Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Tadayuki Yoshitake, Seymour Rosen, Lucas C. Cahill, Simon Lamothe, Ashley Ward, James G. Fujimoto
Summary: Nonlinear microscopy (NLM) is a promising technique for rapid evaluation of bone pathology. It enables visualization of normal bone architecture, articular cartilage, and pathological bone features, but training is required for accurate evaluation. Further studies are needed to assess diagnostic performance and address evaluation challenges with NLM.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Meng Li, Aniket Pal, Junghwan Byun, Gaurav Gardi, Metin Sitti
Summary: This study introduces a magnetically hard and soft material called magnetic putty, which has large remanence and low coercivity. The magnetization of the putty can be easily reoriented with an external field that is only one-tenth of its coercivity. Additionally, the magnetic putty is malleable and self-healing, making it versatile for various magnetic robotics applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
D. Mistry, N. A. Traugutt, B. Sanborn, R. H. Volpe, L. S. Chatham, R. Zhou, B. Song, K. Yu, K. N. Long, C. M. Yakacki
Summary: The study investigates the soft-elasticity characteristics of monodomain liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) and their potential for impact absorption. Through the use of direct-ink writing technology, sufficiently large monodomain LCE devices were successfully fabricated. The research found that monodomain soft-elastic LCE performed well at different strain rates and excelled in reducing the severity of impacts.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Carmine Putignano
Summary: A new numerical Boundary Element methodology has been developed to investigate viscoelastic periodic contacts under general kinematic conditions, showing specific applications in various motion scenarios. Results demonstrate the crucial importance of considering viscoelasticity in the contact mechanics of soft materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Faheem Hamid, C. Sasmal
Summary: This study numerically investigates the impact of fluid viscoelasticity on the flow dynamics around a oscillating cylinder. The findings reveal that fluid viscoelasticity enables synchronization of the vortex street with the cylinder motion at lower oscillation frequencies than those required for a Newtonian fluid. In addition, the wake structure of a viscoelastic fluid differs from that of a Newtonian fluid.
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Shaowei Wang, Shaofeng Du, Yue Xiao, Moli Zhao
Summary: This study investigates the linear instability of viscoelastic films with insoluble surfactants on an oscillating plane for disturbances with arbitrary wavenumbers. The combined effects of viscoelasticity and insoluble surfactants on the instability are described using Floquet theory. Numerical and asymptotic methods are used to obtain the stability boundaries, neutral curves, and unstable frequencies under different conditions.
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
X. Gary Tan, YungChia Chen, Thomas J. O'Shaughnessy
Summary: This study developed a new impact experiment method to efficiently determine mechanical properties of soft gels. The integrated approach of experiment and simulation was used to calibrate material behavior parameters, and its effectiveness was verified.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
S. Tamim, J. B. Bostwick
Summary: This study examines the instability of soft cylindrical interfaces and cylindrical cavities due to the competition between elasticity and capillarity. Elasticity stabilizes the instability while compressibility destabilizes it. The critical wavenumber shows a more complex dependence upon compressibility for the cylinder but exhibits a predictable trend for the cylindrical cavity.
Article
Robotics
Marcos Villeda-Hernandez, Benjamin C. Baker, Christian Romero, Jonathan M. Rossiter, Michael P. M. Dicker, Charl F. J. Faul
Summary: Pneumatic actuators are extensively studied in soft robotics due to their ease of use, low cost, scalability, durability, and natural-comparable compliance. The challenge lies in utilizing high-energy-density chemical and biochemical reactions to generate sufficient pneumatic pressure for controlled and ecologically compatible actuation of soft systems. This investigation assesses the potential of chemical reactions as pressure sources for soft robotic pneumatic actuators, considering actuation demands, pressure source mechanisms, and system safety. Gas evolution/consumption reactions are evaluated and compared, and the coupling of gas evolution and consumption reactions is explored for oscillating systems driven by complementary carbon dioxide evolution and consumption. The possibility of autonomous cyclic actuation is achieved by controlling the speed of gas generation and consumption through adjusting the initial feed material ratios. Reversibility is demonstrated through displacement experiments, and practical application is showcased with a soft gripper capable of moving, picking up and releasing objects. This approach represents a significant advancement towards autonomous and versatile chemo-pneumatic driven soft robots.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sarah-Jane Estermann, Dieter H. Pahr, Andreas Reisinger
Summary: This study proposes a strategy for designing material microstructures to mimic soft tissue viscoelastic behavior based on a micromechanical Mori-Tanaka model. The validation of the model shows good agreement with experimental results for low inclusion volume fractions, but underestimates the complex modulus for high fractions.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Mechanics
Julia Gerber, Thomas M. Schutzius, Dimos Poulikakos
Summary: The study shows that the topography of deposit on soft materials can be controlled by changing the environmental humidity, affecting the coffee ring effect. By regulating the evaporative flux, bifurcation of lines can be triggered on soft substrates.
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Mechanics
Oliver E. Jensen
Summary: The article explores the characteristics of slender viscous and elastic-viscoplastic sheets, focusing on regimes where bending deformations dominate stretching. The results reveal a rich phenomenology and provide new theoretical tools for probing thin layers of soft materials.
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Carmine Putignano, Angelo Campanale
Summary: Squeezing a lubricating film between viscoelastic solids has various applications in fields ranging from biomechanics to industrial engineering. By using an innovative numerical strategy, the study shows that pressure and film thickness depend on the material's viscoelastic relaxation, peaking at the two edges of the lubricated contact area, which deviates significantly from the classical elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication solution and highlights the importance of considering the actual viscoelastic rheology of the lubricated solids.
TRIBOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Han Wang, Urara Satake, Toshiyuki Enomoto
Summary: This study conducted cutting experiments on fresh bovine bones and simulated bones to investigate the impact of different saw blade shapes on cutting forces. Based on the findings, a blade design was proposed to suppress chip clogging, which successfully reduced cutting forces and maintained stable cutting performance.
CIRP ANNALS-MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jake Song, Qingteng Zhang, Felipe de Quesada, Mehedi H. Rizvi, Joseph B. Tracy, Jan Ilavsky, Suresh Narayanan, Emanuela Del Gado, Robert L. Leheny, Niels Holten-Andersen, Gareth H. McKinley
Summary: Arrested soft materials exhibit slow stress relaxation in response to linear mechanical perturbations, but the microscopic origins of this relaxation are poorly understood. Through X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy, we studied the dynamics of a model associative gel system and found that the mean stress relaxation time is correlated to the quiescent superdiffusive dynamics of microscopic clusters during arrest. Small mechanical deformations can also induce intermittent avalanches, leading to a non-Gaussian spectrum of relaxation modes in stress relaxation measurements.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Optics
Zhiqiang Fu, Jialong Chen, Gan Liu, Shih-Chi Chen
Summary: In this Letter, a single-shot 3D-resolved structured illumination microscopy (SIM) based on a digital micromirror device (DMD), a galvanometric mirror, and the HiLo algorithm is presented. By synchronizing the DMD with a galvanometric scanner and exploiting the unique data readout process of the camera, the method achieves high-resolution single-exposure optical sectioning at the camera's limiting speed, without sacrificing the resolution. Experimental results demonstrate that the single-shot SIM with the HiLo algorithm achieves comparable resolution to the standard two-shot HiLo method with a twofold speed enhancement, which has important applications in biophotonics, such as visualizing high-speed biological events in vivo.
Article
Optics
Xiaobo Li, Francois Goudail, Shih-Chi Chen
Summary: In this Letter, we demonstrate a unique property of DoFP sensor-based Mueller polarimeters, which can be calibrated without any extra polarizing reference element. We describe a self-calibration method that only requires six image acquisitions, and the calibration accuracy is limited by the noise.
Article
Optics
Dihan Chen, Bingxu Chen, Qi Shao, Shih-Chi Chen
Summary: In this Letter, we present a compact broadband angular dispersion compensation method for digital micromirror devices (DMDs) and ultrashort pulse lasers. The results indicate the effectiveness of our method in reducing angular dispersion over a wide wavelength range, and the DMD system demonstrates its ability to provide effective compensation.
Article
Optics
Xiangbo Liu, Xiaobo Li, Shih-Chi Chen
Summary: In this Letter, a new method for calculating angle of polarization (AoP) loss is presented and applied in an enhanced color polarization demosaicking network. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the method, which has potential applications in the field of polarimetric imaging.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Song Yang, Qian-Yun Zhang, Li Li, Lei Jin, Shih-Chi Chen
Summary: This paper presents the first experimental demonstration of self-mode-locked dark solitons in a Tm-Ho doped fiber laser at 1.93 μm. The dark solitons are generated by exploiting the reverse saturable excited-state absorption of a gain fiber, achieving higher power and damage threshold compared to conventional methods. Simulation results confirm the generation of stable dark solitons with high average power using this approach.
INFRARED PHYSICS & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Optics
Xiaobo Li, Jianuo Xu, Liping Zhang, Haofeng Hu, Shih-Chi Chen
Summary: This Letter presents a Stokes imaging-based method for restoring objects and enhancing image contrast in turbid water. By illuminating objects with two orthometric polarization states and converting recorded images to Stokes maps, a clear image free of reflections and scattered lights can be restored. The method demonstrates enhanced image quality and the ability to distinguish polarization differences.
Review
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Xiaobo Li, Yilin Han, Hongyuan Wang, Tiegen Liu, Shih-Chi Chen, Haofeng Hu
Summary: This study reviews the recent development in polarimetric imaging techniques to address the challenges in imaging in scattering media. These techniques can estimate the intensity level and transmittance of the backscattering light, separate target signals from undesired ones, and recover high-quality images using additional metrics provided by different designs of polarimetric imaging systems.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Optics
Manshi Wang, Nan Zhang, Shih-Chi Chen
Summary: Femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structure (fs-LIPSS) is a high-throughput parallel laser patterning method used to fabricate various sub-micrometer scale surface structures. The paper explores the effects of single and double femtosecond laser beams on the fabrication of nanostructures, finding that supra-wavelength structures hinder the regularity and deep sub-wavelength ripples. Additionally, the appearance of supra-wavelength structures prevents the fabrication of certain 2D nanostructures.
OPTICS AND LASER TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Optics
Xiaobo Li, Wei Liu, Francois Goudail, Shih-Chi Chen
Summary: This Letter presents an optimization model for nonlinear Stokes-Mueller polarimetry (SMP) to improve the precision in estimating the nonlinear Mueller matrix (MM) for two- and three-photon processes. A new measurement strategy is designed based on the model and its solution, which significantly reduces the estimation variance and improves the measurement precision of nonlinear polarimeters for second- and third-harmonic generation processes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xinrong Li, Shih-Chi Chen, Jacque Pak Kan Ip
Summary: This article explores the role of different cells in the brain, such as astrocytes, microglia, and vascular cells, in interacting with neurons and contributing to cognitive impairment in diseases. Specifically, it focuses on the importance of synaptic loss and dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and how miRNAs can be essential regulators in this process. The article also discusses the potential of miRNA-related biomarkers, therapeutics, and emerging imaging technologies for AD research.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Chenglin Li, Shih-Chi Chen
Summary: This paper presents a new design method called Compliant Building Elements (CBE) for generating practical flexure designs in compliant mechanisms. The CBE encodes quantitative information of a compliant system in a parametric matrix and uses the screw theory to guide the design and synthesis process. The synthesis procedure is a top-down and iterative process, starting from stage layout to optimizing the compliant connection elements and types.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Optics
Shunhua Yang, Chenyi Su, Songyun Gu, Qiuyuan Sun, Qi Sun, Liang Xu, Zhenyao Yang, Tianhao Jia, Chenliang Ding, Shih-Chi Chen, Cuifang Kuang, Xu Liu
Summary: In this paper, a highly uniform parallel two-photon lithography method based on a digital mirror device (DMD) and microlens array (MLA) is proposed to generate thousands of femtosecond (fs) laser foci with individual on-off switching and intensity-tuning capability. The experiments demonstrate the parallel fabrication of sub-diffraction limit features and the potential for rapid fabrication of large-scale 3D structures.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Chenglin Li, Shih-Chi Chen
Summary: In Part II, the Compliant Building Elements (CBE) method is introduced for generating practical designs of multiple degree-of-freedom (DOF) compliant mechanisms. A library of compliant mechanisms is created based on the combination of prismatic beams, containing commonly used basic elements (BEs), serial elements (SEs), and parallel elements (PEs). Through examples, the design processes of a six-axis nanopositioner, a compliant steering mechanism, and a one-dimensional mechanical metamaterial structure are demonstrated using the library and CBE method. Each design yields a flexure topology that meets requirements and corresponding stiffness and compliance matrices for kinematic characteristics and stiffness optimization in selected axes.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Instruments & Instrumentation
Bingxiao Ding, Xuan Li, Chenglin Li, Yangmin Li, Shih-Chi Chen
Summary: This paper presents a comprehensive review of mechanical design and synthesis methods for piezo-actuated compliant micro-positioning stages. It focuses on discussing key concepts and advances in the mechanical design of these stages, including flexure design, kineto-static modeling, actuators, material selection, and functional mechanisms. The paper also identifies important issues and future directions for the development of compliant micro-positioning stages.
REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Junichi Kouguchi, Hayato Yoshioka
Summary: A new monitoring method for milling process using signal analysis of acceleration sensors is proposed in this research, which can solve the difficulty in estimating cutting forces for small diameter tools.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Weijie Wang, Yanling Tian, Zhao Zhang, Zhilai Lu, Fujun Wang, Dawei Zhang
Summary: This paper proposes a comprehensive model for predicting the cutting depth and contact area in nanoscratching. The model takes into account the geometric shape of the indenter and elastic recovery, reducing prediction errors. The study also analyzes the influence of the indenter geometry on the contact area, with the face angle of the pyramid identified as a key factor.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Qiaolin Li, Yuki Shimizu, Xiaohao Wang, Xinghui Li, Wei Gao
Summary: This paper introduces a stitching linear scan method for roundness and diameter measurement of small cylinders, using a ruby ball stylus as hardware filtering to eliminate the influence of high-frequency data. Experimental results show that the repeatability of the ruby ball stylus is better than the diamond stylus.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Chaturaporn Kerdkaew, Surasak Kaewpho, Sakchai Chomkokard, Theera Yaemglin, Ittipon Cheowanish, Noparit Jinuntuya, Wiwat Wongkokua
Summary: A new calibration standard for a CMOS-based autocollimator using an optical angle generator with a submillimeter strip reflector (OAG-SSR) is proposed. This method provides angular values along the measuring range of the autocollimator without any mechanical movement, enabling a faster calibration process, which is suitable for integration with production lines.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Haohao Tao, Tongjie Li, Feng Chen, Jinwei Fan, Ri Pan
Summary: In this paper, a novel OTA method is proposed that considers the relationship between tolerance of machine tools' key parts and volumetric error. A volumetric error prediction model is established based on the bridge between geometric error and tolerance. Additionally, a Processing Simplicity Index (PSI) is introduced to replace manufacturing cost and a tolerance-PSI model is established. An OTA model is formulated to minimize volumetric error and maximize PSI. The feasibility and effectiveness of the method are validated through simulations and experiments.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Xiumin Zhang, Jianhua Liu, Huanxiong Xia, Xiaohui Ao, Jiechen Zhou, Zhihao Fu
Summary: A comprehensive finite-element model was developed in this paper to study the evolution of surface figure in high-precision bonded mirrors. The cure kinetics and mechanical behaviors of the optical adhesive were experimentally examined and modeled, and the effects of environmental factors on the surface-figure accuracy and stability were further investigated.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Peng Wang, Bin Chen, Jian Li, Jianwei Wang, Yingjie Zhang, Kai Feng
Summary: This paper proposes an aerostatic bearing with damper modules to suppress vibration on the bearing surface. The stiffness and damping characteristics can be adjusted by changing the thickness of the sheets, resulting in effective vibration suppression.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Lei Yang, Xiaoguang Guo, Renke Kang, Xianglong Zhu, Yufan Jia, Hao Wang
Summary: This paper develops an analytical model that takes into account the pad surface morphology to predict the evolution of the workpiece surface shape. The model considers the cross-scale relationship between the formation of lapped surface shape and the scratching process of a single abrasive grain. The simulated and experimental results validate the correctness and validity of the model, providing new ideas for controlling the workpiece surface.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Gabriele Piscopo, Alessandro Salmi, Eleonora Atzeni
Summary: This paper proposes an artifact for the LP-DED process and evaluates its dimensional accuracy and geometrical tolerances. The findings show that the tolerances of the LP-DED process are comparable to sand casting, lower than LB-PBF technologies, but similar to EB-PBF technologies.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Liang Xue, Ningsong Qu
Summary: This study focuses on the key issues of improving material removal rate and surface quality in macro-electrolyte jet machining. By introducing a novel tool with the rear-end tilted, the current density of the workpiece surface can be increased, leading to improved machining performance. Experimental results show that the tool with a rear-end tilt angle of 15 degrees significantly enhances the material removal rate and reduces surface roughness compared to the standard tool.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Ping Yang, Kaixin Luo, Runxi Wu
Summary: This article proposes a new calibration device to measure the spatial errors of a six-axis serial robot. The device compensates for errors by modifying angles and identifying stiffness parameters, and experiments verify its effectiveness.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Shilei Wu, Mingxiang Ling, Yingbin Wang, Tao Huang
Summary: This paper studies the electromechanical behavior of elliptical APAs by analyzing the multi-domain dynamics of piezoelectric stacks and compliant mechanisms using a novel electro-mechanical transfer matrix method. An analytical electro-elasto transfer matrix of piezoelectric stacks operating at the d33 mode is derived in the form of Taylor's series. The dynamic response spectrum of displacement and impedance for elliptical APAs is accurately captured by this electro-mechanical model, and different topologies of elliptical APAs are compared to suggest the optimal configuration.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Lei Meng, Yusheng Liu, Ying Yan, Dongming Guo, Ping Zhou
Summary: This study explores electrochemically induced chemical etching (ECICE) as a method to achieve nanogram-level, low-cost, stress-free, and stable material removal of fused quartz. The key factors affecting removal minimum and stability are revealed through modeling analysis and testing. A proposed method achieves precision stable removal with satisfactory results at the nanogram level.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Hong Yao, Hai Bi, Junjie Wei, Shuo Zhan, Fangxin Chen, IEEE
Summary: This paper presents a dual-loop control syringe-based picoliter-scale injection system for high-precision microinjection. The system utilizes an inner pneumatic servo loop and an outer position servo loop to achieve precise control. The experimental results demonstrate that the system can regulate the smallest droplet size to within 0.25 pL.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Jinchun Yuan, Jiasheng Li, Ye Ding
Summary: In this paper, a simple and effective internal model control (IMC) system is proposed to attenuate thrust ripples in ultraprecision air-bearing linear feed systems, based on a modified modeling and identification method of permanent magnet linear synchronous motors (PMLSMs). The performance of the proposed method in overcoming nonlinearity and achieving smooth velocities in steady states is demonstrated through analysis and experiments.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)