PRESSURE Pressure is defined as the force per unit area applied in a direction perpendicular to the surface of an object. Pressure can be measured in many different ways with gauge pressure being a major one. Gauge pressure is measured relative to a local atmospheric or ambient pressure. Here are instruments that use pressure to measure atmospheric conditions: • Altimeter: used to measure the altitude of an object by comparing the atmospheric pressure compared to a base pressure. Typically used in aircrafts and for underwater excursions. • Barograph: a barometer that records changes in barometric pressure • Piezometer: an instrument for measuring the pressure of a liquid or gas. They are typically placed in boreholes to monitor the depth of groundwater • Piezoelectric sensor: device that uses the piezoelectric effect (ability of a material to generate an electric potential in response to an applied stress) to measure pressure, acceleration, strain, or force and converts them to an electric signal. MAX/MSP Max is a visual programming language for music and multimedia. It is widely used by composers, performers, software designers, researchers, and artists looking to create innovative recordings, performances, and installations. It is a real-time visual programming environment for multimedia and control that’s great for learning about digital signal processing, hardware interfacing, and more. The program itself is highly modular, and most routines exist in the form of shared libraries. SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY/NITINOL A shape memory alloy is one that ‘remembers’ its original, cold, forged shape and which returns to that shape after being deformed by applied heat. The material is lightweight alternative to conventional actuators such as hydraulic, pheumatic, and motor-based systems. Nitinol is a nickel-titanium based shape memory alloy. Nitinol exhibits both shape memories properties and superelastic properties. Nitinol can be used for couplings, biomedical and medical, toys, actuators, heat engines, and sensors although it is a very expensive material to use because it is difficult to manufacture.

PNEUMATICS/HYDRAULICS Pneumatics are the use of pressurized gas to affect mechanical motion. Hydraulics are very similar except they use fluids instead of gasses. Pneumatics use easily compressible gases such as air while hydraulics use relatively incompressible liquid media such as oil. Most pneumatic applications use pressures of about 80-100 psi while hydraulics commonly use 1000-5000 psi. Some advantages of pneumatics are simplicity of design, reliability, easy storage of gas, and are relatively safe. On the other hand, the advantages of hydraulics are that liquids don’t absorb supplied energy, capable of moving much higher loads, and hydraulic working fluid is basically incompressible leading to minimal spring action. Some uses of pneumatics/hydraulics are air brakes, compressors, and engines, actuaters, motors, tires, and tools. DUCTAL Ductal is a new material technology that offers high ductility, strength, and durability while providing moldable products with a quality surface. The cementitious material consists of cement, sand silica fume, silica flour, admixture, water, and high strength steel fibers. With Ductal, thinner sections, longer spans, and higher structures, which are lighter and have superior durability can be created. They also have superior durability and are corrosion, impact, and abrasion resistant. Ductal will allow companies to manufacture new lines of products that can compete with stainless steel, cast iron, ceramics, and others. LITRACON Litracon is a light emitting concrete that is made of a combination of optical fibers and fine concrete. It can be produced in panel form as well as in prefabricated building blocks. The large number and small diameter of the light transmitting fibers result in a homogeneous mixture that results in a part structural concrete, part light transmissive surface. The glass fibers act as an aggregate and have no adverse effect on the strength of the concrete. The optical fibers make up only 4 percent of the total volume of the material but they can effectively transmit light through walls up to several meters thick. KEBONY Kebony is a high performance wood that is modified by a process called Kebonization. The procedure enhances the properties of the wood using biowaste from the sugar industry. It is a durable alternative to impregnated surface-treated and tropical timber. The process strengthens cellular walls of the wood, increases the density of the material, and makes the product stiffer and significantly harder than untreated wood. The properties are enhanced using biowaste from the sugar industry. The polymer is permanently bonded to the cell structure and thus can’t be reversed. Kebony exhibits good durability, long life spans in harsh climates, and there is no need for painting or sealing.

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