Template-based fluoropolymer ferroelectrets with multiple layers of tubular channels

Significant efforts are devoted to developing new ferroelectrets with well-controlled void distributions or uniform voids and with good long-term and thermal stability of the piezoelectricity. Here, we describe the concept, the fabrication, and the most relevant properties of fluoropolymer ferroelectret systems with three separate films of fluoroethylenepropylene (FEP), alternating with two polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) templates. The FEP films are selectively fused by means of a lamination process. Two practically identical PTFE templates are used, which have parallel rectangular openings (1.5×30 mm 2) separated by PTFE ridges of 1.5 mm width. After removing the PTFE templates, a three-layer FEP-film sandwich with tubular channels is obtained. We demonstrate that such FEP-film systems exhibit significant and stable piezoelectricity after charging under a high DC voltage. The resulting piezoelectric effect may be further improved by carefully assembling and arranging the PTFE templates during preparation. ©2010 IEEE.

Microscopic and dielectric analyses of vanadium and tungsten modified barium zirconium titanate ceramics

Dielectric spectroscopy was used in this study to examine polycrystalline vanadium and tungstendoped BaZr 0.1Ti 0.90O 3 (BZT10:2V and BZT10:2W) ceramics obtained by the mixed oxide method. According to X-ray diffraction analyses, addition of vanadium and tungsten lead to ceramics free of secondary phases. SEM analyses reveal that both dopants result in slower oxygen ion motion and consequently lower grain growth rate. Temperature dependence dielectric study showed normal ferroelectric to paraelectric transition well above the room temperature for the BZT10 and BZT10:2V ceramics. However, BZT10:2W ceramic showed a relaxor-like behavior near phase transition characterized by the empirical parameter γ. Piezoelectric force microscopy images reveals that the piezoelectric coefficient is strongly influenced by type of donor dopant suggesting promising applications for dynamic random access memories and data-storage media. Copyright © 2010 American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved.

Local electromethanical properties of the CaCu 3Ti 4O 12 ceramics

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) was used to probe piezoelectric vibrations and local conductivity in CaCu 3Ti 4O 12 (CCTO) ceramics at room temperature. Piezoelectric contrast was observed on the polished surfaces of CCTO in both vertical (out-of-plane) and lateral (in-plane) modes and depended on the grain orientation varying in sign and amplitude. The piezoelectric contrast is shown to be controlled by the electrical bias (local poling) and displayed a ferroelectric-like reversible hysteresis accompanied with a change of the phase of piezoelectric signal. Flexoelectric effect (strain-gradient-induced polarization) due to surface relaxation was invoked to explain the observed contrast inside the grains. © 2010 Materials Research Society.

Quantum mechanical study of YTiO3 to the investigation of piezoelectricity

In previous articles we reported through theoretical studies the piezoelectric effect in BaTiO3, SmTiO3, and YFeO3. In this paper, we used the Douglas-Kroll-Hess (DKH) second-order scalar relativistic method to investigate the piezoelectricity in YTiO3. In the calculations we used the [6s4p] and [10s5p4d] Gaussian basis sets for the O (3P) and Ti (5S) atoms, respectively, from the literature in combination with the (30s21p16d)/[15s9p6d] basis set for the Y ( 3D) atom, obtained by generator coordinate Hartree-Fock (GCHF) method, and they had their quality evaluated using calculations of total energy and orbital energies (HOMO and HOMO-1) of the 2TiO+1 and 1YO+1 fragments. The dipole moment, the total energy, and the total atomic charges in YTiO3 in C s space group were calculated. When we analyze those properties we verify that it is reasonable to believe that YTiO3 does not present piezoelectric properties. Copyright © 2011 Raimundo Dirceu de Paula Ferreira et al.

Adaptive filter feature identification for structural health monitoring in aeronautical panel

This paper presents an approach for structural health monitoring (SHM) by using adaptive filters. The experimental signals from different structural conditions provided by piezoelectric actuators/sensors bonded in the test structure are modeled by a discrete-time recursive least square (RLS) filter. The biggest advantage to use a RLS filter is the clear possibility to perform an online SHM procedure since that the identification is also valid for non-stationary linear systems. An online damage-sensitive index feature is computed based on autoregressive (AR) portion of coefficients normalized by the square root of the sum of the square of them. The proposed method is then utilized in a laboratory test involving an aeronautical panel coupled with piezoelectric sensors/actuators (PZTs) in different positions. A hypothesis test employing the t-test is used to obtain the damage decision. The proposed algorithm was able to identify and localize the damages simulated in the structure. The results have shown the applicability and drawbacks the method and the paper concludes with suggestions to improve it. ©2010 Society for Experimental Mechanics Inc.

Improving synthetic aperture image by image compounding in beamforming process

In this work, signal processing techniques are used to improve the quality of image based on multi-element synthetic aperture techniques. Using several apodization functions to obtain different side lobes distribution, a polarity function and a threshold criterium are used to develop an image compounding technique. The spatial diversity is increased using an additional array, which generates complementary information about the defects, improving the results of the proposed algorithm and producing high resolution and contrast images. The inspection of isotropic plate-like structures using linear arrays and Lamb waves is presented. Experimental results are shown for a 1-mm-thick isotropic aluminum plate with artificial defects using linear arrays formed by 30 piezoelectric elements, with the low dispersion symmetric mode S0 at the frequency of 330 kHz. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.

Anfis applied to the prediction of surface roughness in grinding of advanced ceramics

This paper introduces a methodology for predicting the surface roughness of advanced ceramics using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). To this end, a grinding machine was used, equipped with an acoustic emission sensor and a power transducer connected to the electric motor rotating the diamond grinding wheel. The alumina workpieces used in this work were pressed and sintered into rectangular bars. Acoustic emission and cutting power signals were collected during the tests and digitally processed to calculate the mean, standard deviation, and two other statistical data. These statistics, as well the root mean square of the acoustic emission and cutting power signals were used as input data for ANFIS. The output values of surface roughness (measured during the tests) were implemented for training and validation of the model. The results indicated that an ANFIS network is an excellent tool when applied to predict the surface roughness of ceramic workpieces in the grinding process.

Doppler ultrasonography principles and methods of evaluation of the reproductive tract in mares

Background: Doppler ultrasonography is a non-invasive real time pulse-wave technique recently used for the transrectal study of the reproductive system hemodynamics in large animals. This technic is based in the Doppler Effect Principle that proposes the change in frequency of a wave for an observer (red blood cells) moving relative to the source of the respective wave (ultrasonic transducer). This method had showed to be effective and useful for the evaluation of the in vivo equine reproductive tract increasing the diagnostic, monitoring, and predictive capabilities of theriogenology in mares. However, an accurate and truthful ultrasonic exam requires the previous knowledge of the Doppler ultrasonography principles. Review: In recent years, the capabilities of ultrasound flow imaging have increased enormously. The current Doppler ultrasound machines offer three methods of evaluation that may be used simultaneously (triplex mode). In B-mode ultrasound, a linear array of transducers simultaneously scans a plane through the tissue that can be viewed as a two-dimensional gray-scale image on screen. This mode is primarily used to identify anatomically a structure for its posterior evaluation using colored ultrasound modes (Color or Spectral modes). Colored ultrasound images of flow, whether Color or Spectral modes, are essentially obtained from measurements of moving red cells. In Color mode, velocity information is presented as a color coded overlay on top of a B-mode image, while Pulsed Wave Doppler provides a measure of the changing velocity throughout the cardiac cycle and the distribution of velocities in the sample volume represented by a spectral graphic. Color images conception varies according to the Doppler Frequency that is the difference between the frequency of received echoes by moving blood red cells and wave frequency transmitted by the transducer. To produce an adequate spectral graphic it is important determine the position and size of the simple gate. Furthermore, blood flow velocity measurement is influence by the intersection angle between ultrasonic pulses and the direction of moving blood-red cells (Doppler angle). Objectively colored ultrasound exam may be done on large arteries of the reproductive tract, as uterine and ovary arteries, or directly on the target tissue (follicle, for example). Mesovarium and mesometrium attachment arteries also can be used for spectral evaluation of the equine reproductive system. Subjectively analysis of the ovarian and uterine vascular perfusion must be done directly on the corpus luteum, follicular wall and uterus (endometrium and myometrium associated), respectively. Power-flow imaging has greater sensitivity to weak blood flow and independent of the Doppler angle, improving the evaluation of vessels with small diameters and slow blood flow. Conclusion: Doppler ultrasonography principles, methods of evaluation and reproductive system anatomy have been described. This knowledge is essential for the competent equipment acquisition and precise collection and analysis of colored ultrasound images. Otherwise, the reporting of inconsistent and not reproducible findings may result in the discredit of Doppler technology ahead of the scientific veterinary community.

HW/SW for an intelligent transducer network based on IEEE 1451 standard

This work describes a hardware/software co-design system development, named IEEE 1451 platform, to be used in process automation. This platform intends to make easier the implementation of IEEE standards 1451.0, 1451.1, 1451.2 and 1451.5. The hardware was built using NIOS II processor resources on Alteras Cyclone II FPGA. The software was done using Java technology and C/C++ for the processors programming. This HW/SW system implements the IEEE 1451 based on a control module and supervisory software for industrial automation. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.

NCAP embedded using structured programming

This paper presents a network node embedded based on IEEE 1451 standard developed using structured programming to access the transducers in the WTIM. The NCAP was developed using Nios II processor and uClinux, a embedded operating system developed to features restricted hardware. Both hardware and software have dynamics features and they can be configured based in the application features. Based in this features, the NCAP was developed using the minimum components of hardware and software to that being implemented in remote environment like central point of data request. Many NCAP works are implemented with an object oriented structure. This is different from the surrounding implementations. In this project the NCAP was developed using structured programming. The tests of the NCAP were made using a ZigBee interface between NCAP and WTIM and the system demonstrated in areas of difficult access for long period of time due to need for low power consumption. © 2012 IEEE.

Osseointegration of implants with dendrimers surface characteristics installed conventionally or with Piezosurgery®. A comparative study in the dog

Aim: The first aim of the present experiment was to compare bone healing at implants installed in recipient sites prepared with conventional drills or a piezoelectric device. The second aim was to compare implant osseointegration onto surfaces with and without dendrimers coatings. Material and Methods: Six Beagles dogs were used in this study. Five implants with two different surfaces, three with a ZirTi® surface (zirconia sand blasted, acid etched), and two with a ZirTi®-modified surface with dendrimers of phosphoserine and polylysine were installed in the right side of the mandible. In the most anterior region (P2, P3), two recipient sites were prepared with drills, and one implant ZirTi® surface and one coated with dendrimers implants were installed at random. In the posterior region (P4 and M1), three recipient sites were randomly prepared: two sites with a Piezosurgery® instrument and one site with drill and two ZirTi® surface and one coated with dendrimers implants installed. Three months after the surgery, the animals were sacrificed for histological analysis. Results: No complications occurred during the healing period. Three implants were found not integrated and were excluded from analysis. However, n = 6 was obtained. The distance IS-B at the buccal aspect was 2.2 ± 0.8 and 1.8 ± 0.5 mm, while IS-C was 1.5 ± 0.9 and 1.4 ± 0.6 mm at the Piezosurgery® and drill groups, respectively. Similar values were obtained between the dendrimers-coated and ZirTi® surface implants. The BIC% values were higher at the drill (72%) compared to the Piezosurgery® (67%) sites. The BIC% were also found to be higher at the ZirTi® (74%) compared to the dendrimers-coated (65%) implants, the difference being statistically significant. Conclusion: This study has revealed that oral implants may osseointegrate equally well irrespective of whether their bed was prepared utilizing conventional drills with abundant cooling or Piezosurgery®. Moreover, the surface coating of implants with dendrimers phosphoserine and polylysine did not improve osseointegration. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

On Non-ideal and Chaotic Energy Harvester Behavior

In this paper, we deal with the research of a proposed mathematical model of energy harvesting, including nonlinearities in the piezoelectric coupling and a non-ideal force of excitation. We showed using numerical simulations to analysis of the dynamic responses that, the power harvested was influenced by the nonlinear vibrations of the structure, as well as by the influence of the non-linearities in the piezoelectric coupling. We concluded through of the numerical results that the limited energy source was interacting with the system. Thus, the increasing of the voltage in DC motor led the system produce a good power response, especially in high-energy orbits in the resonance region, but the Sommerfeld effect occurs in the system and a chaotic behavior was found in the post-resonance region. So the power harvested along the time decreases because occurs loses of energy due the interaction between energy source and structure. Keeping the energy harvested constant over time is essential to make possible the use of energy harvesting systems in real applications. To achieve this objective, we applied a control technique in order to stabilize the chaotic system in a periodic stable orbit. We announced that the results were satisfactory and the control maintained the system in a stable condition. © 2012 Foundation for Scientific Research and Technological Innovation.

Quantification of water in ethanol using a photothermal transparent transducer

Ethanol with added water may be found during the process of assessing its physical and chemical properties. This addition can damage automotive vehicle engines and also may contribute to tax evasion. The present contribution describes a method based on a photothermal transparent transducer to determine the water content in ethanol. A chamber with a window of lithium tantalate coated with a thin layer of indium tin oxide was used, and a 1450-nm laser diode was employed as the excitation source. The results indicated a nearly linear response of the apparatus, as a function of the water content in water/ethanol solutions ranging from 0 to 100 (vol.%). The results for the dependency of the photothermal signal on the laser power and chopping frequency suggested that reliable results can be obtained using laser power and chopping rates above 100 mW and 10 Hz, respectively. The results reported here may be useful in the development of an alternative method that can provide real-time data on the water concentration in ethanol in a rapid, portable and unambiguous way, and that can be easily used in laboratory analyses or in gas stations. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Grip and load force coordination in cyclical isometric manipulation task is not affected by the feedback type

Background: The relationship between normal and tangential force components (grip force - GF and load force - LF, respectively) acting on the digits-object interface during object manipulation reveals neural mechanisms involved in movement control. Here, we examined whether the feedback type provided to the participants during exertion of LF would influence GF-LF coordination and task performance. Methods. Sixteen young (24.7 ±3.8 years-old) volunteers isometrically exerted continuously sinusoidal FZ (vertical component of LF) by pulling a fixed instrumented handle up and relaxing under two feedback conditions: targeting and tracking. In targeting condition, FZ exertion range was determined by horizontal lines representing the upper (10 N) and lower (1 N) targets, with frequency (0.77 or 1.53 Hz) dictated by a metronome. In tracking condition, a sinusoidal template set at similar frequencies and range was presented and should be superposed by the participants' exerted FZ. Task performance was assessed by absolute errors at peaks (AEPeak) and valleys (AEValley) and GF-LF coordination by GF-LF ratios, maximum cross-correlation coefficients (r max), and time lags. Results: The results revealed no effect of feedback and no feedback by frequency interaction on any variable. AE Peak and GF-LF ratio were higher and rmax lower at 1.53 Hz than at 0.77 Hz. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the type of feedback does not influence task performance and GF-LF coordination. Therefore, we recommend the use of tracking tasks when assessing GF-LF coordination during isometric LF exertion in externally fixed instrumented handles because they are easier to understand and provide additional indices (e.g., RMSE) of voluntary force control. © 2013 Pedão et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Automatic microstructural characterization and classification using artificial intelligence techniques on ultrasound signals

Secondary phases such as Laves and carbides are formed during the final solidification stages of nickel based superalloy coatings deposited during the gas tungsten arc welding cold wire process. However, when aged at high temperatures, other phases can precipitate in the microstructure, like the γ″ and δ phases. This work presents a new application and evaluation of artificial intelligent techniques to classify (the background echo and backscattered) ultrasound signals in order to characterize the microstructure of a Ni-based alloy thermally aged at 650 and 950 °C for 10, 100 and 200 h. The background echo and backscattered ultrasound signals were acquired using transducers with frequencies of 4 and 5 MHz. Thus with the use of features extraction techniques, i.e.; detrended fluctuation analysis and the Hurst method, the accuracy and speed in the classification of the secondary phases from ultrasound signals could be studied. The classifiers under study were the recent optimum-path forest (OPF) and the more traditional support vector machines and Bayesian. The experimental results revealed that the OPF classifier was the fastest and most reliable. In addition, the OPF classifier revealed to be a valid and adequate tool for microstructure characterization through ultrasound signals classification due to its speed, sensitivity, accuracy and reliability. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.