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At least 109 records · Page 6

Plasma Generator Using Spiral Conductors

A plasma generator includes a pair of identical spiraled electrical conductors separated by dielectric material. Both spiraled conductors have inductance and capacitance wherein, in the presence of a time-varying electromagnetic field, the spiraled conductors resonate to generate a harmonic electromagnetic field response. The spiraled conductors lie in parallel planes and partially overlap one another in a direction perpendicular to the parallel planes. The geometric centers of the spiraled conductors define endpoints of a line that is non-perpendicular with respect to the parallel planes. A voltage source coupled across the spiraled conductors applies a voltage sufficient to generate a plasma in at least a portion of the dielectric material.

Szatkowski, George N.↗

Voltage waveform tailoring for high aspect ratio plasma etching of SiO 2 using Ar/CF 4 /O 2 mixtures: Consequences of ion and electron distributions on etch profiles

The quality of high aspect ratio (HAR) features etched into dielectrics for microelectronics fabrication using halogen containing low temperature plasmas strongly depends on the energy and angular distribution of the incident ions (IEAD) onto the wafer, as well as potentially that of the electrons (EEAD). Positive ions, accelerated to high energies by the sheath electric field, have narrow angular spreads and can penetrate deeply into HAR features. Electrons typically arrive at the wafer with nearly thermal energy and isotropic angular distributions and so do not directly penetrate deeply into features. These differences can lead to positive charging of the insides of the features that can slow etching rates and produce geometric defects such as twisting. In this work, we computationally investigated the plasma etching of HAR features into SiO 2 using tailored voltage waveforms in a geometrically asymmetric capacitively coupled plasma sustained in an Ar/CF 4 /O 2 mixture at 40 mTorr. The tailored waveform consisted of a sinusoidal wave and its higher harmonics with a fundamental frequency of 1 MHz. We found that some degree of control of the IEADs and EEADs is possible by adjusting the phase of higher harmonics φ through the resulting generation of electrical asymmetry and electric field reversal. However, the IEADs and EEADs cannot easily be separately controlled. The control of IEADs and EEADs is inherently linked. The highest quality feature was obtained with a phase angle φ = 0° as this value generated the largest (most negative) DC self-bias and largest electric field reversal for accelerating electrons into the feature. That said, the consequences of voltage waveform tailoring (VWT) on etched features are dominated by the change in the IEADs. Although VWT does produce EEADs with higher energy and narrower angular spread, the effect of these electrons on the feature compared to thermal electrons is not large. Finally, this smaller impact of VWT produced EEADs is attributed to thermal electrons being accelerated into the feature by electric fields produced by the positive in-feature charging.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Wireless sensing system for non-invasive monitoring of attributes of contents in a container

A wireless sensing system monitors the level, temperature, magnetic permeability and electrical dielectric constant of a non-gaseous material in a container. An open-circuit electrical conductor is shaped to form a two-dimensional geometric pattern that can store and transfer electrical and magnetic energy. The conductor resonates in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field to generate a harmonic response. The conductor is mounted in an environmentally-sealed housing. A magnetic field response recorder wirelessly transmits the time-varying magnetic field to power the conductor, and wirelessly detects the harmonic response that is an indication of at least one of level of the material in the container, temperature of the material in the container, magnetic permeability of the material in the container, and dielectric constant of the material in the container.

Woodard, Stanley E.↗

Finite element method for nonlinear forced vibrations of circular plates

Geometric nonlinearities for large amplitude free and forced vibrations of circular plates are investigated. Inplane displacement and inertia are included in the formulation. Finite element method is used. Harmonic force matrix for nonlinear forced vibration analysis is introduced and derived. Various out-of-plane and inplane boundary conditions are considered. The relations of amplitude - frequency ratio for different boundary conditions and various loads conditions are presented.

Decha-Umphai, K.↗

Non-linear analysis of vibrations of irregular plates

A numerical perturbation method is used to investigate the forced vibrations of irregular plates. Nonlinear terms associated with the midplane stretching are retained in the analysis. The numerical part of the method involves the use of linear, finite element techniques to determine the free oscillation mode shapes and frequencies and to obtain the linear midplane stress resultants caused by the midplane stretching. Representing the solution as an expansion in terms of these linear mode shapes, these modes and the resultants are used to determine the equations governing the time-dependent coefficients of this expansion. These equations are solved by using the method of multiple scales. Specific solutions are given for the main-resonant vibrations of an elliptical plate in the presence of internal resonances. The results indicate that modes other than the driven mode can be drawn into the steady state response. Though the excitation is composed of a single harmonic, the response may not be periodic. Moreover, the particular types of responses that can occur are highly dependent on the mode being excited and are sensitive to small geometrical changes.

Lobitz, D. W.↗

An advanced panel method for analysis of arbitrary configurations in unsteady subsonic flow

An advanced method is presented for solving the linear integral equations for subsonic unsteady flow in three dimensions. The method is applicable to flows about arbitrary, nonplanar boundary surfaces undergoing small amplitude harmonic oscillations about their steady mean locations. The problem is formulated with a wake model wherein unsteady vorticity can be convected by the steady mean component of flow. The geometric location of the unsteady source and doublet distributions can be located on the actual surfaces of thick bodies in their steady mean locations. The method is an outgrowth of a recently developed steady flow panel method and employs the linear source and quadratic doublet splines of that method.

Dusto, A. R.↗

Influence of Tool Runout on Force Measurement During Internal Void Monitoring for Friction Stir Welding of 6061-T6 Aluminum

Abstract The goal of this research was to examine how altering the amount of friction stir tool eccentricity while controlling the amount of slant in the tool shoulder (drivers of oscillatory process forces) effects the generation of process force transients during sub-surface void interaction. The knowledge gained will help improve the accuracy of force-based void monitoring methods that have the potential to reduce the need for post-weld inspection. Process force transients during sub-surface void formation were examined for multiple tools with varying magnitudes of kinematic runout. The eccentric motion of the tool produced oscillations in the process forces at the tools rotational frequency that became distorted when features (flats) on the tool probe interacted with voided volumes, generating an amplitude in the force signals at three times the tool rotational frequency (for three-flat tools). A larger tool eccentricity generates a larger amplitude in the force signals at the tool’s rotational frequency that holds a larger potential to create a distortion during void interaction. It was determined that once void becomes large enough to produce an interaction that generates an amplitude at the third harmonic larger than 30% of the amplitude at the rotational frequency in a weld with no interaction (amplitude solely at rotational frequency), the trailing edge of the tool shoulder cannot fully consolidate the void, i.e., it will remain in the final weld. Additionally, once the void exceeds a certain size, the amplitudes of the third harmonics saturate at 70% of the amplitude at the rotational frequency during full consolidation. The interaction between the eccentric probe and sub-surface void was isolated by ensuring any geometric imperfection in the shoulder (slant) with respect to the rotational axis was removed. The results suggest that geometric imperfections (eccentricity and slant) with respect to the tool’s rotational axis must be known when developing a void monitoring method from force transients of this nature.

Engineering↗

The rings of Uranus

Stellar occultation data on the Uranian rings are summarized. Spatial resolution is 0.1 km, for positions of ring segments, 4 km for structural details. The system consists of 9 narrow rings with average geometric albedo of 0.02. The data are well fitted by a kinematic model that describes the rings as ellipses, inclined to the equatorial plane of Uranus and precess due to harmonic terms in the Uranian potential fields. The main characteristics of the Uranian ring system that need a confirmed theoretical explanation are: narrow rings; sharp edges; uniform orbital precession; origin of the eccentricities and inclinations; the structure of the epsilon ring; the structure of the eta ring; and the origin of the ring system.

Elliot, J. L.↗

Satellite Remote Sensing of Tropical Precipitation and Ice Clouds for GCM Verification

This project, supported by the NASA New Investigator Program, has primarily been funding a graduate student, Darren McKague. Since August 1999 Darren has been working part time at Raytheon, while continuing his PhD research. Darren is planning to finish his thesis work in May 2001, thus some of the work described here is ongoing. The proposed research was to use GOES visible and infrared imager data and SSM/I microwave data to obtain joint distributions of cirrus cloud ice mass and precipitation for a study region in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. These joint distributions of cirrus cloud and rainfall were to be compared to those from the CSU general circulation model to evaluate the cloud microphysical amd cumulus parameterizations in the GCM. Existing algorithms were to be used for the retrieval of cloud ice water path from GOES (Minnis) and rainfall from SSM/I (Wilheit). A theoretical study using radiative transfer models and realistic variations in cloud and precipitation profiles was to be used to estimate the retrieval errors. Due to the unavailability of the GOES satellite cloud retrieval algorithm from Dr. Minnis (a co-PI), there was a change in the approach and emphasis of the project. The new approach was to develop a completely new type of remote sensing algorithm - one to directly retrieve joint probability density functions (pdf's) of cloud properties from multi-dimensional histograms of satellite radiances. The usual approach is to retrieve individual pixels of variables (i.e. cloud optical depth), and then aggregate the information. Only statistical information is actually needed, however, and so a more direct method is desirable. We developed forward radiative transfer models for the SSM/I and GOES channels, originally for testing the retrieval algorithms. The visible and near infrared ice scattering information is obtained from geometric ray tracing of fractal ice crystals (Andreas Macke), while the mid-infrared and microwave scattering is computed with Mie scattering. The radiative transfer is performed with the Spherical Harmonic Discrete Ordinate Method (developed by the PI), and infrared molecular absorption is included with the correlated k-distribution method. The SHDOM radiances have been validated by comparison to version 2 of DISORT (the community "standard" discrete-ordinates radiative transfer model), however we use SHDOM since it is computationally more efficient.

Evans, K. Franklin↗

Multiple-mode nonlinear free and forced vibrations of beams using finite element method

Effects of large deflection geometric nonlinearity and multiple modes for free and forced vibrations of beams are investigated. Inplane displacement and inplane inertia are included in the formulation. The finite element method is employed. A harmonic force matrix is derived for forced vibration analysis. The relations of amplitude, frequency ratio and forcing intensity for beams of different boundary conditions and various load conditions are presented.

Mei, Chuh↗

Investigation of dominant spin wave modes by domain walls collision

Spin wave emission due to field-driven domain wall (DW) collision has been investigated numerically and analytically in permalloy nanowires. The spin wave modes generated are diagonally symmetric with respect to the collision point. The non-propagating mode has the highest amplitude along the middle of the width. The frequency of this mode is strongly correlated to the nanowire geometrical dimensions and is independent of the strength of applied field within the range of 0.1 mT to 1 mT. For nanowire with film thickness below 5 nm, a second spin wave harmonic mode is observed. The decay coefficient of the spin wave power suggests that the DWs in a memory device should be at least 300 nm apart for them to be free of interference from the spin waves.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

MgSiP 2 : An Infrared Nonlinear Optical Crystal with a Large Non‐Resonant Phase‐Matchable Second Harmonic Coefficient and High Laser Damage Threshold

Superior infrared nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals are in urgent demand in the development of lasers and optical technologies for communications and computing. The critical challenge is to find a crystal with large non‐resonant phase‐matchable NLO coefficients and high laser damage threshold (LDTs) simultaneously, which however scale inversely. This work reports such a material, MgSiP 2, that exhibits a large second harmonic generation (SHG) coefficient of d 14 ≈ d 36 = 89 ± 5 pm V −1 at 1550 nm fundamental wavelength, surpassing the commercial NLO crystals AgGaS 2 , AgGaSe 2 , and ZnGeP 2 . First principles theory reveals the polarizability and geometric arrangement of the [SiP 4 ] tetrahedral units as the origin of this large nonlinear response. Remarkably, it also exhibits a high LDT value of 684 GW cm −2 , which is six times larger than ZnGeP 2 and three times larger than CdSiP 2 . It has a wide transparency window of 0.53–10.35 µm, allowing broadband tunability. Further, it is Type I and Type II phase‐matchable with large effective SHG coefficients of d eff,I ≈80.2 pm V −1 and d eff,II ≈73.4 pm V −1 . The outstanding properties of MgSiP 2 make it a highly attractive candidate for optical frequency conversion in the infrared.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Mechanical Resonances of Helically Coiled Carbon Nanowires

Despite their wide spread applications, the mechanical behavior of helically coiled structures has evaded an accurate understanding at any length scale (nano to macro) mainly due to their geometrical complexity. The advent of helically coiled micro/nanoscale structures in nano-robotics, nano-inductors, and impact protection coatings has necessitated the development of new methodologies for determining their shear and tensile properties. Accordingly, we developed a synergistic protocol which (i) integrates analytical, numerical(i.e., finite element using COMSOL ® ) and experimental (harmonic detection of resonance; HDR) methods to obtain an empirically validated closed form expression for the shear modulus and resonance frequency of a singly clamped helically coiled carbon nanowire (HCNW), and (ii) circumvents the need for solving 12th order differential equations. From the experimental standpoint, a visual detection of resonances (using in situ scanning electron microscopy) combined with HDR revealed intriguing non-planar resonance modes at much lower driving forces relative to those needed for linear carbon nanotube cantilevers. Interestingly, despite the presence of mechanical and geometrical nonlinearities in the HCNW resonance behavior the ratio of the first two transverse modes $f_2/f_1$ was found to be similar to the ratio predicted by the Euler-Bernoulli theorem for linear cantilevers.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Effects of Central Cut Width on the Dynamical Characteristics of Box Assembly Structure

An investigation into the Box Assembly with Removable Component (BARC) structure is conducted by utilizing computational simulations and experimental structural testing in order to determine the complex dynamical responses instigated by the central cut of the system. Because the dynamics of the BARC system is complex, this study focuses primarily on analyzing the behavior of the box assembly (BA) system. The investigation explores the dynamics of the BA system by varying the central cut widths, ranging from a cut as wide as 0.5” cut to a 0.25” cut system, as well as a 0.1” cut and a system with no cut at all. Experimental testing is performed on each system including a free vibration test using an impact hammer to excite and identify the dominant frequencies of each structure. This testing is followed by pseudo-random vibration tests and swept sinusoidal excitation tests to determine the nonlinear aspects of these systems, such as the possible existence of nonlinear softening, hardening, and/or damping. The results show that nonlinear softening and nonlinear damping are present in each system. The no-cut system demonstrated the highest peak frequencies throughout all the tests, being the most rigid structure. The 0.25” cut system was shown to have the highest peak frequencies among all the cut systems in both the finite elemenet analysis (FEA) and impact testing. This trend did not continue, though, in the random and harmonic testing, possibly due to the added stiffness of the test setup with the slip table and stinger. The results show the importance of accurately measuring the central cut width and how possible geometric uncertainties change the overall dynamical behaviors of complex systems, such as natural characteristics, nonlinear responses, coupling of modes, and oscillating amplitudes.

Padilla, Christopher (ORCID:000900033446732X)↗

Determination of HART I Blade Structural Properties by Laboratory Testing

The structural properties of higher harmonic Aeroacoustic Rotor Test (HART I) blades were measured using the original set of blades tested in the German-dutch wind tunnel (DNW) in 1994. the measurements include bending and torsion stiffness, geometric offsets, and mass and inertia properties of the blade. the measured properties were compared to the estimated values obtained initially from the blade manufacturer. The previously estimated blade properties showed consistently higher stiffness, up to 30 percent for the flap bending in the blade inboard root section.

Jung, Sung N.↗

Venus - Identification of banded terrain in the mountains of Ishtar Terra

High resolution images obtained with the Arecibo radar system at a wavelength of 12.6 centimeters reveal numerous parallel 10- to 20-kilometer-wide bands of high radar backscatter situated on and oriented parallel to the major mountain ranges of the Ishtar Terra region of Venus. Geometric and morphological characteristics suggest that the bands represent earth-like tectonic deformational features, such as folds and faults.

Campbell, D. B.↗

Insights on the Influence of the Central-Cut Width of the Box Assembly with Removable Component on Its Dynamical Responses

This investigation focuses on the dynamical effects caused by varying the central-cut width within the Box Assembly with Removable Component (BARC) system. The central-cut widths included in this study are a 0.5″ cut, a 0.25″ cut, a thin 0.1″ cut, and a structure that did not have a cut at all. Finite element analysis was conducted to determine the mode shapes and natural frequencies of each of the BARC structures. Structural dynamics experiments were run to examine the effects of the central-cut width on the dynamical responses and nonlinear characteristics of the BARC system. Free vibration testing with an impact hammer was carried out to excite the system and extract the dominant frequencies and directions of the significant responses. A pseudorandom vibration test that allows for the qualitative determination of any nonlinear behavior within the system was performed. This type of behavior can include nonlinear softening, nonlinear hardening, and the most common, nonlinear damping due to the presence of several bolted-joint connections and the possible activation of geometric and inertia nonlinearities. To quantitatively investigate the impacts of the central-cut width on the dynamics of the system, swept sinusoidal testing was conducted. It is determined that almost all systems with central cuts demonstrate the presence of nonlinear softening, but at times, nonlinear hardening trends are seen, particularly in the 0.1″ cut and no-cut systems when testing harmonically. Each of the central-cut systems displays nonlinear damping, with the amount of damping generally increasing as the central cut decreases in size. The effect of the central cut of the BARC system on the mode-switching ability of the system is negligible; however, mode switching takes place when comparing the central-cut configurations to the no-cut one. These results show the significance of accurately measuring the central-cut width and how geometric uncertainty may change the dynamical responses and nonlinear properties of the system.

Padilla, Christopher (ORCID:000900033446732X)↗

A predictive strain-gradient model with no undetermined constants or length scales

A general meso–scale (GM) crystal plasticity (CP) model was developed that accounts for lower-order (strain hardening) and higher-order (internal stress) effects of geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs). It is predictive: no arbitrary parameters or length scales were invoked and no ad hoc numerical techniques were employed. It uses general stress field equations for GND content and a novel harmonization technique to enforce consistency of elastic long-range singular defect fields with applied elastic-plastic fields. The model facilitates implementation in commercial finite element programs without requiring special elements, special boundary conditions, or access to element shape functions. GM simulations confirmed, with improved accuracy, previously published predictions of the Hall-Petch effect, Bauschinger effect, and anelasticity. Previously unpredicted phenomena were also predicted: anelasticity and hysteresis for single Ta crystals and strain-hardening stagnation. The internal stresses (higher-order effect) dominate at large length scales, while at small length scales, the GND density hardening (lower-order effect) dominates. As a result, GM predicts that strain heterogeneity and consequent GND internal stresses are important factors in anelasticity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗