Software developed at NASA now available

NASA has made available many software applications that it developed under an open source license agreement. For example, STARS is finite element software used for structural analysis, heat transfer, linear aerodynamics, CFD , and controls engineering. It has been used at NASADryden Flight Research Center for analysis of the X-29A, F18 HARV/TVCS, B-52/Pegasus, Generic Hypersonics, NASP, SR-71, and the high speed civil transport (HSCT), among others.

View the software available on the NASA web site.

New MEMS technology on the way

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.

Hair cells in the ear replaced every two days

Researchers have found that the stereocilia, the tiny hair cells in the ear that convert vibrating air into electrical signals in the ear, are replaced every two days. Their finding could explain the reason why it takes two days to recover from exposure to loud music or noise.

Read the article on the New Scientist web site.

Vibrating shoes could improve balance

Researchers at Boston University have found that when feet are vibrated, people have less tendency to sway. They conducted tests by getting people to stand on a vibrating platform and found that people swayed several millimeters less than when the platforms were stationary.

Read the article on the New Scientist web site.

MEMs technology for microphones and speakers

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.

Tooth phone

A model will be shown at the Science Musuem in London, of a tooth implant that has a receiver and shaker. The device will receive RF signals and vibrate the jaw bone so that an audible signal can be heard in the ear of the wearer.

Read the full story on the Telegraph web site.

Acitve noise control headrests

Silence International, a Norwegian company, has developed an active noise control headrest called the “Silent Zone headrest”. The Silent Zone headrest will first be introduced in diesel locomotives.

Read the full story on the Silence International web site.

Scalable active vibration control system

Researchers at Vanderbuilt University, Department of Mechanical Engineering are developing active control systems to reduce the noise inside the payload bay of rockets. The take-off noise and vibration inside the rocket is responsible for many satellite failures and satellite manufacturers have to re-inforce the construction of their satellites to withstand the harsh conditions. By reducing the noise inside the paylaod bay, the weight of the satellite can be reduced, which substantially reduces the cost per launch. Ken Frampton’s group is designing modular active vibration control systems that will be scalable, as the number of nodes increases.

Read the full article on the Vanderbuilt University, Department of Mechanical Engineering web site.