Handbook of nanoindentation with biological applications

Nanoindentation is ideal for the characterization of inhomogeneous biological materials. However, the use of nanoindentation techniques in biological systems is associated with some distinctively different techniques and challenges. For example, engineering materials used in the microelectronics industry (e.g. ceramics and metals) for which the technique was developed, are relatively stiff and exhibit time-independent mechanical responses. Biological materials, on the other hand, exhibit time-dependent behavior, and can span a range of stiffness regimes from moduli of Pa to GPa - eight to nine orders of magnitude. As such, there are differences in the selection of instrumentation, tip geometry, and data analysis in comparison with the "black box" nanoindentation techniques as sold by commercial manufacturers. The use of scanning probe equipment (atomic force miscroscopy) is also common for small-scale indentation of soft materials in biology. The book is broadly divided into two parts. The first part presents the "basic science" of nanoindentation including the background of contact mechanics underlying indentation technique, and the instrumentation used to gather mechanical data. Both the mechanics background and the instrumentation overview provide perspectives that are optimized for biological applications, including discussions on hydrated materials and adaptations for low-stiffness materials. The second part of the book covers the applications of nanoindentation technique in biological materials. Included in the coverage are mineralized and nonmineralized tissues, wood and plant tissues, tissue-engineering substitute materials, cells and membranes, and cutting-edge applications at molecular level including the use of functionalized tips to probe specific molecular interactions (e.g. the ligand-receptor binding). The book concludes with a concise summary and an insightful forecast of the future highlighting the current challenges. © 2011 by Pan Stanford Publishing Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.

On applications of high-frequency asymptotics in aeroacoustics.

The aim of this paper is to survey a range of applications of high-frequency asymptotic methods in aeroacoustics. Specifically, we are concerned with problems associated with noise generation, propagation and scattering as found in large modern aeroengines. With regard to noise generation, we consider the interaction between high-frequency vortical waves and thin aerofoils, with particular emphasis being placed on the way in which the vortical waves act on the non-uniform mean flow around the aerofoil. A ray-theoretic description of the resulting sound as it propagates along the engine intake is then presented, followed by consideration of the diffraction of these rays by the (possibly asymmetric) intake lip to produce sound in the far field. A range of more detailed possible extensions is also presented.