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Optical fiber sensors based on intensity measurement require some form of intensity referencing to avoid errors arising from parasitic losses. Known techniques of referencing such as balanced bridge, divided beam systems or two-wavelength referencing are not suitable for low-cost applications since they use relatively complicated optical components such as multiple LED sources, couplers, filters etc. In this work a novel method of referencing in an extrinsic optical fiber sensor system utilizing temperature dependence of absorption edge in a semiconductor crystal is described. The sensor system comprises a single LED source and no optical fiber junctions. The emission spectrum of an LED depends on its temperature. The reference is provided by controlling the temperature of an LED source and transmission measurements with different emission spectra. The entire process is controlled by a microprocessor unit. Performance of a sensor system is investigated and it is shown that the losses in connectors may be compensated for.
A method of referencing in an extrinsic optical fiber sensor system utilizing temperature dependence of the absorption edge in a semiconductor crystal (semi-insulating iron-doped indium phosphide) is demonstrated. The intensity reference is provided by controlling the temperature of an LED source and transmission measurements with different emission spectra. A transient operation regime is introduced. The entire process is controlled by a microprocessor unit. The performance of the sensor system is investigated and it is shown that the connector losses may be compensated for. Contrary to the published works performed with GaAs crystals it was not observed that the absorption coefficient of the semiconductor follows the law for idealized direct-gap semiconductor but can be described by the so-called Urbach tail. Since the proposed sensor system comprises a single LED source, simple electronics and no optical fiber couplers it is promising for realization of low-cost fiber-optic temperature sensors, e.g. for power transformer monitoring or magnetic resonance imaging applications.
A randomly inhomogeneous composite consisting of two, ferromagnetic and nonmagnetic (para-or diamagnetic), phases is considered. The dependence of the effective permeability of the composite on the concentration of the ferromagnetic phase and on the applied magnetic field is found for the case of the negligible hysteresis loop. When the hysteresis loop is appreciable, the remanent magnetization as a function of the ferromagnet concentration is calculated.
The mixed-signal event-driven (MixED) method developed to simulate small portions of analog circuitry within a digital environment is demonstrated in a mixed signal application. The MixED models using concurrent iteration to account for analog nodes were coded and run in standard VHDL’93. Networks containing linear components such as sources, resistors, capacitors, inductors and operational amplifiers are presented. The possibility to manipulate resistors during runtime is used to simulate switches.
Transient magnetorheological response of magnetoactive elastomers to step and pyramid excitations
(2016)
Transient rheological response of magnetoactive elastomers is experimentally studied using dynamic torsion at a fixed oscillation frequency in temporally stepwise changing magnetic fields and oscillation amplitudes. For step magnetic-field excitations, at least three exponential functions are required to reasonably describe the time behavior of the storage shear modulus over long time scales (>10(3) s). The deduced characteristic time constants of the corresponding rearrangement processes of the filler network differ approximately by one order of magnitude: tau(1) less than or similar to 10(1) s, tau(2) similar to 10(2) s, and tau(3) similar to 10(3) s. The sudden imposition of the external magnetic field activates a very fast rearrangement process with the characteristic time under 10 s, which cannot be determined more precisely due to the measurement conditions. Even more peculiar transient behavior has been observed during pyramid excitations, when either the external magnetic field was first stepwise increased and then decreased in a staircase manner at a fixed strain amplitude gamma or the strain amplitude gamma was first stepwise increased and then decreased in a staircase manner at a fixed magnetic field. In particular, the so-called "cross-over effect'' has been identified in both dynamical loading programs. This cross-over effect seems to be promoted by the application of the external magnetic field. The experimental results are discussed in the context of the specific rearrangement of the magnetic filler network under the simultaneous action of the external magnetic field and shear deformation. Striking similarities of the observed phenomena to the structural relaxation processes in glassy materials and to the jamming transition of granular materials are pointed out. The obtained results are important for fundamental understanding of material behavior in magnetic fields as well as for the development of devices on the basis of magnetoactive elastomeric materials.
Polydimethylsiloxane based magnetoactive elastomers demonstrate above the melting transition range (e.g. at room temperature) an induced uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, which grows with increasing magnetic field. By freezing a material down to 150 K, displaced iron microparticles are immobilized, so that the magnetic anisotropy can be measured. Magnetic anisotropy “constant” is a consequence of particle displacements and a characteristic of the energy of internal deformations in the polymer matrix. The maximum anisotropy constant of the filling is at least one order of magnitude larger than the shear modulus of the pure elastomer (matrix). In a magnetic field, the gain in the rigidity of the composite material is attributed to the magnetomechanical coupling, which is in turn a source of anisotropy. The concept of effective magnetic field felt by the magnetization allows one to explain the magnetization curve at room temperature from low-temperature measurements. The results can be useful for developing vibration absorbers and isolators.
The magnetic properties of a magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) filled with mu m-sized soft-magnetic iron particles have been experimentally studied in the temperature range between 150 K and 310 K. By changing the temperature, the elastic modulus of the elastomer matrix was modified, and it was possible to obtain magnetization curves for an invariable arrangement of particles in the sample and in the case when the particles were able to change their position within the MAE under the influence of magnetic forces. At low (less than 220 K) temperatures, when the matrix becomes rigid, the magnetization of the MAE does not show a hysteresis behavior, and it is characterized by a negative value of the Rayleigh constant. At room temperature, when the polymer matrix is compliant, a magnetic hysteresis exists where the dependence of the differential magnetic susceptibility on the magnetic field exhibits local maxima. The appearance of these maxima is explained by the elastic resistance of the matrix to the displacement of particles under the action of magnetic forces.
The magnetization of a magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) with microparticles of soft magnetic carbonyl iron embedded in a highly elastic matrix has been studied. It is shown that at high temperatures its magnetization curve has the form of a specific hysteresis loop. This hysteresis is attributed to the influence of displacement of magnetized particles in the elastically soft elastomer matrix under the effect of magnetic forces, leading to the change of magnetic interaction between the particles. In this case, there is a maximum in the field dependence of the magnetic susceptibility, the occurrence of which has been associated with the competition between rearrangement of particles, when they are displaced in a magnetic field, and saturation of particles' magnetization. When the MAE is cooled below approximately 225 K, both the magnetic hysteresis and the maximum in the field dependence of the magnetic susceptibility disappear. When the MAE material is cooled below the solidification temperature of the elastomer matrix, the displacements of the magnetic particles during magnetization are blocked by the rigid matrix. The magnetization reversal of the MAE is reversible. This means that the shape of subsequent magnetization loops remains constant and the sample returns into the initial non-magnetized state after the magnetic field is turned off.
The dependence of the resonant direct magnetoelectric effect on temperature is studied experimentally in planar composite structures. Samples of rectangular shapes with dimensions of 5 mm x 20 mm employed ferromagnetic layers of either an amorphous (metallic glass) alloy or nickel with a thickness of 20-200 m and piezoelectric layers of single crystalline langatate material or lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric ceramics with a thickness of 500 m. The temperature of the samples was varied in a range between 120 and 390 K by blowing a gaseous nitrogen stream around them. It is shown that the effective characteristics of the magnetoelectric effectsuch as the mechanical resonance frequency f(r), the quality factor Q and the magnitude of the magnetoelectric coefficient (E) at the resonance frequencyare contingent on temperature. The interrelations between the temperature changes of the characteristics of the magnetoelectric effect and the temperature variations of the following material parametersYoung's modulus Y, the acoustic quality factor of individual layers, the dielectric constant epsilon, the piezoelectric modulus d of the piezoelectric layer as well as the piezomagnetic coefficients ((n)) of the ferromagnetic layerare established. The effect of temperature on the characteristics of the nonlinear magnetoelectric effect is observed for the first time. The results can be useful for designing magnetoelectric heterostructures with specified temperature characteristics, in particular, for the development of thermally stabilized magnetoelectric devices.
The concept and some steps in the development of a new actuator system which enables the haptic perception of mechanically inhomogeneous virtual objects are introduced. The system consists of a two-dimensional planar array of actuator elements containing an electrorheological (ER) fluid. When a user presses his fingers onto the surface of the actuator array, he perceives locally variable resistance forces generated by vertical pistons which slide in the ER fluid through the gaps between electrode pairs. The voltage in each actuator element can be individually controlled by a novel sophisticated switching technology based on optoelectric gallium arsenide elements. The haptic information which is represented at the actuator array can be transferred from a corresponding sensor system based on ultrasonic elastography. The combined sensor-actuator system may serve as a technology platform for various applications in virtual reality, like telemedicine where the information on the consistency of tissue of a real patient is detected by the sensor part and recorded by the actuator part at a remote location.
Field induced plasticity of magneto-sensitive elastomers for gripping technology applications
(2018)
Bio-Inspired Shape-Adaptive Soft Robotic Grippers Augmented with Electroadhesion Functionality
(2019)
Soft robotic grippers (SRGs) have been extensively employed in robotic grasping and manipulation applications due to the fact that they are beneficial for pick-and-place of difficult-to-handle and delicate objects with various geometries and stiffness in a comfortable and safer way. This article presents a bio-inspired and shape-adaptive SRG augmented with electroadhesion (EA) functionality, FinEA, by a cost-effective combination of a Fin Ray structured two-fingered SRG with two soft-stretchable EA pads. The EA pads were manufactured by screen printing a layer of electrically conductive and elastomeric carbon black powder mixed with polydimethylsiloxane onto a dielectric substrate. The compliant Fin Ray fingers, composed of soft longitudinal beams and rigid cross beams, were structurally optimized by the finite element method using ABAQUS/CAE based on three key parameters: the open angle of the longitudinal beams, the spacing between the cross beams, and the incline angle of the cross beams. The soft beams were produced by a traditional soft lithography method, whereas the rigid cross beams were three-dimensionally printed. The resultant FinEA grippers were capable of lifting not only flat/thin materials without distorting them due to the employment of EA, but also concave and convex objects due to the passively shape-adaptive Fin Ray structure and the EA functionality. In addition, the proposed FinEA grippers were able to grasp delicate materials and objects whose diameters are larger than the overall gripper length. Furthermore, 65% more weight in shear were picked up by the FinEA gripper when 4 kV was applied compared with 0 V. The FinEA concept provides useful and alternative solution for controllable adhesion-based SRGs and may facilitate the inspiration and development of future SRGs with added functionality and enhanced versatility.
Design and Optimization of High-Voltage CMOS Devices Compatible wih a Standard 5V CMOS Technology
(1993)
High-voltage n- and p-MOSFETs fully compatible with a standard 5 V CMOS technology have been designed, optimized, and fabricated. No process changes are required. By modifying the logical equations generating one of the physical masks from the design masks, a p-type buffer region for the high-voltage p-MOS was easily implemented. This modification does not affect the low-voltage part of the circuits. These high-voltage devices have been used successfully as output drivers in semicustom arrays, and as building blocks for custom low- to high-voltage output interfaces. Aspects of reliability, device protection, and circuit design techniques are addressed.
La présente invention concerne un circuit intermédiaire entre un circuit logique a basse tension et un étage de sortie à haute tension réalisés dans une technologie CMOS standard. L'étage de sortie (20) comporte deux transistors respectivement à canal N et à canal P, réalisés selon une technologie CMOS standard. Le circuit intermédiaire comporte un translateur de niveau de tension (21) couplé entre un circuit logique d'entrée SL et ledit étage de sortie (20). Ce translateur de niveau de tension (21) est réalisé selon une technologie CMOS standard et est constitué d'au moins deux blocs de base identiques formant des miroirs de tension interconnectés de façon croisée. Ce circuit est utilisé pour commander des transducteurs, des écrans plasma et des actionneurs électromécaniques.
A family of CMOS low- to high-voltage output interface circuits based on a standard, unmodified low-voltage CMOS technology is described. Using only thin-oxide high-voltage (HV) devices with reduced V/sub GS/ (gate-to-source voltage) swing, it makes use of level-shift techniques to meet the constraints on the gate control signals. These static circuits permit the full output voltage swing of V/sub DDH/, while keeping the V/sub GS/ swing of the output devices within the safety limits, including during HV supply transients. Using a standard 2- mu m n-well CMOS technology, reliable, reproducible V/sub DS/ breakdown voltages as high as 120 V and 80 V have been obtained for HV-nMOS and HV-pMOS devices, respectively.< >
Magneto-active Polymers (MAP) are closely related to magneto-rheological fluids in that they contain magnetic micro-particles. However, instead of being freely suspended in a carrier fluid they are physically bound within a highly elastic polymer-matrix. The application of an external magnetic field allows changes in the mechanical properties, such as elastic and shear moduli, of the composite material to be achieved. The colossal magneto-rheological effect has been shown to demonstrate changes in Young's modulus by over 1E6 %. Current research concentrates on controllable compliance and the resulting shape memory properties of MAP. This paper deals with recent advancements in this respect, including tubular magneto-active devices with potential applications in medical and other technology.
Transmission spectra of wet human teeth and dentin slices, together with blood of different flow rates were investigated over a wide spectral range, from visible to terahertz (THz) light. The results make it possible to find the optimum light frequency for an all-optical determination of pulpal blood flow and, consequently, for clinically diagnosis of tooth vitality.
Application of Magnetic Garnet Films for Magnetooptical Imaging of Magnetic Field Distributions
(2004)
Rare-earth iron garnet films of high quality can be grown by liquid phase epitaxy on paramagnetic substrates of gadolinium galliumgarnet. Such films are currently used for imaging of the spatial distribution of magnetic fields. This application is based on the Faraday rotation which can strongly be enhanced by bismuth incorporation.
The physical properties of the films can be controlled by the chemical composition, the growth conditions and the crystallographic orientation. The sensor properties like sensitivity, dynamic range, signal linearity and unambiguity must be optimized according to the application desired. These properties, however, are not independent of each other. In addition, they strongly depend on the optical wavelength. Thus, it is necessary to find compromises.
The influence of Faraday rotation, Faraday ellipticity, optical absorption, magnetic anisotropies and film thickness on the performance of a magnetooptical indicator film is investigated. Based on the swing of the photoresponse, a new optimization process is introduced. The process is experimentally verified and application examples are demonstrated.
Furthermore, two methods are presented to enhance the sensitivity of magnetooptical sensors. Using specific crystallographic orientations, an easy plane of magnetization can be induced which is inclined with respect to the film plane. If the magnetization lies in this plane a very high sensitivity is achieved. The dependence of the geometrical orientation of the easy plane on the growth direction is calculated and the sensitivity and dynamic range are derived. Experimental results of a [112] oriented garnet film are in good agreement with calculations.
Garnet films which are magnetized along the film normal due to a strong induced uniaxial anisotropy support magnetic domains. If the collapse field perpendicular to the film plane is small, such films can be used as very sensitive indicator films. Such films are easier to prepare than sensitive in-plane films. However, the spatial resolution is limited by the size of the domains. This disadvantage can be avoided by applying a bias field in the film plane. Directly at the in-plane collapse field the sensor film is in-plane magnetized yielding high spatial resolution at still high sensitivity. The variation of magnetooptical images with in-plane induction is demonstrated. Experimental results are in agreement with calculations.
The application of robotics in manufacturing industry is increasingly spreading to other fields such as service, security and medical, and more recently into orthopedic surgery. Most research projects to date have concentrated on the lighter side of non‐invasive surgery, camera, laser guidance, light cutting and milling through bone. Just as in industrial production and processing applications, the choice of robot and its accompanying control and programming system is absolutely paramount. This simple fact has been justified in recent research dealing with the heavier forms of fracture repositioning robotics in accident surgery. This paper discusses the development of the complete system including robot, end‐effector and sensors.
The direct magnetoelectric (ME) effect is investigated in a planar structure comprising mechanically coupled layers of a magnetostrictive fibrous composite (MFC) and a piezoelectric ceramics (lead zirconate titanate, PZT). The MFC is an array of Ni-wires with a diameter of 200 mu m that are aligned parallel to each other in a single layer. The wires are separated by a distance of 250 or 500 mu m and fixed in a polyamide matrix. The structure was placed in a tangential constant field H and was excited by an alternating magnetic field h parallel to H, while the voltage generated by the PZT layer was measured. The resulting field dependences of the magnetization M(H) and the magnetostriction lambda(H) were determined by the orientation of the field H in the plane of the structure and the distance between the Ni-wires. The ME coupling coefficient of the structure decreased from 4.8 to 0.25 V/A when the orientation of H was changed from parallel to perpendicular to Ni-wires. With an increase in the excitation field amplitude h, a nonlinear ME effect in the output voltage, namely frequency doubling, was observed. The frequency and field dependences of the efficiency of the ME transduction in the MFC-piezoelectric heterostructure are well described by the existing theory.
Illumination of ac-biased photorefractive Bi12TiO20 crystals with a coherent light beam results in the development of strong nonlinear scattering. Theoretically and experimentally we investigate the angular and polarization characteristics of the scattered light for the diagonal ([1̲1̲1]) optical configuration and different polarization states of the pump. A satisfactory understanding of the observed scattering properties is achieved for most of the cases investigated.
Smart materials change their properties with external energy supply. Besides the known ferro-fluids and Magneto Rheological Fluid (MRF) also the Electro Active Polymer (EAP) and Magneto Rheological Elastomer (MRE) belong to these intelligent materials. The latest generation of magnetic elastomers represents a new class of composite materials. This consists of small magnetized particles which are sized in the micron or even nanometer range that in turn is bounded in a highly elastic rubber matrix. These materials are very often called MRE. Only recently, it has managed to develop these materials even further, so that very soft composite materials with a young?s modulus up to 10 kPa are possible. These soft polymers could be named magneto-active polymers. The combination of polymers with magnetic materials show novel and often enhanced properties. A precisely controllable young?s modulus and hardness, giant and non-homogeneous deformation behavior and rapid response to the magnetic field opens up new possibilities for various applications. Since MAP represent a very new technology, the behavior of these materials as a function of their composition and external conditions so far are not yet sufficiently understood. Therefore, some fundamental studies are necessary. In this paper, the mechanical surface properties are studied using a micro hardness meter. This work shows the possibility to control mechanical properties at the surface of MAP with new developed magnetic systems.
A low-cost wax-cast molding technique for structuring ultrasoft (Young’s modulus ≤ 40 kPa), agglutinative magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) material is presented. MRE structures ranging from a few millimeters down to the micrometer range with highly reproducible results are possible. Semitransparent MREs are also fabricated and their surfaces modified accordingly. This method opens new possibilities for MREs in biomedical engineering and microfluidic applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Reduction of femoral shaft fractures in vitro by a new developed reduction robot system "RepoRobo"
(2004)
Closed reduction of the long bones is associated with the use of
considerable force. This force must be maintained for the reduction maneuver and fixation process. At present, apart from the extension table or the large AO distractor, only rather inadequate reduction aids are available. A solution to this problem is being sought in the form of a robotic system with which precision can be improved and the holding effort reduced. In the research project presented here, a synthetic femur with integrated tensioned mainspring and a 32-A3 type
fracture served as a bone reduction model. The fracture was stabilized with a standard AO fixator. A Stäubli robot (model RX130) was converted by appropriate modification so that it could be used for the reduction of femoral shaft fractures in vitro. The robot was equipped with a pneumatic 2-fingered gripper, on which the fingers have
been modified so that they can grip the AO fixator clamp. A Force-Feedback-Sensor was inserted between the gripper and the robot to obtain online recordings of the forces and moments in all three axes. With this setup it is possible to achieve precise reduction of the fracture in all planes under visual control.
Magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) are promising materials for realization of magnetic field-controlled soft actuators. Herein, a systematic investigation of magnetic field-induced macroscopic deformations of soft MAE cylinders with a diameter of 15 mm in uniform quasi-static magnetic fields directed parallel to the cylinder’s axis is reported. The measurements were based on image processing. Thirty-six MAE samples differing in the weight fraction of the iron filler (70 wt%, 75 wt% and 80 wt%), alignment of filling particles, and the aspect ratio (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2) were fabricated. MAE cylinders exhibited high relative change in height (up to 35% in the field of 485 kA/m) and lateral contraction. The dependence of the maximum extensional strain on the aspect ratio was obtained and compared with theoretical considerations. A concave dent was formed on the free circular base in magnetic fields. This concavity was characterized experimentally. A significant volumetric strain of the order of magnitude of 10% was calculated in MAEs for the first time. In consequently repeated magnetization cycles, the remanent extensional strain significantly increased after each cycle. The results are qualitatively discussed in the framework of the modern views on the magnetically induced macroscopic deformations of MAEs. The directions of further research are outlined.
In this work, multiferroic cantilevers comprise a layer of a magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) and a commercially available piezoelectric polymer-based vibration sensor. The structures are fixed at one end in the horizontal plane and the magnetic field is applied vertically. First, the magnetoelectric (ME) response to uniform, triangle-wave magnetic fields with five different slew rates is investigated experimentally. Time and field dependences of the generated voltage, electric charge, and observed mechanical deflection are obtained and compared for four different thicknesses of the MAE layer. The ME responses to triangular and sinusoidal wave excitations are examined in contrast. Second, the ME response at low frequencies (≤3 Hz) is studied by the standard method of harmonic magnetic field modulation. The highest ME coupling coefficient is observed in the bias magnetic field strength of ≈73 kA/m and it is estimated to be about 3.3 ns/m (ME voltage coefficient ≈ 25 V/A) at theoretically vanishing modulation frequency (f→0 Hz). Presented results demonstrate that the investigated heterostructures are promising for applications as magnetic-field sensors and energy harvesting devices.
Significant deformations of bodies made from compliant magnetoactive elastomers (MAE) in magnetic fields make these materials promising for applications in magnetically controlled actuators for soft robotics. Reported experimental research in this context was devoted to the behaviour in the quasi-static magnetic field, but the transient dynamics are of great practical importance. This paper presents an experimental study of the transient response of apparent longitudinal and transverse strains of a family of isotropic and anisotropic MAE cylinders with six different aspect ratios in time-varying uniform magnetic fields. The time dependence of the magnetic field has a trapezoidal form, where the rate of both legs is varied between 52 and 757 kA/(s·m) and the maximum magnetic field takes three values between 153 and 505 kA/m. It is proposed to introduce four characteristic times: two for the delay of the transient response during increasing and decreasing magnetic field, as well as two for rise and fall times. To facilitate the comparison between different magnetic field rates, these characteristic times are further normalized on the rise time of the magnetic field ramp. The dependence of the normalized characteristic times on the aspect ratio, the magnetic field slew rate, maximum magnetic field values, initial internal structure (isotropic versus anisotropic specimens) and weight fraction of the soft-magnetic filler are obtained and discussed in detail. The normalized magnetostrictive hysteresis loop is introduced, and used to explain why the normalized delay times vary with changing experimental parameters.
We investigated magnetic-field-induced modifications of the surface roughness of magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) with four material compositions incorporating two concentrations of ferromagnetic microparticles (70 wt% and 80 wt%) and exhibiting two shear storage moduli of the resulting composite material (about 10 kPa and 30 kPa). The analysis was primarily based on spread optical reflection measurements. The surfaces of all four materials were found to be very smooth in the absence of magnetic field (RMS roughness below 50 nm). A maximal field-induced roughness modification (approximately 1 m/T) was observed for the softer material with the lower filler concentration, and a minimal modification (less than 50 nm/T) was observed for the harder material with the higher filler concentration. All four materials showed a significant decrease in the total optical reflectivity with an increasing magnetic field as well. This effect is attributed to the existence of a distinct surface layer that is depleted of microparticles in the absence of a magnetic field but becomes filled with particles in the presence of the field. We analyzed the temporal response of the reflective properties to the switching on and off of the magnetic field and found switching-on response times of around 0.1 s and switching-off response times in the range of 0.3-0.6 s. These observations provide new insight into the magnetic-field-induced surface restructuring of MAEs and may be useful for the development of magnetically reconfigurable elastomeric optical surfaces.
Surface topographical modifications of a soft magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) in response to variable applied magnetic field are investigated. The analysis is performed in situ and is based on optical microscopy, spread optical reflection and optical profilometry measurements. Optical profilometry analysis shows that the responsivity of magnetic field-induced surface roughness with respect to external magnetic field is in the range of 1 mu m/T. A significant hysteresis of surface modifications takes place for increasing and decreasing fields. Investigations of shape of sessile water droplets deposited on the MAE surface reveal that field-induced topographical modifications affect the contact angle of water at the surface. This effect is reversible and the responsivity to magnetic field is in the range of 20 degrees/T. Despite the increased surface roughness, the apparent contact angle decreases with increasing field, which is attributed to the field-induced protrusion of hydrophilic microparticles from the surface layer.
We study experimentally and theoretically coupling mechanisms between metamaterial elements of the split ring resonator (SRR) type. We show that, depending on the orientation of the elements relative to each other, the coupling may be either of magnetic or electric type or a combination of both. Experimental results on SRRs with resonances around 1.7–1.9 GHz agree quantitatively with results of simulations (CST Microwave Studio). Further simulations provide analysis for a variety of SRRs both in the GHz and in the 20 THz frequency regions. The variety of coupling mechanisms can be employed in designing near field manipulating devices based on propagation of slow waves.
Robotergreifer
(2004)
Transmission spectra of wet human teeth and dentin slices, together with blood of different flow rates were investigated. The measurements carried out over a wide spectral range, from visible light down to terahertz radiation. The results make it possible to find the optimum light frequency for an all-optical determination of pulpal blood flow and, consequently, for clinically diagnosis of tooth vitality.
Transmission spectra of wet human teeth and dentin slices, together with blood of different flow rates were investigated. The measurements carried out over a wide spectral range, from visible light down to terahertz radiation. The results make it possible to find the optimum light frequency for an all-optical determination of pulpal blood flow and, consequently, for clinically diagnosis of tooth vitality.
The characteristics of both direct and converse magnetoelectric (ME) interactions in bilayer composite structures comprising layers of a commercially available magnetostrictive permendur CoFe alloy and different piezoelectric PZT ceramics are investigated in detail by the method of harmonic field modulation. It is shown that, given the optimum DC magnetic bias field, a high piezomagnetic coefficient in the alloy leads to increased efficiency of ME interactions. The resonant behavior of frequency dependencies of the magnetoelectric voltage is explained by excitation of bending and planar mechanical oscillations in the structures. The results are of interest for developing highly sensitive AC magnetic field sensors and magnetoelectric transducers for energy harvesting from mechanical vibrations.
An effective method for on-demand control over the impact dynamics of droplets on a magnetoresponsive surface is reported. The surface is comprised of micrometer-sized lamellas from a magnetoactive elastomer on a copper substrate. The surface itself is fabricated using laser micromachining. The orientation of the lamellae is switched from edge-on (orthogonal to the surface) to face-on (parallel to the surface) by changing the direction of a moderate (<250 mT) magnetic field. This simple actuation technique can significantly change the critical velocities of droplet rebound, deposition, and splashing. Rebound and deposition regimes can be switched up to Weber number We < 13 ± 3, while deposition and splashing can be switched in the range of 32 < We < 52. Because a permanent magnet is used, no permanent power supply is required for maintaining the particular regime of droplet impact. The presented technology is highly flexible and enables selective fabrication and actuation of microstructures on complex devices. It has great potential for applications in soft robotics, microfluidics, and advanced thermal management.
We present a method to extract monopole and dipole polarizability from experimental measurements of two-dimensional acoustic meta-atoms. In contrast to extraction from numerical results, this enables all second-order effects and uncertainties in material properties to be accounted for. We apply the technique to 3D-printed labyrinthine meta-atoms of a variety of geometries. We show that the polarizability of structures with a shorter acoustic path length agrees well with numerical results. However, those with longer path lengths suffer strong additional damping, which we attribute to the strong viscous and thermal losses in narrow channels.
Magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) are composite materials comprised of micrometer-sized ferromagnetic particles in a nonmagnetic elastomermatrix. Asingle-particle mechanism ofmagnetostriction in MAEs, assuming the rotation of a soft magnetic, mechanically rigid particle with uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in magnetic fields is identified and considered theoretically within the framework of an alternative model. In this mechanism, the total magnetic anisotropy energy of the filling particles in the matrix is the sum over single particles. Matrix displacements in the vicinity of the particle and the resulting direction of the magnetization vector are calculated. The effect of matrix deformation is pronounced well if the magnetic anisotropy coefficient K is much larger than the shear modulus mu of the elastic matrix. The feasibility of the proposed magnetostriction mechanism in soft magnetoactive elastomers and gels is elucidated. The magnetic-field-induced internal stresses in the matrix lead to effects of magnetodeformation and may increase the elastic moduli of these composite materials.
Mechanical properties of biological tissue represent important diagnostic information and are of histological and pathological relevance. Malignant tumors are significantly stiffer and more immobile than surrounding healthy tissue. Hard calcifications in vessels occur due to arteriosclerosis. The problem is, that such information is usually not available or can only be obtained by manual palpation, which is subjective and limited in sensitivity. It requires intuitive assessment and does not allow quantitative documentation. Unfortunately, none of the established medical imaging equipment such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-ray computed tomography (CT) can provide direct measure of tissue elasticity. On the one hand a suitable sensor is required for quantitative measurement of mechanical tissue properties. On the other hand there is also some need for a realistic haptic display of such tissue properties. Suitable actuator arrays with high spatial resolution acting in real time are required. A haptic sensor actuator system is presented in this paper including a sensitive sensor part and an actuator array for different applications. The mechanical consistency of an object is to be locally specified using a sensor system and represented perceptibly in a remote position on an actuator system for the user. The sensor system uses ultrasound (US) elastography, whereas the actuator array is based on electrorheological (ER) fluids.
Mechanical properties of biological tissue represent important diagnostic information and are of histological relevance (hard lesions, "nodes" in organs: tumors; calcifications in vessels: arteriosclerosis). The problem is, that such information is usually obtained by digital palpation only, which is limited with respect to sensitivity. It requires intuitive assessment and does not allow quantitative documentation. A suitable sensor is required for quantitative detection of mechanical tissue properties. On the other hand, there is also some need for a realistic mechanical display of those tissue properties. Suitable actuator arrays with high spatial resolution and real-time capabilities are required operating in a haptic sensor actuator system with different applications. The sensor system uses real time ultrasonic elastography whereas the tactile actuator is based on electrorheological fluids. Due to their small size the actuator array elements have to be manufactured by micro-mechanical production methods. In order to supply the actuator elements with individual high voltages a sophisticated switching and control concept have been designed. This haptic system has the potential of inducing real time substantial forces, using a compact lightweight mechanism which can be applied to numerous areas including intraoperative navigation, telemedicine, teaching, space and telecommunication.
Rare-earth iron garnet films with in-plane anisotropy grown on (111)-oriented substrates can be used as magneto-optical indicator films for visualization of magnetic leakage fields in nondestructive evaluation. The influence of Faraday rotation, Faraday ellipticity, absorption and film thickness on the performance of a magneto-optical indicator film is investigated. A new optimization method is introduced and compared with the method of contrast optimization. The theory is experimentally verified and an application example is presented.
Rare-earth iron garnet films with in-plane anisotropy grown on (111)-oriented substrates can be used as magneto-optical indicator films for visualization of magnetic leakage fields in nondestructive evaluation. The influence of Faraday rotation, Faraday ellipticity, absorption and film thickness on the performance of a magneto-optical indicator film is investigated. A new optimization method is introduced and compared with the method of contrast optimization. The theory is experimentally verified and an application example is presented.
The use of ultrasound systems for medical examination and diagnosis is nothing new. The extension of ultrasound techniques for real time elastographic analysis purposes represents a more recent development. Nevertheless, as they stand all such techniques rely on the interpretation of two-dimensional visual data displayed on a video screen. In reality however, a medical doctor will make as much use of exploratory touch as he or she does vision, making the simultaneous portrayal of both video and tactile information most desirable [Böse H, Monkman GJ, Freimuth H, Ermert H. Haptisches Sensor-Aktor-System uaf der grundlage der Echtzeitelastographie sowie von elktro- und magnetorheologischen Materialien “HASASEM” [3]. BMBF Antrag 01 IR A14D, Oktober 2000].
This paper discusses the preliminary tests and basic design parameters for single tactels using electrorheological fluids. The final aim is to produce a prototype three-dimensional tactile display comprising electrically switchable micro-machined cells whose mechanical moduli are governed by phase changes experienced by electrorheological fluids. This will be integrated with the latest elastographic ultrasonic sensor systems in order to present the human fingers with controllable surfaces capable of emulating biological tissue, muscle and bone.
This paper reports the first step in the development of a tactile array suitable for the presentation of haptic information in virtual reality. The system is based on the electric field dependence of the viscosity of electrorheological fluids. The simulation, as well as the experimental realization of single tactels is described. The mathematical approach is based on the Eckart model (Eckart W 2000 Continuum Mech. Thermodyn. 12 341–62) and its validity is demonstrated by comparing the resulting yield stress with the experimental results from Wunderlich (2000 Dissertation Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg). Two different tactel designs are realized and the experimental results are compared with numerical simulation. The design of modification B is shown to be applicable for the realization of an actuator array with high spatial resolution.
The magnetodielectric response of magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) in its dependence on filler concentration, magnetic field, and test frequency is studied experimentally. MAEs are synthesized on the basis of a silicone matrix filled with spherical carbonyl iron particles characterized by a mean diameter of 4.5 mu m. The concentration of the magnetic filler within composite materials is equal to 70, 75, and 80 mass%. The effective lossless permittivity epsilon as well as the dielectric loss tan grow significantly when the magnetic field increases. The permittivity increases and the dielectric loss decreases with increasing filler concentration. In the measurement frequency range between 1 kHz and 200 kHz, the frequency hardly affects the values of epsilon and tan in the absence of a magnetic field. However, both parameters decrease considerably with the growing frequency in a constant magnetic field. The more strongly the magnetic field is applied, the larger the change in permittivity and loss tangent at the same test frequency is observed. An equivalent circuit formulation qualitatively describes the main tendencies of the magnetodielectric response.
Herein, the effect of an applied moderate (~240 mT) magnetic field on the work of adhesion (WoA) of mechanically soft (the shear modulus ~10 kPa) magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) samples with two different mass fractions (70 and 80 wt%) of carbonyl iron powder (CIP) is concerned. The unfilled elastomer sample is used for comparison. Due to some sedimentation of filling particles, the concentration of inclusions in thin (~10 μm) subsurface layers is different. It is shown that the WoA increases (up to 1.8-fold) on the particle-enriched side (PES) in the magnetic field and its value is higher for higher filler concentration. On the particle-depleted side (PDS), WoA does not depend on particle concentration and on the magnetic field. Adhesion and friction are coupled in MAEs. No statistically significant difference in the friction coefficient, determined from the extended Amontons´ law, depending on sample side, CIP concentration, or presence of magnetic field is found. However, the PDS in the magnetic field demonstrates significantly higher critical shear stress compared to that for the PES or PDS in the absence of magnetic field. Correlations between different surface properties are discussed. Obtained results are useful for the development of magnetically controllable soft robots.
The significant effect of an external dc magnetic field on the splashing behavior of ethanol drops impacting on the unstructured (flat) surface of soft magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) is reported. The Weber number corresponding to the transition between the deposition and the splashing regime is reduced by ≈20% in a moderate magnetic field of ≈300 mT. Alongside this effect, a two-fold increase of the initial deceleration of the ejection sheet is observed for the softest sample. The main underlying mechanism for the observed phenomena is believed to be the magnetic-field-induced stiffening of the MAEs. Further possible mechanisms are magnetically induced changes in the surface roughness and magnetic-field-induced plasticity (magnetic shape memory effect). The potential application areas are magnetically regulable wetting and magneto-responsive surfaces for controlling the drop splashing.
A simple method for structuring of the surface of a magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) on the tens of micrometers scale, which capabilities extend beyond conventional mold-based polymer casting, is reported. The method relies on the ablation of the material by absorption of nanosecond infrared pulses from a commercial laser. It is shown that it is possible to fabricate parallel lamellar structures with a high aspect ratio (up to 6:1) as well as structures with complex scanning trajectories. The method is fast (fabrication time for the 7 × 7 mm2 is about 60 s), and the results are highly reproducible. To illustrate the capabilities of the fabrication method, both orthogonal to the MAE surface and tilted lamellar structures are fabricated. These magnetosensitive lamellae can be easily bent by ±45° using an external magnetic field of about 230 mT. It is demonstrated that this bending allows one to control the sliding angle of water droplets in a great range between a sticky (>90°) and a sliding state (<20°). Perspectives on employing this fabrication technology for magnetosensitive smart surfaces in microfluidic devices and soft robotics are discussed.
Adaptive surface microstructures are used extensively in nature to control various surface properties such as wettability, adhesion, self-cleaning, drag reduction, etc. Regulation of these properties can be achieved with the appropriate employment of a multitude of smart materials, whose characteristics/response can be controlled by noncontact stimuli, e.g., light, heat, or magnetic field. One of the very promising magneto-regulable smart materials are magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs). They are comprised of a compliant polymer matrix with embedded micrometer-sized ferromagnetic particles. The particles interact with each other and a magnetic field. This results in remarkable tunability of the physical properties of MAEs. This paper reports a fast, resilient, and tailored method for direct surface micromachining of MAEs that enables micro-structuring without mechanical contact between the tool and the material, bypassing the usual constraints of conventional fabrication methods. It is shown that it is possible to fabricate a large variety of different microstructure geometries whose precision is limited predominantly by the size of magnetic particles. Lamellar structures with a high aspect ratio (up to 6:1) oriented either perpendicularly to the surface, can be strongly bent by applying magnetic fields in the range of 0–250 mT.
Efficient transportation of droplets (∽10 ¹ ̶̶̶̶ 10 ² µl) and small solid objects (∽10 ¹ ̶ 10 ² mm ³ ) have important applications in many fields, such as microfluidics, lab‐on‐a‐chip devices, drug delivery, etc. A novel multifunctional surface consisting of a periodic array of micro‐lamellae from a soft magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) on a plastic substrate is reported for these purposes. The physical origin of the propulsion is the bending of soft magnetic lamellae in non‐uniform magnetic fields, which is also observed in uniform magnetic fields. The magnetoactive surface is fabricated using a facile and rapid method of laser ablation. The propulsion of items is realized using a four‐pole rotating magnet. This results in a cyclic lamellar fringe motion over the micro‐structured surface and brings an advantage of easy reciprocation of transport by rotation reversal. Two modes of object transportation are identified: “pushing” mode for precise control of droplet and solid positioning and “bouncing” mode for heavier solid objects transportation. A water droplet of 5 μl or a glass sphere with a 2.1 mm diameter can be moved at a maximum speed of 60 mm s ⁻¹ . The multifunctionality of the proposed mechatronic platform is demonstrated on the examples of selective solid‐liquid separation and droplet merging.
The magnetoelectric response of bi- and symmetric trilayer composite structures to pulsed magnetic fields is experimentally investigated in detail. The structures comprise layers of commercially available piezoelectric (lead zirconate titanate) and magnetostrictive (permendur or nickel) materials. The magnetic-field pulses have the form of a half-wave sine function with duration of 450 µs and amplitudes ranging from 500 Oe to 38 kOe. The time dependence of the resulting voltage is presented and explained by theoretical estimations. Appearance of voltage oscillations with frequencies much larger than the reciprocal pulse length is observed for sufficiently large amplitudes (~1-10 kOe) of the magnetic-field pulse. The origin of these oscillations is the excitation of bending and planar acoustic oscillations in the structures. Dependencies of the magnetoelectric voltage coefficient on the excitation frequency and the applied magnetic field are calculated by digital signal processing and compared with those obtained by the method of harmonic field modulation. The results are of interest for developing magnetoelectric sensors of pulsed magnetic fields as well as for rapid characterization of magnetoelectric composite structures.
A detailed experimental study of the magnetoelectric response of planar bi- and symmetric trilayer composite structures to magnetic field pulses is reported. The structures consist of layers of commercially available piezoelectric (lead zirconate titanate) and magnetostrictive (permendur or nickel) materials. The magnetic-field pulses have the form of a half-wave sine function with duration of 450 μs and amplitude from 500 Oe up to 38 kOe. The measurement method is explained and the measured time dependence of the resulting voltage is presented. The most interesting case, when pulse amplitudes are sufficiently large (~ 1-10 kOe) and various types of acoustic oscillation with frequencies much larger than the reciprocal pulse length are excited in the structures, is considered. The dependencies of the magnetoelectric voltage coefficient on the excitation frequency and the applied magnetic field are calculated. By digital signal processing the results are compared with those obtained by the method of harmonic field modulation (HFM). The findings are of interest for developing magnetoelectric sensors for pulsed magnetic fields as well as for rapid characterization of magnetoelectric composite structures.
A novel method for controlling the rebound behavior of small balls made of Al2O3 with a radius of 2.381 mm is presented. It uses different types of micro-structured surfaces of soft magnetoactive elastomers. These surfaces were fabricated via laser micromachining and include fully ablated surfaces as well as micrometer-sized lamellas with a fixed width of 90 µm, height of 250 µm and three different gap sizes (15, 60 and 105 µm). The lamellas can change their orientation from edge-on to face-on configuration according to the direction of the external magnetic field from a permanent magnet. The orientation of the external magnetic field significantly influences the rebound behavior of the balls, from a coefficient of restitution e of to < 0.1. The highest relative change in the coefficient of restitution between zero field and face-on configuration of is observed for lamellas with a gap of 60 µm. Other characteristics of the ball rebound such as the penetration depth into an Magnetoactive elastomer and the maximum deceleration are investigated as well. The proposed method does not require a constant power supply due to the use of permanent magnets. It may find novel applications in the field of impact engineering.
It is shown that the advancing (ACA) and receding (RCA) contact angles of water on extremely soft (shear modulus of the order of 10 kPa) magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) films significantly depend on the applied magnetic field. The difference between these angles, known as the contact angle hysteresis, is examined. The roles of the filler concentration and material softness are elaborated. The highest change in the contact angle hysteresis (CAH) from 34° in the absence of magnetic field to 76° in a magnetic field of 0.4 T is achieved for the softest sample with the lowest mass fraction of iron particles (70 wt%). The dependence of the CAH on magnetization history (“magnetic hysteresis”) is observed. This magnetic hysteresis is clearly pronounced for the ACA and has little effect on the RCA. Magnetic field-induced changes of the surface roughness exhibit qualitatively the same hysteresis behavior with regard to the external magnetic field as the ACA. The results are promising for the development of smart surfaces for applications where the dynamic wetting has to be controlled.
Commercially available contact angle (CA) measuring devices usually do not allow for the application of magnetic fields to the sample under test. A setup for measuring the CA of liquids on magnetosensitive surfaces has been developed specifically for investigating the surfaces of magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs). The addition of a programmable linear stage, which moves a permanent magnet, allows for fine control of the magnetic field applied to the MAE without the need for large and power-consuming electromagnets. Paired with a custom control and evaluation software, this measurement setup operates semiautomatically, limiting operator error and increasing precision, speed, as well as repeatability of static and dynamic CA measurements for different magnetoactive materials. The software is equipped with robust droplet fitting algorithms to avoid experimental challenges arising with soft magnetoactive materials, such as the curling of sample edges or diffuse non-reflective surfaces. Several application examples on MAE surfaces, both processed and unprocessed, are presented.
We demonstrate the control of wettability of non-structured and microstructured magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) by magnetic field. The synthesized composite materials have a concentration of carbonyl iron particles of 75 wt.% (≈27 vol.%) and three different stiffnesses of the elastomer matrix. A new method of fabrication of MAE coatings on plastic substrates is presented, which allows one to enhance the response of the apparent contact angle to the magnetic field by exposing the particle-enriched side of MAEs to water. A magnetic field is not applied during crosslinking. The highest variation of the contact angle from (113 ± 1)° in zero field up to (156 ± 2)° at about 400 mT is achieved in the MAE sample with the softest matrix. Several lamellar and pillared MAE structures are fabricated by laser micromachining. The lateral dimension of surface structures is about 50 µm and the depth varies between 3 µm and 60 µm. A systematic investigation of the effects of parameters of laser processing (laser power and the number of passages of the laser beam) on the wetting behavior of these structures in the absence and presence of a magnetic field is performed. In particular, strong anisotropy of the wetting behavior of lamellar structures is observed. The results are qualitatively discussed in the framework of the Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter models. Finally, directions of further research on magnetically controlled wettability of microstructured MAE surfaces are outlined. The obtained results may be useful for the development of magnetically controlled smart surfaces for droplet-based microfluidics.
Three-guide couplers with multimode central waveguides allow for remote coupling between optical channels. A simple three mode approximation turns out to be sufficient for the description of the main features of the power transfer behavior. The specific form of the relevant modes suggests the design of integrated optical isolators and circulators based on magnetic garnet materials. These novel devices are superior to conventional nonreciprocal couplers with respect to the total length and admissible fabrication tolerances. We characterize the isolation performance and the transmission loss for the proposed devices by propagating mode simulations and estimate the influence of geometry parameter deviations.
Each particular implementation of the beam propagation method (BPM) requires a special procedure allowing for radiation to leave the computational window. We propose a new approach to constructing the finite difference schemes of the BPM at the boundary of the computational window. These schemes are independent of the computed fields and allow for a similar treatment of both interior and boundary points. The new approach can be further improved by correcting the field values at the boundary points according to Hadley's method. The algorithm is easy to implement for both two- and three-dimensional structures. The new method considerably reduces computation times because the propagation matrices remain constant in longitudinally invariant sections, thus avoiding repeated LU-decompositions. The basic idea-establishing the finite difference scheme such that locally exact, approximate, or plausible solutions are recovered-may be of interest for other efforts to solve partial differential equations by the finite difference method.
In a three-guide coupler with multimode central waveguide, more than two modes of the entire structure participate in the coupling between the outer waveguides. Using a three-mode approximation we found simple conditions for complete power transfer between the outer waveguides: the device length has to match certain multiples of the con- ventionally defined coupling length. The specific form of the relevant modes allows us to design a magneto-optic isolator or circulator with significantly reduced device length (as compared to the conventional nonreciprocal coupler). The performance of the proposed devices is simulated by propagating-mode calculations. Estimates for admissible fabrication tolerances for the layer thicknesses are presented.
A surface relief grating with a period of 30 mu m is embossed onto the surface of magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) samples in the presence of a moderate magnetic field of about 180 mT. The grating, which is represented as a set of parallel stripes with two different amplitude reflectivity coefficients, is detected via diffraction of a laser beam in the reflection configuration. Due to the magnetic-field-induced plasticity effect, the grating persists on the MAE surface for at least 90 h if the magnetic field remains present. When the magnetic field is removed, the diffraction efficiency vanishes in a few minutes. The described effect is much more pronounced in MAE samples with larger content of iron filler (80 wt%) than in the samples with lower content of iron filler (70 wt%). A simple theoretical model is proposed to describe the observed dependence of the diffraction efficiency on the applied magnetic field. Possible applications of MAEs as magnetically reconfigurable diffractive optical elements are discussed. It is proposed that the described experimental method can be used as a convenient tool for investigations of the dynamics of magnetically induced plasticity of MAEs on the micrometer scale.
A novel analytical approach for calculating the magnetic leakage field from surface defects is proposed and demonstrated for the case of a linear ferromagnetic material. The novelty of the theory is that it relates the distribution of induced magnetic charges to the surface shape. An excellent agreement between the analytical and numerical results is shown. The functional relations between different magnetic field components are discussed.
Mechanical cues such as extracellular matrix stiffness and movement have a major impact on cell differentiation and function. To replicate these biological features in vitro, soft substrata with tunable elasticity and the possibility for controlled surface translocation are desirable. Here we report on the use of ultra-soft (Young’s modulus <100 kPa) PDMS-based magnetoactive elastomers (MAE) as suitable cell culture substrata. Soft non-viscous PDMS (<18 kPa) is produced using a modified extended crosslinker. MAEs are generated by embedding magnetic microparticles into a soft PDMS matrix. Both substrata yield an elasticity-dependent (14 vs. 100 kPa) modulation of α-smooth muscle actin expression in primary human fibroblasts. To allow for static or dynamic control of MAE material properties, we devise low magnetic field (≈40 mT) stimulation systems compatible with cell-culture environments. Magnetic field-instigated stiffening (14 to 200 kPa) of soft MAE enhances the spreading of primary human fibroblasts and decreases PAX-7 transcription in human mesenchymal stem cells. Pulsatile MAE movements are generated using oscillating magnetic fields and are well tolerated by adherent human fibroblasts. This MAE system provides spatial and temporal control of substratum material characteristics and permits novel designs when used as dynamic cell culture substrata or cell culture-coated actuator in tissue engineering applications or biomedical devices.
Shape memory materials fulfill an important role in both actuation and mechanical coupling between actuators and associated dynamic systems. The simplest techniques are thermally based and in addition to the more common shape memory alloys there are also shape memory polymers. These have similar characteristics to those of their metallic cousins, but there the relationship stops. The basic physical principles are very different and this paper attempts to outline the current state-of-the-art to those already involved with the technology and perhaps open a fresh chapter in smart materials to those who are new to it.
Piezoelectric actuators are well established for use in expensive optical equipment. Within the last decade, relatively inexpensive piezoelectric actuators have become established technology in pneumatic switching and the first piezoelectrically driven impactive robot grippers are just starting to emerge. Although this article concentrates largely on the use of piezoelectric actuators for use in robot gripping systems, the potential for applications outside this field is immense.
The ability to image the elastic properties of tissue is potentially useful in a variety of applications. The field of elastic imaging has grown in response to the Potential use of such information in medical diagnosis. Real time ultrasound elastography represents a recent development in determining strain and elasticity distributions. Nevertheless, commonly used imaging techniques rely on the interpretation of two dimensional visual data displayed on a video screen. In reality however, physicians often prefer tactile exploration making the simultaneous portrayal of both video and haptic information most desirable.
Since the 1970's many alphanumeric to tactile data conversion methods have been investigated, mainly with the ultimate aim of assisting the blind. More recently, interest has been directed toward the display of pictures on haptically explorable surfaces - Tactile imaging. Such a system would allow surgeons to examine hard sectors contained within soft tissue, and thereby assist in operations held remotely. The expansion of ultrasound elastography to 3D formats would mean the ability to haptically explore regions of the body normally inaccessible to human hands. For three-dimensional imaging the acquisition of sequential tomographic slices using Elastography, combined with image segmentation, enables the reconstruction, quantification and visualisation of tumour volumes.
In a collaborative project between four research Institutes, the aim is to produce a prototype three dimensional tactile displays comprising electrically switchable micromachined cells, whose mechanical moduli are governed by phase changes experienced by electrorheological and/or magnetorheological fluids. This will be integrated with a sensory ultrasonic elastography in order to present the human fingers with controllable surfaces capable of emulating biological tissue, muscle and bone.
Der Roboter als Hilfsmittel in der Chirurgie // International Mechatronik Forum, Linz, October 2006
(2006)
Since the 1960s many alphanumeric to tactile data conversion methods have been investigated, mainly with the ultimate aim of assisting the blind. More recently, interest has been directed toward the display of pictures on haptically explorable surfaces – tactile imaging – for a range of medical, remote sensing and entertainment purposes. This paper examines the technologies which have been utilised for haptically explorable tactile displays over the past three decades, focussing on those which appear commercially viable in the immediate future.
Robot Grippers
(2006)
Since robotic prehension is widely used in all sectors of manufacturing industry, this book fills the need for a comprehensive, up-to-date treatment of the topic. As such, this is the first text to address both developers and users, dealing as it does with the function, design and use of industrial robot grippers. The book includes both traditional methods and many more recent developments such as micro grippers for the optolectronics industry. Written by authors from academia, industry and consulting, it begins by covering the four basic categories of robotic prehension before expanding into sections dealing with endeffector design and control, robotic manipulation and kinematics. Later chapters go on to describe how these various gripping techniques can be used for a common industrial aim, with details of related topics such as: kinematics, part separation, sensors, tool excahnge and compliance. The whole is rounded off with specific examples and case studies. With more than 570 figures, this practical book is all set to become the standard for advanced students, researchers and manufacturing engineers, as well as designers and project managers seeking practical descriptions of robot endeffectors and their applications.
The magnetoactive electret
(2017)
A magnet which adheres to every surface, not only those of ferromagnetic materials, has hitherto been the domain of science fiction. Now for the first time such a novel device exists. The fusion of a permanently magnetized magnetoactive polymer containing hard magnetic particles and an electret enhanced with ferroelectric particles has resulted in the development of a new smart device-the magnetoactive electret. Magnetoactive electrets can be made to exhibit the usual magnetic properties of permanent magnetism together with the electrostatic properties of electrets. This results in simultaneous magnetoadhesion and electroadhesion forces from the same elastomeric element. The biasing field, needed to avoid discontinuities concerned with transition through the zero point in operating curves, is normally provided by means of either a magnetic or an electric field. This novel technology provides both bias options in a single device.
Theoretical Modeling of Magnetoactive Elastomers on Different Scales: A State-of-the-Art Review
(2022)
A review of the latest theoretical advances in the description of magnetomechanical effects and phenomena observed in magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs), i.e., polymer networks filled with magnetic micro- and/or nanoparticles, under the action of external magnetic fields is presented. Theoretical modeling of magnetomechanical coupling is considered on various spatial scales: from the behavior of individual magnetic particles constrained in an elastic medium to the mechanical properties of an MAE sample as a whole. It is demonstrated how theoretical models enable qualitative and quantitative interpretation of experimental results. The limitations and challenges of current approaches are discussed and some information about the most promising lines of research in this area is provided. The review is aimed at specialists involved in the study of not only the magnetomechanical properties of MAEs, but also a wide range of other physical phenomena occurring in magnetic polymer composites in external magnetic fields.