Real-time micro-vibration measurement in sinusoidal phase-modulating interferometry

As there exist some problems with the previous laser diode (LD) real-time microvibration measurement interferometers, such as low accuracy, correction before every use, etc., in this paper, we propose a new technique to realize the real-time microvibration measurement by using the LD sinusoidal phase-modulating interferometer, analyze the measurement theory and error, and simulate the measurement accuracy. This interferometer utilizes a circuit to process the interference signal in order to obtain the vibration frequency and amplitude of the detective signal, and a computer is not necessary in it. The influence of the varying light intensity and light path difference on the measurement result can be eliminated. This technique is real-time, convenient, fast, and can enhance the measurement accuracy too. Experiments show that the repeatable measurement accuracy is less than 3.37 nm, and this interferometer can be applied to real-time microvibration measurement of the MEMS. (C) 2007 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Understanding Micro- and Macro-Mechanics of Soil Liquefaction: A Necessary Step for Field-Scale Assessment

Liquefaction is a devastating instability associated with saturated, loose, and cohesionless soils. It poses a significant risk to distributed infrastructure systems that are vital for the security, economy, safety, health, and welfare of societies. In order to make our cities resilient to the effects of liquefaction, it is important to be able to identify areas that are most susceptible. Some of the prevalent methodologies employed to identify susceptible areas include conventional slope stability analysis and the use of so-called liquefaction charts. However, these methodologies have some limitations, which motivate our research objectives. In this dissertation, we investigate the mechanics of origin of liquefaction in a laboratory test using grain-scale simulations, which helps (i) understand why certain soils liquefy under certain conditions, and (ii) identify a necessary precursor for onset of flow liquefaction. Furthermore, we investigate the mechanics of liquefaction charts using a continuum plasticity model; this can help in modeling the surface hazards of liquefaction following an earthquake. Finally, we also investigate the microscopic definition of soil shear wave velocity, a soil property that is used as an index to quantify liquefaction resistance of soil. We show that anisotropy in fabric, or grain arrangement can be correlated with anisotropy in shear wave velocity. This has the potential to quantify the effects of sample disturbance when a soil specimen is extracted from the field. In conclusion, by developing a more fundamental understanding of soil liquefaction, this dissertation takes necessary steps for a more physical assessment of liquefaction susceptibility at the field-scale.

Evolución de la tecnología micro-nanoelectrónica a través de patentes

El trabajo tiene como objetivos mostrar el uso de las patentes como medio de difusión de conocimiento y encontrar las claves más significativas de la evolución de la tecnología escogida.

Estimating the underwater shape of tuna longlines with micro-bathythermographs

An estimation method for the three-dimensional underwater shape of tuna longlines is developed, using measurements of depth obtained from micro-bathythermographs (BTs) attached to the main line at equally spaced intervals. The shape of the main line is approximated by a model which consists of a chain of unit length lines (folding-rule model), where the junction points are placed at the observed depths. Among the infinite number of possible shapes, the most likely shape is considered to be the smoothest one that can be obtained with a numerical optimization algorithm. To validate the method, a series of experimental longline operations were conducted in the equatorial region of the eastern Pacific Ocean, using 13 or 14 micro-BTs per basket of main line. Concurrent observations of oceanographic conditions (currents and temperature structure) were obtained. The shape of the main line can be calculated at arbitrary times during operations. Shapes were consistent with the current structure. On the equator, the line was elevated significantly by the Equatorial Undercurrent. It is shown that the shape of main line depends primarily upon the vertical shear and direction of the current relative to the gear. Time sequences of calculated shapes reveals that observed periodic (1-2 hours) oscillations in depth of the gear was caused by swinging movements of the main line. The shortening rate of the main line is an important parameter for formulating the shape of the longline, and its precise measurement is desirable.

A Novel Micro- and Nano-Scale Positioning Sensor Based on Radio Frequency Resonant Cavities

In many micro- and nano-scale technological applications high sensitivity displacement sensors are needed, especially in ultraprecision metrology and manufacturing. In this work a new way of sensing displacement based on radio frequency resonant cavities is presented and experimentally demonstrated using a first laboratory prototype. The principle of operation of the new transducer is summarized and tested. Furthermore, an electronic interface that can be used together with the displacement transducer is designed and proved. It has been experimentally demonstrated that very high and linear sensitivity characteristic curves, in the range of some kHz/nm; are easily obtainable using this kind of transducer when it is combined with a laboratory network analyzer. In order to replace a network analyzer and provide a more affordable, self-contained, compact solution, an electronic interface has been designed, preserving as much as possible the excellent performance of the transducer, and turning it into a true standalone positioning sensor. The results obtained using the transducer together with a first prototype of the electronic interface built with cheap discrete elements show that positioning accuracies in the micrometer range are obtainable using this cost-effective solution. Better accuracies would also be attainable but using more involved and costly electronics interfaces.

Modificação química do poli(cloreto de vinila) com nucleófilos nitrogenados assistida por micro-ondas

Nesse trabalho foram realizadas reações de substituição nucleofílica (SN2), utilizando aquecimento térmico convencional e por irradiação de micro-ondas (MO), de alguns átomos cloro em amostras comerciais de poli(cloreto de vinila) (PVC), por grupos nitrila e também por grupos azida. Os grupos nitrila e azida foram substituidos na matriz em diferentes teores (10% e 20%). As reações do PVC com azida foram eficazes, apresentado percentuais de derivatização muito próximos dos valores desejados. Já no estudo com a nitrila não foi obtido o resultado esperado. Os copolímeros PVC azido substituídos foram modificados com propargilato de etila, sob catálise de iodeto de cuproso (CuI), para a obtenção de heterocíclicos do tipo triazólicos. Todos os copolímeros obtidos foram caracterizados por espectroscopia na região do infravermelho (FTIR) e os teores de nitrogênio incorporado foram determinados por análise elementar (AE). Através da análise dos dados obtidos, foi comprovado que a utilização da irradiação micro-ondas, quando comparada ao aquecimento convencional, é um processo mais seletivo e diminui, significativamente, os tempos de reação

Un análisis sobre la financiación colectiva: el micro-mecenazgo

[ES]Este es un Trabajo Fin de Grado interdisciplinar que aúna el Micro-mecenazgo con la Econometría. En la parte teórica, se sintetiza la literatura relacionada con el crowdfunding, los tipos y su funcionamiento, así como los factores que influyen tanto positiva como negativamente en la consecución de los proyectos llevados a cabo por esta práctica. Se analizan también las bases de datos sobre plataformas de crowdfunding disponibles en Internet y se explica la búsqueda realizada para encontrar una muestra adecuada. Mientras que en la parte empírica, se analiza el impacto de los factores elegidos sobre la probabilidad de éxito de los proyectos. Para ello se utilizan modelos econométricos no estudiados anteriormente que se explican y analizan en la parte metodológica del trabajo. De esta forma, se obtienen resultados que ayudan a conocer las características que han de tener los proyectos publicados en las plataformas de crowdfunding para conseguir la financiación exigida. Para ello, se han teniendo en cuenta los datos encontrados en diferentes plataformas de crowdfunding entre el año 2013 y el 2015.

Modificação química de amostras de poli(metacrilato de metila) comerciais com aminas funcionalizadas assistidas por micro-ondas

Este trabalho avaliou a reação de amidação sob catálise de DBU/NaCN de amostras comerciais de poli(metacrilato de metila), (PMMA), massa molar 60.000 u.m.a. com as aminas, alilamina, 2-morfolilaminoetano, 1-(3-aminopropil)-imidazol e N,N-dimetil-trimetilenodiamina com ativação por reator de micro-ondas. O estudo com alilamina e 2-morfolilaminoetano se mostrou eficaz, apresentando percentuais de derivatização significativos (27% e 37% , respectivamente). A quantidade de material polimérico obtido na purificação foi de cerca de 36 % para as duas aminas. O estudo evidenciou a importância dos catalisadores DBU/NaCN, pois sem eles a reação não ocorre e quando utilizados isoladamente, o grau de incorporação é muito menor. Já o estudo com as aminas 1-(3-aminopropil)-imidazol e N,N-dimetil-trimetilenodiamina mostrou-se ineficaz devido à dificuldade de purificação dos produtos. Tentativas de purificação por precipitação com metanol e soluções hidrometanólicas de diferentes concentrações mostraram-se ineficazes. Os novos PMMA modificados foram caracterizados por FT-IR, RMN-1H e análise elementar. Foram observadas alterações na taticidade do PMMA em reações ativadas por micro-ondas