Abstract: A method for detecting components of dielectric materials is disclosed. The method includes use of a sensor to obtain at least one of a strain-dielectric coefficient data series at multiple frequencies or a stress-dielectric coefficient data series at multiple frequencies and using a processor to analyze resulting data, when a strain field or a stress field is known. The method also includes use of a sensor to obtain rheo-dielectric coefficient data at single frequency or data series at multiple frequencies and using a processor to analyze resulting data, when shear rate is known. The resulting data is used to perform material process or operation monitoring and control, quality examination, and characterization. Systems for detecting components of dielectric materials and for dielectrostriction measurement are also disclosed.

Abstract: Interdigitated dielectrostrictive sensors are employed to measure shear stress, and for obtaining strain-dielectric and stress-dielectric coefficients to monitor a process, and examine quality of dielectric materials, including but not limited to polymer, composite, grease, food, biofluids and etc. Each dielectrostrictive sensor includes at least two interdigitated sensors, each having at least two electrodes and a central axis. The central axes are disposed in a common plane and are oriented at different directions.

Abstract: Devices and methods employing interdigitated dielectrostrictive sensors are disclosed for measuring shear stress, and obtaining strain-dielectric and stress-dielectric coefficients to monitor a process, and examine quality of dielectric materials, including but not limited to polymer, composite, grease, food, biofluids and etc. The dielectrostrictive sensor includes at least two interdigitated sensors, each having at least two electrodes and a central axis. The central axes are disposed in a common plane and are oriented at different directions.

Abstract: A method is provided of fabricating a composite incorporating fillers. The method includes the steps of depositing the fillers in a matrix material either in a rapid prototyping device or prior to inserting the matrix material into a mold. The mold is positioned at a desired location with respect to an electrical field such that at least a portion of the fillers in the matrix material align in a first direction in response thereto. For producing a heterogeneous composite through a rapid prototyping process, the electrodes are positioned at a desired orientation to align the fillers. Thereafter, at least a portion of the matrix material is cured with desirable filler orientation. The procedure is repeated with the desired filler orientation and distribution being introduced layer by layer within the composite.

Abstract: A method is provided of fabricating a composite incorporating fillers. The method includes the steps of depositing the fillers in a matrix material either in a rapid prototyping device or prior to inserting the matrix material into a mold. The mold is positioned at a desired location with respect to an electrical field such that at least a portion of the fillers in the matrix material align in a first direction in response thereto. For producing a heterogeneous composite through a rapid prototyping process, the electrodes are positioned at a desired orientation to align the fillers. Thereafter, at least a portion of the matrix material is cured with desirable filler orientation. The procedure is repeated with the desired filler orientation and distribution being introduced layer by layer within the composite.

Abstract: An apparatus and method directed to a solid-state capacitance sensor for measuring a strain force on a dielectric including at least one pair of electrostriction sensors each sensor having at least two electrodes and each having a central axis. The central axes are disposed in a common plane and are oriented substantially mutually perpendicularly to one another. Preferably, at least two pairs of sensors, forming a rosette, are provided to facilitate multi-component analysis of a sample having dielectric properties under stress/strain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method directed to a solid-state capacitance sensor for measuring a strain force on a dielectric including at least one pair of electrostriction sensors each sensor having at least two electrodes and each having a central axis. The central axes are disposed in a common plane and are oriented substantially mutually perpendicularly to one another. Preferably, at least two pairs of sensors, forming a rosette, are provided to facilitate multi-component analysis of a sample having dielectric properties under stress/strain.