1 Ltd has developed a new type of actuator called Helimorph, that uses PZT piezoelectric materials that have been layered into a helix, separated with conducting electrodes. When voltage is applied the free end moves parallel to the axis of the major helix, resulting in large (several millimeters) of displacement, whereas conventional piezoelectric materials move on the order of microns.
Read more on the 1 Ltd web site.
Researchers at Purdue University are using a neural network to identify noise and vibration problems on automobiles. A large part of the program involves characterizing the noise and vibration signals from various sub-systems, such as exhaust system, power train, suspension etc, with their associated faults such as floor vibration, cavity boom etc. The work is being funded by ArvinMeritor, a large automotive systems and parts supplier.
Read more on the Purdue University web site.
NXT is a company in the UK that has developed flat panel speakers. They make speakers for ceiling tiles, transparent speakers, car speakers, speakers for PAs, picture panels, speaking billboards, and has also been incorporated into the lid of an ACER laptop. Their latest product Audio Full Range (AFR) loudspeaker is a compact single-diaphragm, drive unit that is meant to replace the woofer, tweeter and associated filter components. The product is targeted for use the automotive industry.
Read more on the NXT web site.
Go to the Bruel & Kjaer in the UK.
The recent release of a tape recording of Osama bin Laden’s voice has officials questioning the authenticity of the speaker. Signal processing techniques and speech analysts have been employed to determine if the recording is of bin Laden or a skilled impersonator.
Read the story on yahoo.com.
BRE has developed an aircraft cabin simulator for an Airbus A300, and are developing a similar mock-up for a A380. The simulator is used for testing including noise, vibration, temperature, and humidity on cabin and cockpit crew and passengers.
Read the story on the SAE web site.
Read about the simulator on the BRE web site.
Mazda Motor Corporation selected MTS Systems Corporation and nCode to develop a virtual testing capability for durability, noise, vibration, and harshness.
Read the story on the MTS web site.
A consortium of 51 manufacturers from engine, aircraft, and equipment sectors as well as design and manufacturing firms, research establishments, and universities, are joining to develop technologies that would enable a minimum six-decibel reduction in aircraft noise.
Read the story on the SAE web site.
A new method of making MEMS devices is on the way. Traditional MEMS devices are made by etching silicon. A new method has been developed to etch metal, called EFAB. It is a metal deposition process that can be used to make complex 3D shapes. With EFAB processing, one can make electromagnetic actuators (e.g., solenoids) or sensors based on electromagnetic transduction—applications not well served by silicon micromachining.
Read the full article on the Sensor Mag web site.
Akustica is a US start-up company (not to be confused with the journal of the same name), that is developing MEMS that have combined on-chip microphones and electronics, and also speaker and electronics. This new technology allows the components to be miniaturised and produced extremely cheaply. They have developed microphones that are less than 1 mm^2, and a miniature speaker array that has 8 individually controllable speakers.
Read about the technology on the Akustica web site.