The scattering of elastic waves in a one dimensional phononic (PnC) crystal composed of alternate collagen and hydroxy-apatite constituent layers is studied. These superlattices are metaphors for mineralized tissues present in bones and teeth. The collagen is treated as an open system elastic medium with water content which can vary depending on the level of stress applied. The open system natu...

Mechanical stimulation of a single cell in an airway epithelial culture initiates an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) that propagates from cell to cell as an intercellular Ca2+ wave. These Ca2+ waves appear to require an increase in intracellular inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) concentration ([IP3]i) in the stimulated cell and are propagated between cells by the diffusi...

We propose a new granular crystal sensor and actuator suite based on highly nonlinear solitary waves to offer a compact, inexpensive, and reliable diagnostic instrument for biomedical applications. A granular crystal sensor/actuator composed of tightly packed elastic particles is assembled to generate and retain self-reinforcing, nondispersive diagnostic solitary waves. Via direct contact, this...

This paper describes an investigation into mechanical cross talk within 1-3 and 2-2 connectivity piezoelectric composite array configurations, comprising a matrix of active piezoelectric elements embedded within a passive, polymeric, material. One way to take full advantage of the reported sensitivity and bandwidth improvements from single crystal materials is to configure them as a piezoelectr...