On the domain decomposition and transmission line modelling finite element method for time-domain induction motor analysis

This paper demonstrates how a finite element model which exploits domain decomposition is applied to the analysis of three-phase induction motors. It is shown that a significant gain in cpu time results when compared with standard finite element analysis. Aspects of the application of the method which are particular to induction motors are considered: the means of improving the convergence of the nonlinear finite element equations; the choice of symmetrical sub-domains; the modelling of relative movement; and the inclusion of periodic boundary conditions. © 1999 IEEE.

Application of domain decomposition and transmission line modelling techniques to 2D, time-domain, finite element problems

In this paper a recently published finite element method, which combines domain decomposition with a novel technique for solving nonlinear magnetostatic finite element problems is described. It is then shown how the method can be extended to, and optimised for, the solution of time-domain problems. © 1999 IEEE.

Nanostructuring of materials for device and sensor applications

The recent developments in nanotechnology are reviewed, with particular emphasis on its application in microsystem technology where increased reliability is achieved by integrating the sensor and the readout electronics on the same substrate. New applications may be possible using integrated micromechanical clips to connect optic fibers and components in integrated silicon systems. Some of the key developments in enabling technologies are also described, including the control of thin film deposition, nanostructuring to tailor the properties of thin film, silicon micromachining to make sensors, and microclips for the low-cost assembly of integrated optical microsystems.

Flux line lattice structure and behavior in antiphase boundary free vicinal YBa2Cu3O7-delta thin films

Field angle dependent critical current, magneto-optical microscopy and high resolution electron microscopy studies have been performed on YBa2Cu3O7-delta thin films grown on miscut substrates. High resolution electron microscopy images show that the films studied exhibited clean epitaxial growth with a low density of antiphase boundaries and stacking faults. Any antiphase boundaries (APBs) formed near the film substrate interface rapidly healed rather than extending through the thickness of the film. Unlike vicinal films grown on annealed substrates, which contain a high density of antiphase boundaries, magneto-optical imaging showed no filamentary flux penetration in the films studied. The flux penetration is, however, asymmetric. This is associated with intrinsic pinning of flux strings by the tilted a-b planes and the dependence of the pinning force on the angle between the local field and the a-b planes. Field angle dependent critical current measurements exhibited the striking vortex channeling effect previously reported in vicinal films. By combining the results of three complementary characterization techniques it is shown that extended APB free films exhibit markedly different critical current behavior compared to APB rich films. This is attributed to the role of APB sites as strong pinning centers for Josephson string vortices between the a-b planes. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.

A microfluidic device for high density hydrodynamic cell trapping, growth and super-resolution imaging

Super-Resolution imaging techniques such as Fluorescent Photo-Activation Localisation Microscopy (FPALM) have created a powerful new toolkit for investigating living cells, however a simple platform for growing, trapping, holding and controlling the cells is needed before the approach can become truly widespread. We present a microfluidic device formed in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with a fluidic design which traps cells in a high-density array of wells and holds them very still throughout the life cycle, using hydrodynamic forces only. The device meets or exceeds all the necessary criteria for FPALM imaging of Schizosaccharomyces pombe and is designed to remain flexible, robust and easy to use. © 2011 IEEE.

Effects of initial soil fabric and mode of shearing on quasi-steady state line for monotonic undrained behavior

The effects of initial soil fabric and mode of shearing on quasi-steady state line in void ratiostress space are studied by employing the Distinct Element Method numerical analysis. The results show that the initial soil fabric and the mode of shearing have a profound effect on the location of the quasi-steady state line. The evolution of the soil fabric during the course of undrained shearing shows that the specimens with different initial soil fabrics reach quasi-steady state at various soil fabric conditions. At quasi-steady state, the soil fabric has a significant adjustment to change its behavior from contractive to dilative. As the stress state approaches the steady state, the soil fabrics of different initial conditions become similar. The numerical analysis results are compared qualitatively with the published experimental data and the effects of specimen reconstitution methods and mode of shearing found in the experimental studies canbe systematically explained by the numerical analysis. © 2009 Taylor & Francis Group.