bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Brightness of Electroluminescent Device Using Powder Phosphor Composite with ZnO or TiO2
Authors: Kim Mun Ja , Park Sung Min , Lee Tae Young , Park Sang Hyun , Kim Jin Young , Yoo Ji Beom
Published: March 2009

For the growth of Electroluminescent (EL) device market, the attention of many
researchers is centered on improving the properties such as brightness, power consumption, device
reliability, etc. The powder EL device is one of solutions for the easy mass production, the
simplification of structure, and low cost. Although the powder process is the solution, that has the
problem with the poor brightness than the film process. So, we focused on increasing the brightness
of powder EL device. The emissive layer was made up the composites adding metal oxide
nanopowder such as TiO2 and ZnO to powder phosphors. As the data of previous researcher, the TiO2
and ZnO had the different dominating traps by photovoltage measure, that is, TiO2 show hole traps,
ZnO show electron traps [1]. The brightness of powder EL device proportions to the high electricfield
formation. The TiO2 or ZnO in the powder phosphor composite can help the emission that may be
advantageous to form high electricfield at low voltage. The EL devices with green ZnS phosphor
were fabricated using spin coating method. The effect of TiO2 and ZnO on the luminescent property
of EL device was investigated. The brightness was obtained as applied driving voltage at 400 Hz and
frequency variation at 50 V.
Interferometric Quantum Sensors
Authors: Siciliani de Cumis Mario , Marino F. , Anderlini M. , Cataliotti F.S. , Marin F. , Rimini Emanuele , D'Arrigo Giuseppe
Published: March 2009

Optical interferometric sensors represent the most advanced measurement tools in terms
of precision and sensitivity for position detection. Micro-mechanical and micro-optical active and
passive devices can be realized with present technologies on integrable substrates such as silicon
wafers. We are working on the fabrication and characterization of micromirrors realized with
micromachining technique. Our goal is to realize structures with a mechanical resonance frequency
in ranges 1 kHz – 100 kHz and 1 MHz – 100 MHz. In these ranges we can think of different
applications above all in the detection of gravitational waves and in quantum computation.
A Self-Sensing Method for IPMC Actuator
Authors: Ko Byung Geun , Kwon Hyok Chon , Lee Song Jun
Published: March 2009

This paper describes a novel method of self-sensing Ion-conductive Polymer Metal
Composite (IPMC) actuator. Unlike the previous self-sensing technique, the proposed principle is
based on the electric charge of the IPMC itself, which is correlated with its curvature. At the normal
state, IPMC is electrically charged, and the amount varies according to the status of IPMC. While it
is operated as an actuator, it also gives position information in the form of the electric charge
amount, which is utilized for fast and accurate position control. In order to get the bending status of
the actuator, the instantaneous voltage of IPMC is measured during the open state for input signal.
The uncomplicated system is constructed to verify if the developed method is effective for the selfsensing
actuator and evaluated by the experimental basis. The way to actuate the IPMC with selfsensing
is a supplying discrete signal as an input, and it is also evaluated experimentally. This
research also represents relatively simple structure for both actuation and sensing, which is very
important factor to be implemented as a controller circuit for various applications.
Integrated Design of Smart Structures
Authors: Cimellaro G.P. , Soong Tsu Teh , Reinhorn A.M.
Published: March 2009

Much of structural control research and applications in civil engineering have been
concerned with structures equipped with passive, hybrid, or active control devices in order to
enhance structural performance under extraordinary loads. In most cases, the structure and the
control system are individually designed and optimized. On the other hand, an exciting
consequence of structural control research is that it also opens the door to new possibilities in
structural forms and configurations, such as lighter buildings or bridges with longer spans without
compromising on structural performance. Moreover, this can only be achieved through integrated
design of structures with control elements as an integral part. This paper addresses the integrated
design of structures with imbedded control systems and devices. Simultaneous optimization of
such controlled structures is considered, showing that new structural forms and configurations can
be achieved through integrated design.
Optimal Simulation for Large Dynamic Systems
Authors: Skelton Robert E. , Li Fa Ming , de Oliveira Mauricio
Published: March 2009

Like most engineering design problems, simulation
design for large dynamic systems should seek a trade-
o® between performance and cost. Here the perfor-
mance is de¯ned by simulation accuracy; and the
cost is related to computational resource, measured
by the total wordlength. The simulation accuracy
depends on model complexity, model realization and
computational implementation. The optimal simula-
tion problem is to determine all these factors to en-
sure desired accuracy with available computational
resource. When computational cost is the primary
concern, one can minimize the computational re-
source with simulation accuracy constraint. We de-
¯ne the economical simulation problem (ESP) as de-
signing the simulation of a stable linear system and
distributing computational resources (wordlength)
among the digital devices such that the computa-
tional cost(memory) is minimized without violat-
ing the required simulation accuracy. This problem
is generally not convex because of the scaling con-
straint. By exploring the special structure of this
joint optimization of the choice of the realizations
and the computational resources to be applied, and
under a scaling assumption, the ESP is converted to
a convex problem. Numerical results are given which
compare this method with existing approaches.
The Art of Control Algorithms Design and Implementation
Authors: Rodellar José , Ikhouane Fayçal , Pozo Francesc , Pujol Gisela , Acho Leonardo , Rossell Josep M.
Published: March 2009

This paper discusses some issues which are relevant when addressing the design and the
implementation of control algorithms for smart structures: (1) the model of the closed control loop;
(2) the control strategy; (3) the control methodology; (4) the feedback information constraints; and
(5) the digital implementation. A case study is used to illustrate some of these issues.
Mitigation of Wind-Induced Vibration with Liquid Column Vibration Absorber
Authors: Kim Hong Jin , Kim Wha Jung , Lee Soo Gon , Jo Ji Seong , Kim Dai Keun , Lee Kwang Jae
Published: March 2009

Increasing heights of tall buildings often require supplementary damping system for
occupant comfort in windy condition. This paper presents a liquid column vibration absorber
(LCVA) installed in a 64-story building, which is the highest residential building with flat plate
structural system in Korea, for mitigation of wind-induced motion. LCVA is a special type of
secondary mass-type dampers relying on the motion of a column of liquid in a U-shaped container to
counteract the forces acting on the structure. Since it has different dimensions for vertical and
horizontal portions of container, it has benefits of easy tuning and wide natural frequency range. To
evaluate the control performance of LCVA, an experiment using 1/20 scaled model is performed. The
test structure is excited using a sinusoidal signal ranging 0.1 ~ 3.0Hz with 5.5mm displacement, and
acceleration and displacement of the structure, water height, and shear force are measured.
Experiment results indicate that the LCVA increase the energy dissipation capacity of the building
significantly.
Experimental Assessment of Structural Control Devices Used to Protect Civil Buildings
Authors: Magonette Georges
Published: March 2009

This paper presents the latest developments realized at the European Laboratory for
Structural Assessment (ELSA) of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) to extend the 'on-line testing
method with substructuring' to the experimental verification of civil buildings protected by
semiactive devices. Recent works have indicated that semiactive control systems can achieve
significantly better results than passive control systems and demonstrate significant potential for
controlling structural responses to a wide variety of dynamic loading conditions. These factors
explain the considerable interest in the practical implementation of these systems for protection of
civil infrastructures against earthquake and wind loading or, more generally, for vibration
mitigation. Commonly, cyclic tests are initially performed to characterize the semiactive device
behavior but a complete validation requires the simulation of realistic dynamic loads including the
effects of the protected structure and the evaluation in real world of the performance and robustness
of different control laws and related instrumentation before the final hardware implementation.
Experimental verifications satisfying such requirements can be achieved by using the novel
extension of the on-line testing procedure presented here.
An Experimental Study on the Use of Active Constrained Layer Damping for Thin Curved Smart Shell Structures
Authors: Saini Paramdeep , Pandhi Apoorv , Darpe A.K.
Published: March 2009

Thin Open Curved Shell Structures constitute the major building block of many critical
structures such as Aircraft Cabins, Ship Hulls and bodies of rockets and missiles. In the present work,
an open thin curved shell made of Aluminium material has been chosen to investigate the potential of
ACLD effectiveness with MFC Actuator. The shell ACLD system has been modelled using system
identification method and converted into state space form for designing the control law of the LQR
controller. Finite Element Analysis of the bare structure has been performed in ANSYS. Using modal
solution results, the best possible location for the placement of patches has been found out for
combined vibration control of first three modes using Modal Strain Energy (MSE) approach. The
FEA Modal Solution results have been correlated with the experimental modal analysis results
obtained with the help of ICATS (Imperial College’s Modal Analysis and Testing Software).
Significant vibration attenuation resulted for partially covered PCLD and ACLD treatments on open
curved shell. Thus, ACLD provides a practical means for controlling the vibration of complex
structures such as an open curved shell with currently available piezoelectric (MFC) actuators
without the need for excessively large actuation voltages.
Bio-Inspired Autonomic Structures
Authors: Shoureshi Rahmat A. , Lim Sun W.
Published: March 2009

Through the evolution of millions of years, nature has developed fascinating biosensors,
bioactuators, and bio-network systems with ability to transfer data through information processing
channels, and extracting useful information from data. Thus, nature has become a source of
inspiration for many engineered systems. One such system is civil infrastructure. Globally, civil
infrastructures are deteriorating at an alarming rate caused by overuse, overloading, aging, damage
or failure due to natural or man-made hazards. With such a vast network of deteriorating
infrastructure, there is a growing interest in continuous monitoring technologies. In order to provide
a true distributed sensor and control system for civil structures, we are developing a Structural
Nervous System that mimics key attributes of a human nervous system. This nervous system is
made up of building blocks that are designed based on mechanoreceptors as a fundamentally new
approach for the development of a structural health monitoring and diagnostic system that utilizes
the recently developed piezo-fibers capable of sensing and actuation. In particular, our research has
been focused on producing a sensory nervous system for civil structures by using piezo-fibers as
sensory receptors, nerve fibers, neuronal pools, and spinocervical tract to the nodal and central
processing units. This paper presents up to date results of our research, including the design and
analysis of the structural nervous system.
Development of a Structural Health Monitoring System for Guangzhou New TV Tower
Authors: Ni Yi Qing , Xia Yong , Liao Wei Yang , Zhang Peng
Published: March 2009

A long-term structural health monitoring (SHM) system consisting of more than 600
sensors has been designed and is being implemented by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to
the Guangzhou New TV Tower (GNTVT) of 610 m high. This monitoring system is one of few SHM
practices that integrate in-construction monitoring and in-service monitoring. It is also designed to
perform a special function of verifying the effectiveness of vibration control devices to be installed on
the tower. The sensory system for in-construction monitoring includes a weather station, a total
station, anemometers, zenithal telescopes, level sensors, theodolites, global positioning systems,
vibrating wire gauges, thermometers, digital video cameras, and accelerometers (for ambient
vibration monitoring at several construction stages), and the sensory system for in-service monitoring
includes a weather station, anemometers, wind pressure sensors, vibrating wire gauges, thermometers,
global positioning systems, digital video cameras, accelerometers, a seismograph, corrosion sensors,
tiltmeters, and fiber optic sensors (for dynamic strain and temperature monitoring). The strain and
temperature at the inner structure during construction are continuously monitored by a wireless data
acquisition system. This paper outlines the design and implementation of this SHM system.
Wireless Sensing and Embedded Monitoring Algorithm for Damage Diagnosis in PSC Girders
Authors: Park Jae Hyung , Hong Dong Soo , Kim Jeong Tae , Koo Ki Young , Yun Chung Bang , Park Gyuhae
Published: March 2009

In this study, a hybrid health monitoring technique that combines wireless sensing and
embedded monitoring algorithms is proposed to realize the diagnosis of damage in PSC girder bridges.
Firstly, a hybrid damage monitoring system that can alarm damage occurrence and classify
damage-types is designed for PSC girder bridges. Secondly, smart sensor nodes that have wireless,
stand-alone, sensing and monitoring capacities of acceleration and impedance are developed for hybrid
health monitoring of the structures. Finally, the performance of the smart sensor nodes is evaluated
using a laboratory-scale PSC girder bridge model for which acceleration and impedance signals were
measured for prestress-loss and stiffness-loss cases.
Smart Nonlinear Acoustic Based Structural Health Monitoring System
Authors: Polimeno U. , Meo Michele , Almond D.P.
Published: March 2009

The objective of this work was to demonstrate the feasibility of nonlinear
vibration/acoustic/ultrasonic diagnostic tools to be implemented in a structural health monitoring
system for imaging damage. In particular, the sensitivity a second harmonic imaging technique
(SHIT) based on material nonlinear elastic effect known as second harmonic generation (SHG) was
investigated.
Examples of the capability and limitations of the proposed damage detection process to detect and
image barely visible impact damage (BVID) due to low velocity impact (<12J) are presented for
various composite laminated. The presence of microcracks, debonding, delamination, etc… could
induce the material to behave in a nonlinear elastic fashion and it is highlighted by the presence and
amplitude of harmonics in the spectrum of the received signal.
The results showed that the proposed SNIT methods appear to be highly accurate in assessing the
presence and magnitude of damage with very promising future NDT and structural health
monitoring applications.
Moreover the technique was validated with two conventional NDT techniques: pulse thermography
and thermosonic. The first failed in detecting the damage on the impact face, but delamination on
back surface was localized. The second technique was capable of localising and quantifying the
damage on the impacted surface agreeing well the results obtained using non linear method.
Self-Detection of Delamination in Active Fiber Composites
Authors: Wang Dwo Wen , Tsai Wen Chih , Yin Ching Chung
Published: March 2009

This paper presents a novel method to monitor the bonding condition of active fiber
composites (AFCs). AFCs can be used as integrated acoustic sensors/actuators to compose functional
structures because of their excellent properties. Debonds between AFC patch and host structure
should be avoided and surveyed through its service life. A partially debonded patch bears an axial
extensional vibration which is excited by a sinusoidal voltage and detected by the interdigital
electrodes symmetrically aligned on opposite surfaces of the patch. The electric impedance and
mechanical displacement of the AFC patch adhered on an aluminum plate were investigated in a
broad frequency range. The modal characteristics depend on the size of debond and stiffness of
adhesive in front of the edge of delamination. The debonding ratio of the AFC patch is in inverse
proportion to the resonant frequency of the fundamental mode. Feasibility of self-detecting the
progressive delamination between AFC patch and host plate is demonstrated through computational
and experimental results.
Optimization Algorithms for System Integration
Authors: Papadimitriou Costas , Ntotsios Evaggelos
Published: March 2009

This work outlines the optimization algorithms involved in integrating system analysis
and measured data collected from a network of sensors. The integration is required for structural
health monitoring problems arising in structural dynamics and related to (1) model parameter
estimation used for finite element model updating, (2) model-based damage detection in structures
and (3) optimal sensor location for parameter estimation and damage detection. These problems are
formulated as single- and multi-objective optimization problems of continuous or discrete-valued
variables. Gradient-based, evolutionary, hybrid and heuristic algorithms are presented that
effectively address issues related to the estimation of multiple local/global solutions and
computational complexity arising in single and multi-objective optimization involving continuous
and discrete variables.
Quantifying the Benefits of Smart Technologies in a Life-Cycle Context
Authors: Frangopol Dan M. , Messervey Thomas B.
Published: March 2009

This paper investigates how the cost of structural health monitoring (SHM) technologies
competitively fits into the life-cycle management of civil infrastructure. After a brief review of the
aging infrastructure problem and a discussion of the technological, organizational, and societal
complexities present, the need for synergistic adoptions-in-concert of common metrics, methods,
and means of communication is addressed to develop a supporting platform upon which SHM
systems can be developed and implemented. Using the costs associated with a recent bridge
collapse, methods for the quantification of the utility of SHM are demonstrated. These methods
include expanding upon existing and accepted practices, employing risk-based decision making,
and calculating the benefit of monitoring in reliability-based life-cycle management models.
Dynamic Displacement Tracking for Frame Structures with a Piezoelectric Patch Network Based on Plate Theory
Authors: Huber Daniel , Krommer Michael , Irschik Hans
Published: March 2009

This paper is concerned with the design of a proper piezoelectric patch actuator network
in order to track the displacement of the sidewalls of a one-story frame structure; both, for the static
and the dynamic case. Weights for each network member found in our previous work were based on
beam theory; in the present paper a refinement of the weights by modeling the sidewalls of the
frame structure as Kirchhoff plates is presented. For the sake of calculating the refined weights
approximate solutions of the plate equations are calculated by an extended Galerkin method.
Ultrasonic Extension Sensing of Actuators Using Integrated Piezoelectric Transducer for Adaptive Optics
Authors: Kim Shin Sung , Uzgur A. Erman , Strachan Mel , Saillant Jean François , Kirk Katherine
Published: March 2009

Ultrasonic techniques have been proposed to determine the extension of piezoelectric
multilayer actuators which can be used to construct deformable mirrors for adaptive optics. In the
time domain approach, pulse-echo measurements were carried out using an ultrasonic transducer
integrated with the actuator. In the frequency domain approach, the frequency shift of the integrated
transducer was used to estimate the extension by analysis of the resonant spectrum for impedance
magnitude.
Time and frequency domain measurements were carried out on large actuators (7×7×28 mm3).
Frequency domain measurements were carried out on smaller actuators (2×2×2 mm3) which are more
suitable for a miniaturised deformable mirror. Monolithic integration of the ultrasonic extension
sensing transducer and the actuator was demonstrated using layers in the multilayer actuators.
Strong correlation was observed between the travel time of the ultrasonic pulse through the
actuator and the simultaneously-measured actuator extension. It was noted, contrary to common
prediction, that the travel time of the signal was earlier when the actuator was extended.
Results are presented on the development of the device design, the characteristics of the prototype
device and the accuracy of the sensing techniques.
Constitutive Model of Shape Memory Alloys: One-Dimensional Phase Transformation Model
Authors: Ikeda Tadashige
Published: March 2009

A simple yet accurate macroscopic constitutive model of shape memory alloys has been
developed. The features of this model are (1) energy-based phase transformation criterion, (2)
one-dimensional phase transformation rule based on a micromechanical viewpoint, (3) dissipated
energy with a form of a sum of two exponential functions, (4) duplication of the strain rate effect, and
(5) adaptability to multi-phase transformation. This model is further improved to be able to express
stress-strain relationships such that the reverse transformation starts at a higher stress than the
martensitic transformation starts. Here, the ideal reversible transformation temperature is empirically
described by a function of the martensite volume fraction. In this paper, an outline of our model is
given, where the improvement is introduced. Then, it is shown that the model can quantitatively
duplicate the major and minor hysteresis loops, strain rate effect, and asymmetry in tension and
compression on the stress-strain relationship. And that it can also duplicate the stress-strain
relationships having the reverse transformation start stress higher than the forward one.
Precision Motion Control of a Smart Structure Using an Enhanced Stick-Slip Model
Authors: Jang Min Gyu , Lee Chul Hee , Choi Seung Bok
Published: March 2009

In this paper, a smart structure for the micro position control is proposed using the piezo
stack actuator. The smart structure is comprised with PZT based stack actuator, mechanical
displacement amplifier and positioning devices. Based on the bridge-type flexural hinge mechanism,
a displacement amplifier is designed and integrated with a piezo stack actuator to produce a desirable
positioning stroke of the device. In order to achieve the high precision control performance in a
positioning device, a stick-slip phenomenon should be suppressed in contacting surfaces of the
device, which is generally indispensable in the mechanically connected systems and particularly
obvious for the micro-scale system. Therefore, the stick-slip model is enhanced by theoretically
calculating the static friction based on the statistical rough surface contact model. Then, a PID
feedback control algorithm with the developed stick-slip model is formulated for achieving accurate
positioning of the device. Using the proposed smart structure, simulations of precise position control
under the representative operating condition of positioning are conducted to demonstrate the
stick-slip suppressing and micro positioning performance.
Smart Hydrogels that Respond to Target Biomolecules
Authors: Miyata Takashi
Published: March 2009

We have prepared a variety of biomolecule-responsive hydrogels by using biomolecular
complexes as reversible crosslinking points. This paper describes two types of
biomolecule-responsive hydrogels that undergo volume changes in response to target biomolecules,
which were prepared using biomolecular complexes such as antigen-antibody complexes and
saccharide-lectin complexes. One is a biomolecule-crosslinked hydrogel that can swell in response
to a target biomolecule and the other is a biomolecule-imprinted hydrogel that can shrink. The
antigen-responsive hydrogels as biomolecule-crosslinked hydrogels swelled in the presence of a
target antigen due to the dissociation of antigen-antibody complexes that played a role as reversible
crosslinking points. On the other hand, the tumor marker glycoprotein-responsive hydrogels as
biomolecule-imprinted hydrogels shrank in response to a target glycoprotein due to the complex
formation between ligands (lectin and antibody) and the target molecule (saccharide and peptide
chains of glycoprotein). This paper focuses on synthetic strategy of the biomolecule-responsive
hydrogels and their responsive behavior for target biomolecules.
Energy Efficient Biomedical Signal Processing in Implantable Devices
Authors: Öwall Viktor , Sörnmo Leif , Rodrigues Joachim Neves
Published: March 2009

Implantable cardiac devices have very strict restrictions on energy dissipation since
battery change requires surgery. Today the battery longevity of pacemakers during standard use is
up to 10 years which might seem sufficient. However, new functionality is constantly being
introduced requiring more advanced signal processing algorithms which in turn increase energy
dissipation. New battery technologies are of course beneficial, but compared to the progress of
electronics according to Moore's Law, battery development is very slow and energy issues have to
be solved by more efficient implementations. Technology scaling will help us by reducing
capacitance and thereby lowering the dynamic energy. However, for technology nodes of 130 nm
and below static energy dissipation due to leakage currents, which traditionally could be ignored,
are becoming increasingly important. This is especially true for low sampling rate applications were
the dynamic energy often may be ignored. In this paper we will make an introduction to the topic,
discuss the mechanisms of energy dissipation and present some specific solutions regarding
implementation of signal processing in implantable cardiac devices. Special attention will be given
to reduced leakage and a dual mode operation.
Estimate Biocompatibility and Injection-Molding Processability of Ti-Based Metallic Glasses for Dental Implant
Authors: Oak Jeong Jung , Kimura Hisamichi , Inoue Akihisa
Published: March 2009

Recently, Ti-based metallic glasses aim at biomaterials with their high specific strength
and superior corrosion resistance. Their high workability also shows a good performance for mass
production under the energy saving environment. In this study, we started investigation of the design
of Ti-based metallic glasses with the restricted alloying elements for biocompatibility and
characteristic evaluation of the optimized Ti-based metallic glasses with higher glass forming ability
for dental implants. These Ti-based metallic glasses do not contain Al, V and Ni elements which are
well known to be neurotoxicity and cytotoxicity for human body. Current medical reports of
impracticability by these elements have been a hot issue in biomaterials science. Newly designed
Ti-based metallic glasses exhibit good performances. Especially, the optimized Ti-based metallic
glass has high corrosion resistance with better passivity in a wide passivation range in simulated body
fluids at 310K. In addition, biocompatibility of Ti-based metallic glass was also evaluated by cell
culture in vitro. Excellent biocompatibility of Ti-based metallic glass show high potentials to be
applied as biomaterials that necrosis of osteoblast (SaOS2) was not detected in this study.
Fatigue Properties of Superelastic Ti-Ni Filaments Used in Braided Cables for Bone Fixation
Authors: Baril Yannick , Brailovski Vladimir , Terriault Patrick
Published: March 2009

Superelastic 0.1mm diameter Ti-Ni filaments are used to manufacture braided orthopedic
cable for bone fixation. Biomechanical conditions for this application generally have a cyclic nature,
and therefore it becomes important to evaluate the influence of the installation (mean) strain on the
fatigue life of these filaments. Uniaxial tension cyclic testing of Ti-Ni filaments is performed in a
water bath at 37°C with a 2Hz frequency of to 100 000 cycles. Strain-controlled testing conditions
are as follows: alternating strain magnitude varies between 0.64 and 3.64% with mean strain range
between 1.32 and 7.1%. Based on the premises that the minimum strain should be high enough to
prevent any loss of tension in the tested specimen and that the maximum strain should not bring the
specimen to failure during the first loading cycle, the total strain magnitude is encompassed between
0.68 and 8.94%. The results obtained provide a better understanding of the impact mean strain has
on the fatigue life of superelastic Ti-Ni alloys.
Bio-Sensing Textile for Medical Monitoring Applications
Authors: Luprano Jean
Published: March 2009

The commercial systems using intelligent textiles that start to appear on the market
perform physiological measurements such as body temperature, electrocardiogram, respiration rate,
etc. and target sport and healthcare applications. Biochemical measurements of body fluids
combined with available health monitoring technology will extend these systems by addressing
important health and safety issues. BIOTEX, standing for Bio-sensing Textile for Health
Management, is a European project, which aims at developing dedicated biochemical sensing
techniques that can be integrated into textiles. Such a system would be a major breakthrough for
personalized healthcare and would allow for the first time the monitoring of body fluids with
sensors distributed in a textile substrate. The potential applications include isolated people,
convalescents and patients with chronic diseases, sports performance assessment and training. The
project is addressing several challenges, among which: sweat collection and delivery to the sensors,
high sensitivity with a wearable system, wearability issues, sensor calibration and lack of research
in sweat analysis.
The Effect of Magnetic Field on Magnetotactic Bacteria Behaviors
Authors: Takahashi Hideharu , Kikura Hiroshige , Iwasa Tat Suo , Watanabe Shingo , Aritomi Masanori
Published: March 2009

The motion of magnetotactic bacteria was observed using an optical darkfield microscopy.
The images were taken using video cameras, and measured by image processing techniques. In our
experiment, it was found that the bacteria motion was found to follow to magnetic field frequency
within some range. The observation results indicate the possibility of the bacteria behavior control by
magnetic field.
Artificial Control of the Bacterial Cell-to-Cell Communication with Autoinducer Recognition Gel
Authors: Kato Norihiro , Ozonoe Yu , Umebayashi Eri , Morohoshi Tomohiro , Ikeda Tsukasa
Published: March 2009

Bacterial cell-to-cell communication system quorum sensing (QS) could be effectively
controlled with polymer gel sheets which possess affinity to QS signals. Cyclic oligosaccharide
cyclodextrin (CD) was successfully immobilized onto 2-hydroxypropyl cellulose gel sheets to trap
the QS signals produced in one of the opportunistic pathogen Serratia marcescens. In gram-negative
bacteria including S. marcescens, N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHL) with different length of
acyl-chains were produced as the QS signal autoinducer. The inclusion complex formation between
AHL and CD is responsible for the artificial decrease of the AHL concentration inside and outside of
cells. Because the QS system is the AHL-concentration dependent mechanism that activates the
specific gene transcription, the AHL trapping method was simple and greatly effective to intercept
the QS system. By using the 2-hydroxypropyl-β-CD immobilized gel sheets, the prodigiosin of
which production was regulated by the AHL-mediated QS system could be reduced to approximately
20%.
Generating Bio-Analogous Recognition of Artificial Materials – Sensors and Electronic Noses for Odours
Authors: Lieberzeit Peter A. , Rehman Abdul , Najafi Bita , Dickert Franz L.
Published: March 2009

Chemical sensing is a key application of bio-inspired smart materials. Artificial
nanostructured layers mimicking biorecognition are synthetically accessible e.g. by imprinting
techniques or affinity material nanoparticles. Hence, for detecting extremely malodorous organic
thiols (butane/octance thiol), we designed molybdenum disulphide nanoparticles. In contrast to soft
metals (e.g. gold) they interact with the SH-group fully reversibly leading to one of the first real
QCM sensors for these compounds. Rationally varying the surface of the recognition material
allows for optimizing the interaction properties. Electrolyzed gold e.g. shows sensor effects being
about an order of magnitude higher than screen printed electrodes. Furthermore, molecular
imprinting leads to highly selective cavities in polymers (polyurethanes, -styrenes, -acrylates) for
detecting odorous compounds, e.g. aliphatic alcohols, ethyl acetate and limonene. With these
materials, we designed an electronic nose for monitoring plant degradation processes based on a
six-electrode QCM (quartz crystal microbalance) array. With a variety of degrading materials
(grass, fruit, conifers), it determines the above analytes down to some ppm directly on-line. The
concentration data can be extracted from the E-nose frequency shifts by Neural Networks and
validated by GC-MS.
Mining Smartness from the Hydraulic System of Spiders: A Bioinspired Actuator for Advanced Applications
Authors: Lira C. , Menon Carlo , Kianfar K. , Scarpa Fabrizio , Mani M.
Published: March 2009

Most animals and insects use opposing muscles, called flexors and extensors, to
articulate the joints of their limbs. However, some spiders do not have extensors in some of their
joints and use, instead, a simple and efficient miniaturized hydraulic system to extend their limbs.
An actuator inspired by the hydraulic system of spiders, which can be embedded on adaptive
structures, is investigated in robot-like configurations in this paper. Its design and characteristics are
discussed and the effects of the geometrical parameters on its performance are investigated.
Biorobots, Nonlinear Dynamics and Perception
Authors: Arena Paolo , Lombardo Davide , Patanè Luca
Published: March 2009

In this contribution a survey on a novel approach to locomotion and perception in
biologically inspired robots is presented. The basic electronic architecture for modeling and
implementing nonlinear dynamics involved in motion and perceptual control of the robot is the
Cellular nonlinear network paradigm. It is shown how this continuous time lattice of neural-like
circuits can generate suitable and real-time dynamics for efficient control of multi-actuators moving
machines, and also to create the basis for a perceptual control of their behaviors.
Understanding the Hydrodynamics of Swimming: From Fish Fins to Flexible Propulsors for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Bozkurttas Meliha , Tangorra James , Lauder George , Mittal Rajat
Published: March 2009

The research effort described here is concerned with developing a maneuvering propulsor
for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV’s) based on the mechanical design and performance of
sunfish pectoral fin. Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) are highly maneuverable bony fishes
that have been the subject of a number of experimental analyses of locomotor function [5, 6].
Although swimming generally involves the coordinated movement of many fin surfaces, the sunfish
is capable of propulsion and maneuvering using almost exclusively the pectoral fins. They use
pectoral fins exclusively for propulsion at speeds of less than 1.1 body length per second (BL/s). The
curve in Fig. 1 depicts two peaks of body acceleration of bluegill sunfish during steady forward
swimming. These abilities are the direct result of their pectoral fins being highly deformable control
surfaces that can create vectored thrust. The motivation here is that by understanding these complex,
highly controlled movements and by borrowing appropriately from pectoral fin design, a bio-robotic
propulsor can be designed to provide vectored thrust and high levels of control to AUVs. This paper
will focus on analyses of bluegill sunfish’s pectoral fin hydrodynamics which were carried out to
guide the design of a flexible propulsor for AUV’s
Analysis and Optimization-Based Synthesis of Compliant Mechanisms
Authors: Hasse Alexander , Campanile Lucio Flavio
Published: March 2009

Compliant mechanisms fulfil a desired force and displacement characteristic. The
development of such structures having a defined kinematical motion and subjected to several
constraints, like deformability, stiffness and activation force is highly challenging. The present
work deals with a methodology for analysing compliant mechanisms considering geometrically
nonlinear deformations. By assembling pre-calculated nonlinear beam elements a new beam truss
approach is introduced. The accuracy and quality of the mechanical model are verified by selected
examples and compared to existing methods.
Effective Impregnation of SiO2 Sol-Gel Solution in Pine Wood and Following Gel Localization in Free Cell Volume
Authors: Locs Janis , Berzina-Cimdina Liga , Zhurinsh Aivars , Loca Dagnija
Published: March 2009

Pine tree (Pinus silvestris) with shaped sample dimensions of 20 x 20 x 5mm (axial)
was selected as raw material. Samples were dried and, for half of samples, resin extraction from
sample was applied. SiO2 sol was prepared using sol-gel technology. Ethanol, tetraetoxysilane,
distilled water and hydrochloric acid was used as sol raw materials. Samples were impregnated
under different vacuum and pressure conditions. Impregnation efficiency and gel take up volume, as
well as SiO2 distribution in the samples, were studied. Impregnated samples were pyrolysed at 500
oC under oxygen-free atmosphere. Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and
scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) was used for
sample investigations.
Bioelectronic Detection Schemes for Biomedical and Environmental Sensing
Authors: Offenhäusser Andreas , Ingebrandt Sven , Pabst Michael , Sommerhage Frank
Published: March 2009

An artificial nose or tongue could be a real benefit at times: this kind of biosensor could
sniff or taste out poisons, explosives or drugs, for instance. The senses of living organisms function
using various mechanisms, among other things utilizing membrane proteins as receptors. Membrane
proteins have several important functions in the cell, one of which is to act as receptors, passing on
signals from molecules in the air or liquid, for example, to the cell interior.
This article is focusing on the functional coupling of biological signal processing and recognition
elements with micro- and nanoelectronic semiconductor devices and circuits for the development of
future biosensors and molecular diagnostics tools.
Double Layer Sensor Reproducing Perception Dynamics of Olfactory Cells
Authors: Macagnano Antonella , Zampetti Emiliano , Pistillo Bianca Rita , Bearzotti Andrea , Pantalei Simone , d'Agostino Riccardo
Published: March 2009

In this work an attempt to obtain a more compact artificial system for gas sensing,
properly designed on a transducer, is presented. This novel device can be applied for a wide
application range such as environmental, bio-medical, agriculture etc. fields. In the Nature, a
mucous layer covering olfactory receptor cells, selectively tunes chemical interactions among
odorous molecules and sensing system. An odor, in fact, is perceived only if it is able to cross
mucus of nasal cavity. A proper hydrophobic Teflon-like overcoating tunes chemical interactions,
humidity free, between odorous molecules and sensing system, miming mucus covering olfactory
receptor cells. Here the latters were represented by doped polyaniline added of polyethylenoxide.
The interacting surface has been enormously enhanced creating nanofibrous coatings by
electrospinning deposition technique. Such nanofibers can be compared with the olfactory cilia
covered by mucus. Few modifications of both overlayers and nanofibrous polymers can encourage
the developing of new chemical sensors for array sensor system generations. Surfaces analysis,
electrical parameters and sensing properties of the double layers on interdigitated transducers have
been investigated.
Recent Developments of Magnetic SMA
Authors: Söderberg Outi , Aaltio Ilkka , Ge Yan Ling , Liu Xu Wen , Hannula Simo Pekka
Published: March 2009

In the shape memory alloys (SMAs) the thermal triggering induces reversible dimensional
change by the phase transformation – these materials may also be ferrior
ferromagnetic, however,
here only the ferromagnetic SMAs are discussed. In certain SMAs the austenitemartensite
phase
transformation is influenced by the magnetic field as either austenite or martensite is promoted by the
field and this is exploited for the dimensional changes. However, in the magnetic shape memory
(MSM) alloys no phase transformation occurs as the remarkable dimensional changes take place by
the twin variant changes in the martensitic phase activated by the external magnetic field at constant
temperature. In addition to the phase transformation or magnetic shape memory effect, the applied
magnetic field may also result in the conventional magnetostriction (MS), enhance the superelasticity
(magneticfieldassisted
superelasticity MFAS) or induce the giant magnetocaloric effect (GMCE).
Certain alloys such as NiMnGa
may even be multifunctional showing more than one of these
effects. The present paper gives an overview of the different types of the magnetically activated SMA
alloys, their properties as well as their potentials for applications in the frameworks of the recent
studies.
Thermomechanical Characterization of Shape Memory Alloy Tubular Composite Structures
Authors: Heller Ludek , Vokoun D. , Majtás D. , Šittner Petr
Published: March 2009

Currently, thin NiTi wires have been considered for producing knitted and woven smart
textiles with anticipated unique thermomechanical properties promising a wide range of new
industrial applications. We propose a concept of NiTi tubular composite structures which enhances
functional properties of single NiTi wires and offers new possibilities of their use. Such possibilities
are provided by the combination of SMA properties with the geometrical architecture and properties
of polymers incorporated into the tubular structures. Our study deals with the manufacture of the
NiTi tubular composite structures and their thermomechanical properties under a uniaxial loading.
Quasi-static properties and the strain-rate dependence are investigated in tension. We propose a way
of producing novel SMA tubular composite structures. The designed composite samples exhibit
thermomechanical properties characterized by the thermomechanical interaction between a NiTi
tubular structure and incorporated polymers.
On Functional Behavior of Strain-Aged Ti-Ni Alloy
Authors: Ryklina Elena P. , Prokoshkin Sergey , Chernavina A.A. , Perevoshchikova Natasha N.
Published: March 2009

The functional properties of the Shape Memory Alloys (SMA): critical temperatures,
recovery strain, shape recovery rate, two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) value, residual strain
etc are determined by an alloy structure which is effectively regulated by thermomechanical
treatment. External training parameters strongly affect the final properties as well. The main of
them are as follows: strain and loading modes, loading temperature regime (phase state under
deformation), load value, loading time, number of training cycles. Actual technical and medical
SME articles are functioning on bending mode in most cases. Nevertheless, the influence of
external training parameters under bending on properties was not systematically studied. The
present work relates to study the combined influence of structure realized under various Low-
Temperature Thermomechanical Treatment (LTMT) regimes, including isothermal annealing
(strain aging), and external training parameters under bending on functional properties of Ti-
50.7at.%Ni alloy. Variation of training parameters enables additional regulation of final functional
properties. The obtained results can be used for development elements functioning in conditions of
TWSME realization.
In Situ Experimental Methods for Characterization of Deformation Processes in SMAs
Authors: Šittner Petr , Pilch J. , Lukas P. , Landa Michal , Seiner H. , Sedlak P. , Malard B. , Heller Ludek
Published: March 2009

In order to better understand the unique functional responses of shape memory alloys,
improve the currently existing SMA modeling tools and used them beneficially in smart structure
applications, it is desirable to investigate the deformation/transformation processes in these
materials in action – i.e. under stress and temperature variation. In this work, an overview is
presented on the applications of various recently developed or originally employed in-situ
experimental methods and approaches to martensitic transformations in SMAs.
Texture Development in Ni-Ti Thin Films
Authors: Braz Fernandes Francisco Manuel , Martins Rui M.S. , Schell Norbert , Mahesh Karimbi Koosappa , Silva Rui Jorge C.
Published: March 2009

The Shape Memory Effect on Ni-Ti thin films is strongly dependent on several factors:
(i) chemical composition of the matrix, (ii) presence of precipitates and (iii) preferential orientation.
Ni-Ti alloys derive their unique nonlinear and anisotropic mechanical behavior from stress-induced
martensitic transformations, where the resulting strains are affected by crystallographic orientation.
The influence of the texture on the transformation characteristics of Ni-Ti thin films is discussed on
the basis of models and experimental results of the literature. A brief review of the texture build-up
on thin films obtained by different fabrication techniques (sputtering, melt spinning, diffusion
treatment of ultra-fine laminates, …) is presented. Details about in situ techniques allowing the
identification of the preferential orientation during the fabrication process are presented. The
processing parameters that more strongly influence the preferential orientation of the Ni-Ti thin
films are identified. The mechanisms for the different microstructures are summarized and a special
emphasis is put on the type of preferential orientation and its evolution along the processing time.