Tip Contact Research Articles

Methodology for the Automated Selection of Time-Frequency Representations

Data preprocessing is a key step in extracting useful information from sound and vibration data and often involves selecting a time-frequency representation. No single time-frequency representation is always optimal, and no standard method exists for selecting the appropriate time-frequency representation, so selecting the time-frequency representation requires expert knowledge and is susceptible to human bias. To address this, this work introduces a methodology to automate the selection of a time-frequency representation for a dataset using only a subset of the healthy, or normal, class of data. To select the parameters for each type of time-frequency representation, Bayesian optimization is used. With a candidate from each type of time-frequency representation, the average similarity is used to select the final candidate. Additionally, the use of multiple time-frequency representations within a single model is explored. Because there is currently no objective method to compare the selected time frequency representations against, the proposed methodology is evaluated in two case studies. In the case studies, the time frequency representations are used as inputs to a simple convolutional neural network that achieved 100% accuracy in classifying bearing faults and 94% accuracy in classifying the contact tip to workpiece distance in wire arc additive manufacturing. Additionally, the proposed methodology presents a 75% and 94% reduction in the data size for the two case studies. This offers further benefits for reducing costs of data transmission and storage in modern digital manufacturing architectures.

Impact of Mechanical Stimuli on PEO-Litfsi Stiffness and Ionic Conductivity

Recently a large emphasis has been placed on developing safer electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries as a response to an increase in battery demand. Solid polymer electrolytes, such as those based on polyethylene oxide (PEO) show good resistance to mechanical loading, and when coupled with ceramic fillers demonstrate enhance ionic conductivity as well. Prior to this work, efforts have been made to determine the effects mechanical stimuli have on the stiffness and ionic conductivity of the electrolyte.1–3 However, while previous research has primarily focused on bulk EIS measurements of the electrolyte, here we leverage atomic force microscopy (AFM) to modulate the tip-substrate contact force from a few piconewtons to tens of millinewtons to study the correlation between mechanical loading and ionic conductivity, along with measuring the evolution of the substrate stiffness as a function of mechanical cycling.In this study, we contact the PEO-LiTFSI surface with an electrically conductive Pt-coated tip and mechanically cycle the sample by applying a pre-determined contact force a set number of times. By keeping the contact force and time constant, we extracted the cycle-dependent evolution of the sample stiffness. Results show that stiffness is reduced 30% within the first ten cycles, and then minimally changes with subsequent cycling, matching the results from bulk measurements. Changes in ionic conductivity as a function of mechanical cycling are then measured using electrical characterization techniques. To gain a better understanding of how conductivity and stiffness are evolving, we conducted a parametric study by varying tip size, contact force, and number of mechanical cycles. From early results, we found that electrical resistance increases by ~3% (from 2985 Ohm to 3075 Ohm) after 100 cycles of mechanical force ranging between ~ 0 nN to 450 nN with a 5 µm radius tip. The change in the electrical resistance is believed to originate from the local amorphization of PEO-LiTFSI induced by the mechanical stimuli and resulting change of the local conductivity. These results can be leveraged to further understand how mechanical stimuli affects the mechanical and electrical characteristics of solid electrolytes and help establish a model to predict long-term stability and performance of batteries.This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (#2125640).(1) Yoon, D. et al., ACS Appl. Energy Mater, 6 (18), 9400, 2023(2) Li, X. et al., ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 11 (25), 22745, 2019(3) Liu, L. et al., Nano Energy, 69, 104398, 2020

Analysis of deformation and multi-angle tip contact in a combined mechanism of thin-walled membrane forces and inextensible layers in soft actuators

Soft actuators have extensive applications in operations, are generally made of elastomers, and generate large deformation. It makes accurately predicting their deformation behavior challenging. This study considers the combined effects of chamber sidewall expansion and inextensible layer strain mechanisms on the actuator's bending and tip contact force. We separately model the expansion of the chamber sidewall and the strain in the inextensible layer using the expanding membrane and strain beam theory. The theoretical model presented to predict the contact area of the sidewall expanding membrane under multiple bending conditions. The analytical models for three actuator states are established: 1) Free space; 2) Tip contact at multiple angles; and 3) Grasping state. The proposed theoretical model accurately predicts deformation, force characteristics, and the requisite pressure for object grasping, and its applicability extends to similar soft actuators. Comparative analyses with finite element methods (FEM) and experimental results validate the model's computational efficiency, reduced design variables, and accurate prediction of diverse deformations and tip contact forces. Notably, the model outperforms with shorter computation times. The large and small chamber spacing errors are approximately 10 % and 5 %, respectively.

Camera-based measurement and control of the contact tip to work distance in wire arc additive manufacturing

Camera-based measurement and control of the contact tip to work distance in wire arc additive manufacturing

Dynamics of centipede locomotion revealed by large-scale traction force microscopy.

We present a novel approach to traction force microscopy (TFM) for studying the locomotion of 10 cm long walking centipedes on soft substrates. Leveraging the remarkable elasticity and ductility of kudzu starch gels, we use them as a deformable gel substrate, providing resilience against the centipedes' sharp leg tips. By optimizing fiducial marker size and density and fine-tuning imaging conditions, we enhance measurement accuracy. Our TFM investigation reveals traction forces along the centipede's longitudinal axis that effectively counterbalance inertial forces within the 0-10 mN range, providing the first report of non-vanishing inertia forces in TFM studies. Interestingly, we observe waves of forces propagating from the head to the tail of the centipede, corresponding to its locomotion speed. Furthermore, we discover a characteristic cycle of leg clusters engaging with the substrate: forward force (friction) upon leg tip contact, backward force (traction) as the leg pulls the substrate while stationary, and subsequent forward force as the leg tip detaches to reposition itself in the anterior direction. This work opens perspectives for TFM applications in ethology, tribology and robotics.

Pysanky to Microfluidics: An Innovative Wax-Based Approach to Low Cost, Rapid Prototyping of Microfluidic Devices.

A wax-based contact printing method to create microfluidic devices is demonstrated. This printing technology demonstrates a new pathway to rapid, cost-effective device prototyping, eliminating the use of expensive micromachining equipment and chemicals. Derived from the traditional Ukrainian Easter egg painting technique called "pysanky" a series of microfluidic devices were created. Pysanky is the use of a heated wax stylus, known as a "kistka", to create micro-sized, intricate designs on the surface of an egg. The proposed technique involves the modification of an x-y-z actuation translation system with a wax extruder tip in junction with Polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) device fabrication techniques. Initial system optimization was performed considering design parameters such as extruder tip size, contact angle, write speed, substrate temperature, and wax temperature. Channels created ranged from 160 to 900 μm wide and 10 to 150 μm high based upon system operating parameters set by the user. To prove the capabilities of this technology, a series of microfluidic mixers were created via the wax technique as well as through traditional photolithography: a spiral mixer, a rainbow mixer, and a linear serial dilutor. A thermo-fluidic computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model was generated as a means of enabling rational tuning, critical to the optimization of systems in both normal and extreme conditions. A comparison between the computational and experimental models yielded a wax height of 57.98 μm and 57.30 μm, respectively, and cross-sectional areas of 11,568 μm2 and 12,951 μm2, respectively, resulting in an error of 1.18% between the heights and 10.76% between the cross-sectional areas. The device's performance was then compared using both qualitative and quantitative measures, considering factors such as device performance, channel uniformity, repeatability, and resolution.

Nano-Scratch and Micro-Scratch Properties of CrN/DLC and DLC-W Coatings

Abstract Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings are well known for their excellent adhesion to silicon wafers. However, they often exhibit poor adhesion properties on metallic substrates. Interlayers and metallic doping help improve the adhesion properties of DLC coatings on metallic substrates. In this study, both nano-scratch and micro-scratch were performed on chromium nitride (CrN)/DLC and tungsten doped DLC coating (DLC-W) coatings deposited on 920 HV DIN 16CrMn martensitic valve tappets. Nano-scratch was performed at 300 mN in a Hysitron nano-indenter, whereas micro-scratch was performed at 1–50 N using a CETR-UMT tribometer. The 3-D images and 2-D longitudinal and transversal profiles of the nano-scratch and micro-scratch were obtained using atomic force microscopy and 3-D optical profilometry, respectively. The scratch hardness equation was used to estimate the scratch hardness of the coatings. Experimental and theoretical values for the volume removed and the specific wear rates for the micro-scratch and nano-scratch of CrN/DLC and DLC-W coatings were estimated. The coefficients of friction (COF) obtained during the micro-scratch tests were very similar for both coatings. The same happened with the COF measured during the nano-scratch. The maximum COF in both cases reached 0.14. The wider and deeper penetration of the indenter for the DLC-W coating was mainly due to the lower hardness of the multilayered coating, composed of alternating nanometric thick amorphous carbon and tungsten carbide (WC) layers. The greater wear observed for the DLC-W coating system could also be attributed to the abrasive effect of detached WC nanoparticles abrasively acting during the contact of the diamond tip with the DLC coating. The experimental and theoretical values for the volume removed and the specific wear rates indicate a lower volume removal and specific wear rate for CrN/DLC because of higher hardness and better load-carrying capacity, contrary to DLC-W, which presents higher volume removal and specific wear rate because of its lower hardness.

Transvenous Pacemaker Placement: A Review for Emergency Clinicians

BackgroundTransvenous pacemaker placement is an integral component of therapy for severe dysrhythmias and a core skill in emergency medicine. ObjectiveThis narrative review provides a focused evaluation of transvenous pacemaker placement in the emergency department setting. DiscussionTemporary cardiac pacing can be a life-saving procedure. Indications for pacemaker placement include hemodynamic instability with symptomatic bradycardia secondary to atrioventricular block and sinus node dysfunction; overdrive pacing in unstable tachydysrhythmias, such as torsades de pointes; and failure of transcutaneous pacing. Optimal placement sites include the right internal jugular vein and left subclavian vein. Insertion first includes placement of a central venous catheter. The pacing wire with balloon is then advanced until electromechanical capture is obtained with the pacer in the right ventricle. Ultrasound can be used to guide and confirm lead placement using the subxiphoid or modified subxiphoid approach. The QRS segment will demonstrate ST segment elevation once the pacing wire tip contacts the endocardial wall. If mechanical capture is not achieved with initial placement of the transvenous pacer, the clinician must consider several potential issues and use an approach to evaluating the equipment and correcting any malfunction. Although life-saving in the appropriate patient, complications may occur from central venous access, right heart catheterization, and the pacing wire. ConclusionsAn understanding of transvenous pacemaker placement is essential for emergency clinicians.

Investigation on the 1:2:3 internal resonance of high dimensional nonlinear dynamic system for FGGP reinforced rotating pre-twisted blade under the aerodynamic forces

The study of internal resonances is one of the main research areas in nonlinear dynamics. The energy transfer behaviors between multiple vibrational modes caused by internal resonances lead to complex nonlinear vibration behaviors. In this paper, the rotating blade is modeled as a functionally graded graphene platelet (FGGP) reinforced rotating pre-twisted plate. The nonlinear vibration of a high dimensional nonlinear dynamic system for FGGP reinforced rotating pre-twisted blade under the aerodynamic forces with 1:2:3 internal resonance is investigated. The axial excitations on the blade are primarily caused by axial aerodynamic force in the tip clearance and contact forces at the top of the blade. The subsonic airflow is treated as a transverse excitation and is calculated using the vortex lattice method. Rayleigh-Ritz method is used to obtain the mode shapes of the rotating composite pre-twisted blade. The three-degree-of-freedom ordinary differential equations of the rotating FGGP reinforced pre-twisted plate are derived by using Lagrange equation. Based on the multiscale method, the averaged equations of the rotating FGGP reinforced pre-twisted plate in the case of primary resonance and 1:2:3 internal resonance under axial and transverse excitations are acquired. We present a discussion on the amplitude-frequency response, force-amplitude response, bifurcations, and chaotic motions of a rotating FGGP reinforced pre-twisted cantilever plate under both axial and transverse excitations. A crescent-shaped independent resonance region is found in the amplitude-frequency response curves. The system exhibits complex nonlinear vibration behavior as axial or transverse excitation amplitude changes.

Theory for anisotropic local ferroelectric switching

Theoretical modeling of polarization switching around a biased tip contact is important for fundamental understanding and advanced applications of ferroelectrics. Here we propose a simple in-plane two-dimensional model that considers surface charge transport and the associated evolution of the electric field driving domain growth. The model reproduces peculiar domain shapes ranging from round to faceted in KTiOPO4 (C2v symmetry) and LiNbO3 (C3v symmetry). This is done through modulation of dielectric permittivity, which mimics domain wall pinning on the lattice. In contrast to previous works, which attempted to justify domain anisotropy by means of point symmetry invariants, here we illustrate the necessity of taking translational symmetry into account. The results are pertinent to ferroelectric racetrack memories and other applications requiring domain tailoring.

Effect of hydrogen concentration on the friction evolution mechanism of few-layer graphene: A molecular dynamics study in nanoscratch processes

This article explored the friction evolution mechanism of graphene under different hydrogen concentrations and scratch depths based on molecular dynamics. In a vacuum, graphene exhibits excellent frictional properties when the scratch depth is less than the layer distance of graphene. However, as the depth increases, the diamond tip contacts more CC bonds, and the phenomenon of fracture and recombination of CC bonds in the graphene layer intensifies, increasing surface friction. In a low concentration of hydrogen environment, compared with the friction in a vacuum, it increases due to the interlocking effect of the protruding hydrogen atoms on the diamond tip and the scratch path. As the concentration of the hydrogen environment increases, the friction force does not increase monotonically. In addition, in a hydrogen environment, the stability of the planar structure of graphene will be weakened, thereby affecting the wrinkling effect and wear path.

Optimization of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Process Parameters for Low‐Carbon Steel and Properties Prediction by Support Vector Regression Model

This study aims to optimize the process parameters of wire arc additive manufacturing for ER70S6 steel and to build a machine‐learning (ML) model to predict the properties of deposited specimens. Process parameters such as current, voltage, and travel speed are optimized considering other process parameters constant (gas flow rate, contact tip to the work distance, and preheat). The optimization is made using the response surface method and validated the properties by experimentation, including tensile testing and metallography. A support vector regression (SVR) ML model is implemented to predict the material's properties to substantiate the outcomes’ values in every possible combination for the given parameters. In the study's findings, a significant enhancement is revealed in specimen quality, marked by reduced irregularities and porosity, and a remarkable increase in ultimate tensile strength up to 40%, validated through the SVR model. In this study, a valuable path that can be extended to predict properties of other material systems is sketched.

Analytical Computation of the Contact Force Jacobian for MRI-Actuated Robotic Catheter.

Contact force Jacobian relates the changes in the contact force to the changes in the actuation of a robotic catheter in contact with a surface. In this paper, we present an analytical method for calculating the contact force Jacobian for the Cosserat rod model of an MRI-actuated robotic catheter. First, the Cosserat rod model of the MRI-actuated robotic catheter under tip contact position constraint is introduced. For the analytical derivation of contact force Jacobian, the initial value problem parameter derivatives are defined and calculated analytically. Finally, simulation results show that the presented analytical method calculates the contact force Jacobian in significantly shorter computation time with comparable accuracy, compared to direct numerical computation.

A novel strategy to improve melting efficiency and arc stability in underwater FCAW via contact tip air chamber

The conventional method of underwater flux-cored arc welding (UWW-FCAW) is characterized by water around the welding torch's electric parts, the tubular wire, the molten pool and the workpiece. In the present work, underwater FCAW was performed by keeping the contact tip dry, inside a specially developed torch, and as in conventional underwater welding. The welds were carried out in a flat position at simulated depths of 0.3 m, 10 m and 30 m using a hyperbaric chamber. Welding electrical signals of voltage and current and contact tip temperature were acquired and processed to determine process behavior. As a result, the welding current was reduced when the contact tip was kept dry inside the torch because of the higher temperature achieved by resistance heating when it was insulated from the water. The ambient surrounding the contact tip interfered with the coefficient of heat transfer and, consequently, with its temperature. Welds performed with the dry contact tip also presented slight variations in bead shape parameters in different water depths. Higher arc stability was achieved by welding with the contact tip inside the air chamber, as minor variations of electric signals and fewer arc extinction events were observed compared to conventional underwater welds. The combination of improved arc stability with higher electrode temperature may also have contributed to minor porosity and smaller variation of the reinforcement along the weld bead.

A Novel Model of an S-Shaped Tooth Profile Gear Pair with a Few Pinion Teeth and Tooth Contact Analysis Considering Shaft Misalignments

Due to the special meshing of convex and concave tooth profiles, an S-shaped tooth profile gear with a few teeth has the advantage of reducing the contact stress and improving the contact ratio. However, the theoretical inseparability of the center distance of an S-shaped tooth profile and shaft misalignments, including center distance errors and axis parallelism errors caused by manufacturing or installation errors, can easily cause tip contact and produce transmission errors. Accordingly, it is necessary to analyze the influence of shaft misalignments on the meshing performance. In this paper, a unified mathematical model of spur and helical gears with an S-shaped tooth profile is established and an analytic method for determination of the contact pattern, meshing path, and transmission error of a gear pair with shaft misalignments is proposed. Then, the validity of the analytic method is proved by practical examples and the influence of shaft misalignments on the contact pattern of an S-shaped tooth profile gear pair is obtained. Through comparison with an involute gear with the same parameters, it is found that shaft misalignments within a certain range result in an acceptable transmission error and contact area migration of the S-shaped tooth profile gear pair similar to that of the involute gear pair.

Catheter navigation by intracardiac echocardiography enables zero-fluoroscopy linear lesion formation and bidirectional cavotricuspid isthmus block in patients with typical atrial flutter

IntroductionOne of the most helpful aspects of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) implementation in electrophysiological studies (EPS) is the real-time visualisation of catheters and cardiac structures. In this prospective study, we investigated ICE-guided zero-fluoroscopy catheter navigation during radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) in patients with typical atrial flutter (AFL).Methods and resultsThirty consecutive patients (mean age 72.9 ± 11.4 years, 23 male) with ongoing (n = 23) or recent CTI-dependent AFL underwent an EPS, solely utilizing ICE for catheter navigation. Zero-fluoroscopy EPS could be successfully accomplished in all patients. Mean EPS duration was 41.4 ± 19.9 min, and mean ablation procedure duration was 20.8 ± 17.1 min. RF ablation was applied for 6.0 ± 3.1 min (50W, irrigated RF ablation). Echocardiographic parameters, such as CTI length, prominence of the Eustachian ridge (ER), and depth of the CTI pouch on the ablation plane, were assessed to analyse their correlation with EPS- or ablation procedure duration. The CTI pouch was shallower in patients with an ablation procedure duration above the median (4.8 ± 1.1 mm vs. 6.4 ± 0.9 mm, p = 0.04), suggesting a more lateral ablation plane in these patients, where the CTI musculature is stronger. CTI length or ER prominence above the respective median did not correlate with longer EPS duration.ConclusionsZero-fluoroscopy CTI ablation guided solely by intracardiac echocardiography in patients with CTI-dependent AFL is feasible and safe. ICE visualisation may help to localise the optimal ablation plane, detect and correct poor tissue contact of the catheter tip, and recognise early potential complications during the ablation procedure.Graphical

SiC Doping Impact during Conducting AFM under Ambient Atmosphere.

The characterization of silicon carbide (SiC) by specific electrical atomic force microscopy (AFM) modes is highly appreciated for revealing its structure and properties at a nanoscale. However, during the conductive AFM (C-AFM) measurements, the strong electric field that builds up around and below the AFM conductive tip in ambient atmosphere may lead to a direct anodic oxidation of the SiC surface due to the formation of a water nanomeniscus. In this paper, the underlying effects of the anodization are experimentally investigated for SiC multilayers with different doping levels by studying gradual SiC epitaxial-doped layers with nitrogen (N) from 5 × 1017 to 1019 at/cm3. The presence of the water nanomeniscus is probed by the AFM and analyzed with the force-distance curve when a negative bias is applied to the AFM tip. From the water meniscus breakup distance measured without and with polarization, the water meniscus volume is increased by a factor of three under polarization. AFM experimental results are supported by electrostatic modeling to study oxide growth. By taking into account the presence of the water nanomeniscus, the surface oxide layer and the SiC doping level, a 2D-axisymmetric finite element model is developed to calculate the electric field distribution nearby the tip contact and the current distributions at the nanocontact. The results demonstrate that the anodization occurred for the conductive regime in which the current depends strongly to the doping; its threshold value is 7 × 1018 at/cm3 for anodization. Finally, the characterization of a classical planar SiC-MOSFET by C-AFM is examined. Results reveal the local oxidation mechanism of the SiC material at the surface of the MOSFET structure. AFM topographies after successive C-AFM measurements show that the local oxide created by anodization is located on both sides of the MOS channel; these areas are the locations of the highly n-type-doped zones. A selective wet chemical etching confirms that the oxide induced by local anodic oxidation is a SiOCH layer.

Effective technical protocol for producing a mono-iodoacetate-induced temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis in a rat model.

An animal model of osteoarthritis (OA) induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) can be effectively adjusted based on the concentration of MIA to control the onset, progression, and severity of OA as required. The rat temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) model using MIA is a useful tool for studying the effectiveness of disease-modifying OA drugs in TMJOA research. However, the intricate and complex anatomy of the rat TMJ often poses challenges in achieving consistent TMJOA induction during experiments. In the previous paper, a reference point was established by drawing parallel lines based on the line connecting the external ear and the zygomatic arch. However, this is not suitable for the anatomical characteristics of the rat. We used the zygomatic arch as a reference, which is a technical protocol that considers it. In our protocol, we designated a point approximately 1 mm away from the point where the zygomatic arch bends towards the ear as the injection site. To ensure precise injection of MIA and increase the likelihood of inducing OA, it is recommended to insert the needle at a 45° angle so that the needle tip contacts the joint projection. To confirm TMJOA induction, we identified changes in the condyle using in vivo micro-computed tomography (CT) in a rat model of MIA-induced OA and measured the degree of pain-related inflammation using head withdrawal threshold (HWT) measurements. Micro-CT scanning revealed typical OA-like lesions, including degenerative changes and subchondral bone remodeling induced by MIA in the TMJ. Pain, a major clinical feature of OA, showed an appropriate response corresponding to the structural changes shown in micro-CT scanning. In addition, the MIA concentration suitable for long-term observation of lesions was determined through ex vivo micro-CT imaging and HWT measurements. The 8 mg concentration exhibited a significant difference compared to others, confirming the sustained presence of lesions, particularly through changes in subchondral bone over an extended period. Consequently, we have successfully established a reliable rat TMJOA induction model and identified the MIA concentration suitable for long-term observation of subchondral bone research, which will greatly contribute to the study of TMJOA-an incurable disease lacking specific treatment options.

Magneto-thermoelectric effects mapping using tip-induced temperature gradient in atomic force microscopy

Mapping magneto-thermoelectric effects, such as the anomalous Nernst effect, are crucial to optimize devices that convert thermal energy to electric energy. In this article, we show the methodology to realize this based on a technique we recently established using atomic force microscopy, in which a tip contact on the surface locally creates the temperature gradient. We can map the non-magnetic Seebeck and anomalous Nernst effects separately by investigating the magnetic field dependence. The simulation based on a simple heat transfer model between the tip and sample quantitatively explains our results. We estimated the magnitude of the anomalous Nernst effect in permalloy from the experiment and simulation to be ∼0.10 μV/K.

Rapid prototyping of a polymer MEMS droplet dispenser by laser-assisted 3D printing

In this work, we introduce a polymer version of a previously developed silicon MEMS drop deposition tool for surface functionalization that consists of a microcantilever integrating an open fluidic channel and a reservoir. The device is fabricated by laser stereolithography, which offers the advantages of low-cost and fast prototyping. Additionally, thanks to the ability to process multiple materials, a magnetic base is incorporated into the cantilever for convenient handling and attachment to the holder of a robotized stage used for spotting. Droplets with diameters ranging from ∼50 µm to ∼300 µm are printed upon direct contact of the cantilever tip with the surface to pattern. Liquid loading is achieved by fully immersing the cantilever into a reservoir drop, where a single load results in the deposition of more than 200 droplets. The influences of the size and shape of the cantilever tip and the reservoir on the printing outcome are studied. As a proof-of-concept of the biofunctionalization capability of this 3D printed droplet dispenser, microarrays of oligonucleotides and antibodies displaying high specificity and no cross-contamination are fabricated, and droplets are deposited at the tip of an optical fiber bundle.