We formulate statistical-mechanical inverse methods in order to determine optimized interparticle interactions that spontaneously produce target many-particle configurations. Motivated by advances that give experimentalists greater and greater control over colloidal interaction potentials, we propose and discuss two computational algorithms that search for optimal potentials for self-assembly o...

We describe a. unified approach to computer-aided mechanical assembly design in which all design tasks are performed within a single computational paradigm supported by integrated design software. We have developed a prototype design environment for planar assemblies, called HIPAIR, that automates dynamical simulation and provides novel support for tolerancing and parametric design. We organize...

This paper presents the development of a PC-based 3D human computer interface for virtual assembly applications. This system is capable of importing complex CAD (Computer Aided Design) models, rendering them in stereo, and implementing haptic force feedback for realistic part interaction in virtual environments. Such an application will facilitate wider acceptance of the use of a VR interface f...

Given the growing evolution of technology, machinery and manufacturing techniques, conventional methodologies for training the workforce are not enough for the current needs. Therefore methodologies capable to accelerate the training process and able to train the trainee in a wide range of scenarios are claimed for the industrial sector. Virtual reality offers an alternative that has been succe...

New insights into understanding and controlling the intriguing phenomena of spontaneous merging (kissing) and the self-assembly of monolithic Y- and T-junctions is demonstrated in the metal-organic chemical vapor deposition growth of GaAs nanowires. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy for determining polar facets was coupled to electrostatic-mechanical modeling and position-control...

Although self-assembly (SA) in two dimensions (2D) is highly developed (especially using surfaces as a templates), SA in three dimensions (3D) has been more difficult. This paper describes a strategy for SA in 3D of diamagnetic plastic objects (mmto cm-sized in this work, but in principle in sizes from 10 mm to m) supported in a paramagnetic fluid by a non-uniform magnetic field. The magnetic f...

In industry, the current practice concerning geometrical specifications for mechanical parts is to include both dimensions and tolerances. The objective of these specifications is to describe a class of functionally acceptable mechanical parts that are geometrically similar. To ensure that their functionality in respected during, assembly designers have to apply tolerance analysis. A model base...

Self-healing is the ability of a material to repair mechanical damage. The lifetime of a coating or film might be lengthened with this capacity. Water enabled self-healing of polyelectrolyte multilayers has been reported, using systems that grow via the interdiffusion of polyelectrolyte chains. Due to high mobility of the polyelectrolyte chains within the assembly, it is possible for lateral di...

Rapid technical advances in many different areas of scientific computing provide the enabling technologies for creating a comprehensive simulation and visualization environment for assembly design and planning. We have built an intelligent environment in which simple simulations can be composed together to create complex simulations for detecting potential assembly problems. Our goal in this pr...

Bottom-up assembly at the level of individual molecules requires a combination of utmost spatial precision and efficient monitoring. We have previously shown how to 'cut-and-paste' single molecules, and other groups have demonstrated that it is possible to beat the diffraction limit in optical microscopy. Here we show that a combination of single-molecule cut-and-paste surface assembly, total i...