Abstract: A sample collector for extracting a particulate material specimen from a container includes a needle for puncturing the container and capturing an amount of specimen inside a chamber in mechanical communication with the needle. A spring-loaded continuously and progressively retractable and extendable sheath protects the tip of the needle from inadvertent contact with a human user and encloses the puncture site on the container during collection. A preliminary screening test for illicit substances can be conducted on part of the collected specimen to determine whether the container should be confiscated. Part of the collected specimen can be preserved for later confirmatory testing.

Abstract: A trap for horizontal flow marine sediment, useful for collecting and sampling marine sediments where horizontal currents are intense and turbulent; the trap is comprising a first inlet opening and a second outlet opening, configured to allow the inlet and the outlet of a marine current, the path between the two openings comprising: an inlet area with a divergent section, connected to the first inlet opening; a sedimentation area with a greater section with respect to the inlet area, in order to allow gravity separation of particles present in the marine current. The trap also has an outlet area whose section converges in terms of width between the section where the outlet area is connected to the sedimentation area and to the second outlet opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of cell sedimentation and retention of target cells, for example circulating tumour cells, CTC, from a fluid sample onto a solid support. The method comprises placing a fluid medium comprising the target cells in a fluid chamber, the fluid chamber having an open end sealed against a surface of the solid support. The method further comprises subjecting the fluid medium to centrifugation within the fluid chamber to induce sedimentation of the target cells and promote cell adhesion to the surface of the solid support. The method further comprises, post-centrifugation, positioning a fluid absorbing element in the fluid chamber to remove fluid from the fluid chamber. The method further comprises controlling a flow rate of the fluid being absorbed by the fluid absorbing element such that the sedimented cells are not detached from the surface of the solid support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluidic device in which solutions of different concentrations can be easily obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of biological cells for the mass spectrometric analysis of cellular properties such as taxonomic classification, antibiotic resistances, response to drugs or other active substances, and others. The cells can be prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms which have particularly been cultivated directly on a mass spectrometric sample support, or eukaryotic cells from tissues or cell cultures. The invention proposes that the cells are not disrupted by adding matrix solution for a subsequent ionization by matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI), but that they are disrupted in a separate treatment step using acids and/or solvents on the sample support itself. Surprisingly, the cell proteins released then adhere to the sample support so that they can be carefully washed with buffer solution to remove salts and other soluble impurities which can stem from earlier treatment steps, for example from nutrient solution.

Abstract: Methods and systems of analyzing and quantifying a surface acidity on a low surface area sample are disclosed. The methods include analyzing a quantity of an effluent molecular probe desorption from a temperature programmed desorption (TPD) process and system, by employing a mass spectroscopy (MS) system. The molecular probe is chemically adsorbed on a clean surface of the sample before the TPD process. The sample has a surface area to mass ratio of less than 5 m2/g. In some embodiments, the total surface area analyzed in the method can be as low as 3 m2.

Abstract: A filtering device is provided to an analyzing instrument to block the passage of oversized particles that may otherwise clog the aperture of a sample analyzing device. The filtering device can be arranged to be proximate to the mixing chamber. In certain examples, the filtering device is placed at or adjacent an output port of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Paraffin-embedded tissue, which may be disposed on a solid substrate, is prepared by a dry technique that removes paraffin from tissue without adding any liquid to the tissue, thereby rendering the tissue substantially free of paraffin. The dry technique may entail applying heat energy to the tissue effective to melt the paraffin and thereby render it flowable, and applying an electric field. The electric field is effective to impart electrical charge to the paraffin and to move the paraffin out from the tissue due to electrical charge repulsion or attraction, which may be assisted by moving an electrode utilized to generate the electric field relative to the paraffin. The electric field, or both the electric field and the heat energy, may be applied until the tissue is substantially free of paraffin.

Abstract: In order to determine a rheological property of a fluid, the fluid is conveyed with a constant volume flow rate through a nozzle and the fluid strand thereby generated is deposited on a substrate. A relative movement takes place between the nozzle and the substrate at a forward feed velocity value. A contour of the liquid strand between the nozzle and the substrate is optically measured, and an extensional viscosity as a rheological property is deduced from knowledge of the volume flow rate, the forward feed velocity value and the contour of the fluid strand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring surface energy of aggregates based on static drop method, comprising (1) aggregates grinding and pretreatment; (2) obtaining the surface texture index; (3) calculating the surface energy based on static drop method experiment; (4) fitting to obtain a functional relationship between the surface texture index and surface energy; (5) calculating the surface energy of the original aggregate. The method considers the influence of the grinding process on the surface texture of the aggregates when measuring the surface energy of the aggregates, which significantly improves the accuracy of the static drop method test. The static drop method can be used to replace the vapor adsorption method to test the surface energy of aggregate, and the low-cost optical contact angle instrument can replace the expensive magnetic suspension weight balance system to test the surface energy of aggregate, which greatly reduces the test cost.

Abstract: A method for determining lower radius limit of movable throat of shale is provided, and it includes: performing a low-temperature nitrogen adsorption test on a target shale to obtain first pore radii; performing a high-pressure mercury injection test on the target shale to obtain second pore radii; performing a nuclear magnetic resonance test on the target shale to obtain third pore radii; obtaining a relationship diagram of distribution frequencies and pore radii according to three pore radii; distinguishing, according to the pore radii, relationship diagram data, and performing normalization processing to determining a relationship curve of normalized frequency data and the pore radii; and determining a lower radius limit of movable throat of shale according to relationship curve. A problem of describing characteristics of shale occurrence space with complex pore structures and strong heterogeneity is solved, the method is suitable for determining lower radius limit of movable throat of shale.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting sperm is provided. The system includes a housing and a microfluidic system supported by the housing. The system also includes an inlet providing access to the microfluidic system to deliver sperm to the microfluidic system and an outlet providing access to the microfluidic system to harvest sorted sperm from the microfluidic system. The microfluidic system provides a flow path for sperm from the inlet to the outlet and includes at least one channel extending from the inlet to the outlet to allow sperm delivered to the microfluidic system through the inlet to progress along the flow path toward the outlet. The microfluidic system also includes a filter including a first plurality of micropores arranged in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet to cause sperm traveling along the flow path to move against through the filter and gravity to reach the outlet.

Abstract: A method includes providing a cartridge and the cartridge includes a slot for receiving a microfluidic chip having a set of first channels. The cartridge also includes a set of second channels and each channel of the set of second channels is coupleable to a different channel of the set of first channels during use with the microfluidic chip. The cartridge also includes an indent configured for engagement and alignment of the cartridge during use. The method also includes inserting the cartridge into a device, such that the cartridge engages a first biasing member of the device configured for alignment of the cartridge in a first direction. The first biasing member is configured to bias movement of the cartridge into locking position with a notch of the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for flow cytometry. The methods comprise: labeling cells of a sample with Raman tags; causing the sample to flow through a microfluidic channel of a flow cytometer through which a laser beam passes; detecting Raman signals emitted from the Raman tags while being illuminated by the laser beam; and determining characteristics of the cells based on the detected Raman signals.

Abstract: The embodiments of present disclosure provide methods and systems for corrosion protection optimization of a pipeline of smart gas. The method may be implemented through a smart gas safety management platform of an Internet of Things (IoT) system for corrosion protection optimization of a pipeline of smart gas. The method may include: obtaining inspection data of a gas pipeline in a gas pipeline network, the inspection data including gas monitoring data; determining a corrosion situation of a pipe wall of the gas pipeline based on the inspection data; and determining a repair plan based on the corrosion situation of the pipe wall.

Abstract: A loading frame for fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)-concrete bond tests includes a standing guide tower, a base section, and a loading beam. The standing guide tower is perpendicularly mounted to the base section. A testing load is applied to the loading beam when performing a series of FRP-concrete bond tests. A sliding end of the loading beam is positioned into a channel within the standing guide tower allowing the loading beam to be positioned at a preferred height. The engagement between the loading beam and the standing guide tower reduces secondary forces. The loading frame is mobile and may also be used with existing testing devices and systems used to perform the series of FRP-concrete bond tests.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing photothermal dynamic imaging. An exemplary method includes: scanning a sample to produce a plurality of raw photothermal dynamic signals; receiving the raw photothermal dynamic signals of the sample; generating a plurality of second signals by matched filtering the raw photothermal dynamic signals to reject non-modulated noise; and performing an inverse operation on the second signals to retrieve at least one thermodynamic signal in a temporal domain.

Abstract: A method for determining a quality condition of an agricultural product comprises: receiving a received light at a light detector, the received light comprising reflected, scattered, refracted, and/or deflected light from the agricultural product; transmitting the received light to a spectrometer; producing agricultural product (AP) spectral data of the received light using the spectrometer; with a computer in electrical communication with the spectrometer, comparing the AP spectral data to reference spectral data to determine whether the agricultural product has the quality condition, the reference spectral data corresponding to known quality conditions of the agricultural product; and with the computer, generating an output signal corresponding to the quality condition of the agricultural product.

Abstract: An observation apparatus includes a case having a transmissive window, an image sensor, an optical system, and a light source housed in the case, and an optical deflection unit. The optical system is configured to condense light incident inside the case to form an image of a sample inside a container. The light source is configured to emit light to the outside of the case without passing through the optical system. The optical deflection unit is configured to deflect light emitted to the outside of the case from the light source to a first direction proceeding toward the transmissive window. An angle of exit between the first direction and an optical axis of the optical system is different from an angle of incidence between a second direction in which light emitted to the outside of the case is incident on the optical deflection unit, and the optical axis.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an optical sensor may include acquiring a first characteristic for an external light source through a detector of an optical sensor while an internal light source of the optical sensor is turned off; driving the internal light source; acquiring a second characteristic for the internal light source and the external light source through the detector, based on driving the internal light source; and acquiring a reference characteristic of the internal light source, for calculation of an absorbance of an object, based on the first characteristic and the second characteristic.

Abstract: A method for detecting biomaterial by means of a dye having a linear upconversion fluorescent property is provided. The method includes the steps of: i) preparing a fluorophore having a linear upconversion fluorescent property; ii) reacting the fluorophore and biomaterial to obtain a reaction complex thereof; iii) exciting the reaction complex by means of a light source having a longer wavelength than the maximum light-emitting wavelength of the fluorophore; and iv) detecting and measuring the light-emitting signal having a shorter wavelength than the wavelength of the excited light emitted from the excited reaction complex. A system and a kit for detecting biomaterial using a dye having a linear upconversion fluorescent property are also provided.

Abstract: An optical detection system for a capillary electrophoresis instrument is disclosed. The system includes an ultraviolet (UV) source and an absorption measurement optical path. In an embodiment, the optical path comprises a first plurality of optical elements arranged to obtain a plurality of respective UV beamlets from a UV beam emitted by the UV source and to direct the respective UV beamlets transversely through respective capillaries of a plurality of capillaries and to an absorption detector positioned to detect respective signals for use in obtaining respective UV absorption measurements corresponding to the respective capillaries.

Abstract: Methods and systems described herein detect autofluorescence of a sample. These methods and systems obviate the need for addition of fluorophores to samples to create IR absorption.

Abstract: During operation of the system, a sample of the biological material is placed against a surface of a waveguide, which is comprised of a UV-transparent waveguide material. Then, the system launches UV light from a UV light source via side-illumination into an input end of the waveguide, wherein a launch angle for components of the UV light is greater than a critical angle between the waveguide material and air, so that the UV light propagates through the waveguide via total internal reflection to reach the sample. The launch angle is also less than a critical angle between the waveguide material and the sample, so that when the UV light reaches the sample, the UV light escapes the waveguide through refraction to illuminate the sample. Finally, an imaging mechanism located on an opposite side of the waveguide from the sample captures an image of the illuminated sample.

Abstract: A method of analysis of defects of a type from among a plurality of types of defects between two samples based on an image of each sample characteristic of a type of defect from among the plurality of types of defects includes: for each sample, creating a minimap including bins and representative of a type of defect whose resolution is less than the image of the sample, each bin of the minimap being associated with pixels of the image of the sample and having a score dependent on the pixels and representative of the quantity of a type of defects; determining the distance between each minimap representing the same type or types of defects, the distance between two minimaps being defined as the minimum distance between two minimaps by considering the following transformations: a rotation and/or a symmetry so that each distance between two minimaps is associated with a transformation.

Abstract: Carbon fiber characterization processes are described that include multi-condition Raman spectroscopy-based examination combined with multivariate data analyses. Methods are a nondestructive material characterization approach that can provide predictions as to carbon fiber bulk physical properties, as well as identification of unknown carbon fiber materials for quality control purposes. The framework of the multivariate analysis methods includes a principal component-based identification protocol including comparison of Raman spectral data from an unknown carbon fiber with a data library of multiple principal component spaces.

Abstract: A system for measurement is provided. The system includes a first optical path configured to supply first light pulses with a first range of wavelengths; a second optical path configured to supply second light pulses with a second range of wavelengths shorter than the first range of wavelengths; an optical I/O unit configured to emit the first light pulses and the second light pulses to a target and acquire a light from the target to detect CARS light pluses from the target by a detector; and a first phase modulating unit configured to vary phase differences between the first light pulses and the second light pulses as the first light pulses and the second light pulses are emitted via the optical I/O unit.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to improved enhancement structures for use in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and/or surface-enhanced fluorescence-based analysis.

Abstract: Semi-automated quantitative phenotype analysis of organisms, such as plant organisms, bacterial organisms, and the like. An imaging system, image capture specifications, a semi-automated quantitative image analysis process, and automated batch processing of acquired images that enables completely quantitative experimental readouts that produces data rapidly and objectively.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a machine learning based detection system, in which defects can be detected even if the system was not trained for these defects and even in items that were not used to train the system, thereby offering an inherently flexible detection system.

Abstract: A device to detect and analyze defects in a finished surface includes a supporting mechanism, a transmitting mechanism, a detecting mechanism, and a processor. The transmitting mechanism carries and transmits the product. The detecting mechanism includes a detecting frame, a light source assembly. The processor is used to connect to a first camera module and a second camera module, and preprocess the first image and the second image to obtain a detection and analysis of any defects of the front of the product.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to assigning and reporting the cleanliness of objects and areas, and particularly relates to utilization of object and area cleanliness states as determined by the opposing processes of cleaning and dirtying detected through various methods to provide an indication of the state of cleanliness potentially utilized to alter the process of cleaning and/or dirtying to reach a desired state of cleanliness. Detection of the cleaning and dirtying operations can be performed automatically through image processing and behavior detection of still images/video indicating the activity taking place in the area of interest and time. The state of cleanliness can then be reported to interested parties as textual reports and/or augmented reality overlays on still images/video.

Abstract: A defect detection device including an illumination optical system, an image capturing optical system configured to capture an image of scattered light generated by the illumination optical system irradiating the wafer, and an image processing unit configured to process a picture of the image of the scattered light to extract a defect on the wafer. The image capturing optical system includes an objective lens, a filter unit configured to shield a part of light transmitted through the objective lens, and an imaging lens configured to form an image of light transmitted through the filter unit. The filter unit includes a first microlens array configured to condense parallel light transmitted through the objective lens, a shutter array including a light transmission unit at a focus position of the first microlens array, and a second microlens array disposed opposite to the first microlens array with respect to the shutter array.

Abstract: A system and method for coating marine pipeline weld joints and wet inspection of the applied coating is provided. The coating system includes an anti-corrosion coating including a fluorescent pigment to enhance inspection of the applied coating. The system also includes a robotic crawler for traversing inside the pipe and carrying a coating apparatus and inspection apparatus respectively configured to apply the coating on the weld joints and facilitate inspection of the wet coating. The coating apparatus comprises a spraying nozzle provided on a forward end of the robotic crawler and configured to spray coating onto on the surrounding circumferential pipe surface. The inspection apparatus includes an ultraviolet radiation emitter for activating the fluorescent pigment in the coating and a camera for providing a live image feed of the coated weld joint area to an operator computing station for inspection of the applied coating.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for analyzing the signal of a neutral atom imaging unit, including: preparing a neutral atom imaging unit, which includes a semiconductor detector array and modulation grids disposed at intervals in front of the semiconductor detector array; preparing a neutral atom source plane, energetic neutral atoms emitted by the neutral atom source plane are received by the semiconductor detector array after passing through the modulation grids, and the modulation grids form a projection on the semiconductor detector array; obtaining a response function of the imaging unit according to the projection; calculating the data signal obtained by the neutral atom imaging unit; and performing inversion imaging on the neutral atom emission source according to the response function of the imaging unit and the data signal. The method well inverts the neutral atom emission source to obtain the intensity and size of the neutral atom emission source.

Abstract: Techniques for adapting an adaptive specimen image acquisition system using an artificial neural network (ANN) are disclosed. An adaptive specimen image acquisition system is configurable to scan a specimen to produce images of varying qualities. An adaptive specimen image acquisition system first scans a specimen to produce a low-quality image. An ANN identifies objects of interest within the specimen image. A scan mask indicates regions of the image corresponding to the objects of interest. The adaptive specimen image acquisition system scans only the regions of the image corresponding to the objects of interest, as indicated by the scan mask, to produce a high-quality image. The low-quality image and the high-quality image are merged in a final image. The final image shows the objects of interest at a higher quality, and the rest of the specimen at a lower quality.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a rock sample includes segmenting a digital image volume corresponding to an image of the rock sample, to associate voxels in the digital image volume with a plurality of rock fabrics of the rock sample. The method also includes identifying a set of digital planes through the digital image volume. The set of digital planes intersects with each of the plurality of rock fabrics. The method further includes machining the rock sample to expose physical faces that correspond to the identified digital planes, performing scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging of the physical faces to generate two-dimensional (2D) SEM images of the physical faces, and performing image processing on the SEM images to determine a material property associated with each of the rock fabrics.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a device for acquiring a temperature and a computer-readable storage medium. The method for acquiring a temperature includes: building a temperature acquisition model, wherein the temperature acquisition model is configured to acquire, based on an operating parameter of the radioactive substance treatment system input to the temperature acquisition model, a temperature of different parts of the radioactive reactant in the radioactive substance treatment system under a condition of the parameter; inputting a current operating parameter of the radioactive substance treatment system into the temperature acquisition model during the treatment for the radioactive substance; and acquiring a current temperature of different parts of the radioactive reactant in the radioactive substance treatment system output by the temperature acquisition model.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a biomaterial comprising electrically-conductive protein nanowires and at least two electrodes. The at least two electrodes are in operative arrangement with the protein nanowires and configured to provide a signal indicative of a change in conductivity of the protein nanowires. The conductivity of the protein nanowires is responsive to a change in concentration of a gas exposed to the biomaterial, such as ammonia, or to a change in relative humidity.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is described herein that can be used to perform magneto-optical detection and discernment of crystals within a biofluid sample. A magnetic field can be applied by the diagnostic device in a direction relative to light traveling through the sample. The presence of a crystal can be determined based on the magneto-optical properties of the sample. The detected crystal can be one of two similar crystal types that may be in the biofluid sample. The two similar crystal types can exhibit different magneto-optical properties under a magnetic field in a different direction. Accordingly, the type of crystal can be discerned by applying the magnetic field in the different direction as light travels through the sample. Discernment of the type of crystal can lead to diagnosis of the particular disease condition and subsequent proper treatment of the disease condition.

Abstract: A diagnostic vehicle (1) which diagnoses operation situations of magnetic markers (10) laid in or on a traveling road so as to be magnetically detectable by a vehicle includes sensor unit (11) which obtains a one-dimensional magnetic distribution by measuring a magnitude of magnetism with which any of magnetic markers (10) acts therearound, line sensor camera (13) which obtains a marker image, which is one-dimensional image information, by imaging magnetic marker (10), and diagnosing unit (15) which determines the presence or absence of a flaw in magnetic marker (10) based on a comparison between a magnetic distribution and the marker image.

Abstract: The method for examining a clinched portion of a tubular body includes the steps of: giving an elastic vibration to a clinched body 90 formed by clinching a tubular body 91 with a clinch-target member 92; and acquiring, for each of a plurality of view areas 95 which differ from each other in the position in the circumferential direction of the tubular body 91, a vibration distribution optically and simultaneously measured within the view area 95 including a clinched portion 93 of the tubular body 91 and the clinch-target member 92, to determine whether or not the state of clinching is satisfactory over the entire clinched portion 93.

Abstract: A monitoring device of liquid pipeline includes a fixture detachably fixed to an outer surface of a pipeline, a first ultrasonic probe disposed in the fixture, a processing module having stored a minimum signal threshold, and a display unit connecting to the processing module. The processing module controls the first ultrasonic probe transmitting a first sensing signal and receiving a first reflection signal corresponding to the first sensing signal along a radial direction of the pipeline, and analyzes signal of first period and second period signal from the first reflection signal. If the processing module determines that the signal of first period signal is greater than and the signal of second period signal less than the minimum signal threshold, the processing module generates a warning signal that represents abnormality of the first ultrasonic probe or liquid in the pipeline. The display unit displays the warning signal.

Abstract: Employing methodologies and systems to detect damage initiation and growth inside a composite material (matrix cracking, delamination, fiber break, fiber pullout, etc.) wherein damage produces high-frequency acoustic emission (AE) waves that are transported to recording sensors along with relatively lower frequency waves representing the flexural deformation of the impacted composite structure.

Abstract: A life estimation apparatus for a pressure accumulator estimates the life of the pressure accumulator based on an AE signal for the pressure accumulator. The life estimation apparatus includes: an AE sensor that is provided at the pressure accumulator and detects the AE signal; and an estimation unit that sets a point of time at which the AE sensor detects a damage AE signal that is generated from the pressure accumulator because of damage of a material during use of the pressure accumulator, as a minimum initial flaw generation time point that is a point of time at which a minimum initial flaw of the pressure accumulator that is detected by a non-destructive inspection method is generated in shipping of the pressure accumulator.

Abstract: A system includes a sensor comprising a sensor bonding layer disposed on a surface of the sensor, wherein the sensor bonding layer is a metallic alloy. An inlay includes a planar outer surface, wherein the inlay may be disposed on a curved surface of a structure. A structure bonding layer may be disposed on the planar outer surface of the inlay, wherein the structure bonding layer is a metallic alloy. The sensor bonding layer is coupled to the structure bonding layer via a metallic joint, and the sensor is configured to sense data of the structure through the metallic joint, the structure bonding layer, and the sensor bonding layer. The inlay comprises at least one of a modulus of elasticity, a shape, a thickness, and a size configured to reduce strain transmitted to the sensor.

Abstract: An optical ultrasonic wave measuring apparatus includes an ultrasonic pulse output section, a light pulse output section, a reflected wave measuring section, an optoacoustic wave measuring section, an exceeding time point acquiring section, and a measurement result shifting section. The reflected wave measuring section measures, in correspondence to time, a reflected wave as a result of reflection of the ultrasonic pulse at a measuring target, which may be a skin surface. The optoacoustic wave measuring section measures, in correspondence to time, an optoacoustic wave generated by the light pulse at the measuring target. The exceeding time point acquiring section acquires an exceeding time point at which a measurement result of the reflected wave exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The measurement result shifting section shifts a measurement result of the optoacoustic wave by a first shift time toward the time point of output of the light pulse.

Abstract: An ultrasound instrument for detecting a measured value of a medium includes a measurement chamber having a chamber wall and a longitudinal axis; a pair of ultrasound transducers configured to transmit ultrasound signals along a signal path between ultrasound transducers of the pair through the measurement chamber and to receive ultrasound signals, wherein the signal path includes a signal reflection on a reflection surface, wherein the chamber wall in a region of the reflection surface opposite a first chamber side is configured to prevent a reflection of an ultrasound signal on a chamber outer surface of the chamber wall in the direction of the signal path, wherein the chamber wall has, in the region of the reflection surface, a maximum wall thickness which is at least a factor of 1.5 greater than a Rayleigh wavelength, associated with a central frequency, of the ultrasound signal in the chamber wall.

Abstract: An environmental condition may be measured with a sensor (10) including a wire (20) having an ultrasonic signal transmission characteristic that varies in response to the environmental condition by sensing ultrasonic energy propagated through the wire using multiple types of propagation, and separating an effect of temperature on the wire from an effect of strain on the wire using the sensed ultrasonic energy propagated through the wire using the multiple types of propagation. A positive feedback loop may be used to excite the wire such that strain in the wire is based upon a sensed resonant frequency, while a square wave with a controlled duty cycle may be used to excite the wire at multiple excitation frequencies. A phase matched cone (200, 210) may be used to couple ultrasonic energy between a waveguide wire (202, 212) and a transducer (204, 214).

Abstract: A shear testing system and method of thermo-seepage-mechanical field and engineering disturbance coupling under deep and complex condition are provided. The shear testing system can be used in conjunction with an axial pressure application device to simplify the structure, save costs, and facilitate a triaxial confining pressure—temperature—axial pressure—torsional shear coupled test on a rock specimen. The shear testing system can achieve the following three purposes. First, the shear testing system can convert an axial pressure into a torsional shear force through a transmission mechanism of a power conversion assembly. Second, the shear testing system can apply an axial pressure to the rock specimen fixed between two specimen fixing heads, through a pressure shaft of an axial pressure mechanism. Third, the shear testing system can apply a triaxial confining pressure and a temperature field to the rock specimen.