Technique for abrasive cutting of thick-film conductors for hybrid circuits

Abrasive jet technique, producing prototype conductor networks for thick-film hybrid microcircuits, does not require screening and fixing procedures. Pantograph engraver is used to perform abrasive cutting of the conductor network

Visual Understanding: The Ethics of Architectural Representation

Architectural representation’s multiple purposes include serving as working method for the architect and as communication to others. It is in communicating proposals to others that ethics issues arise. At stake are: satisfying values, meeting expectations, ‘reading’ architecture in one’s imagination, and enabling decision making. The first ethical requisite is teleological virtue: mastering the practices of representation. The second is that of deontic obligation to accurately portray design schemes to non-architects to enable the highest degree of understanding. Virtue concepts from Vitruvius to CAD, and case examples from Piranesi to Lebbeus Woods and the New Urbanists are explored

Getting to “Why?”

This is a case study of the development of a learning outcomes centered, large lecture, introductory design theory course, and a best practices presentation of active learning exercises aimed at getting to ‘Why?’ from ‘What?’. Getting to ‘Why?’ is a principal objective for me in large-lecture undergraduate education. In 1996 and 2003 I participated in developing required foundation theory courses for architecture and design averaging 220-260 students per section. Central to both are active learning exercises for analyzing the concrete ‘Who, what, where and when?’ to discern a ‘Why?’. This paper addresses the importance of ‘Why?’, and the learning outcomes, syllabus, exercises and student work of the newer course

Opportunities for optics in integrated circuits applications

Optics potentially addresses two key problems in electronic chips and systems: interconnects and timing. Short optical pulses (e.g., picoseconds or shorter) offer particularly precise timing. Results are shown for optical and electrical four-phase clocking, with <1 ps rms jitter for the optical case

Damage Mitigation Strategies of ‘Non-Structural’ Infill Walls: Concept and Numerical-Experimental Validation Program

In the past design codes, infill panels/walls within frame buildings have been considered as non-structural elements and thus have been typically neglected in the design process. However, the observations made after major earthquakes even in recent times (e.g. Duzce 1999, L’Aquila 2009, Darfield 2010) have shown that although infill walls are considered as non-structural elements, they can interact with the structural system during seismic actions and modify the behaviour of the structure significantly. More recent code design provisions (i.e.,NZS4230, Eurocode 8, Fema 273) do now recognize the complexity of such interactions and require either a) consider these effects of frame-infill interaction during the design and modelling phase or b) assure no or lowinteraction of the two systems with proper detailing and arrangements in the construction phase. However, considering the interaction in the design stage may not be a practical approach due to the complexity itself and in most cases does not solve the actual problem of brittle behaviour and thus damage to the infills. Therefore, the purpose of this particular research is to develop technological solutions and design guidelines for the control or prevention of damage to infill walls for either newly designed or existing buildings. For that purpose, an extensive experimental and numerical research programme has been planned. The concept, background on infill practice in New Zealand and the research programme will be briefly described in this paper