Parallelization of the Scale‐Changing Technique in Grid Computing environment for the electronmagnetic simulation of multi‐scale structures

A parallel computing approach to run fast and full‐wave electromagnetic simulation of complex structures in Grid Computing environment is presented. In this study, we show how Grid Computing improves speed and/or reliability over that provided by a single computer, while typically being much more cost‐effective than single computers of comparable speed or reliability. An efficient monolithic (unique) formulation for the electromagnetic modelling of complex (multi‐scale) structures, i.e. structures that exhibit multiple metallic patterns whose sizes cover a large range of scales, is used here. This approach, named the Scale‐Changing Technique, is based on the cascade of multi‐modal Scale‐Changing Networks, each network modelling the electromagnetic coupling between two successive scale levels. These networks can be first computed separately, in an adaptive use of Grid Computing architecture nature, and then cascaded for the global electromagnetic simulation. Based on this technique, a fast computer algorithm was developed and tested in the Grid‐Computing environment. For illustration purposes, the electromagnetic analysis of multi‐scale structures, applied to phase‐shifter elements and an example of infinite passive reflectarray, was carried out. The obtained results have confirmed the effectiveness of such an approach compared with sequential computing. This approach shows very good computation performance while keeping the same accuracy. Besides, this method is very promising for optimizing circuit with multiple design parameters to handle and for the global electromagnetic simulation of multi‐scale and/or oer‐sized structures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

InGaAlP/GaAs Injection Lasers of the Orange Optical Range (~600 nm)

Semiconductors - Lasing in the orange spectral range (599–605 nm) is demonstrated for (AlxGa1 –x)0.5In0.5P–GaAs laser diodes grown by metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) on...     

Rheology of cellulose nanofibrils and silver nanowires for the development of screen-printed antibacterial surfaces

Journal of Materials Science - TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl)-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (T-CNF) and silver nanowires (Ag NWs) were formulated as active inks. Their rheological...     

The influence of acrylate triblock copolymer embedded in matrix on composite structures’ responses to low-velocity impacts

In passive safety structures the use of composite materials has increased significantly recently due to their low specific mass and high energy absorption capacities. The purpose of this experimental study is to describe the macroscopic behaviors of different Kevlar woven composite materials with different kinds of matrix (pure and with acrylate based block copolymer additives: Nanostrength®) under low-velocity impact. Tests were performed with a drop weight tower on square plates (100 × 100 mm²) clamped by means of a circular fixture. Images were recorded during impact by a high-speed video camera fixed underneath the plate. It was found that Kevlar epoxy composite material with Nanostrength M52N has the best resistance to perforation.The second purpose is to study the influence of physicochemical parameters (fibers ratio, percentage of M52N, micro-porosity) on the behavior of the selected composite material. Based on correlation between pictures, displacement, and loading histories, two criteria are defined to quantify the energy absorption capability of the composite material just before the fibers’ failure and after perforation of the plate. A high-fiber weight improves performance regarding criteria and also improves the efficiency of the block copolymer present in the epoxy matrix.     

PEDOT:PSS coating on specialty papers: Process optimization and effects of surface properties on electrical performances

In this study, the effects of different paper substrates on the electrical resistance of conducting polymer films are reported. A novel method of bar coating is used for the fabrication of organic conductive films on various substrates. Solutions to improve the continuity of conductive thin film in order to enhance the electrical properties are demonstrated. In order to compare the capability of these different substrates for a potential use in the organic electronic field, sheet resistance measurements were made. It is emphasized that substrate roughness and surface energy are two fundamental parameters, due to their significant impact on sheet resistance. Two methods to overcome bad paper surface properties are proposed. The first consists in the superimposition of conductive polymer layers and the second in the use of a protective layer.     

Impact of ink formulation on carbon nanotube network organization within inkjet printed conductive films

The inkjet printing of an aqueous suspension of carboxylic acid-functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT-COOH) and of a conductive ink combining SWCNT-COOH with the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT-PSS) was studied. A dimensionless study predicted the behavior of these two fluids in a given printing system. Observations at different scales were performed on the printed samples to visualize the arrangement of the carbon nanotube (CNT) network within the printed layer. An innovative way to localize CNTs within the printed patterns was developed by using a mapping technique of surface sample, based on a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope. The SWCNT-COOH aqueous suspension is subject to the halo (or “coffee ring”) effect, which is a well-known phenomenon in inkjet printing, whereas the SWCNT-COOH/PEDOT-PSS ink offers a more homogeneous CNT network. The CNT orientation has also been under investigation. For the SWCNT-COOH suspension, specific orientations of the CNTs were recorded, whereas for the SWCNT-COOH/PEDOT-PSS ink, a more homogeneous CNT distribution with a random orientation was obtained. This study proved also that the droplet ejection velocity can have an impact on the CNT distribution and consequently on the electrical performances of the ink.