully achieved with efficiencies of greater than 99% using ultrasound at MHz frequencies without erosion or heating problems and without the need for chemical or mechanical pretreatment, or contrast agents. The present invention overcomes drawbacks of current ultrasonic treatments beyond lysing and opens up new sonochemical and sonophysical processing opportunities.

Comparison of 2 micron Ho and 10 micron CO2 lidar for atmospheric backscatter and Doppler windshear detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Killinger, Dennis

1991-01-01

The development of eye-safe, solid-state Lidar systems is discussed, with an emphasis on Coherent Doppler Lidar for Atmospheric Wind Measurements. The following subject areas are covered: tunable Ho DIAL (Differential Absorption Lidar)/lidar atmospheric measurements; atmospheric turbulence measurements and detector arrays; diurnal measurements of C(sub n)(sup 2) for KSC lidar measurements; and development of single-frequency Ho laser/lidar.

Algorithms exploiting ultrasonic sensors for subject classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desai, Sachi; Quoraishee, Shafik

2009-09-01

Proposed here is a series of techniques exploiting micro-Doppler ultrasonic sensors capable of characterizing various detected mammalian targets based on their physiological movements captured a series of robust features. Employed is a combination of unique and conventional digital signal processing techniques arranged in such a manner they become capable of classifying a series of walkers. These processes for feature extraction develops a robust feature space capable of providing discrimination of various movements generated from bipeds and quadrupeds and further subdivided into large or small. These movements can be exploited to provide specific information of a given signature dividing it in a series of subset signatures exploiting wavelets to generate start/stop times. After viewing a series spectrograms of the signature we are able to see distinct differences and utilizing kurtosis, we generate an envelope detector capable of isolating each of the corresponding step cycles generated during a walk. The walk cycle is defined as one complete sequence of walking/running from the foot pushing off the ground and concluding when returning to the ground. This time information segments the events that are readily seen in the spectrogram but obstructed in the temporal domain into individual walk sequences. This walking sequence is then subsequently translated into a three dimensional waterfall plot defining the expected energy value associated with the motion at particular instance of time and frequency. The value is capable of being repeatable for each particular class and employable to discriminate the events. Highly reliable classification is realized exploiting a classifier trained on a candidate sample space derived from the associated gyrations created by motion from actors of interest. The classifier developed herein provides a capability to classify events as an adult humans, children humans, horses, and dogs at potentially high rates based on the tested sample space. The algorithm developed and described will provide utility to an underused sensor modality for human intrusion detection because of the current high-rate of generated false alarms. The active ultrasonic sensor coupled in a multi-modal sensor suite with binary, less descriptive sensors like seismic devices realizing a greater accuracy rate for detection of persons of interest for homeland purposes.

21 CFR 870.2880 - Ultrasonic transducer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

...) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Monitoring Devices § 870.2880 Ultrasonic transducer... ultrasonic energy that is used in conjunction with an echocardiograph to provide imaging of cardiovascular...

21 CFR 870.2880 - Ultrasonic transducer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

...) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Monitoring Devices § 870.2880 Ultrasonic transducer... ultrasonic energy that is used in conjunction with an echocardiograph to provide imaging of cardiovascular...

Diamond detectors for high-temperature transactinide chemistry experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinegger, Patrick; Dressler, Rugard; Eichler, Robert; Piguet, Dave; Streuli, Silvan; Türler, Andreas

2017-04-01

Here, we present the fabrication details and functional tests of diamond-based α-spectroscopic sensors, dedicated for high-temperature experiments, targeting the chemistry of transactinide elements. Direct heating studies with this sensor material, revealed a current upper temperature threshold for a safe α-spectroscopic operation of Tdet = 453 K . Up to this temperature, the diamond sensor could be operated in a stable manner over long time periods of the order of days. A satisfying resolution of ≈ 50 keVFWHM was maintained throughout all conducted measurements. However, exceeding the mentioned temperature limit led to a pronounced spectroscopic degradation in the range of 453 - 473 K , thereby preventing any further α-spectroscopic application. These findings are in full agreement with available literature data. The presented detector development generally enables the chemical investigation of more short-lived and less volatile transactinide elements and their compounds, yet unreachable with the currently employed silicon-based solid state sensors. In a second part, the design, construction, and α-spectroscopic performance of a 4-segmented diamond detector, dedicated and used for transactinide element research, is given as an application example.

BONUS Gas Handling System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrer, James

2004-10-01

The BONUS experiment, at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility aims to measure structure functions of the neutron via electron scattering. In order to overcome the unavailability of a neutron target, the BONUS collaboration will use a deuterium target. By detecting the recoil (spectator) proton in coincidence with the scattered electron, the kinematics of the electron-neutron interaction will be fully determined, thus overcoming theoretical complications that arise when extracting neutron cross sections. In order to detect low energy recoil protons, in the 70-100 MeV/c range, a (6 cm-radius) radial time projection chamber (RTPC) will be used. The BONUS RTPC is based on the gas electron multiplier (GEM) technology recently developed at CERN. One of the key components of this detector is the gas handling system, designed and built to deliver the correct mixture of gas to the detector safely, accurately, and reliably. The building and testing of this system is the major contribution of James Madison University to the BONUS collaboration. This poster provides a general overview of the BONUS detector, focusing on the gas handling system.

Screening of inorganic gases released from firework-rockets by a gas chromatography/whistle-accelerometer method.

PubMed

Chen, Kuan-Fu; Wu, Hui-Hsin; Lin, Chien-Hung; Lin, Cheng-Huang

2013-08-30

The use of an accelerometer for detecting inorganic gases in gas chromatography (GC) is described. A milli-whistle was connected to the outlet of the GC capillary and was used instead of a classical GC detector. When the GC carrier gases and the sample gases pass through the milli-whistle, a sound is produced, leading to vibrational changes, which can be recorded using an accelerometer. Inorganic gases, including SO2, N2 and CO2, which are released from traditional Chinese firework-rockets at relatively high levels as the result of burning the propellant and explosive material inside could be rapidly determined using the GC/whistle-accelerometer system. The method described herein is safe, the instrumentation is compact and has potential to be modified so as to be portable for use in the field. It also can be used in conjunction with FID (flame ionization detector) or TCD (thermal conductivity detector), in which either no response for FID (CO2, N2, NO2, SO2, etc.) or helium gas is needed for TCD, respectively. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Implementation of a dynamic data entry system for the PHENIX gas system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hagiwara, Masako

2003-10-01

The PHENIX detector at the BNL RHIC facility uses multiple detector technologies that require a precise gas delivery system, including flammable gases that require additional monitoring. During operation of the detector, it is crucial to maintain stable and safe operating conditions by carefully monitoring flows, pressures, and various other gas properties. These systems are monitored during running periods on a continuous basis. For the most part, these records were kept by hand, filling out a paper logsheet every four hours. A dynamic data entry system was needed to replace the paper logsheets. The solution created was to use a PDA or laptop computer with a wireless connection to enter the data directly into a MySQL database. The system uses PHP to dynamically create and update the data entry pages. The data entered can be viewed in graphs as well as tables. As a result, the data recorded will be easily accessible during PHENIX's next running period. It also allows for long term archiving, making the data available during the analysis phase, providing knowledge of the operating conditions of the gas system.

Detection of coins ingested by children using a handheld metal detector: a systematic review.

PubMed

Lee, J B; Ahmad, S; Gale, C P

2005-12-01

To determine if the use of a handheld metal detector (HHMD) can safely reduce the number of radiographs requested in cases of coins ingested by children, a search was performed to identify prospective studies of the ability of an HHMD to identify the presence or absence of ingested coin in children (17 years or younger). Outcome measures were presence or absence of coin on metal detector screening, and accuracy of coin localisation. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined. Mantel-Haenszel (fixed effect model) pooling with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to calculate overall sensitivities and specificities. In total, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall sensitivity of the HHMD at detecting the presence of coins was 99.4% (95% CI 98.0 to 99.9%) and accuracy at localisation was 99.8% (98.5 to 100.0%). The overall specificity of the HHMD was 100% (76.8 to 100%). Use of the HHMD is an accurate, radiation free, and cost effective method of identifying and localising coins ingested by children. An algorithm for investigating children with coin ingestion is proposed.

A new approach involving a multi transducer ultrasonic system for cleaning turbine engines' oil filters under practical conditions.

PubMed

Nguyen, Dinh Duc; Ngo, Huu Hao; Yoon, Yong Soo; Chang, Soon Woong; Bui, Hong Ha

2016-09-01

The purpose of this paper is to provide a green technology that can clean turbine engine oil filters effectively in ships using ultrasound, with ultrasonic devices having a frequency of 25kHz and different powers of 300W and 600W, respectively. The effects of temperature, ultrasonic cleaning times, pressure losses through the oil filter, solvent washing, and ultrasonic power devices were investigated. In addition, the cleaning efficiency of three modes (hand washing, preliminary washing and ultrasonic washing) were compared to assess their relative effectiveness. Experimental results revealed that the necessary ultrasonic time varied significantly depending on which solvent was used for washing. For instance, the optimum ultrasonic cleaning time was 50-60min when the oil filter was cleaned in a solvent of kerosene oil (KO) and over 80min when in a solvent of diesel oil (DO) using the same ultrasonic generator device (25kHz, 600W) and experimental conditions. Furthermore, microscopic examination did not reveal any damage or breakdown on or within the structure of the filter after ultrasonic cleaning, even in the filter's surfaces at a constantly low frequency of 25kHz and power specific capacity (100W/gal). Overall, it may be concluded that ultrasound-assisted oil filter washing is effective, requiring a significantly shorter time than manual washing. This ultrasonic method also shows promise as a green technology for washing oil filters in turbine engines in general and Vietnamese navy ships in particular, because of its high cleaning efficiency, operational simplicity and savings. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Treatment of carbonization effluent by the ultrasonic radiation and activated sludge process].

PubMed

Ning, Ping; Xu, Jinqiu; Huang, Dongbin; Ma, Xiaoli; Xu, Xiaojun; Li, Ziyan

2003-05-01

The paper deals with the degradation of organic pollutants by the ultrasonic irradiation-activated sludge process. The treatment of the real coking wastewater of Kunming coke making-gas plant was studied with the water quality model. Using the ultrasonic irradiation-activated sludge process the organic pollutants in the real coking wastewater can be degraded effectively. The influence factors of the ultrasonic degradation effect such as initial concentration, aerated gas and ultrasonic density were investigated and mechanism was explored. The result shows that the ultrasonic degradation effect was high with the decrease of initial concentration of the CODCr, the presence of aerated gas and the increase of ultrasonic density. At the initial CODCr concentration of 807 mg/L, when air acted as aerated gas and only air itself (no ultrasound) was exerted on the wastewater, the degradation rate of the CODCr will be 4.5%. However, when the ultrasound of the intensity of 119.4 kW/m2 was exerted on the wastewater, the degradation rate of the CODCr will be 65%. Compared with the activated sludge process alone, the combination of the ultrasonic irradiation and activated sludge process can increase the degradation rate of the CODCr from 45% to 81%. The oxygen consumption rate of the carbonization effluent obviously decreased in the presence of the activated sludge. This shows the carbonization effluent is not biotoxic behind the ultrasonic irradiation.

Test and Evaluation of Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing (UAM) for a Large Aircraft Maintenance Shelter (LAMS) Baseplate

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-26

TEST AND EVALUATION OF ULTRASONIC ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING (UAM) FOR A LARGE AREA MAINTENANCE...States Government. AFIT-ENV-MS-15-M-158 TEST AND EVALUATION OF ULTRASONIC ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING FOR A LARGE AREA MAINTENANCE SHELTER...Civil Engineer (CE) operations. This research replicates a Large Area Maintenance Shelter (LAMS) baseplate design for ultrasonic additive

Ultrasonic oil recovery and salt removal from refinery tank bottom sludge.

PubMed

Hu, Guangji; Li, Jianbing; Thring, Ronald W; Arocena, Joselito

2014-01-01

The oil recovery and salt removal effects of ultrasonic irradiation on oil refinery tank bottom sludge were investigated, together with those of direct heating. Ultrasonic power, treatment duration, sludge-to-water ratio, and initial sludge-water slurry temperature were examined for their impacts on sludge treatment. It was found that the increased initial slurry temperature could enhance the ultrasonic irradiation performance, especially at lower ultrasonic power level (i.e., 21 W), but the application of higher-power ultrasound could rapidly increase the bulk temperature of slurry. Ultrasonic irradiation had a better oil recovery and salt removal performance than direct heating treatment. More than 60% of PHCs in the sludge was recovered at an ultrasonic power of 75 W, a treatment duration of 6 min, an initial slurry temperature of 25°C, and a sludge-to-water ratio of 1:4, while salt content in the recovered oil was reduced to <5 mg L(-1), thereby satisfying the salt requirement in refinery feedstock oil. In general, ultrasonic irradiation could be an effective method in terms of oil recovery and salt removal from refinery oily sludge, but the separated wastewater still contains relatively high concentrations of PHCs and salt which requires proper treatment.

Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted preparation of dietary fiber from corn pericarp using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Wang, Anna; Wu, Ligen; Li, Xiulin

2013-09-01

Corn pericarp, which is an industrial waste of corn starch production, is an important source of dietary fiber in cereals, with claimed health benefits. However, they used to be discarded or utilized as animal feed. The application of pre-ultrasound treatment is critical for achieving rapid preparation of desired components from plant materials and for preserving structural and molecular properties of these compounds. Ultrasonic-assisted preparation was used to produce dietary fiber from corn pericarp using response surface methodology. The optimal particle size of corn pericarp (mesh size 40), the ratio of liquid to solid (25 mL g⁻¹), ultrasonic power (180 W) and ultrasonic time (80 min) were determined based on response surface methodology analysis. The interaction effects of particle size of corn pericarp and ultrasonic time had a highlysignificant effect on the yield of dietary fiber, and a significant effect was shown by ultrasonic power and ultrasonic time. The maximum yield of dietary fiber was 86.84%, which agreed closely with the predicted value. Using ultrasonic-assisted preparation, it may be possible to enhance the yield of dietary fiber from corn pericarp. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of ultrasound on oil recovery from crude oil containing sludge.

PubMed

He, Shilong; Tan, Xicheng; Hu, Xin; Gao, Yingxin

2018-01-16

To recover oil from crude oil containing sludge is still a research hot topic from the view of sustainability, in which ultrasonic has been proven to be an efficient and environment friendly technique. However, the effect of sludge characteristic on ultrasonic-assisted oil recovery efficiency is little known. In this study, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted based on six types of crude oily sludge with hydrophilicity and lipophilicity separately and five different ultrasonic operation factors (ultrasonic power (A), frequency (B), time (C), initial temperature (D) and pH (E)). The results showed that the oil recovery efficiency was mainly affected by the ultrasonic power and hydrophilicity of sludge (the highest 92% of oil recovery rate was achieved with the ultrasonic power of 240 W and hydrophilic sludge). Moreover, the wettability, decreased average particle size and increased specific surface area of sludge were found after ultrasonic treatment. Besides, changes in the oil component, such as the decrease of asphaltenes along with an increase of saturates, were also further observed. Therefore, the findings in this study can provide technical support for the practical application of ultrasonic technology in different kinds of oily sludge treatment.

The Effect of Fabric Position to the Distribution of Acoustic Pressure Field in Ultrasonic Bath

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gürses, B. O.; Özdemir, A. O.; Tonay, Ö.; Şener, M.; Perinçek, S.

2017-10-01

Nowadays, the use of ultrasonic energy in textile wet processes at industrial-scale is limited. It is largely due to the lack of understanding about design, operational and performance characteristics of the ultrasonic bath, suitable for textile treatments. In the context of this study, the effect of fabric position, as one of the design parameter, to the distribution of acoustic pressure field in ultrasonic bath was investigated. The ultrasonic bath in the size 20×30 cm2 with one transducer at frequency 40 kHz was used in experiments. The cotton fabric with 1 mm thickness was moved along vertical and horizontal directions of the ultrasonic bath. The acoustic field and cavitation volume density in the bath is analyzed by COMSOL Multiphysic. The cavitation volume density is calculated by comparing the pressure points in the bath with cavitation threshold pressure. Consequently, it was found that the position of the textile material in the ultrasonic bath is one of the most important factors to achieve the uniform and maximum acoustic cavitation field. So, it should be taken into consideration during the design of industrial-scale ultrasonic bath used in textile wet processes.

A stepped-plate bi-frequency source for generating a difference frequency sound with a parametric array.

PubMed

Je, Yub; Lee, Haksue; Park, Jongkyu; Moon, Wonkyu

2010-06-01

An ultrasonic radiator is developed to generate a difference frequency sound from two frequencies of ultrasound in air with a parametric array. A design method is proposed for an ultrasonic radiator capable of generating highly directive, high-amplitude ultrasonic sound beams at two different frequencies in air based on a modification of the stepped-plate ultrasonic radiator. The stepped-plate ultrasonic radiator was introduced by Gallego-Juarez et al. [Ultrasonics 16, 267-271 (1978)] in their previous study and can effectively generate highly directive, large-amplitude ultrasonic sounds in air, but only at a single frequency. Because parametric array sources must be able to generate sounds at more than one frequency, a design modification is crucial to the application of a stepped-plate ultrasonic radiator as a parametric array source in air. The aforementioned method was employed to design a parametric radiator for use in air. A prototype of this design was constructed and tested to determine whether it could successfully generate a difference frequency sound with a parametric array. The results confirmed that the proposed single small-area transducer was suitable as a parametric radiator in air.

Effect of ultrasonic tip designs on intraradicular post removal.

PubMed

Aguiar, Anny Carine Barros; de Meireles, Daniely Amorim; Marques, André Augusto Franco; Sponchiado Júnior, Emílio Carlos; Garrido, Angela Delfina Bitencourt; Garcia, Lucas da Fonseca Roberti

2014-11-01

To evaluate the effect of different ultrasonic tip designs on intraradicular post removal. The crowns of forty human canine teeth were removed, and after biomechanical preparation and filling, the roots were embedded in acrylic resin blocks. The post spaces were made, and root canal molding was performed with self-cured acrylic resin. After casting (Cu-Al), the posts were cemented with zinc phosphate cement. The specimens were randomly separated into 4 groups (n = 10), as follows: G1 - no ultrasonic vibration (control); G2 - ultrasonic vibration using an elongated cylindrical-shaped and active rounded tip; G3 - ultrasonic vibration with a flattened convex and linear active tip; G4 - ultrasonic vibration with active semicircular tapered tip. Ultrasonic vibration was applied for 15 seconds on each post surface and tensile test was performed in a Universal Testing Machine (Instron 4444 - 1 mm/min). G4 presented the highest mean values, however, with no statistically significant difference in comparison to G3 (P > 0.05). G2 presented the lowest mean values with statistically significant difference to G3 and G4 (P < 0.05). Ultrasonic vibration with elongated cylindrical-shaped and active rounded tip was most effective in reducing force required for intraradicular post removal.

Ultrasonic Characterization of Superhard Material: Osmium Diboride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadawa, P. K.

2012-12-01

Higher order elastic constants have been calculated in hexagonal structured superhard material OsB2 at room temperature following the interaction potential model. The temperature variation of the ultrasonic velocities is evaluated along different angles with unique axis of the crystal using the second order elastic constants. The ultrasonic velocity decreases with the temperature along particular orientation with the unique axis. Temperature variation of the thermal relaxation time and Debye average velocities are also calculated along the same orientation. The temperature dependency of the ultrasonic properties is discussed in correlation with elastic, thermal and electrical properties. It has been found that the thermal conductivity is the main contributor to the behaviour of ultrasonic attenuation as a function of temperature and the responsible cause of attenuation is phonon-phonon interaction. The mechanical properties of OsB2 at low temperature are better than at high temperature, because at low temperature it has low ultrasonic velocity and ultrasonic attenuation. Superhard material OsB2 has many industrial applications, such as abrasives, cutting tools and hard coatings.

Sparse signal representation and its applications in ultrasonic NDE.

PubMed

Zhang, Guang-Ming; Zhang, Cheng-Zhong; Harvey, David M

2012-03-01

Many sparse signal representation (SSR) algorithms have been developed in the past decade. The advantages of SSR such as compact representations and super resolution lead to the state of the art performance of SSR for processing ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation (NDE) signals. Choosing a suitable SSR algorithm and designing an appropriate overcomplete dictionary is a key for success. After a brief review of sparse signal representation methods and the design of overcomplete dictionaries, this paper addresses the recent accomplishments of SSR for processing ultrasonic NDE signals. The advantages and limitations of SSR algorithms and various overcomplete dictionaries widely-used in ultrasonic NDE applications are explored in depth. Their performance improvement compared to conventional signal processing methods in many applications such as ultrasonic flaw detection and noise suppression, echo separation and echo estimation, and ultrasonic imaging is investigated. The challenging issues met in practical ultrasonic NDE applications for example the design of a good dictionary are discussed. Representative experimental results are presented for demonstration. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prediction of Building Limestone Physical and Mechanical Properties by Means of Ultrasonic P-Wave Velocity

PubMed Central

Concu, Giovanna; De Nicolo, Barbara; Valdes, Monica

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate ultrasonic P-wave velocity as a feature for predicting some physical and mechanical properties that describe the behavior of local building limestone. To this end, both ultrasonic testing and compressive tests were carried out on several limestone specimens and statistical correlation between ultrasonic velocity and density, compressive strength, and modulus of elasticity was studied. The effectiveness of ultrasonic velocity was evaluated by regression, with the aim of observing the coefficient of determination r 2 between ultrasonic velocity and the aforementioned parameters, and the mathematical expressions of the correlations were found and discussed. The strong relations that were established between ultrasonic velocity and limestone properties indicate that these parameters can be reasonably estimated by means of this nondestructive parameter. This may be of great value in a preliminary phase of the diagnosis and inspection of stone masonry conditions, especially when the possibility of sampling material cores is reduced. PMID:24511286

Application of laser ultrasonic method for on-line monitoring of friction stir spot welding process.

PubMed

Zhang, Kuanshuang; Zhou, Zhenggan; Zhou, Jianghua

2015-09-01

Application of a laser ultrasonic method is developed for on-line monitoring of the friction stir spot welding (FSSW) process. Based on the technology of FSSW, laser-generated ultrasonic waves in a good weld and nonweld area are simulated by a finite element method. The reflected and transmitted waves are analyzed to disclose the properties of the welded interface. The noncontact-laser ultrasonic-inspection system was established to verify the numerical results. The reflected waves in the good-weld and nonweld area can be distinguished by time-of-flight. The transmitted waves evidently attenuate in the nonweld area in contrast to signal amplitude in the good weld area because of interfacial impedance difference. Laser ultrasonic C-scan images can sufficiently evaluate the intrinsic character of the weld area in comparison with traditional water-immersion ultrasonic testing results. The research results confirm that laser ultrasonics would be an effective method to realize the characterization of FSSW defects.

Prediction of building limestone physical and mechanical properties by means of ultrasonic P-wave velocity.

PubMed

Concu, Giovanna; De Nicolo, Barbara; Valdes, Monica

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate ultrasonic P-wave velocity as a feature for predicting some physical and mechanical properties that describe the behavior of local building limestone. To this end, both ultrasonic testing and compressive tests were carried out on several limestone specimens and statistical correlation between ultrasonic velocity and density, compressive strength, and modulus of elasticity was studied. The effectiveness of ultrasonic velocity was evaluated by regression, with the aim of observing the coefficient of determination r(2) between ultrasonic velocity and the aforementioned parameters, and the mathematical expressions of the correlations were found and discussed. The strong relations that were established between ultrasonic velocity and limestone properties indicate that these parameters can be reasonably estimated by means of this nondestructive parameter. This may be of great value in a preliminary phase of the diagnosis and inspection of stone masonry conditions, especially when the possibility of sampling material cores is reduced.

Enhancement of ultraweak photon emission with 3 MHz ultrasonic irradiation on transplanted tumor tissues of mice.

PubMed

Kim, Hongbae; Ahn, Saeyoung; Kim, Jungdae; Soh, Kwang-Sup

2008-07-01

We investigated photon emissions of various bio-samples which were induced by ultrasonic stimulation. It has been reported that ultrasonic stimulations induced the thermal excitation of the bio-tissues. After ultrasonic stimulation, any measurement of photon radiation in the visible spectral range has not been carried out yet. The instruments consisted of electronic devices for an ultrasonic generator of the frequency 3 MHz and a photomultiplier tube (PMT) system counting photons from bio-tissues. The transplanted tumor tissues of mice were prepared for the experiments and their liver and spleen tissues were also used for the controls. It was found that the continuous ultrasonic stimulations with the electrical power 2300 mW induced ultraweak photon emissions from the tumor tissues. The number of induced photon was dependent of the type of the tissues and the stimulation time intervals. The level of photon emission was increased from the mouse tumor exposed to the ultrasonic stimulations, and the changes were discriminated from those of the spleens and livers.

Single Transducer Ultrasonic Imaging Method that Eliminates the Effect of Plate Thickness Variation in the Image

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Don J.

1996-01-01

This article describes a single transducer ultrasonic imaging method that eliminates the effect of plate thickness variation in the image. The method thus isolates ultrasonic variations due to material microstructure. The use of this method can result in significant cost savings because the ultrasonic image can be interpreted correctly without the need for machining to achieve precise thickness uniformity during nondestructive evaluations of material development. The method is based on measurement of ultrasonic velocity. Images obtained using the thickness-independent methodology are compared with conventional velocity and c-scan echo peak amplitude images for monolithic ceramic (silicon nitride), metal matrix composite and polymer matrix composite materials. It was found that the thickness-independent ultrasonic images reveal and quantify correctly areas of global microstructural (pore and fiber volume fraction) variation due to the elimination of thickness effects. The thickness-independent ultrasonic imaging method described in this article is currently being commercialized under a cooperative agreement between NASA Lewis Research Center and Sonix, Inc.

The acousto-ultrasonic approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vary, Alex

1987-01-01

The nature and underlying rationale of the acousto-ultrasonic approach is reviewed, needed advanced signal analysis and evaluation methods suggested, and application potentials discussed. Acousto-ultrasonics is an NDE technique combining aspects of acoustic emission methodology with ultrasonic simulation of stress waves. This approach uses analysis of simulated stress waves for detecting and mapping variations of mechanical properties. Unlike most NDE, acousto-ultrasonics is less concerned with flaw detection than with the assessment of the collective effects of various flaws and material anomalies. Acousto-ultrasonics has been applied chiefly to laminated and filament-wound fiber reinforced composites. It has been used to assess the significant strength and toughness reducing effects that can be wrought by combinations of essentially minor flaws and diffuse flaw populations. Acousto-ultrasonics assesses integrated defect states and the resultant variations in properties such as tensile, shear, and flexural strengths and fracture resistance. Matrix cure state, porosity, fiber orientation, fiber volume fraction, fiber-matrix bonding, and interlaminar bond quality are underlying factors.

Growth of oriented polycrystalline α-HgI 2 films by ultrasonic-wave-assisted physical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Weiguang; Nie, Lei; Li, Dongmei; Wang, Yali; Zhou, Jie; Ma, Lei; Wang, Zhenhua; Shi, Weimin

2011-06-01

Polycrystalline α-HgI 2 thick films have been grown on ITO-coated glass substrates using ultrasonic-wave-assisted vapor phase deposition (UWAVPD) with the different source temperatures and ultrasonic frequencies. The influence of the assisted ultrasonic wave and source temperature on the structural and electrical properties of the polycrystalline α-HgI 2 films is investigated. It is found that the assisted ultrasonic wave plays an important role in the improvement of the structural and electrical properties. An uniformly oriented polycrystalline α-HgI 2 film with clear facets and narrow size distribution can be obtained at the source temperature of 80 °C under the assistance of 59 KHz ultrasonic frequency with the ultrasonic power of 200 W, which has the lowest value of ρ=2.2×10 12 Ω cm for E-field parallel to c-axis, approaching to that of high quality α-HgI 2 single crystals (4.0×10 12 Ω cm).

Absolute calibration technique for broadband ultrasonic transducers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yost, William T. (Inventor); Cantrell, John H. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

Calibrating an ultrasonic transducer can be performed with a reduced number of calculations and testing. A wide-band pulser is connected to an ultrasonic transducer under test to generate ultrasonic waves in a liquid. A single frequency is transmitted to the electrostatic acoustic transducer (ESAT) and the voltage change produced is monitored. Then a broadband ultrasonic pulse is generated by the ultrasonic transducer and received by the ESAT. The output of the ESAT is amplified and input to a digitized oscilloscope for fast Fourier transform. The resulting plot is normalized with the monitored signal from the single frequency pulse. The plot is then corrected for characteristics of the membrane and diffraction effects. The transfer function of the final plot is determined. The transfer function gives the final sensitivity of the ultrasonic transducer as a function of frequency. The advantage of the system is the speed of calibrating the transducer by a reduced number of measurements and removal of the membrane and diffraction effects.

Experimental Investigation on Acoustic Control Droplet Transfer in Ultrasonic-Wave-Assisted Gas Metal Arc Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weifeng, Xie; Chenglei, Fan; Chunli, Yang; Sanbao, Lin

2018-02-01

Ultrasonic-wave-assisted gas metal arc welding (U-GMAW) is a new, advanced arc welding method that uses an ultrasonic wave emitted from an ultrasonic radiator above the arc. However, it remains unclear how the ultrasonic wave affects the metal droplet, hindering further application of U-GMAW. In this paper, an improved U-GMAW system was used and its superiority was experimentally demonstrated. Then a series of experiments were designed and performed to study how the ultrasonic wave affects droplet transfer, including droplet size, velocity, and motion trajectory. The behavior of droplet transfer was observed in high-speed images. The droplet transfer is closely related to the distribution of the acoustic field, determined by the ultrasonic current. Moreover, by analyzing the variably accelerated motion of the droplet, the acoustic control of the droplet transfer was intuitively demonstrated. Finally, U-GMAW was successfully used in vertical-up and overhead welding experiments, showing that U-GMAW is promising for use in welding in all positions.

Ultrasonication of Bismuth Telluride Nanocrystals Fabricated by Solvothermal Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chu, Sang-Hyon; Choi, Sang H.; Kim, Jae-Woo; King, Glen C.; Elliott, James R.

2006-01-01

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of ultrasonication on bismuth telluride nanocrystals prepared by solvothermal method. In this study, a low dimensional nanocrystal of bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) was synthesized by a solvothermal process in an autoclave at 180 C and 200 psi. During the solvothermal reaction, organic surfactants effectively prevented unwanted aggregation of nanocrystals in a selected solvent while controlling the shape of the nanocrystal. The atomic ratio of bismuth and tellurium was determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The cavitational energy created by the ultrasonic probe was varied by the ultrasonication process time, while power amplitude remained constant. The nanocrystal size and its size distribution were measured by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and a dynamic light scattering system. When the ultrasonication time increased, the average size of bismuth telluride nanocrystal gradually increased due to the direct collision of nanocrystals. The polydispersity of the nanocrystals showed a minimum when the ultrasonication was applied for 5 min. Keywords: bismuth telluride, nanocrystal, low-dimensional, ultrasonication, solvothermal

Evaluation of correlation between physical properties and ultrasonic pulse velocity of fired clay samples.

PubMed

Özkan, İlker; Yayla, Zeliha

2016-03-01

The aim of this study is to establish a correlation between physical properties and ultrasonic pulse velocity of clay samples fired at elevated temperatures. Brick-making clay and pottery clay were studied for this purpose. The physical properties of clay samples were assessed after firing pressed clay samples separately at temperatures of 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1050 and 1100 °C. A commercial ultrasonic testing instrument (Proceq Pundit Lab) was used to evaluate the ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements for each fired clay sample as a function of temperature. It was observed that there became a relationship between physical properties and ultrasonic pulse velocities of the samples. The results showed that in consequence of increasing densification of the samples, the differences between the ultrasonic pulse velocities were higher with increasing temperature. These findings may facilitate the use of ultrasonic pulse velocity for the estimation of physical properties of fired clay samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mid-infrared pulsed laser ultrasonic testing for carbon fiber reinforced plastics.

PubMed

Kusano, Masahiro; Hatano, Hideki; Watanabe, Makoto; Takekawa, Shunji; Yamawaki, Hisashi; Oguchi, Kanae; Enoki, Manabu

2018-03-01

Laser ultrasonic testing (LUT) can realize contactless and instantaneous non-destructive testing, but its signal-to-noise ratio must be improved in order to measure carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs). We have developed a mid-infrared (mid-IR) laser source optimal for generating ultrasonic waves in CFRPs by using a wavelength conversion device based on an optical parametric oscillator. This paper reports a comparison of the ultrasonic generation behavior between the mid-IR laser and the Nd:YAG laser. The mid-IR laser generated a significantly larger ultrasonic amplitude in CFRP laminates than a conventional Nd:YAG laser. In addition, our study revealed that the surface epoxy matrix of CFRPs plays an important role in laser ultrasonic generation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultrasonic Method for Measuring Internal Temperature Profile in Heated Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ihara, I.; Takahashi, M.

2008-02-01

A new ultrasonic method for internal temperature measurement is presented. The principle of the method is based on temperature dependence of the velocity of the ultrasonic wave propagating through the material. An inverse analysis to determine the temperature profile in a heated material is developed and an experiment is carried out to verify the validity of the developed method. A single side of a silicone rubber plate of 30 mm thickness is heated and ultrasonic pulse-echo measurements are then performed during heating. A change in transit time of ultrasonic wave in the heated rubber plate is monitored and used to determine the transient variation in internal temperature distribution of the rubber. The internal temperature distribution determined ultrasonically agrees well with both obtained using commercial thermocouples installed in the rubber and estimated theoretically.

PSIDD (2): A Prototype Post-Scan Interactive Data Display System for Detailed Analysis of Ultrasonic Scans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cao, Wei; Roth, Don J.

1997-01-01

This article presents the description of PSIDD(2), a post-scan interactive data display system for ultrasonic contact scan and single measurement analysis. PSIDD(2) was developed in conjunction with ASTM standards for ultrasonic velocity and attenuation coefficient contact measurements. This system has been upgraded from its original version PSIDD(1) and improvements are described in this article. PSIDD(2) implements a comparison mode where the display of time domain waveforms and ultrasonic properties versus frequency can be shown for up to five scan points on one plot. This allows the rapid contrasting of sample areas exhibiting different ultrasonic properties as initially indicated by the ultrasonic contact scan image. This improvement plus additional features to be described in the article greatly facilitate material microstructural appraisal.

The efficiency of ultrasonic oscillations transfer into the load

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abramov, O. V.; Abramov, V. O.; Mullakaev, M. S.; Artem'ev, V. V.

2009-11-01

The results of ultrasonic action to the substances have been presented. It is examined, the correlation between the electrical parameters of ultrasonic equipment and acoustic performances of the ultrasonic field in treating the medium, the efficiency of ultrasonic technological facility, and the peculiarities of oscillations introduced into the load under cavitation development. The correlation between the acoustic powers of oscillations securing the needed level of cavitation and desired technological effect, and the electrical parameters of the ultrasonic facility, first of all, the power, is established. The peculiarities of cavitation development in liquids with different physical-chemical properties (including the molten low-melting metals) have been studied, and the acoustic power of oscillations introduced into the load under input variation of electric power to the generator has been also estimated.

Model Prediction Results for 2007 Ultrasonic Benchmark Problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hak-Joon; Song, Sung-Jin

2008-02-01

The World Federation of NDE Centers (WFNDEC) has addressed two types of problems for the 2007 ultrasonic benchmark problems: prediction of side-drilled hole responses with 45° and 60° refracted shear waves, and effects of surface curvatures on the ultrasonic responses of flat-bottomed hole. To solve this year's ultrasonic benchmark problems, we applied multi-Gaussian beam models for calculation of ultrasonic beam fields and the Kirchhoff approximation and the separation of variables method for calculation of far-field scattering amplitudes of flat-bottomed holes and side-drilled holes respectively In this paper, we present comparison results of model predictions to experiments for side-drilled holes and discuss effect of interface curvatures on ultrasonic responses by comparison of peak-to-peak amplitudes of flat-bottomed hole responses with different sizes and interface curvatures.

Apparatus and method for ultrasonic treatment of a liquid

DOEpatents

Chandler, Darrell P [Richland, WA; Posakony, Gerald J [Richland, WA; Bond, Leonard J [Richland, WA; Bruckner-Lea, Cynthia J [Richland, WA

2003-01-14

The present invention is an apparatus and method for ultrasonically treating a liquid to generate a product. The apparatus is capable of treating a continuously-flowing, or intermittently-flowing, liquid along a line segment coincident with the flow path of the liquid. The apparatus has one or more ultrasonic transducers positioned asymmetrically about the line segment. The ultrasonic field encompasses the line segment and the ultrasonic energy may be concentrated along the line segment. Lysing treatments have been successfully achieved with efficiencies of greater than 99% using ultrasound at MHz frequencies without erosion or heating problems and without the need for chemical or mechanical pretreatment, or contrast agents. The present invention overcomes drawbacks of current ultrasonic treatments beyond lysing and opens up new sonochemical and sonophysical processing opportunities.

Development of coaxial ultrasonic probe for fatty liver diagnostic system using ultrasonic velocity change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hori, Makoto; Yokota, Daiki; Aotani, Yuhei; Kumagai, Yuta; Wada, Kenji; Matsunaka, Toshiyuki; Morikawa, Hiroyasu; Horinaka, Hiromichi

2017-07-01

A diagnostic system for fatty liver at an early stage is needed because fatty liver is linked to metabolic syndrome. We have already proposed a fatty liver diagnosis method based on the temperature coefficient of ultrasonic velocity. In this study, we fabricated a coaxial ultrasonic probe by integrating two kinds of transducers for warming and signal detection. The diagnosis system equipped with the coaxial probe was applied to tissue-mimicking phantoms including the fat area. The fat content rates corresponding to the set rates of the phantoms were estimated by the ultrasonic velocity-change method.

Ultrasonic Characterization of Microstructural Changes in Ti-10V-4.5Fe-1.5Al β-Titanium Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viswanath, A.; Kumar, Anish; Jayakumar, T.; Purnachandra Rao, B.

2015-08-01

Ultrasonic measurements have been carried out in Ti-10V-4.5Fe-1.5Al β-titanium alloy specimens subjected to β annealing at 1173 K (900 °C) for 1 hour followed by heat treatment in the temperature range of 823 K to 1173 K (550 °C to 900 °C) at an interval of 50 K (50 °C) for 1 hour, followed by water quenching. Ultrasonic parameters such as ultrasonic longitudinal wave velocity, ultrasonic shear wave velocity, shear anisotropy parameter, ultrasonic attenuation, and normalized nonlinear ultrasonic parameter have been correlated with various microstructural changes to understand the interaction of the propagating ultrasonic wave with microstructural features in the alloy. Simulation studies using JMatPro® software and X-ray diffraction measurements have been carried out to estimate the α-phase volume fraction in the specimens heat treated below the β-transus temperature (BTT). It is found that the α-phase (HCP) volume fraction increases from 0 to 52 pct, with decrease in the temperature from 1073 K to 823 K (800 °C to 550 °C). Ultrasonic longitudinal and shear wave velocities are found to increase with decrease in the heat treatment temperature below the BTT, and they exhibited linear relationships with the α-phase volume fraction. Thickness-independent ultrasonic parameters, Poisson's ratio, and the shear anisotropy parameter exhibited the opposite behavior, i.e., decrease with increase in the α-phase consequent to decrease in the heat treatment temperature from 1073 K to 823 K (800 °C to 550 °C). Ultrasonic attenuation is found to decrease from 0.7 dB/mm for the β-annealed specimen to 0.23 dB/mm in the specimen heat treated at 823 K (550 °C) due to the combined effect of the decrease in the β-phase (BCC) with higher damping characteristics and the reduction in scattering due to randomization of β grains with the precipitation of α-phase. Normalized nonlinear ultrasonic parameter is found to increase with increase in the α-phase volume fraction due to increased interfacial strain. For the first time, quantitative correlations established between various ultrasonic parameters and the volume fraction of α-phase in a β-titanium alloy are reported in the present paper. The established correlations are useful for estimation of volume fraction of α-phase in heat-treated β-titanium alloy, by nondestructive ultrasonic measurements.

Low-power, low-rate ultrasonic communications system transmitting axially along a cylindrical pipe using transverse waves.

PubMed

Chakraborty, Soumya; Saulnier, Gary J; Wilt, Kyle W; Curt, Edward; Scarton, Henry A; Litman, Robert B

2015-10-01

Acoustic-electric channels have been used in the recent past to send power and data through thin metallic barriers. Acoustic-electric channels formed along a structure which are highly attenuative and nonreverberant could have potential applications in aerospace, nuclear, and oil industries, among others. This work considers data transmission along the length of a cylindrical pipe both when in air and when filled and immersed in water using shear waves of transverse polarity. To combat the effects of frequency selectivity and to address the available power constraints, a simple modulation scheme using noncoherent demodulation is employed for data transmission: chirp-on-off keying (Chirp-OOK). The wideband nature of the chirp waveform provides resilience against nulls in the channel response while making it possible to implement a simple noncoherent energy detector. Monte Carlo simulation results using measured channel responses suggest that the bit error rate performance of the scheme matches quite closely with the theoretical results. The energy detector performance is independent of the type of the channel used as long as intersymbol-interference is negligible and same received Eb/N0 is maintained. A low-power prototype hardware system was implemented using microcontrollers, commercial ICs, and custom circuits. Successful data transmission was achieved across the 4.8 m length of pipe (in air and water) for a data rate of 100 bps using approximately 5 mW of transmit power.

Noncontact measurement of guided ultrasonic wave scattering for fatigue crack characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fromme, P.

2013-04-01

Fatigue cracks can develop in aerospace structures at locations of stress concentration such as fasteners. For the safe operation of the aircraft fatigue cracks need to be detected before reaching a critical length. Guided ultrasonic waves offer an efficient method for the detection and characterization of fatigue cracks in large aerospace structures. Noncontact excitation of guided waves was achieved using electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMAT). The transducers were developed for the specific excitation of the A0 Lamb mode. Based on the induced eddy currents in the plate a simple theoretical model was developed and reasonably good agreement with the measurements was achieved. However, the detection sensitivity for fatigue cracks depends on the location and orientation of the crack relative to the measurement locations. Crack-like defects have a directionality pattern of the scattered field depending on the angle of the incident wave relative to the defect orientation and on the ratio of the characteristic defect size to wavelength. The detailed angular dependency of the guided wave field scattered at crack-like defects in plate structures has been measured using a noncontact laser interferometer. Good agreement with 3D Finite Element simulation predictions was achieved for machined part-through and through-thickness notches. The amplitude of the scattered wave was quantified for a variation of angle of the incident wave relative to the defect orientation and the defect depth. These results provide the basis for the defect characterization in aerospace structures using guided wave sensors.

When Ultrasonic Sensors and Computer Vision Join Forces for Efficient Obstacle Detection and Recognition

PubMed Central

Mocanu, Bogdan; Tapu, Ruxandra; Zaharia, Titus

2016-01-01

In the most recent report published by the World Health Organization concerning people with visual disabilities it is highlighted that by the year 2020, worldwide, the number of completely blind people will reach 75 million, while the number of visually impaired (VI) people will rise to 250 million. Within this context, the development of dedicated electronic travel aid (ETA) systems, able to increase the safe displacement of VI people in indoor/outdoor spaces, while providing additional cognition of the environment becomes of outmost importance. This paper introduces a novel wearable assistive device designed to facilitate the autonomous navigation of blind and VI people in highly dynamic urban scenes. The system exploits two independent sources of information: ultrasonic sensors and the video camera embedded in a regular smartphone. The underlying methodology exploits computer vision and machine learning techniques and makes it possible to identify accurately both static and highly dynamic objects existent in a scene, regardless on their location, size or shape. In addition, the proposed system is able to acquire information about the environment, semantically interpret it and alert users about possible dangerous situations through acoustic feedback. To determine the performance of the proposed methodology we have performed an extensive objective and subjective experimental evaluation with the help of 21 VI subjects from two blind associations. The users pointed out that our prototype is highly helpful in increasing the mobility, while being friendly and easy to learn. PMID:27801834

Subgingival air-polishing with erythritol during periodontal maintenance

PubMed Central

Müller, Nada; Moëne, Raphaël; Cancela, José A; Mombelli, Andrea

2014-01-01

Objectives To evaluate repeated subgingival air-polishing in residual pockets with a new erythritol powder containing 0.3% chlorhexidine. Material and Methods Single-centre, examiner masked, randomized clinical trial of 12 months with a two-arm, within-subject parallel design. Fifty patients in periodontal maintenance were monitored in 3-month intervals. At months 0, 3, 6 and 9, all sites presenting with a probing depth (PD) >4 mm were subject to subgingival air-polishing (test side) or ultrasonic debridement (control side). The primary endpoint was presence/absence of PD >4 mm after 12 months. Results Totally 6918 sites were monitored at baseline, 457 of them had a PD >4 mm (range 5–9 mm). The number of pockets >4 mm per subject, PD and bleeding on probing were significantly lower at month 12. Differences between test and control were not significant. There was a significant difference in favour of air-polishing for the perception of pain/discomfort. Differences of frequencies at >1000 and >100,000 cells/ml of six microorganisms between baseline and month 12 were not significant. At month 12, test sites were less frequently positive for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans at >1000 cells/ml than controls, and counts never exceeded 100,000 cells/ml. Conclusions Repeated subgingival air-polishing reduced the number of pockets >4 mm similar to ultrasonic debridement. It was safe and induced less pain. PMID:25041441

When Ultrasonic Sensors and Computer Vision Join Forces for Efficient Obstacle Detection and Recognition.

PubMed

Mocanu, Bogdan; Tapu, Ruxandra; Zaharia, Titus

2016-10-28

In the most recent report published by the World Health Organization concerning people with visual disabilities it is highlighted that by the year 2020, worldwide, the number of completely blind people will reach 75 million, while the number of visually impaired (VI) people will rise to 250 million. Within this context, the development of dedicated electronic travel aid (ETA) systems, able to increase the safe displacement of VI people in indoor/outdoor spaces, while providing additional cognition of the environment becomes of outmost importance. This paper introduces a novel wearable assistive device designed to facilitate the autonomous navigation of blind and VI people in highly dynamic urban scenes. The system exploits two independent sources of information: ultrasonic sensors and the video camera embedded in a regular smartphone. The underlying methodology exploits computer vision and machine learning techniques and makes it possible to identify accurately both static and highly dynamic objects existent in a scene, regardless on their location, size or shape. In addition, the proposed system is able to acquire information about the environment, semantically interpret it and alert users about possible dangerous situations through acoustic feedback. To determine the performance of the proposed methodology we have performed an extensive objective and subjective experimental evaluation with the help of 21 VI subjects from two blind associations. The users pointed out that our prototype is highly helpful in increasing the mobility, while being friendly and easy to learn.

Orthograde endodontic retreatment of teeth with individual cast posts: report of two cases.

PubMed

Ramić, Bojana; Stojanac, Igor; Premović, Milica; Drobac, Milan; Petrović, Ljubomir

2012-01-01

The failure of primary endodontic treatment is manifested by various clinical symptoms following endodontic therapy or, more frequently, by the development of chronic inflammatory process in the apex region without any subjective symptoms. In case of unfavorable outcome of the primary endodontic treatment, orthograde endodontic retreatment is the method of choice for a prolonged therapy. Two female patients, 47 and 44 years old, were presented at the Dental Clinic of Vojvodina for endodontic retreatment of teeth 22, 23 and 13, within the repeated prosthetic restoration. Intraradicular individual cast posts were removed using ultrasonic instruments. Remains of gutta-percha were removed by engine driven rotary re-treatment files, root canals were shaped and cleaned using the crown-down technique, and obturated with gutta-percha and epoxy-resin-based sealer using the lateral compaction technique. When there are metal posts or broken instruments in the root canal, the use of ultrasonic instruments is considered a safe method characterized by negligible tooth substance loss and minimal root damage causing fractures and perforations, and the entire procedure is effective and predictable. Non-surgical orthograde endodontic retreatment, when properly performed in accessible and penetrable root canals, achieves a high cure rate, good and lasting results and eliminates the need for radical procedures, such as apical surgery or tooth extraction. When nonsurgical endodontic retreatment is done, treated teeth must be restored by full coronal coverage as soon as possible, to prevent coronal leakage or fracture.

Assessment of pterygomaxillary separation in Le Fort I Osteotomy in class III patients.

PubMed

Ueki, Koichiro; Hashiba, Yukari; Marukawa, Kohei; Okabe, Katsuhiko; Alam, Shamiul; Nakagawa, Kiyomasa; Yamamoto, Etsuhide

2009-04-01

To examine the separation of the pterygomaxillary region at the posterior nasal spine level after Le Fort I osteotomy in Class III patients. The study group consisted of 37 Japanese patients with mandibular prognathism and asymmetry, with maxillary retrognathism or asymmetry. A total of 74 sides were examined. Le Fort I osteotomy was performed without a pterygoid osteotome, with an ultrasonic curette used to remove interference at the pterygomaxillary region. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) was analyzed for all patients. The separation of the pterygomaxillary region and the location of the descending palatine artery were assessed. Although acceptable separation between the maxilla and pterygoid plates was achieved in all patients, an exact separation of the pterygomaxillary junction at the posterior nasal spine level was found in only 18 of 74 sides (24%). In 29 of 74 sides (39.2%), the separation occurred anterior to the descending palatine artery. In 29 of 74 sides (39.2%), complete separation between the maxilla and lateral and/or medial pterygoid plate was not achieved, but lower level separation of the maxilla and pterygoid plate was always complete. The maxillary segments could be moved to the postoperative ideal position in all cases. Le Fort I osteotomy without an osteotome does not always induce an exact separation at the pterygomaxillary junction at the posterior nasal spine level, but the ultrasonic bone curette can remove the interference between maxillary segment and pterygoid plates more safely.

Endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoid surgery of pituitary adenoma

PubMed Central

Yadav, YR; Sachdev, S; Parihar, V; Namdev, H; Bhatele, PR

2012-01-01

Endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoid surgery (EETS) is increasingly used for pituitary lesions. Pre-operative CT and MRI scans and peroperative endoscopic visualization can provide useful anatomical information. EETS is indicated in sellar, suprasellar, intraventricular, retro-infundibular, and invasive tumors. Recurrent and residual lesions, pituitary apoplexy and empty sella syndrome can be managed by EETS. Modern neuronavigation techniques, ultrasonic aspirators, ultrasonic bone curette can add to the safety. The binostril approach provides a wider working area. High definition camera is much superior to three-chip camera. Most of the recent reports favor EETS in terms of safety, quality of life and tumor resection, hospital stay, better endocrinological, and visual outcome as compared to the microscopic technique. Nasal symptoms, blood loss, operating time are less in EETS. Various naso-septal flaps and other techniques of CSF leak repair could help reduce complications. Complications can be further reduced after achieving the learning curve, good understanding of limitations with proper patient selection. Use of neuronavigation, proper post-operative care of endocrine function, establishing pituitary center of excellence and more focused residency and endoscopic fellowship training could improve results. The faster and safe transition from microscopic to EETS can be done by the team concept of neurosurgeon/otolaryngologist, attending hands on cadaveric dissection, practice on models, and observation of live surgeries. Conversion to a microscopic or endoscopic-assisted approach may be required in selected patients. Multi-modality treatment could be required in giant and invasive tumors. EETS appears to be a better surgical option in most pituitary adenoma. PMID:23188987

Formulation and characterization of garlic (Allium sativum L.) essential oil nanoemulsion and its acaricidal activity on eriophyid olive mites (Acari: Eriophyidae).

PubMed

Mossa, Abdel-Tawab H; Afia, Sahar I; Mohafrash, Samia M M; Abou-Awad, Badawi A

2018-04-01

Green and nanoacaricides including essential oil (EO) nanoemulsions are important compounds to provide new, active, safe acaricides and lead to improvement of avoiding the risk of synthetic acaricides. This study was carried out for the first time on eriophyid mites to develop nanoemulsion of garlic essential oil by ultrasonic emulsification and evaluate its acaricidal activity against the two eriophyid olive mites Aceria oleae Nalepa and Tegolophus hassani (Keifer). Acute toxicity of nanoemulsion was also studied on male rats. Garlic EO was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the major compounds were diallyl sulfide (8.6%), diallyl disulfide (28.36%), dimethyl tetrasulfide (15.26%), trisulfide,di-2-propenyl (10.41%), and tetrasulfide,di-2-propenyl (9.67%). Garlic oil nanoemulsion with droplet size 93.4 nm was formulated by ultrasonic emulsification for 35 min. Emulsification time and oil and surfactant ratio correlated to the emulsion droplet size and stability. The formulated nanoemulsion showed high acaricidal activity against injurious eriophyid mites with LC 50 298.225 and 309.634 μg/ml, respectively. No signs of nanoemulsion toxicity were noted in treating rats; thus, it may be considered non-toxic to mammals. Stability of garlic oil nanoemulsion, high acaricidal activity, and the absence of organic toxic solvents make the formulation that may be a possible acaricidal product. Results suggest the possibility of developing suitable natural nanoacaricide from garlic oil.

Schneiderian membrane detachment using transcrestal hydrodynamic ultrasonic cavitational sinus lift: a human cadaver head study and histologic analysis.

PubMed

Troedhan, Angelo; Kurrek, Andreas; Wainwright, Marcel; Jank, Siegfried

2014-08-01

Recent studies have suggested the osteogenic layer of the periosteum at the base of the sinus membrane to play a key role in bone regeneration after sinus lift procedures. Thus, atraumatic detachment of the sinus membrane with an intact periosteum seems mandatory. The present histologic study of fresh human cadaver heads investigated the detachment behavior and histologic integrity of the detached periosteum after application of the transcrestal hydrodynamic ultrasonic cavitational sinus lift (tHUCSL-INTRALIFT). A total of 15 sinuses in 8 fresh human cadaver heads were treated using tHUCSL-INTRALIFT. After surgery, they were checked macroscopically for damage to the sinus membrane and then processed for histologic inspection under light microscopy. A total of 150 histologic specimens, randomly selected from the core surgical sites, were investigated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Azan, and trichrome staining. None of the 150 inspected specimens showed any perforation or dissection of the periosteum from the subepithelial connective tissue and respiratory epithelium and were fully detached from the bony antrum floor. The connecting Sharpey fibers revealed to be cleanly separated from the sinus floor in all specimens. The results of the present study suggest tHUCSL-INTRALIFT should be used to perform predictable and safe detachment of the periosteum from the bony sinus floor as a prerequisite for undisturbed and successful physiologic subantral bone regeneration. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pulsed ultrasonic stir welding system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ding, R. Jeffrey (Inventor)

2013-01-01

An ultrasonic stir welding system includes a welding head assembly having a plate and a rod passing through the plate. The rod is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof. During a welding operation, ultrasonic pulses are applied to the rod as it rotates about its longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic pulses are applied in such a way that they propagate parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod.

Ultrasonic Motors

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-06-01

micromotor have been investigated. The piezoelectric motor makes use of two orthogonal bending modes of a hollow cylinder. The vibrating element...A.Iino, K.Suzuki, M.Kasuga, M.Suzuki and T.Yamanaka, "Development of a Self- Oscillating Ultrasonic Micromotor and Its Application to a Watch...pp. 823-828, 1997. [12] M. K. Kurosawa, T. Morita, and T. Higuchi, "A Cylindrical Ultrasonic Micromotor Based on PZT Thin Film," IEEE Ultrasonics

Non-destructive ultrasonic measurements of case depth. [in steel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flambard, C.; Lambert, A.

1978-01-01

Two ultrasonic methods for nondestructive measurements of the depth of a case-hardened layer in steel are described. One method involves analysis of ultrasonic waves diffused back from the bulk of the workpiece. The other method involves finding the speed of propagation of ultrasonic waves launched on the surface of the work. Procedures followed in the two methods for measuring case depth are described.

Test analysis and research on static choice reaction ability of commercial vehicle drivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lingchao; Wei, Lang; Qiao, Jie; Tian, Shun; Wang, Shengchang

2017-03-01

Drivers' choice reaction ability has a certain relation with safe driving. It has important significance to research its influence on traffic safety. Firstly, the paper uses a choice reaction detector developed by research group to detect drivers' choice reaction ability of commercial vehicles, and gets 2641 effective samples. Then by using mathematical statistics method, the paper founds that average reaction time from accident group has no difference with non-accident group, and then introduces a variance rate of reaction time as a new index to replace it. The result shows that the test index choice reaction errors and variance rate of reaction time have positive correlations with accidents. Finally, according to testing results of the detector, the paper formulates a detection threshold with four levels for helping transportation companies to assess commercial vehicles drivers.

Technological innovations in tissue removal during rhinologic surgery.

PubMed

Sindwani, Raj; Manz, Ryan

2012-01-01

The modern rhinologist has a wide variety of technological innovations at his/her disposal for the removal of soft tissue and bone during endoscopic surgery. We identified and critically evaluated four leading tissue removal technologies that have impacted, or are poised to impact, rhinological surgery. A literature review was conducted. Technological functions, strengths and limitations of microdebriders, radio frequency ablation, endoscopic drills, and ultrasonic aspirators were explored. The primary drawback of powered instruments continues to be the higher costs associated with their use, and their main advantage is the ability to accomplish multiple functions such as tissue removal, suction, and irrigation, all with one tool. The effective and safe use of any powered instrument requires an intimate understanding of its function, capabilities, and limitations. Powered instrumentation continues to play a significant and evolving role in soft tissue and bone removal during rhinologic surgery.

Development of an ultrasonic weld inspection system based on image processing and neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roca Barceló, Fernando; Jaén del Hierro, Pedro; Ribes Llario, Fran; Real Herráiz, Julia

2018-04-01

Several types of discontinuities and defects may be present on a weld, thus leading to a considerable reduction of its resistance. Therefore, ensuring a high welding quality and reliability has become a matter of key importance for many construction and industrial activities. Among the non-destructive weld testing and inspection techniques, the time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) arises as a very safe (no ionising radiation), precise, reliable and versatile practice. However, this technique presents a relevant drawback, associated to the appearance of speckle noise that should be addressed. In this regard, this paper presents a new, intelligent and automatic method for weld inspection and analysis, based on TOFD, image processing and neural networks. The developed system is capable of detecting weld defects and imperfections with accuracy, and classify them into different categories.

NDE Methodologies for Composite Flywheels Certification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baaklini, George Y.; Konno, Kevin E.; Martin, Richard E.; Thompson, Richard

2000-01-01

Manufacturing readiness of composite rotors and certification of flywheels depend in part on the maturity of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technology for process optimization and quality assurance, respectively. Capabilities and limitations of x-ray-computed tomography and radiography, as well as advanced ultrasonics were established on NDE ring and rotor standards with EDM notches and drilled holes. Also, intentionally seeded delamination, tow break, and insert of bagging material were introduced in hydroburst-rings to study the NDE detection capabilities of such anomalies and their effect on the damage tolerance and safe life margins of subscale rings and rotors. Examples of possible occurring flaws or anomalies in composite rings as detected by NDE and validated by destructive metallography are shown. The general NDE approach to ensure quality of composite rotors and to help in the certification of flywheels is briefly outlined.

The Laparosound{trade mark, serif}-an ultrasonic morcellator for use in laparoscopic surgery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malinowski, Igor; Łobodzinski, Suave S.; Paśniczek, Roman

2012-05-01

The laparoscopic surgery has gained presence in the operating room in cases where it is feasible to spare patient trauma and minimize the hospital stay. One unique challenge in laparoscopic/endoscopic surgery is operating and removing tissue volume through keyhole - trocar. The removal of tissues by fragmentation is generally termed morcellation. We proposed a new method for soft tissue morcellation using laparoscopy. A unique ultrasonic laparoscopic surgical device, termed Laparosound{trade mark, serif}, utilizing laparoscopic high amplitude ultrasonic waveguides, operating in edge mode, has been developed that uses the principle of ultrasonic cavitation phenomenon for excision and morcellation of a variety of tissue types. The local ultrasonic acoustic intensity at the distal waveguide tip is sufficiently high that the liquefaction of moist tissue occurs. The mechanism of tissue morcellation is deemed to be cavitation based, therefore is dependant on water content in tissue, and thus its effectiveness depends on tissue type. This results in ultrasound being efficient in moist tissue and sparing dry, collagen rich blood vessels and thus minimizes bleeding. The applications of such device in particular, commonly encountered, could lay in general and ob/gyn laparoscopic surgery, whereas other applications could emerge. The design of power ultrasonic instruments for mass clinical applications poses however unique challenges, such as ability to design and build ultrasonic resonators that last in conditions of ultrasonic fatigue. These highly non-linear devices, whose behavior is hard to predict, have become the challenge of the author of the present paper. The object of work is to design and build an operating device capable of ultrasonic soft tissue morcellation in laparoscopic surgery. This includes heavy computational ultrasonics verified by testing and manufacturing feasibility using titanium biomedical alloys. The prototype Laparosound{trade mark, serif} device has been built and tested. Some of the challenges in design and development of Laparosound{trade mark, serif} ultrasonic laparoscopic morcellator have been presented.

Enzyme-catalyzed synthesis and kinetics of ultrasonic-assisted biodiesel production from waste tallow.

PubMed

Adewale, Peter; Dumont, Marie-Josée; Ngadi, Michael

2015-11-01

The use of ultrasonic processing was evaluated for its ability to achieve adequate mixing while providing sufficient activation energy for the enzymatic transesterification of waste tallow. The effects of ultrasonic parameters (amplitude, cycle and pulse) and major reaction factors (molar ratio and enzyme concentration) on the reaction kinetics of biodiesel generation from waste tallow bio-catalyzed by immobilized lipase [Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB)] were investigated. Three sets of experiments namely A, B, and C were conducted. In experiment set A, two factors (ultrasonic amplitude and cycle) were investigated at three levels; in experiment set B, two factors (molar ratio and enzyme concentration) were examined at three levels; and in experiment set C, two factors (ultrasonic amplitude and reaction time) were investigated at five levels. A Ping Pong Bi Bi kinetic model approach was employed to study the effect of ultrasonic amplitude on the enzymatic transesterification. Kinetic constants of transesterification reaction were determined at different ultrasonic amplitudes (30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50%) and enzyme concentrations (4, 6, and 8 wt.% of fat) at constant molar ratio (fat:methanol); 1:6, and ultrasonic cycle; 5 Hz. Optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted biodiesel production from waste tallow were fat:methanol molar ratio, 1:4; catalyst level 6% (w/w of fat); reaction time, 20 min (30 times less than conventional batch processes); ultrasonic amplitude 40% at 5 Hz. The kinetic model results revealed interesting features of ultrasound assisted enzyme-catalyzed transesterification (as compared to conventional system): at ultrasonic amplitude 40%, the reaction activities within the system seemed to be steady after 20 min which means the reaction could proceed with or without ultrasonic mixing. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography indicated the biodiesel yield to be 85.6±0.08%. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction for simultaneous determination of aminophenol isomers in human urine, hair dye, and water samples using high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Asghari, Alireza; Fazl-Karimi, Hamidreza; Barfi, Behruz; Rajabi, Maryam; Daneshfar, Ali

2014-08-01

Aminophenol isomers (2-, 3-, and 4-aminophenols) are typically classified as industrial pollutants with genotoxic and mutagenic effects due to their easy penetration through the skin and membranes of human, animals, and plants. In the present study, a simple and efficient ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction procedure coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector was developed for preconcentration and determination of these compounds in human fluid and environmental water samples. Effective parameters (such as type and volume of extraction solvent, pH and ionic strength of sample, and ultrasonication and centrifuging time) were investigated and optimized. Under optimum conditions (including sample volume: 5 mL; extraction solvent: chloroform, 80 µL; pH: 6.5; without salt addition; ultrasonication: 3.5 min; and centrifuging time: 3 min, 5000 rpm min(-1)), the enrichment factors and limits of detection were ranged from 42 to 51 and 0.028 to 0.112 µg mL(-1), respectively. Once optimized, analytical performance of the method was studied in terms of linearity (0.085-157 µg mL(-1), r (2) > 0.998), accuracy (recovery = 88.6- 101.7%), and precision (repeatability: intraday precision < 3.98%, and interday precision < 5.12%). Finally, applicability of the method was evaluated by the extraction and determination of these compounds in human urine, hair dye, and real water samples. © The Author(s) 2014.

Application of the Pseudo Wigner-Ville Distribution to the Measurement of the Dispersion of Lamb Modes in Graphite/Epoxy Plates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prosser, W. H.; Seale, M. D.; Smith, B. T.

1997-01-01

Acoustic waves propagate in thin plates as guided or Lamb modes. The velocities of these modes are dispersive in that they depend not only on the material elastic properties and density, but also on the frequency. Accurate characterization of Lamb wave dispersion is important in many acoustic based nondestructive evaluation techniques. It is necessary for ultrasonic measurements in thin plates to determine elastic properties and for flaw detection and localization. In acoustic emission (AE) testing, if not taken into account, highly dispersive Lamb mode propagation can lead to large errors in source location. In this study, the pseudo Wigner-Ville distribution (PWVD) was used for measurement of group velocity dispersion of Lamb waves in a unidirectional graphite/epoxy (AS4/3502) laminate. The PWVD is one of a number of transforms which provide a time-frequency representation of a digitized time series. Broad band acoustic waves were generated by a pencil lead fracture (Hsu-Neilsen source) and were detected with broad band ultrasonic transducers. The arrival times for the lowest order symmetric (S(sub 0)) and antisymmetric (A(sub 0)) Lamb modes were determined from measurements of the time at which the respective peak amplitudes occurred in the PWVD. Measurements were made at several source-to-detector distances and a least squares fit used to calculate the velocity. Results are presented for propagation along, and perpendicular to, the fiber direction. Theoretical dispersion curves were also calculated and a comparison between theory and experiment demonstrates good agreement.

ULTRASONIC NEUTRON DOSIMETER

DOEpatents

Truell, R.; de Klerk, J.; Levy, P.W.

1960-02-23

A neutron dosimeter is described which utilizes ultrasonic waves in the megacycle region for determination of the extent of neutron damage in a borosilicate glass through ultrasonic wave velocity and attenuation measurements before and after damage.

Rapid bonding enhancement by auxiliary ultrasonic actuation for the fabrication of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) microfluidic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, H.; Tor, S. B.; Loh, N. H.

2014-11-01

Thermal compression bonding is a straightforward, inexpensive and widely used method for enclosing open microchannels in thermoplastic microfluidic devices. It is advantageous over adhesive, solvent and grafting bonding methods in retaining material homogeneity. However, the trade-off between high bond strength and low microchannel deformation is always a crucial consideration in thermal compression bonding. In this study, an effective method for improving bond strength while retaining the microchannel integrity with negligible distortion is proposed and analyzed. Longitudinal ultrasonic actuation was applied to the preheated cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) substrates to achieve accelerated and enhanced bonding with an ultrasonic welding system. Intimate contact between the bonding surfaces before the ultrasonic actuation was found to be an important prior condition. With improper contact, several bonding defects would occur, such as voids, localized spot melting and edge melting. Under auxiliary ultrasonic vibration, within 10 s, the bond strength developed at the bonding interface could be dramatically improved compared with those achieved without ultrasonic actuation. The enhanced bond strength obtained at a preheating temperature of 20 °C lower than its Tg could be comparable to the strength for pure thermal compression at 5 °C higher than its Tg. It is believed that the ultrasonic energy introduced could elevate the interfacial temperature and facilitate the interdiffusion of molecular chain segments at the interface, consequently resulting in rapidly enhanced bonding. Also, the microchannel distortion after ultrasonic actuation was found to be satisfactory—another important requirement. From dynamic mechanical analysis, the glass transition temperature of COC was found to increase with increasing frequency, and the temperature of the bulk polymer under ultrasonic actuation was still well under Tg; therefore the deformation is minor under ultrasonic actuation.

Ultrasonic Transducer Irradiation Test Results

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

Daw, Joshua; Palmer, Joe; Ramuhalli, Pradeep

2015-02-01

Ultrasonic technologies offer the potential for high-accuracy and -resolution in-pile measurement of a range of parameters, including geometry changes, temperature, crack initiation and growth, gas pressure and composition, and microstructural changes. Many Department of Energy-Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) programs are exploring the use of ultrasonic technologies to provide enhanced sensors for in-pile instrumentation during irradiation testing. For example, the ability of small diameter ultrasonic thermometers (UTs) to provide a temperature profile in candidate metallic and oxide fuel would provide much needed data for validating new fuel performance models. Other ongoing efforts include an ultrasonic technique to detect morphology changesmore » (such as crack initiation and growth) and acoustic techniques to evaluate fission gas composition and pressure. These efforts are limited by the lack of identified ultrasonic transducer materials capable of long term performance under irradiation test conditions. For this reason, the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) was awarded an ATR NSUF project to evaluate the performance of promising magnetostrictive and piezoelectric transducers in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor (MITR) up to a fast fluence of at least 10 21 n/cm 2. The goal of this research is to characterize and demonstrate magnetostrictive and piezoelectric transducer operation during irradiation, enabling the development of novel radiation-tolerant ultrasonic sensors for use in Material Testing Reactors (MTRs). As such, this test is an instrumented lead test and real-time transducer performance data is collected along with temperature and neutron and gamma flux data. The current work bridges the gap between proven out-of-pile ultrasonic techniques and in-pile deployment of ultrasonic sensors by acquiring the data necessary to demonstrate the performance of ultrasonic transducers. To date, one piezoelectric transducer and two magnetostrictive transducers have demonstrated reliable operation under irradiation. The irradiation is ongoing.« less

Irradiation Testing of Ultrasonic Transducers

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

Daw, Joshua; Tittmann, Bernhard; Reinhardt, Brian

2014-07-30

Ultrasonic technologies offer the potential for high accuracy and resolution in-pile measurement of a range of parameters, including geometry changes, temperature, crack initiation and growth, gas pressure and composition, and microstructural changes. Many Department of Energy-Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) programs are exploring the use of ultrasonic technologies to provide enhanced sensors for in-pile instrumentation during irradiation testing. For example, the ability of single, small diameter ultrasonic thermometers (UTs) to provide a temperature profile in candidate metallic and oxide fuel would provide much needed data for validating new fuel performance models. Other efforts include an ultrasonic technique to detect morphologymore » changes (such as crack initiation and growth) and acoustic techniques to evaluate fission gas composition and pressure. These efforts are limited by the lack of existing knowledge of ultrasonic transducer material survivability under irradiation conditions. For this reason, the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) was awarded an Advanced Test Reactor National Scientific User Facility (ATR NSUF) project to evaluate promising magnetostrictive and piezoelectric transducer performance in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor (MITR) up to a fast fluence of at least 1021 n/cm2 (E> 0.1 MeV). The goal of this research is to characterize magnetostrictive and piezoelectric transducer survivability during irradiation, enabling the development of novel radiation tolerant ultrasonic sensors for use in Material and Test Reactors (MTRs). As such, this test will be an instrumented lead test and real-time transducer performance data will be collected along with temperature and neutron and gamma flux data. The current work bridges the gap between proven out-of-pile ultrasonic techniques and in-pile deployment of ultrasonic sensors by acquiring the data necessary to demonstrate the performance of ultrasonic transducers.« less

Ultrasonic Inspection Of Thick Sections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Friant, C. L.; Djordjevic, B. B.; O'Keefe, C. V.; Ferrell, W.; Klutz, T.

1993-01-01

Ultrasonics used to inspect large, relatively thick vessels for hidden defects. Report based on experiments in through-the-thickness transmission of ultrasonic waves in both steel and filament-wound composite cases of solid-fuel rocket motors.

Ultrasonic stress wave characterization of composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duke, J. C., Jr.; Henneke, E. G., II; Stinchcomb, W. W.

1986-01-01

The work reported covers three simultaneous projects. The first project was concerned with: (1) establishing the sensitivity of the acousto-ultrasonic method for evaluating subtle forms of damage development in cyclically loaded composite materials, (2) establishing the ability of the acousto-ultrasonic method for detecting initial material imperfections that lead to localized damage growth and final specimen failure, and (3) characteristics of the NBS/Proctor sensor/receiver for acousto-ultrasonic evaluation of laminated composite materials. The second project was concerned with examining the nature of the wave propagation that occurs during acoustic-ultrasonic evaluation of composite laminates and demonstrating the role of Lamb or plate wave modes and their utilization for characterizing composite laminates. The third project was concerned with the replacement of contact-type receiving piezotransducers with noncontacting laser-optical sensors for acousto-ultrasonic signal acquisition.

Effects of ultrasonic energy on dyeing of polyamide (microfibre)/Lycra blends.

PubMed

Merdan, Nigar; Akalin, Mehmet; Kocak, Dilara; Usta, Ismail

2004-04-01

Although ultrasonic energy is widely used cleaning and degreasing of parts and assemblies in automotive and other industries, the use of ultrasonic energy in an industrial scale for textile washing is very new. This is due to the complexity of controlling the combination of chemical and mechanical effects, whereas with degreasing of machine parts only the mechanical effects is applied. The use of ultrasonic energy in dyeing PA/Lycra fabrics with reactive dyes has been studied spectrophotometrically in this work. PA/Lycra (85/15) blends have been dyed using conventional and ultrasonic dyeing techniques with three reactive dyes containing different chromophore and reactive groups. The dyeing carried out conventionally and by the use of ultrasonic techniques. The results were compared in terms of percentage exhaustion; total dye transferred to the washing bath after dyeing and the fastness properties.

Ultrasonic Vocalizations Emitted by Flying Squirrels

PubMed Central

Murrant, Meghan N.; Bowman, Jeff; Garroway, Colin J.; Prinzen, Brian; Mayberry, Heather; Faure, Paul A.

2013-01-01

Anecdotal reports of ultrasound use by flying squirrels have existed for decades, yet there has been little detailed analysis of their vocalizations. Here we demonstrate that two species of flying squirrel emit ultrasonic vocalizations. We recorded vocalizations from northern (Glaucomys sabrinus) and southern (G. volans) flying squirrels calling in both the laboratory and at a field site in central Ontario, Canada. We demonstrate that flying squirrels produce ultrasonic emissions through recorded bursts of broadband noise and time-frequency structured frequency modulated (FM) vocalizations, some of which were purely ultrasonic. Squirrels emitted three types of ultrasonic calls in laboratory recordings and one type in the field. The variety of signals that were recorded suggest that flying squirrels may use ultrasonic vocalizations to transfer information. Thus, vocalizations may be an important, although still poorly understood, aspect of flying squirrel social biology. PMID:24009728

Ultrasonic hot powder compaction of Ti-6Al-4V.

PubMed

Abedini, Rezvan; Abdullah, Amir; Alizadeh, Yunes

2017-07-01

Power ultrasonic has been recently employed in a wide variety of manufacturing processes among which ultrasonic assisted powder compaction is a promising powder materials processing technique with significant industrial applications. The products manufactured by the powder metallurgy commonly consist of residual porosities, material impurities, structural non-homogeneities and residual stress. In this paper, it is aimed to apply power ultrasonic to the hot consolidation process of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy powder in order to improve mechanical properties. To do this, the effects of ultrasonic power and process temperature and pressure were considered and then deeply studied through a series of experiments. It was shown that the addition of ultrasonic vibration leads to a significant improvement in the consolidation performance and the mechanical strength of the fabricated specimens. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Graphene electrostatic microphone and ultrasonic radio

PubMed Central

Zhou, Qin; Zheng, Jinglin; Onishi, Seita; Crommie, M. F.; Zettl, Alex K.

2015-01-01

We present a graphene-based wideband microphone and a related ultrasonic radio that can be used for wireless communication. It is shown that graphene-based acoustic transmitters and receivers have a wide bandwidth, from the audible region (20∼20 kHz) to the ultrasonic region (20 kHz to at least 0.5 MHz). Using the graphene-based components, we demonstrate efficient high-fidelity information transmission using an ultrasonic band centered at 0.3 MHz. The graphene-based microphone is also shown to be capable of directly receiving ultrasound signals generated by bats in the field, and the ultrasonic radio, coupled to electromagnetic (EM) radio, is shown to function as a high-accuracy rangefinder. The ultrasonic radio could serve as a useful addition to wireless communication technology where the propagation of EM waves is difficult. PMID:26150483

Additive Manufacturing of Thermoplastic Matrix Composites Using Ultrasonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olson, Meghan

Advanced composite materials have great potential for facilitating energy efficient product design and their manufacture if improvements are made to current composite manufacturing processes. This thesis focuses on the development of a novel manufacturing process for thermoplastic composite structures entitled Laser-Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing ('LUAM'), which is intended to combine the benefits of laser processing technology, developed by Automated Dynamics Inc., with ultrasonic bonding technology that is used commercially for unreinforced polymers. These technologies used together have the potential to significantly reduce the energy consumption and void content of thermoplastic composites made using Automated Fiber Placement (AFP). To develop LUAM in a methodical manner with minimal risk, a staged approach was devised whereby coupon-level mechanical testing and prototyping utilizing existing equipment was accomplished. Four key tasks have been identified for this effort: Benchmarking, Ultrasonic Compaction, Laser Assisted Ultrasonic Compaction, and Demonstration and Characterization of LUAM. This thesis specifically addresses Tasks 1 and 2, i.e. Benchmarking and Ultrasonic Compaction, respectively. Task 1, fabricating test specimens using two traditional processes (autoclave and thermal press) and testing structural performance and dimensional accuracy, provide results of a benchmarking study by which the performance of all future phases will be gauged. Task 2, fabricating test specimens using a non-traditional process (ultrasonic conpaction) and evaluating in a similar fashion, explores the the role of ultrasonic processing parameters using three different thermoplastic composite materials. Further development of LUAM, although beyond the scope of this thesis, will combine laser and ultrasonic technology and eventually demonstrate a working system.

Study of ultrasonic sensor that is effective for all direction using an electromagnetic force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwaya, Kazuki; Murayama, Riichi; Hirayama, Takahiro

2015-03-01

Non-destructive inspection using ultrasonic sensors is widely utilized to guarantee the safety of large structures. However, there is the problem that it will take a very long time to complete. Therefore, it was decided to develop a sensor capable of testing a wide range of structures at a high inspection speed. The ultrasonic wave that the ultrasonic sensor can generate must be equally emitted in any direction and the ultrasonic wave returned from any direction be detected. To attain this objective, an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) consisting of a circular-shaped magnet and an electric induction coil (EM) has been developed, because it is impossible to fabricate such a special ultrasonic sensor using a commercial-type ultrasonic sensor with a piezoelectric element, and it is convenient to automatically scan over the surface of the structure. First, the detail specifications of the new ultrasonic sensor have been determined by changing many of the parameters, for example, the impedance and the size of the EM coil, the size of the magnet, etc. The performance of the new sensor was then tested under different conditions. Based on the results of the experimental tests, it was demonstrated that the new sensor could generate ultrasonic waves in any direction and detect them from any direction. However, the performance was not high enough to apply the new sensor to a real structure. The new sensor has been improved to increase the performance by adding a new concept.

QUASAR: A Method for the Quality Assessment of Software-Intensive System Architectures

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-01

subsystem, the sole purpose of which is to achieve that quality. Thus, all of the requirements for a fire detec- tion and suppression subsystem are... monorail , or train tracks) along which an APM travels. 26 CMU/SEI-2006-HB-001 1. Safety Goal Claims a. Safety Factor Goals − System Is Safe...of 80 kilometers per hour.” c. Safety Subsystem Requirements − Smoke Detector Sensitivity The architecture of the automated taxi fire detection and

[Verified maximum admissible intensity (MAI) values for the ultrasonic noise in work environment].

PubMed

Pawlaczyk-Łuszcyńska, M; Koton, J; Augustyńska, D; Sliwińska-Kowalska, M; Kameduła, M

2001-01-01

The measurement methods and occupational exposure limits for ultrasonic noise (airborne ultrasound) are described. Typical sources of ultrasonic noise and sound pressure levels measured at workplaces are discussed. The verified Polish regulations on maximum admissible intensity (MAI) values for ultrasonic noise in the work environment and proposals of exposure limits for workers at particular risk (i.e. pregnant women and juveniles) are presented.

Ultrasonic Nondestructive Evaluation of Damage in Continuous Fiber Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-01

Security Classification) Ultrasonic Nondestructive Evalustion of Damage in Continuous Fiber Composites 12. PERSONAL AUTHOR(S) Vikram K. Kinra 13a...Attenuatiorn Composites , Damage / " UltrasonicNondestructive Evaluation. \\ ’k 19. ABSTRACT (Continue on reverse if necessary and identify by block n,,ber) A...n SIrIE -~ 2 4IiCUi’.ZIEfEi Ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation of fibre-reinforced composite materials - a review VIKRAM K KINRA and VINAY DAYAL

Effect of ultrasonic treatment on reduction of Esherichia coli ATCC 25922 and egg quality parameters in experimentally contaminated hens' shell eggs.

PubMed

Sert, Durmus; Aygun, Ali; Torlak, Emrah; Mercan, Emin

2013-09-01

In this study, hen eggs which were experimentally contaminated with Esherichia coli ATCC 25922 were used. Contaminated eggs were washed statically (S5 to S30; 0 kHz) and by ultrasonic waves (U5 to U30; 35 kHz) for given applications of time (5, 15 and 30 min), then the eggs were stored at 22°C for 14 days. Depending on the time of ultrasonic application, a significant increase in egg shell strength (P < 0.01) was recorded. The highest value of the Haugh unit (67.93, 1 day) was observed on the eggs which were washed by ultrasonic waves. Yolk width values of ultrasonic washed eggs diminished. E. coli was completely removed by 30 min of ultrasonic application. During storage E. coli growth was not detected on the eggs which were washed by ultrasonic waves except the eggs in U5 group (2.04 log CFU eggshell⁻¹) on the first day of storage. Depending on the time of ultrasonic application a significant increase in egg quality parameters (shell strength, albumen height, Haugh units, and yolk height) were observed. The application of ultrasound led to a significant reduction in E. coli numbers on egg shells. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Electrochemical mechanism of tin membrane electrodeposition under ultrasonic waves.

PubMed

Nan, Tianxiang; Yang, Jianguang; Chen, Bing

2018-04-01

Tin was electrodeposited from chloride solutions using a membrane cell under ultrasonic waves. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), chronoamperometry (CHR), and chronopotentiometry were applied to investigate the electrochemical mechanism of tin electrodeposition under ultrasonic field. Chronoamperometry curves showed that the initial process of tin electrodeposition followed the diffusion controlled three-dimensional nucleation and grain growth mechanism. The analysis of the cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry diagrams showed that the application of ultrasound can change the tin membrane electro-deposition reaction from diffusion to electrochemical control, and the optimum parameters for tin electrodeposition were H + concentration 3.5 mol·L -1 , temperature 35 °C and ultrasonic power 100 W. The coupling ultrasonic field played a role in refining the grain in this process. The growth of tin crystals showed no orientation preferential, and the tin deposition showed a tendency to form a regular network structure after ultrasonic coupling. While in the absence of ultrasonic coupling, the growth of tin crystals has a high preferential orientation, and the tin deposition showed a tendency to form tin whiskers. Ultrasonic coupling was more favorable for obtaining a more compact and smoother cathode tin layer. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Note: Piezoelectric polymers as transducers for the ultrasonic-reflection method and the application in mechanical property-screening of coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wegener, Michael; Oehler, Harald; Lellinger, Dirk; Alig, Ingo

2012-01-01

In the last years, non-destructive ultrasonic testing methods are more and more frequently employed in order to investigate the drying and curing processes of different coatings. Among them an ultrasonic reflection method was developed allowing the simultaneous measurement with longitudinal and transversal waves. In order to generate the ultrasonic pulse, piezoelectric ceramics or oxides are usually used as transducer materials which are connected to a delay line. Here, we demonstrate a similar approach for the ultrasonic reflection method installing piezoelectric polymers as ultrasonic transducer materials. In detail, poly(vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] copolymers were prepared as piezoelectric transducer layers directly onto the metallization of glass delay lines avoiding additional bonding processes. The film preparation was carried out by solvent casting the polymer onto an area with a diameter of 12 mm and is optimized so that relatively homogeneous polymer layers with thicknesses between 14 and 35 μm are adjusted by the deposited amount of the polymer. Electrical poling renders the polymer piezoelectric. The ultrasonic properties of the P(VDF-TrFE) transducer and their usability for the ultrasonic reflection method are described also in comparison to previous measurements using LiNbO3 transducer.

Prospective study of lidocaine, bupivacaine, and epinephrine levels and blood loss in patients undergoing liposuction and abdominoplasty.

PubMed

Swanson, Eric

2012-09-01

Bupivacaine levels have not been measured in cosmetic surgery patients to establish safety. Blood loss has been underestimated using the small volumes present in the aspirate. The proportion of wetting solution removed by liposuction has not been reliably ascertained. To remedy these deficiencies, a prospective study was undertaken among 322 consecutive patients presenting for superwet ultrasonic liposuction and/or abdominoplasty, and other combined procedures, using infusions containing 0.05% lidocaine (liposuction) and/or 0.025% bupivacaine (abdominoplasty) with 1:500,000 epinephrine. Plasma levels of lidocaine, bupivacaine, and epinephrine were studied in a subset of 76 consecutive patients, including hourly intraoperative samples in 39 consecutive patients. Anesthetic levels were also measured in 12 consecutive patients during the 24-hour period after infusion. The maximum lidocaine dose was 3243 mg and the maximum level was 2.10 μg/ml. The maximum bupivacaine dose was 550 mg and the maximum level was 0.81 μg/ml. No clinical toxicity was encountered. Estimated blood loss from liposuction was 217.5 cc + 187 cc/liter of aspirate (r = 0.65). Abdominoplasty added 290 cc of blood loss, on average. The mean proportion of wetting solution removed by liposuction was 9.8 percent. Bupivacaine may be safely used in cosmetic surgery. A concentration of 1:500,000 epinephrine is safe and effective when administered as part of a wetting solution that is limited to less than 5 liters. Estimated blood loss is higher than previous estimates based on lipocrits. Combination procedures are safe.