Autonomous support for microorganism research in space

A preliminary design for performing on orbit, autonomous research on microorganisms and cultured cells/tissues is presented. An understanding of gravity and its effects on cells is crucial for space exploration as well as for terrestrial applications. The payload is designed to be compatible with the Commercial Experiment Transporter (COMET) launch vehicle, an orbiter middeck locker interface, and with Space Station Freedom. Uplink/downlink capabilities and sample return through controlled reentry are available for all carriers. Autonomous testing activities are preprogrammed with in-flight reprogrammability. Sensors for monitoring temperature, pH, light, gravity levels, vibrations, and radiation are provided for environmental regulation and experimental data collection. Additional experimental data acquisition includes optical density measurement, microscopy, video, and film photography. On-board full data storage capabilities are provided. A fluid transfer mechanism is utilized for inoculation, sampling, and nutrient replenishment of experiment cultures. In addition to payload design, representative experiments were developed to ensure scientific objectives remained compatible with hardware capabilities. The project is defined to provide biological data pertinent to extended duration crewed space flight including crew health issues and development of a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS). In addition, opportunities are opened for investigations leading to commercial applications of space, such as pharmaceutical development, modeling of terrestrial diseases, and material processing

Hybrid Nanomaterials

Two of the hottest research topics today are hybrid nanomaterials and flexible electronics. As such, this book covers both topics with chapters written by experts from across the globe. Chapters address hybrid nanomaterials, electronic transport in black phosphorus, three-dimensional nanocarbon hybrids, hybrid ion exchangers, pressure-sensitive adhesives for flexible electronics, simulation and modeling of transistors, smart manufacturing technologies, and inorganic semiconductors

George C. Marshall Space Flight Center Research and Technology Report 2014

Many of NASA's missions would not be possible if it were not for the investments made in research advancements and technology development efforts. The technologies developed at Marshall Space Flight Center contribute to NASA's strategic array of missions through technology development and accomplishments. The scientists, researchers, and technologists of Marshall Space Flight Center who are working these enabling technology efforts are facilitating NASA's ability to fulfill the ambitious goals of innovation, exploration, and discovery

Laser beam characterisation for industrial applications

This thesis describes the theory, development and applications of laser beam characterisation for industrial laser materials processing systems. Descriptions are given of novel forms of beam diagnostic systems and their integration into highly automated industrial tools. Work is also presented that has contributed to the new ISO standard on beam characterisation. Particular emphasis is given to excimer laser applications and UV micromachining. [Continues.

Micromachined three-dimensional electrode arrays for in-vitro and in-vivo electrogenic cellular networks

This dissertation presents an investigation of micromachined three-dimensional microelectrode arrays (3-D MEAs) targeted toward in-vitro and in-vivo biomedical applications. Current 3-D MEAs are predominantly silicon-based, fabricated in a planar fashion, and are assembled to achieve a true 3-D form: a technique that cannot be extended to micro-manufacturing. The integrated 3-D MEAs developed in this work are polymer-based and thus offer potential for large-scale, high volume manufacturing. Two different techniques are developed for microfabrication of these MEAs - laser micromachining of a conformally deposited polymer on a non-planar surface to create 3-D molds for metal electrodeposition; and metal transfer micromolding, where functional metal layers are transferred from one polymer to another during the process of micromolding thus eliminating the need for complex and non-repeatable 3-D lithography processes. In-vitro and in-vivo 3-D MEAs are microfabricated using these techniques and are packaged utilizing Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) or other low-cost manufacturing techniques. To demonstrate in-vitro applications, growth of 3-D co-cultures of neurons/astrocytes and tissue-slice electrophysiology with brain tissue of rat pups were implemented. To demonstrate in-vivo application, measurements of nerve conduction were implemented. Microelectrode impedance models, noise models and various process models were evaluated. The results confirmed biocompatibility of the polymers involved, acceptable impedance range and noise of the microelectrodes, and potential to improve upon an archaic clinical diagnostic application utilizing these 3-D MEAs.Ph.D.Committee Chair: Mark G. Allen; Committee Member: Elliot L. Chaikof; Committee Member: Ionnis (John) Papapolymerou; Committee Member: Maysam Ghovanloo; Committee Member: Oliver Bran

Development of the UMAC-based control system with application to 5-axis ultraprecision micromilling machines

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.Increasing demands from end users in the fields of optics, defence, automotive, medical, aerospace, etc. for high precision 3D miniaturized components and microstructures from a range of materials have driven the development in micro and nano machining and changed the manufacturing realm. Conventional manufacturing processes such as chemical etching and LIGA are found unfavourable or limited due to production time required and have led mechanical micro machining to grow further. Mechanical micro machining is an ideal method to produce high accuracy micro components and micro milling is the most flexible enabling process and is thus able to generate a wider variety of complex micro components and microstructures. Ultraprecision micromilling machine tools are required so as to meet the accuracy, surface finish and geometrical complexity of components and parts. Typical manufacturing requirements are high dimensional accuracy being better than 1 micron, flatness and roundness better than 50 nm and surface finish ranging between 10 and 50 nm. Manufacture of high precision components and parts require very intricate material removal procedure. There are five key components that include machine tools, cutting tools, material properties, operation variables and environmental conditions, which constitute in manufacturing high quality components and parts. End users assess the performance of a machine tool based on the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of machined parts including the machining time. In this thesis, the emphasis is on the design and development of a control system for a 5-axis bench-type ultraprecision micromilling machine- Ultra-Mill. On the one hand, the developed control system is able to offer high motion and positioning accuracy, dynamic stiffness and thermal stability for motion control, which are essential for achieving the machining accuracy and surface finish desired. On the other hand, the control system is able to undertake in-process inspection and condition monitoring of the machine tool and process. The control of multi-axis precision machines with high-speed and high-accuracy motions and positioning are desirable to manufacture components with high accuracy and complex features to increase productivity and maintain machine stability, etc. The development of the control system has focused on fast, accurate and robust positioning requirements at the machine system design stage. Apart from the mechanical design, the performance of the entire precision systems is greatly dependent on diverse electrical and electronics subsystems, controllers, drive instruments, feedback devices, inspection and monitoring system and software. There are some variables that dynamically alter the system behaviour and sensitivity to disturbance that are not ignorable in the micro and nano machining realm. In this research, a structured framework has been developed and integrated to aid the design and development of the control system. The framework includes critically reviewing the state of the art of ultraprecision machining tools, understanding the control system technologies involved, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of various control system methods for ultraprecision machines, understanding what is required by end-users and formulating what actually makes a machine tool be an ultraprecision machine particularly from the control system perspective. In the design and development stage, the possession of mechatronic know-how is essential as the design and development of the Ultra-Mill is a multidisciplinary field. Simulation and modelling tool such as Matlab/Simulink is used to model the most suitable control system design. The developed control system was validated through machining trials to observe the achievable accuracy, experiments and testing of subsystems individually (slide system, tooling system, monitoring system, etc.). This thesis has successfully demonstrated the design and development of the control system for a 5-axis ultraprecision machine tool- Ultra-Mill, with high performance characteristics, fast, accurate, precise, etc. for motion and positioning, high dynamic stiffness, robustness and thermal stability, whereby was provided and maintained by the control system

The Federal Conference on Intelligent Processing Equipment

Research and development projects involving intelligent processing equipment within the following U.S. agencies are addressed: Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency, NASA, National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation

Micro/Nano Manufacturing

Micro- and nano-scale manufacturing has been the subject of ever more research and industrial focus over the past 10 years. Traditional lithography-based technology forms the basis of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) manufacturing, but also precision manufacturing technologies have been developed to cover micro-scale dimensions and accuracies. Furthermore, these fundamentally different technology platforms are currently combined in order to exploit the strengths of both platforms. One example is the use of lithography-based technologies to establish nanostructures that are subsequently transferred to 3D geometries via injection molding. Manufacturing processes at the micro-scale are the key-enabling technologies to bridge the gap between the nano- and the macro-worlds to increase the accuracy of micro/nano-precision production technologies, and to integrate different dimensional scales in mass-manufacturing processes. Accordingly, this Special Issue seeks to showcase research papers, short communications, and review articles that focus on novel methodological developments in micro- and nano-scale manufacturing, i.e., on novel process chains including process optimization, quality assurance approaches and metrology