Abstract: A method, apparatus, and software for an in-situ mechanical testing system to characterize heterogeneous deformation at microscale are disclosed. The current intellectual property landscape shows the in-situ mechanical testing of metals and alloys is severely limited to a maximum of about 1% macroscopic strain due to the optical microscopy's low depth of focus. To address this challenge, we disclose a smart imaging system consisting of several novel techniques. The techniques include digitally enhanced effective depth of field, real-time targeting and maintaining of a region of interest to image within the field of view and focus, and a panoramic imaging method to digitally widen the field of view. We also disclose a deformation quantification subsystem to analyze the collected data and quantify deformation characteristics. Finally, an expert system to extract the influence of microstructural features on the elastic-plastic and fracture properties is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for additive manufacturing of an object. The device includes: a first probe configured to form the object; and a work-hardening second probe, where the work-hardening second probe is an ultrasonic probe, and further where the second probe is configured to emit ultrasonic energy to modify a substructure of the object during manufacture; wherein the first probe is configured to increase a temperature of at least a portion of a first layer of the object facing the first probe, to a first depth; and wherein the second probe is configured to work-harden the at least a portion of the first layer of the object facing the first probe, to a second depth, the second depth being greater than the first depth.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a first capacitive element may be provided and associated with a surface where a fouling layer is to be detected. A second capacitive element may also be provided, and a capacitance between the first and second capacitive elements may be used to detect formation of the fouling layer. According to another embodiment, a thermal device is provided proximate to a surface where a fouling layer is to be detected. A detector (e.g., a thermometer or vibration detector) may detect a condition associated with the surface, and formation of the fouling layer may be determined based at least in part on the condition.

Abstract: A system is presented. The system includes detection circuitry configured to detect occurrence of a zero crossing of an alternating source voltage or an alternating load current. The system also includes switching circuitry coupled to the detection circuitry and comprising a micro-electromechanical system switch. Additionally, the system includes control circuitry coupled to the detection circuitry and the switching circuitry and configured to perform arc-less switching of the micro-electromechanical system switch responsive to a detected zero crossing of an alternating source voltage or alternating load current.

Abstract: An x-ray detector is provided for use in imaging systems. The x-ray detector includes a detector subsystem configured to output electrical signals in response to reception of x-rays. The detector subsystem includes an imaging panel, a support layer and a low density core disposed between the imaging panel and the support layer.

Abstract: An x-ray detector is provided for use in imaging systems. The x-ray detector includes a detector subsystem configured to output electrical signals in response to reception of x-rays. The detector subsystem includes an imaging panel, a support layer and a low density core disposed between the imaging panel and the support layer.

Abstract: A interferometer-based fouling detection system and method are described. The system may include a fiber optic cable, a light source in communication with the fiber optic cable, at least one photo detector in communication with the fiber optic cable, and at least one interferometric spectrometer. The fiber optic cable may include a long period grating and a fiber Bragg grating or it may include a facet edge. The system may instead include a fiber optic cable, a light source in communication with the fiber optic cable, at least one photo detector in communication with the fiber optic cable, a fiber coupler, a reference probe including a mirror, a sample probe, and an interferometer.

Abstract: A interferometer-based fouling detection system and method are described. The system may include a fiber optic cable, a light source in communication with the fiber optic cable, at least one photo detector in communication with the fiber optic cable, and at least one interferometric spectrometer. The fiber optic cable may include a long period grating and a fiber Bragg grating or it may include a facet edge. The system may instead include a fiber optic cable, a light source in communication with the fiber optic cable, at least one photo detector in communication with the fiber optic cable, a fiber coupler, a reference probe including a mirror, a sample probe, and an interferometer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a first capacitive element may be provided and associated with a surface where a fouling layer is to be detected. A second capacitive element may also be provided, and a capacitance between the first and second capacitive elements may be used to detect formation of the fouling layer. According to another embodiment, a thermal device is provided proximate to a surface where a fouling layer is to be detected. A detector (e.g., a thermometer or vibration detector) may detect a condition associated with the surface, and formation of the fouling layer may be determined based at least in part on the condition.

Abstract: A system is presented. The system includes a first micro-electromechanical system switch. Further, the system includes arc suppression circuitry coupled to the first micro-electromechanical system switch, wherein the arc suppression circuitry comprises a balanced diode bridge and is configured to facilitate suppression of an arc formation between contacts of the first micro-electromechanical system switch.

Abstract: A system is presented. The system includes detection circuitry configured to detect occurrence of a zero crossing of an alternating source voltage or an alternating load current. The system also includes switching circuitry coupled to the detection circuitry and comprising a micro-electromechanical system switch. Additionally, the system includes control circuitry coupled to the detection circuitry and the switching circuitry and configured to perform arc-less switching of the micro-electromechanical system switch responsive to a detected zero crossing of an alternating source voltage or alternating load current.