eNewsletter

July 2009

Shape Matters in the Case of Cobalt Nanoparticles
Shape is turning out to be a particularly important feature of some commercially important nanoparticles—but in subtle ways. New studies* by scientists at the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) show that changing the shape of cobalt nanoparticles from spherical to cubic can fundamentally change their behavior.

Building on a previous paper** that examined the properties of cobalt formed into spheres just a few nanometers in diameter, the new work explores what happens when the cobalt is synthesized instead as nanocubes. Nanoparticles of cobalt possess large magnetic moments—a measure of magnetic strength—and unique catalytic properties, and have potential applications in information storage, energy and medicine.

One striking difference is the behavior of the two different particle types when external magnetic fields are applied and then removed. In the absence of a magnetic field, both the spherical and cubic nanoparticles spontaneously form chains—lining up as a string of microscopic magnets. Then, when placed in an external magnetic field, the individual chains bundle together in parallel lines to form thick columns aligned with the field. These induced columns, says NIST physicist Angela Hight Walker, imply that the external magnetic fields have a strong impact on the magnetic behavior of both nanoparticle shapes.

But their group interactions are somewhat different. As the strength of the external field is gradually reduced to zero, the magnetization of the spherical nanoparticles in the columns also decreases gradually. On the other hand, the magnetization of the cubic particles in the columns decreases in a much slower fashion until the particles rearrange their magnetic moments from linear chains into small circular groups, resulting in a sudden drop in their magnetization.

The team also showed that the cubes can be altered merely by observing with one of nanotechnology’s microscopes of choice. After a few minutes’ exposure to the illuminating beam of a transmission electron microscope, the nanocubes melt together, forming “nanowires” that are no longer separable as individual nanoparticles. The effect, not observed with the spheres, is surprising because the cubes average 50 nm across, much larger than the spheres’ 10 nm diameters. “You might expect the smaller objects to have a lower melting point,” Hight Walker says. “However, the sharp edges and corners in the nanocubes could be the locations to initiate melting.”

While Walker says that the melting effect could be a potential method for fabricating nanostructures, it also demands further attention. “This newfound effect demonstrates the need to characterize the physico-chemical properties of nanoparticles extremely well in order to pursue their applications in biology and medicine,” she says.

* G. Cheng, R.D. Shull and A.R. Hight Walker. Dipolar chains formed by chemically synthesized cobalt nanocubes. Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, May 11, 2009, Vol. 321, issue 10, pp. 1351—1355.

** G. Cheng, D. Romero, G.T. Fraser and A.R. Hight Walker. Magnetic-field-induced assemblies of cobalt nanoparticles. Langmuir, December 2005. See Oct. 20, 2007, Tech Beat article, “Magnetic Nanoparticles Assembled into Long Chains”.

Sensing System Reveals Important Dynamics within the Earth’s Crust
QUASAR Federal Systems (QFS) has developed a lightweight, solid state, low power, man-portable electromagnetic sensor capable of performing a wide range of geosciences applications such as predicting earthquakes and detecting oil and water underground and undersea.  The sensing system can measure static and dynamic stress in rock and boreholes, accomplishments over other systems in use today. 

With initial support from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), QFS designed and built a compact electric-field (E-field) sensor that is significantly smaller than technology previously available, and is capable of an order of magnitude higher sensitivity.  This sensing system measures free-space potential – in other words, it operates without mechanical or electrical contact with its surroundings.  Additionally, the system performs well in extreme temperature ranges, including permafrost and areas where excavation is not possible, and a wide range of rock compositions. 

Accurate measurements of the state of stress in the Earth’s upper crust are important for both fundamental Earth sciences, including earthquake seismology, volcanology and tectonophysics, and geotechnical applications such as oil and gas production, mining, geothermal development, water detection and underground disposal of radioactive and toxic waste.  

Current Projects
Working with the National Air & Space Administration (NASA), QFS is using its integrated electromagnetic detection suite to detect subsurface water on Mars as well as the Earth’s subsurface.  (The system has also been chosen as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s [DARPA’s] Unattended Ground Sensor System Functional Prototype.)

Work is also underway that extends the electromagnetic sensing capabilities from within the ground to below the sea.  With the benefit of recent advances in sensor technology, QFS researchers, in collaboration with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, are in the process of developing improved instrumentation in the search for underwater oil and gas deposits. 

Encoder IC from Renishaw's RLS Product Line Provides High-Resolution Speed/Position Feedback at Reduced Cost
Renishaw's new AM4096 On-Axis magnetic encoder provides 4096-counts/rev of absolute position feedback for high-speed digital motor and motion control applications. A non-contact 12-bit IC with no moving parts and programmable zero position, it delivers accuracy of 0.1 degrees, at speeds up to 60,000 rpm – well suited for commutation, high-speed motor control, position/velocity control, and replacement of potentiometers and optical encoders.

The AM4096 is a low-power 3.3 V (or 5 V) device, and has a sleep mode for battery operation. It provides UVW outputs with 16 poles (eight pole pairs), and incremental, absolute, linear (potentiometer), tacho generator and sinusoidal outputs. It can be supplied pre-programmed or can be customer programmed with settings stored in its on-chip EEPROM.

Designed and manufactured by Renishaw associate company RLS, the AM4096 consists of a simple magnet and IC, providing an ultra-compact, wear-free design, capable of withstanding temperatures from -40°C to 125°C. All sensor and processing electronics are within the compact silicon design. The rotation of a north/south magnet is picked up by the AM4096's sensor and provides absolute positional information output.

Bekaert Introduces One-Piece Rotatable AZO Target
Bekaert Advanced Coating has released its one-piece AZO (Zinc Oxide doped with Aluminum Oxide) rotatable target, which is one of the most important Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) layer materials, used in thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells.

Thin-film solar cells consist of an absorbing semiconductor and two thin film electrodes (a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer and a back reflector metal contact), which can be deposited by PVD sputtering. In order to keep track with the ever-growing requirements like higher volume production with better cell performance while reducing the cost of ownership, the trend from planar sputter technology towards rotatable magnetron technology is accelerating.

Ansys Releases SIwave 4.0
Ansys, Inc. has released the latest version of SIwave software. Part of the Ansoft family of products, version 4.0 of this technology includes new features for signal-integrity, power-integrity and electromagnetic compatibility testing. It includes numerous enhancements including an improved desktop graphical user interface with new post-processing of results, solver enhancements that provide accurate solutions beyond 10 Gb/s, and automation that links SIwave electromagnetics with circuit simulation using Ansoft Designer and Nexxim. Additionally, a new link between electromagnetics and thermal analysis has been created for board and package thermal effects via Ansys Icepak software. The link enables accurate characterization of additional heating due to copper-resistive losses that engineers have previously estimated or ignored completely.

SIwave technology is an electromagnetic field solver that performs broadband signal- and power-integrity analyses along with DC voltage and current analysis for complete boards and packages. SIwave software offers comprehensive electromagnetic interference and compatibility analyses, and it has the unique ability to couple board and package electromagnetic fields with HFSS technology for complete system-level simulation.

“SIwave 4.0 will allow designers to continually push the envelope of high-speed design, deliver first-in-class performance, and go beyond the 10 Gb/s design barrier that exists in high-performance computing,” said Dr. Zol Cendes, chief technology officer and general manager at Ansoft. “These advancements in electrical simulation plus the coupling between SIwave and ANSYS Icepak provide a comprehensive solution for our customers.”

SIwave features an enhanced graphical user interface that makes component management easy and allows simultaneous analyses and dynamic zooming. A new reporter feature makes the analysis of results easy and fast. Improved solver enhancements include smart coupling algorithms with an advanced via solver combined with non-uniform (hexagonal and trapezoidal) trace cross-sections that provide accurate solutions beyond 10 Gb/s. A new co-planar algorithm within the solver extends accuracy for difficult package designs, and a new field solver calculates trace characteristics on the fly. Enhanced near- and far-field solvers provide an unmatched solution to electromagnetic interference and compatibility problems for data-dependent fields when linked to circuit simulation using Ansoft Designer software.

The latest release includes multiple automation enhancements that ease design flows by removing tedious manipulations that, most often, are done manually. Automated error checking and geometry correction have been implemented within SIwave software. Schematic creation, transient and QuickEye analyses setups have been automated for circuit simulation driven by electromagnetics when using SIwave with Ansoft Designer. The technology now also allows native merging of packages to boards. SIwave also allows automated port creation for Apache RedHawk chip power modules based on the provided header information.

“Version 4.0 of SIwave has added significant improvement to our design capabilities, making it an invaluable analysis tool for signal and power integrity applications. It's a significant step toward the goals of first-pass system success and reduction of the number of fab spins (design iterations),” said George Peterson, lead signal integrity engineer at Jabil Technology Services.

Empire Magnetics Delivers Robust Specialty Motors for Critical ANSTO Applications
Vacuum and radiation hardened gear motors and resolvers from Empire Magnetics, a supplier of specialty motor products, motion control systems and support services, are being utilizing by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO) on research instruments at the organization’s Bragg Institute research facility. 

Empire specialty motors and resolvers are being used in ANSTO’s Taipan and SIKA 3-axis spectrometers, its Pelican cold-neutron time-of-flight spectrometer and the QUOKKA small angle scattering instrument.  These instruments perform neutron scattering, and are essentially scientific research tools for physicists, engineers and chemists. The instruments allow the atomic, electronic, and magnetic structure of materials to be analyzed on a resolution and depth not possible with any other instruments.

The ramifications of component breakdowns include lower research quality and quantity, and lost confidence in the facility. The facility strives to have at least 300 days per year of reactor time, during which it runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Scientists from around the world are scheduled to use the instruments up to eight weeks in advance.  The average user time is three to five days and anywhere of up to five different scientists can be scheduled to use an instrument at a given time. A breakdown would result in the whole user program having to be shifted back – a task which is heavy on administration resources and difficult to organize, and long term, could ultimately result in lost clients.

Empire Magnetics premium vacuum-rated servo and stepper motors are designed to survive pressures as low as 10-7 Torr, and are temperature-rated at 180°C internal, and 155°C for the case.   The bearing lubricant vapor pressure is below 10-9 Torr at 100o C. These motors are typically used when even very small amounts of contamination are of concern to the customer, and undergo a proprietary extraction process to remove contaminants.

Empire radiation-hardened motors are available with continuous output torque ranging from 15 to 400 inch lb. (1.7 – 46 Nm) or momentary peak torque from 30 to 1000 inch lb. (3.4 – 113 Nm).  They are available with rotor inertia from 0.17 to 36.7 oz-in2, and continuous output power of 700 to 7800 watts.  They are rated for a total accumulated dose of 2x108 rads as standard, with ratings to 1x109 rads available on a custom basis.  Additional custom radiation-hardened solutions are available.

Eriez Flocculators Speed Settling of Magnetic Solids from Slurries and Liquid Lines
New magnetic flocculators developed by Eriez are helping the iron and steel industries achieve cleaner water faster and more economically by increasing the settling rates in liquids and slurries.

Eriez’ line of magnetic flocculators is well suited for iron ore processing, blast furnaces, BOF shops, pipe and tube mills—any place where ferrous particles are suspended in water. The flocculators, manufactured for any standard pipe size, all contain Erium 25, a powerful magnetic material that enhances peak recovery and separation.

Eriez flocculators are available in three standard strengths. Standard units can accommodate pipeline volumes from 4 to 24 inches in diameter. These units allow simple installation around virtually any suitable hose, pipe or duct.  Several installation options are offered including mount on floor, wall or ceiling, for either horizontal or vertical flow.

Eriez flocculators offer several advantages, including zero operating costs, no parts to wear out and minimal maintenance. Units can be custom engineered for any new or existing application to meet specific requirements. Design variables include the magnetic strength, retention time in the magnetic field and the overall size of the flocculator.

LORD Corp. Now Offers Non-Contact Magnetic Sensors for Steer-By-Wire
LORD Corp., a supplier of commercial Magnetorheological (MR) fluid, devices and systems, now offers non-contact magnetic sensors for Steer-by-Wire (SBW) applications.

Introduced in 2000, LORD TFD Steer-By-Wire Devices are a proven solution for improving by-wire control and safety. The TFD device, available in 5 Nm and 12 Nm torque configurations, produces a continuously variable resistive steering torque, delivering high-fidelity tactile feedback and maximum control to the operator.

Integrated into the TFD device are the multiple rotational sensors required to translate operator movement of the steering wheel into the electrical signals for controlling vehicle direction. According to Bob Marjoram, LORD Senior Staff Engineer, LORD recognized the need for an improved sensing solution because of the high degree of reliability needed for such sensors, as well as the need to interface with a variety of different steering controllers.
“Magnetic (hall effect) sensors have been successfully applied to automotive applications,” said Marjoram. “Building on LORD Corporation’s experience in industrial, agricultural and off-highway markets, as well as extensive expertise in electronics and magnetically responsive materials (MR), we developed a unique solution that applies magnetic sensors to steer-by-wire applications.”

He continued on to note that, during the past few years, several manufacturers have developed and launched sensor chips that incorporate magnetic technology, such as hall effect, into a single, programmable, integrated circuit that can offer significant benefits in steering applications.

“A single rotating magnet located in close proximity to the sensor chip provides the necessary magnetic excitation. Integration of such a chip into the LORD TFD Devices’ electronics provides many key benefits such as improved reliability, high resolution (up to 12 bits), a programmable wide range of outputs, small size and absolute position as the sensor output can be aligned to a specific steering wheel position,” he said.

The integration of such sensing technology into the LORD TFD Devices has improved performance and design flexibility. Packaging is mechanically straightforward as the sensor and magnet are not as sensitive to alignment issues as other technologies (such as potentiometers or optical encoders). Further, the sensing function can now be integrated into a single pcb with the other electronics required in the TFD Device. Previously, the sensor and controls were separate components, but now up to four sensor outputs can be on the same circuit board as the control and communications (CANbus) electronics. According to Marjoram, this redundancy and diagnostics offers a major safety advantage as compared to other systems.

“The LORD system offers an appropriate degree of redundancy customized to the vehicle type or use,” he said. “A minimum of two sensors are typically used for industrial trucks, and up to three or four for higher-speed vehicles that are used in public areas such as agricultural tractors and marine vehicles.” 

A typical LORD TFD Device is comprised of an input shaft to which the steering wheel is attached, a housing in which two bearings locate and support the shaft, a first sealed chamber containing an MR rotary brake and a second chamber containing the sensor and other electronics, as needed.  The shaft ends inside the second chamber with a magnet attached to it.  The sensor circuit board is attached to the housing and located directly above the magnet.  When the steering wheel is rotated by the operator, the magnet also rotates and the moving magnetic field generates signals inside the sensor chip which are then processed for communication to the rest of the steering system. 

Allegro MicroSystems Announces a New Gear-Tooth Sensor
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. has released a new true zero-speed gear tooth sensor consisting of an optimized Hall IC/magnet configuration in a single over molded module. The unique integrated circuit and package design provides a user-friendly solution for digital gear-tooth sensing applications within the automotive market. This small package can be easily assembled and used in conjunction with gears of various shapes and sizes.

Allegro’s ATS667LSG incorporates a dual element Hall IC that switches in response to differential magnetic signals created by a ferrous target. The IC contains a sophisticated compensating circuit designed to eliminate the detrimental effects of magnet and system offsets. Digital processing of the analog signal provides zero speed performance independent of air gap and also dynamic adaptation of device performance to the typical operating conditions found in automotive applications (reduced vibration sensitivity). High-resolution peak detecting DACs and a bounded tracking algorithm are used to set the adaptive switching thresholds of the device. The adaptive hysteresis in the thresholds reduces the negative effects of any anomalies in the magnetic signal associated with the targets used in many automotive applications. The advanced signal processing is well suited for transmission applications providing vibration immunity in combination with large operating air gap capability.

Allegro’s ATS667LSG is offered in the "SG" magnetically integrated package. The SG is a single step over-molded package, which consists of a samarium cobalt magnet and a Hall-Effect IC. This unique package offering simplifies the design-in process. It is lead (Pb) free, with 100 percent matte tin lead frame plating.  It is priced at $2.89 in quantities of 1,000 and has a 14 to 16 week lead-time to market.

austriamicrosystems and Fraunhofer Institute Enter Cooperation to Develop Magnetic Encoder ICs
austriamicrosystems, a designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs for communications, industrial, medical and automotive applications, and Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS) have announced a cooperation agreement, where both members plan to develop a new generation of magnetic motion sensing integrated circuits, which will be based on Fraunhofer’s patented HallinOne magnetic sensor technology.

During this cooperation program, austriamicrosystems and Fraunhofer IIS will develop a family of magnetic encoder products specifically targeted for applications within the industrial, medical and automotive markets. austriamicrosystems will offer these products as a part of its comprehensive magnetic encoder IC portfolio. The core of this new magnetic encoder product family is Fraunhofer’s proprietary HallinOne sensor technology. This sensor technology allows measuring of magnetic fields in horizontal and vertical dimensions, providing
magnitude and direction of the magnetic field at any measured point. The HallinOne sensor can be implemented in a standard CMOS process, and can be seamlessly integrated with signal processing on a single die.

“We are very pleased to engage in this cooperation with austriamicrosystems who has an established track record in design and manufacturing of linear and rotary magnetic encoders on the market,” said Josef Sauerer, head of IC Development for Analog Systems at Fraunhofer Institute IIS. “For us, this joint program offers an ideal platform, which enables us to offer our innovative magnetic sensing technology to the marketplace.”

“This cooperation with Fraunhofer Institute allows us to further expand our comprehensive magnetic encoder product portfolio,” said Matjaz Novak, Marketing director at austriamicrosystems. “With the HallinOne sensor based products, we want to offer to market new innovative and cost efficient solutions for a variety of motion sensing applications.”

New Linear Voice Coil Housed Actuator Features Self-Alignment and High Force Capabilities 
BEI Kimco Magnetics, a company of Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST), has released the immediate availability of the new Linear Voice Coil Housed Actuator. The actuator features self-alignment of the coil and the unit’s integral magnet assembly in a fully encapsulated enclosure. Integrated AMP connector and shaft further simplify OEM installation. Suitable uses include a variety of industrial applications such as valve actuation, replacement of pneumatic and hydraulic actuators for better positioning, speed and force control, medical science and lab instrumentation, optic devices, semiconductor equipment and office/factory automation.

“Most actuators are not self-aligning, which means the customer must take the time and effort to provide their own bearing system. If not done correctly, the actuator will not operate properly” explains Miguel Hermosillo, BEI Kimco Application/Sales Engineer. “Our actuator eliminates this step, making it very easy for the customer to mount the actuator in their system and run it.” 

Other design features that add to easy customer installation include an integrated shaft and AMP connector that prevents flying leads otherwise requiring terminals.  The only part needed by the customer for actuator installation is a mating female connector.  

The new actuator is manufactured with linear bearings and the proper surface finish on the shaft that provides an extremely robust and reliable device capable of withstanding continuous cycling (tests have proven performance up to 10 billion cycles).  A flex circuit inside the device also contributes to high cycle operation.  Designed in a durable package measuring 2.75 inches (70 mm) in diameter and 5.2 inches (132.7 mm) in length, its large size allows for a Peak force capability of 60 lbs. (267 N).  Other key performance characteristics include force sensitivity of 4.56 lbs. /Amp (20.28 N/Amp), stroke of 1-inch (25.4 mm) and continuous force of 17 lbs. (75.6 N).  Fully encapsulated, the actuator can operate in harsh and dirty environments without worry of actuator contamination.  
        
The Kimco Voice Coil Housed Actuator is priced competitively in the $500.00’s for production quantities and is available now with standard delivery of 10 to 12 weeks. 

Magnetics 2010 - Call for Presentations Deadline is July 31st
Magnetics 2010, taking place January 28-29, 2010 in Orlando, Fla., will focus on the latest advancements in magnetic applications, technology and materials. Serving OEM developers of products that utilize magnets and magnet systems, design engineers, OEM developers involved in EMC technology and magnetic effects, magnetics manufacturers and integrators, and material suppliers in the magnetics industry.

Be Part of the World's Premier Forum on Magnetic Applications, Technology and Materials
The Magnetics 2010 conference committee is currently accepting presentation abstracts.

There are a limited number of speaking slots, submit an abstract early as abstracts will be considered on first-come basis.
Deadline to submit an abstract is July 31st.

Submissions are sought for, but not limited to:

For questions regarding the program, or to send in an abstract contact Heather Krier.

Interested in hosting a workshop?
Contact Heather Krier for more information.

Sponsorships & Exhibits
In 2010, the Magnetics Conference will be co-located with the Motor, Drive & Automation Systems Conference. We feel this addition to be a natural fit, one that will provide added benefit to attendees, exhibitors and sponsors of both these world class technical events.
Contact Sue Hannebrink for more information.

Did you Miss the 2009 Magnetics Conference?
The conference proceedings from the 2009 Magnetics Conference held in Chicago, Ill. on April 15-16, are available on CD-ROM and include audio and video of select presentations.

Click Here to Order!

RAF Tabtronics LLC Receives Patent for Hyper-X Magnetic Technology
RAF Tabtronics LLC has received a patent for its Hyper-X Magnetic Technology (HXMT). The patent enables RAF Tabtronics to be the designer and supplier of smaller, more efficient inductive components for the most demanding power electronics applications. HXMT will enable energy saving advancements in solar, wind, hybrid vehicles, medical, defense and Aerospace applications. RAF Tabtronics believes that the use of Hyper-X Magnetic Technology will allow the integrator to offer the end-user significant size, weight, and energy savings in devices which incorporate this patented technology.

US Patent number 7,506,280 provides technology that optimizes electromagnetic coil constructions on a layer-by-layer basis. This optimization yields preferred configurations to achieve desired electromagnetic component functions. For example, minimum loss or minimum cost winding configurations may be computationally deduced for complex waveforms including phase displaced operating conditions. RAF Tabtronics has implemented this technology in many designs since its initial development in November 2004.

According to Victor Quinn, chief technology officer for RAF Tabtronics, "Hyper-X Magnetic Technology provides an advanced degree of inductive component design optimization which is crucial for applications with demanding expectations for performance and cost tradeoffs. Together with other proprietary design methods and resources, Hyper-X Magnetic Technology enables RAF Tabtronics to provide customers with uniquely optimized and beneficial configurations." This innovation is an example of the firm's commitment to being a global leader in the development of advanced technologies for electromagnetic components.

Mouser Electronics Expands Product Offering from CTS Corporation
Mouser Electronics, Inc. has expanded its CTS Corporation products to include the Tusonix line of EMI/RFI filters, capacitor assemblies, and related components serving the defense, industrial, instrumentation and telecommunications markets.

Barry McConnell, Mouser senior vice president of Products, said, “The Tusonix line is a very broad line of EMI/RFI filters, including those with bushing, solder mount feed-through, and surface mount styles. Our electronic design engineer customers will appreciate the variety of Tusonix filters that are now available to them through Mouser.”

“We are pleased to expand Mouser Electronics’ role in CTS’ global distribution network. Mouser’s expertise of supporting new product introductions, through their rapid engagement model, provides their customers with a competitive advantage in serving the design and engineering community. This capability aligns well with CTS’ strategy to continuously bring new innovations, technologies and products to market in a timely manner,” said Don Schroeder, executive vice president and general manager of CTS Electronic Components.

Bunting Launches New Web Site
Bunting Magnetics Co. has redesigned its corporate Web site. The new site features improved navigation, better product information and a more streamlined experience for purchasing products online. Throughout the site, video and improved photography will be incorporated onto all the product pages.

“This new web site is part of our continued effort to provide our customers with the best service possible,” said Charles Whitt, Bunting director of Marketing. “A part of this commitment is to have a web site that gives constant updates on product information while at the same time being easy to use. We feel that this redesign helps accomplish that goal.”

The new Web site allows customers to quickly find their sales representative through the Locate a Rep feature, keeps visitors up-to-date on recent news releases and give industry-specific examples of how Bunting products are used in different applications. Also, the new Flexible Die Division is more prominently featured on the new site.

Unified Testing Services Turns to Computed Radiography                                                       
Unified Testing Services (UTS), a member of the TÜV Rheinland Group, completed a Computed Radiography inspection of NASA’s GLACIER, a cryogenic freezer at the University of Alabama Birmingham’s Center for Biophysical Sciences and Engineering (UAB/CBSE).

GLACIER (General Laboratory Active Cryogenic ISS Experiment Refrigerator) stores experimental samples aboard NASA’s International Space Station.  It is designed to maintain storage temperatures as high as +4º C to as low as
-160º C.  The University hired UTS to verify the proper placement of active cryogenic components within a vacuum jacket.

For the project, UTS chose to use Computed Radiography for the inspection because it allows for precise imaging and the ability to manipulate variables to produce a more enhanced picture.  The inspection confirmed whether GLACIER was assembled properly.  Among the items the company examined was the safe position of sensor wires and the absence of thermal shorts. 

“The freezer assembly was already assembled and welded together, so X-ray became the only viable means for a thorough inspection,” said Lance Weise, UAB/CBSE Research Engineer. 

UTS traditionally uses the Computed Radiography system to evaluate the subsurface condition of precision castings from the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries.  The process is also cost effective for clients because the system does not require film to collect the images.  At the UTS location in Woodstock, Ala., the engineers utilized a large vault to shoot large castings and fabrications with iridium and cobalt sources.   They also had three X-ray heads, much like the medical industry, for smaller parts with thinner cross-sections.

“We consider ourselves privileged to have worked with the University’s engineers and are proud to have contributed to GLACIER’s success,” said Blake Whiteside, Corporate Sales Manager. “We may never know what discoveries may take place as a result of equipment and engineering like this.  That is why we approach every job with the utmost attention and integrity.”

Upcoming Webinar: Thermal Properties of Permanent Magnets
Presented by: Stan Trout, Spontaneous Materials
When: Aug. 3 at 10-11 a.m. MDT
Price: $119

Thermal characteristics are often viewed as the Achilles Heel of permanent magnets. Even though materials may be well-behaved at room temperature, things seem to deteriorate as the temperature either rises or falls from that point. In addition, there are several nearly mutually exclusive ways to describe the various thermal behaviors, each of which may be helpful, confusing or irrelevant to the person trying to design, use, specify or buy a permanent magnet for a specific application.

This webinar will explain the fundamental reasons why permanent magnets have a thermal nature, the many ways this behavior is characterized, the practical significance of each method and finally the characteristics you should ignore, discount or emphasize when using permanent magnets.

This webinar is targeted at an audience with a limited knowledge of the basics of permanent magnets, although it would be helpful for anyone who has had an unsatisfactory experience with magnets involving thermal properties. It is ideal for anyone interested in understanding magnets better and using magnets more wisely.

About the Instructor
Stan Trout has more than 30 years of experience in the permanent and rare earth industries. Dr. Trout has a B.S. in Physics from Lafayette College and a M.S. and a Ph.D. in Metallurgy and Materials Science from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Trout is a contributing columnist for Magnetics Business & Technology magazine, a consultant in the Magnetics Industry and an adjunct lecturer in physics at Marian College. Spontaneous Materials, his consultancy, provides practical solutions in magnetic materials, the rare earths, technical training and technical writing.

Click here to register today!

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