If you think Superman is fast, talk to Marcus Knudsun. His "Z accelerator" uses a magnetic field to hurl tiny plates at speeds up to 20 km/sec. At 20 times faster than a bullet fired from a rifle, the tiny plates are fast enough to leave most superheroes in the dust and also help aerospace and telecommunications engineers simulate how space debris affects the metal skin of orbiting satellites and space observatories. Knudson is a physicist at Sandia National Labs who is researching how materials react to pressure and temperature. "The impact velocities of space debris can be quite high, on the order of 20 km/sec," says Knudson. Beyond 20 km/sec, the temperature of the aluminum plates reaches 2,500K and the plates melt. The propulsion technique that Knudson uses works by applying the Z accelerators at 20 million amps to produce an evolving magnetic field that expands in approximately 200 nsec, ultimately reaching several million atmospheres of pressure. The resulting expansion of the magnetic field propels the small plates, just as a surfboarder who catches a wave is propelled through space. "The amount of mass that is launched to high velocity is limited to a pellet weighing a couple hundred milligrams," Knudson says. "The technology will allow testing of debris shields, something that would be of interest to NASA and the communications industry," he explains. The technique is said to be the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to determine how materials react to high pressures and temperature. For more information, contact Knudson at (505) 845-7796 or mdknuds@sandia.gov.
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
Lantronix Inc. has expanded its line of controllers for sensor networks with the release of a rugged controller that improves management of automation systems used in a number of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and chemicals.
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
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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
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