Joel Johnson, an Ohio State University associate professor of electric engineering, is using a new radiometric sensor that detects plastic mines that are invisible to metal detectors. The sensor detects low-frequency microwave radiation. "With lower frequencies, the advantage is that you can detect more types of objects, but the image isn't as clear as with millimeter wave technology," he says. The sensor is considered passive because it only detects radiation and doesn't emit it like other detection technologies. All objects emit some low level of microwave radiation, which is what his sensor detects. Johnson's sensor picks up the unique microwave signature that is dependent upon the material from which the object is made. Johnson and graduate student Min Zhang developed computer models that take into account the different signatures. The same technology is suitable for detecting the roughness of the ocean surface, which could help meteorologists study weather patterns. Johnson says that the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Defense, and NASA are involved with the project and there are plans to launch the microwave sensor on a satellite in the next few years. The Office of Naval Research sponsors the project. Radiometric (Boulder, CO) is building the sensor. For more information contact Johnson at (614) 292-1606 or send e-mail to johnson1374@osu.edu.
We looked at a number of sources to determine this year's greenest cars, from KBB to automotive trade magazines to environmental organizations. These 14 cars emerged as being great at either stretching fuel or reducing carbon footprint.
Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Labs have observed a reaction in lithium-air batteries that could help improve the design of these cells for electric vehicles and other applications.
Healthcare might seem to be an unlikely target application for the Internet of Things technology, but recent developments show small ways that big-data is going to make an impact on patient care moving into the future.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
4 
