Mechanical properties of self-scrolling binormal nanohelices with a rectangular cross-section are investigated under uniaxial tensile and compressive loads using nanorobotic manipulation and Cosserat curve theory. Stretching experiments demonstrate that small-pitch nanohelices have an exceptionally large linear elasticity region and excellent mechanical stability, which are attributed to their ...

Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study nanoscale friction between two Si~111! surfaces covered with alkyl monolayers immersed in liquid solvents. Three pairs of interfaces, ranging from hydrophobic CH3 /CH3 to hydrophilic OH/OH, were studied. Three solvents, including water, methanol, and n-decane were used to represent different solvent polarities. It was showed ...

Diatoms are single-celled organisms with rigid parts in relative motion at the micrometre scale and below. These biogenic hydrated silica structures have elaborate shapes, interlocking devices, and, in some cases, hinged structures. The silica shells of the diatoms experience various forces from the environment and also from the cell itself when it grows and divides, and the form of these micro...

The mathematical modeling and analysis of electrostatically actuated microand nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS) has typically relied upon simplified electrostatic-field approximations to facilitate the analysis. Usually, the small aspect ratio of typical MEMS and NEMS devices is used to simplify Laplace’s equation. Terms small in this aspect ratio are ignored. Unfortunately, such an...

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) is the technology of the very small, and merges at the nano-scale into "Nanoelectromechanical" Systems (NEMS) and Nanotechnology. MEMS are also referred to as micro machines, or Micro Systems Technology (MST). MEMS are separate and distinct from the hypothetical vision of Molecular nanotechnology or Molecular Electronics. MEMS generally range in size from a...

As the Army transforms into a more lethal, lighter and agile force, the technologies that support these systems must decrease in size while increasing in intelligence. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are one such technology that the Army and DOD will rely on heavily to achieve these objectives. The MEMS devices within these systems will be required to last as long as the lifetime of the w...