Erik T. Thostenson¹, Chunyu Li¹, Tsu-Wei Chou¹

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.3, No.1, pp. 29-34, 2007, DOI:10.3970/icces.2007.003.029

Abstract With their well-known novel mechanical and electrical properties, carbon nanotubes are inherently multifunctional. Toward the development of multifunctional composite materials we have experimentally and theoretically investigated the use of carbon nanotubes as sensors and actuators. In this research work, we consider the nanotube within an external electric field with non-uniform charge distribution. Subsequently the charge induced deformations are investigated. We also demonstrate that conducting carbon nanotube networks formed in an epoxy polymer matrix can be utilized as highly-sensitive sensors for detecting the onset, nature and evolution of damage in advanced polymer-based composites. Using direct-current measurements More >

S. Temiyasathit¹, W-J. Tang¹, C. T. Anderson¹, T. P. Stearns¹, C. R. Jacobs¹

Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, Vol.3, No.4, pp. 215-216, 2006, DOI:10.32604/mcb.2006.003.215

Abstract This article has no abstract. More >

Christopher A. Lemmon^1,2, Nathan J. Sniadecki³, Sami Alom Ruiz^1,3, John L. Tan, Lewis H. Romer^2,4,5, Christopher S. Chen^3,4

Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 1-16, 2005, DOI:10.3970/mcb.2005.002.001

Abstract The interplay of mechanical forces between the extracellular environment and the cytoskeleton drives development, repair, and senescence in many tissues. Quantitative definition of these forces is a vital step in understanding cellular mechanosensing. Microfabricated post array detectors (mPADs) provide direct measurements of cell-generated forces during cell adhesion to extracellular matrix. A new approach to mPAD post labeling, volumetric imaging, and an analysis of post bending mechanics determined that cells apply shear forces and not point moments at the matrix interface. In addition, these forces could be accurately resolved from post deflections by using images of More >

Jessica E. Koehne, Jun Li¹, Alan M. Cassell, Hua Chen, Qi Ye, Jie Han, M. Meyyappan

Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, Vol.1, No.1, pp. 69-80, 2004, DOI:10.3970/mcb.2004.001.069

Abstract Vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been reported in fabricating nanoelectrode arrays. Further studies on optimizing this system for the development of ultrasensitive DNA sensors are reported here. The mechanical stability of the as-grown MWCNT array can be improved by polymer coating or SiO₂ encapsulation. The latter method provides excellent electronic and ionic insulation to the sidewall of MWCNTs and the underlying metal layer, which is investigated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The insulation ensures well-defined nanoelectrode behavior. A method is developed for selectively functionalizing biomolecules at the open end of MWCNTs while keeping the SiO₂ More >

Kunigal Shivakumar¹, Anil Bhargava²

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.1, No.2, pp. 173-190, 2004, DOI:10.3970/cmc.2004.001.173

Abstract The fiber optic sensor (FOS) embedded perpendicular to reinforcing fibers causes an `Eye' shaped defect. The length is about 16 times fiber optic radius (R_Fos) and height is about 2R_Fos. The eye contains fiber optics in the center surrounded by an elongated resin pocket. Embedding FOS causes geometric distortion of the reinforcing fiber over a height equal to 6 to 8 R_Fos. This defect causes severe stress concentration at the root of the resin pocket, the interface (in the composite) between the optical fiber and the composite, and at 90° to load direction in the composite. The… More >

Amitesh Maiti¹

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.3, No.5, pp. 589-600, 2002, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2002.003.589

Abstract Atomistic modeling and simulations are becoming increasingly important in the design of new devices at the nanoscale. In particular, theoretical modeling of carbon nanotubes have provided useful insight and guidance to many experimental efforts. To this end, we report simulation results on the electronic, structural and transport properties for two different applications of carbon nanotube-based devices: (1) effect of adsorbates on field emission; and (2) effect of mechanical deformation on the electronic transport. The reported simulations are based on First Principles Density Functional Theory (DFT), classical molecular mechanics, and tight-binding transport based on the recursive More >